Recent Reads | Vol. 3

Originally published on August 2, 2023 | Last updated on February 28, 2024

Sharing my thoughts on two recent reads: The Secrets of Sainte Madeleine by Tilly Bagshawe and Small Island by Andrea Levy.

The Secrets of Sainte Madeleine by Tilly Bagshawe

I read this book while I was on holiday in Spain, and found it to be the perfect summer read! Starting in the 1920s and spanning over 50 years, The Secrets of Sainte Madeleine follows the Salignacs, a wealthy French family. Saint Madeline is their legendary chateau and vineyard, which forever binds them together. The book covers a lot of themes including love, death, war, family and betrayal.

I found this book to be quite the page-turner. There were times that I didn’t want to put it down due to its gripping plot. As you follow the characters’ lives and their ups and downs, you’ll discover secrets, lies, sadness, grief, joy, and more. I really liked the strong characters in the story. Most of them were very flawed; however, as they change and grow, you do find yourself rooting for them.

I also enjoyed its historical element; parts of the book are set during the Spanish Revolution and WWII, which were very interesting to read. Although I did like the plot, there were a few parts that I found to be quite predictable. Also, I felt that some parts were too long and drawn out. But despite this, I did really like the story as a whole.

Overall, if you like family sagas and historical fiction, then I think you’ll enjoy this one. This book is well-written, features vivid characters, and is filled with lots of twists and turns to keep you hooked. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5

Buy The Secrets of Saint Madeline on Amazon.

Small Island by Andrea Levy

I re-read this book as it had been years since I last read it, and I’m so glad I did. Set in post-war London, this book focuses on the early years of the Windrush generation. The book deals with multiple themes including colonialism, war, racism, and identity.

Small Island follows four main characters. A Jamaican couple who emigrate to England; Hortense Roberts, a teacher, and Gilbert Joseph, an airman. Also, the British couple Victoria (known as “Queenie”) Bligh and Bernard Bligh, a bank clerk.

I think this book is a very fascinating look at the first wave of West Indian immigrants coming to the place they were taught to view as their “mother country,” and how white Britons responded to them. Through the characters Gilbert and Hortense, Levy shows the prejudice and racism that was endured.

I thoroughly enjoyed Levy’s writing style. She writes very vividly and descriptively, making it easy to picture the places the book takes you to — Jamaica, England, and India. The characters are very well developed. Through first-person accounts of the four characters, readers gain a deep and authentic understanding of their individual experiences. While some are more likeable than others, all leave a lasting impact.

A very moving and fascinating story. If you’re interested in the Windrush experience and enjoy historical fiction, this is a must-read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Buy Small Island on Amazon.