A Terrible Kindness

Publisher: Faber and Faber

Date Published: 2022

Format: Paperback I purchased myself

Star Rating: 6/5 The book surpassed all expectations, I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: It is October 1966 and William Lavery is having the night of his life at his first black-tie do. But, as the evening unfolds, news hits of a landslide at a coal mine. It has buried a school: Aberfan.William decides he must act, so he stands and volunteers to attend. It will be his first job as an embalmer, and it will be one he never forgets.His work that night will force him to think about the little boy he was, and the losses he has worked so hard to forget. But compassion can have surprising consequences, because - as William discovers - giving so much to others can sometimes help us heal ourselves.

My thoughts: A book that starts with the Aberfan tragedy of 1966. Even though the book is a work of fiction you can't help feeling emotional right from the start. Jo Browning Wroe's writing is intensely moving, with the characters well crafted. So much happens at the beginning of the book I am left wondering where it can go next.

After the initial unfolding the book goes on to open the life of the main protagonist, William Lavery, he is my favourite character, his empathy from the start was outstanding, his fears and the way he thinks has been written beautifully. Although, I did get frustrated with him from time to time, but I think I was just so invested in him. The book goes on to describe his life as a child at school then as he gets older, his experiences, thoughts, fears and interactions with others. - secrets slowly revealed which makes the reading much more enjoyable. The authors writing flows even though sections of the book move backwards and forwards through time.

There is drama, frustration and the first book that I have had to hold back from crying in a long time. A huge emotional roller-coaster. A great read, one that shouldn't be missed, and I highly recommend.