Saving Missy
Morrey, BethMissy Carmichael needs saving from herself. Prickly and stubborn, she has long since pushed away friends and family and now at 79, she has resigned herself to her lonely existence. An unexpected meeting on a walk in the park offers her the chance to change all of that - but only if she is prepared to embrace the challenge of engaging with life again.
Set in London and with a rich and diverse range of characters, this is a poignant story with surprising depth that reminds us of the joy of friendship and the importance of connection.
Pages
367
367
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
15-01-2024
We all loved this book.
25-10-2023
An enjoyable book. Appreciated by all.
24-10-2023
We all loved this easy read. Didn't see the 'twist'. Enjoyed the variety of characters and the 'real life' that happened.
27-09-2023
Overall an easy fun read with discussion worthy themes on family/relationships/loss/grief, and the 'putting back together' of those relationships, not necessarily in a traditional way, but one that really worked in this book.
19-09-2023
This book moved several members to tears. The themes of loneliness, loss, family dynamics and secrets were at the centre of much of our discussion.
17-07-2023
The group's overall opinion was positive. A good read with some unexpected twists. Initially a number of us thought it was going to be a self indulgent 'poor me' read. However it was refreshing and funny.
10-07-2023
Enjoyed by everyone. Story unrolled slowly with a surprise towards the end. A satisfying read.
15-06-2023
Our group enjoyed the book overall with some aspects of the book creating frustration. Not all characters were well rounded, and it was, at times, a little difficult to comprehend the friendships created by seemingly very different personalities. Most found they really enjoyed the second half of the book. A rather heart warming debut novel however.
22-05-2023
We all thought this was a pleasant book albeit a little predictable. But most of us enjoyed the easy read.
03-05-2023
Group found the book heartwarming though slightly improbable, but it handled issues of family tension, loneliness, grief and social concerns very well, and the companionship of other humans or animals to counter 'aloneness' also well done.
03-03-2023
Most of us found this an easy, pleasant read but some aspects seemed contrived as in the nature of the friends, and the loose ends at the end. There were a number of topics of depth that were able to be discussed, eg. abortion and dementia, and the hiding of secrets.
13-02-2023
A most enjoyable book. A lot of us could relate to 'Missy'. Well-written.
08-11-2022
None of us were really looking forward to reading this - the cover art and blurb not promising but we all really loved it - once we got past the unlikely premise which set up the whole story! And the fairytale ending. A light read but with enough heaviness of content to engage, some great likeable characters. Just shows you can't judge a book by its cover!
12-10-2022
Pleasant and enjoyable light read. Prompted some discussion of the issues raised.
10-10-2022
Brilliant! Loved by all.
08-08-2022
Readable, enjoyable, easy to read and flows well. Well-written.
05-08-2022
The majority of the group enjoyed the book. Some members found it thought provoking - in terms of being able to relate to the loneliness of Missy if you were an older woman on your own, and how that might feel for someone in a similar situation. It was easy to read and dealt with the subject of loneliness in a kind way.
21-07-2022
Enjoyed by several members as an easy, pleasant read. Several found 'Missy' the character, irritating, and did not finish.
27-06-2022
Everyone enjoyed this book. Great characterisation and a few surprises!
08-06-2022
A very wide range of opinions on this book. Not considered one of our best reads. Some felt that the young author did not really understand elderly people. The book and story probably improved and became more interesting as it went on. We all found it hard to understand Missy and some of her actions and behaviour.
06-05-2022
Some liked the book, while some felt that the characterisation was a bit unbelievable.
05-05-2022
Hard to get into, but worth it in the end.
04-05-2022
Widely differing views - rather predictable, but lots of twist and turns. Believable characterisation, and lots of interesting historical details.
09-03-2022
Overall enjoyed by everyone. This is a light, easy read.
02-03-2022
This book whilst an easy read, was controversial. Some of the group really enjoyed it and found it well-written and interesting, while others didn't get past the first couple of chapters. It did engender a lot of discussion which is always a good thing.
17-12-2021
'Saving Missy' was a good book; a light read to get our club started. Some members felt there wasn't enough character building. A simple, easy, contemporary read. I felt Morrey depicted Missy and Leo very well.
15-11-2021
We talked and talked about this book - so many gentle characters that intrigued us.