It's been a minute. Apologies. Thanksgiving was crazy. And then I had to deal with my birthday and then J's birthday and time spent in a cabin in the woods in the middle of nowhere without WIFI and phone service. We watched Cash Cab marathons, Rocky III and Ghost Adventures (I CAN'T EVEN). We played scrabble and microwaved s'mores and huddled next to the fake fire (which was oh so warm). It was AWESOME. I didn't want to come home, but here I am.
Gillespie and I is the story of Harriet Baxter's relationship with the Gillespie family, specifically, her relationship with Ned Gillespie, an aspiring artist who fails to receive the credit that Harriet feels he deserves. When Harriet manages to save Ned's mother from choking on her dentures one day on a crowded Glasgow street corner, she slowly forms a connection with the family and becomes a regular body in their household. When an event turns the family's life upside down, Harriet is there to witness the situation that will change everything.
I read Gillespie and I right before the celebrations began. If you remember, I think I've mentioned how excited I was to pick this one up in a million posts prior to this one. Let me just say that my fervor did not kill the experience. This book is one of my top reads of the year.
I've found (like so many others) that I have a much easier time reviewing books that I dislike rather than the ones I adore. I actually mentioned this a bit in my last post. However, with this one it's imperative to keep it short and sweet so you enjoy it just as much as I did. Really, to enjoy it thoroughly, you have to be open to anything.
First and foremost, I want to say that Harris blew me away with her characters - so vivid that I felt I knew them. The setting and cast were well developed making it a tight story with a big impact. While I didn't expect a story that would keep my guessing, I found I couldn't put it down in order to get to the next part. I wanted it to last forever but knew I'd reach the end and want more. Harriet's character is so very curious and found myself moving through emotions quickly.
If you're looking for a well-written novel, with some historical tidbits tossed in, that also keeps you guessing, you must find a copy of Gillespie and I now! I'm generally not so heavy handed with my reviews, so this is an indication of my confidence that you'll love it, too. If you don't... well, we can still be friends, but I'll be just a little sad. Hope you enjoy!
P.S. Happy Holidays!
