The Best of Everything

LoveReading Says

Set in 1970s Britain, The Best of Everything follows Paulette, a 29 year old single mother from St Kitts working as an auxiliary nurse, whose life is upended by the sudden death of the love of her life, Denton. Courtesy of the Cherry Red Toyota Celina she begged him not to buy.

As Paulette navigates the complexities of loss and unexpected motherhood, she becomes entangled in the lives of those connected to her lover, including his friend Garfield, Shirt-and-tie man and a young boy Nellie.

Gifted with Bird, her son who she dotes upon, the boy who has light in his heart, her life gains new meaning. Yet she can't ignore the thoughts of the little boy living with his grandfather close by, the boy who looks sad and hungry, the strange old white man who looks broken. And from the minute little Cornelius puts his hand out for Paulette to shake like he's 65, Paulette slowly rescues the boy with cooking and childcare. Through the relationship between Nellie and Pea, Paulette shows that good things can happen and there is sweetness and laughter in the world.

De Waal's narrative shines with its usual warmth and authenticity, capturing the nuances of human relationships and the quiet strength of its protagonist. She has such a beautiful ability to show such compassion through her characters and build such emotionally rich stories. I absolutely loved it and I adored Paulette. Bursting with heart, I need to read everything Kit de Waal ever writes.

Deborah Maclaren

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