Going Back Blog Tour – Review

Going Back by Rachael English.

How do you know where you belong?

In June 1988, Elizabeth Kelly’s parents think she belongs at home in Ireland. Her boyfriend is certain of it. Unwilling to settle down just yet, she decides to spend the summer in Boston with her college friends. But the next four months change all of them, especially Elizabeth. Quiet and dutiful at home, she surprises herself and everyone else by falling for Danny Esposito, a restless charmer with a troublesome family.

More than 20 years later with opportunities in Ireland scarce once again, a new generation looks to America, awakening memories of a golden summer for their parents. When a crisis occurs, Elizabeth returns to Boston where she is drawn back into the life she once lived. But will she be able to reconcile the dreams of her 20-year-old self with the woman she has become?

This book interested me when I read the blurb and it was a story I got engrossed in very quickly, reading it in almost one sitting. It does jump around a little between characters but once I was used to that, I flew through it.

Elizabeth sounds a little like me when I was her age in that I was a serious person so I could relate to that. Her behaviour is a little questionable and is something I am sure will cause you to be on her side, Danny’s or Liam’s. I know that I picked a side to start with and then questioned my choice as the book went on. I asked myself what I would do in Elizabeth’s situation.

I did prefer the first half to the second half. I think partly due to the nostalgia. I was only seven in 1988 but I can still remember some of the music etc. The 1988 section gave a little of a St Elmo’s Fire vibe which I liked. The first half had some feisty characters. Also, it was about Elizabeth finding herself and I wanted to know what would happen next especially between her and Danny.

The plot was compelling and there were some very funny lines too.

Michelle and Orla were great supporting characters and I would have loved to have seen more of their story although I get the feeling that would have made it a very long book. There was a nice ending to the book too (I won’t give too much away.)

Overall, it’s a great summer read if you want a good book for a beach or a nice day in the garden. I would recommend it. I loved it.

(Published by Orion, May 2014. Available in paperback and e-book.)

The tour continues tomorrow with Afternoon Bookery.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.