It’s a real pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for Sincerely, Me, the latest novel from Julietta Henderson: published on 23rd February by Bantam Press in hardcover, as an e-book, and in audiobook, the paperback will follow on 17th August (all formats available for pre-order). My thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy.
Julietta’s debut novel, The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman, was chosen for the Richard and Judy Book Club, and they called her “a major new writing talent”. That would usually be more than enough to get me adding it to my reading list – sadly (hey, things have been busy round here!) it’s still languishing in the depths of my kindle. But you only need to glance at the 6000+ reviews to see how much everyone loved it – so as soon as I heard about her new one, I was determined not to miss out this time…
Danny is the definition of a man who ‘could do better’. He drinks more than he should, currently lives in his best friend’s garden shed – and he hasn’t spoke to his sister in 16 years. But when Danny is the subject of a misleading newspaper article, claiming his lifestyle is actually quite enlightened, he suddenly finds himself in the limelight. Letters begin to flood in from strangers seeking his guidance.
Wolfie is the daughter of Danny’s estranged sister, Lou. She’s never met her uncle, but her mother is struggling. So when Wolfie sees Danny’s picture in the paper, she sets out to find him.
Within a week, Danny goes from being responsibility-free to a big brother, an uncle and an unwitting existential ‘guru’ to some very lost souls. Can he become the man they all need him to be?
A funny and inspiring story about a family reunited, second chances and becoming the person you were always meant to be.
Isn’t it wonderful when a book turns out to be everything you wanted it to be – and then a little more? I enjoyed this book so very much that I’m quite worried about writing a review – I really don’t want to attempt to tell the story, and if I break it down into its parts I’ll never manage to convey the impact it had on me.
Just for balance though, I’ll start on a different note – when I started to read, I really thought this wasn’t going to be the book for me. Danny’s voice takes a bit of getting used to – the wise-cracking, the stream of consciousness, the musings – and I wasn’t sure I was going to like him, which might have made engaging with the book rather difficult. And when 15 year old niece Wolfie takes up the narrative – she’s the book’s other voice, having found Danny through a picture in the paper of a moment he’s less than proud of – I found her presentation initially equally difficult. But, if you find the same, all I can say is stick with it – by 10% in, I’d entirely taken both individuals to my heart, and couldn’t imagine how I’d ever felt otherwise.
Danny lives in a shed in the garden of his widowed friend Dom – it’s a long story – and his life is a series of doomed attempts to get his life into gear, preferring to regularly drown his sorrows at the Lamb and Flag. The story opens as he hits a new low – waking on the pavement with a paint pot beside him, a graffitied message on the pavement, and the police (albeit a particularly attractive female one) arriving to take him away. But that message on the pavement – the enigmatic “A cat may look at a king” – and his photo in the paper has unexpected consequences. Via the newspaper, people start to write to him, asking for his advice on their life issues – and, after some initial doubt that he’s in a position to offer advice to anyone, draws on his own experiences and his late father’s quiet words of wisdom to write back.
The other life change that moment brings about is a family reunion – first the appearance of Wolfie, then her mother Lou. He’s been estranged from his sister for over sixteen years, and she’s currently experiencing difficult times (that’s something of an understatement, but you need to read the book) – and when soft-hearted Dom (he’s such a fantastic character) invites them to move into his house, Danny’s less than sure that’s the best of ideas (yes, another understatement). The re-establishing of the relationship between Danny and Lou is one of the most tender and moving journeys I’ve ever read, and had me repeatedly in tears – the emerging truth about their childhood, all the past hurts, the love they lost. I guess we all bring part of our own experiences to a book when we read it, and there were particular personal resonances to this particular storyline for me.
The characterisation in this book was absolutely exceptional. Danny himself, of course, and young Wolfie coping with a situation beyond her years – but also the wider cast of very real characters. Lou’s struggles will break your heart – and Dom’s six year old son George (going on 35…) is a total joy, rarely pausing for breath, gloriously inappropriate at times (especially where exposing Danny’s shortcomings is concerned). Danny’s dog Gentleman – well, he has a story all of his own. And the incidental characters are just fantastic too – neighbour Ray emerging from the shadows, Pete Barker from the newspaper (with his long legs and Buzz Lightyear chin), the wonderful taxi driver Jaz… and so many more.
The emotional touch within the book is just perfect – the complex relationships, the searing honesty in the letters and the considered sensitivity of Danny’s responses, the love and tenderness that sometimes takes you completely by surprise. There’s a rich vein of humour – frequently laugh-out-loud – but it’s perfectly balanced with a real rawness when you can feel the pain of grief, regret and loneliness. The writing is simply wonderful – and I was quite angry with myself that I could ever have thought this book wouldn’t be one for me. There’s so much more I could say – but most importantly, I’ll just say “read the book”. You’ll love it every bit as much as I did, I promise. Totally unforgettable and, without question, one of my books of the year.
“Heartfelt and humorous, Sincerely, Me captures beautifully the complex dynamics of family, forgiveness and regret… Henderson writes so insightfully on love and grief, crafting a story that is tender, funny and wise. A gorgeous novel that will instantly leave you wanting more” – Holly Miller, author of R&J pick The Sight of You
“Another absolute triumph from Julietta Henderson! A lovely story with a set of vivid, charming characters, it’s packed with wisdom and laugh-out-loud humour. Clever, thought-provoking and huge-hearted. Pure joy!” – Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins
“Gorgeous, funny and heartfelt, Sincerely, Me is a beautiful story of the complexities of family relationships. Told with humour and warmth, it was an absolute joy to read” – Eleanor Ray, author of Everything is Beautiful.
“Wonderful – Danny & Wolfie’s voices cartwheel across the page, full of life, wit and wisdom. Sincerely, Me is a book that will make you smile in just about every possible way. A lovely read!” ― Matson Taylor, author of The Miseducation of Evie Epworth
“Sincerely, Me is a touching, hope-filled story brimming with zest and laugh-aloud humour. Julietta Henderson writes with an enormous sense of fun, but never shies away from complex emotions… Such a thoroughly enjoyable read!” ― Sarah Haywood, author of The Cactus
About the author
Julietta Henderson grew up in the rainforests of North Queensland, Australia. Like many Australians, her love affair with Europe began when she came to London on a working holiday and stayed for more than a decade.
Now a full-time writer, Julietta divides her life between Melbourne, the UK and wherever she can find winter.
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman was Julietta’s debut novel. Sincerely, Me is her second.
Sounds like one I need to get pronto!
Thanks for the blog tour support x