Merrily Ever After | Cathy Bramley
REVIEWED BY LINDA HILL
Merrily Ever After is just the kind of story everyone needs to curl up with and feel that all is right in the world…
The plot is filled with festivity, family and friendship so that it vibrates with seasonal joy. I loved the way the narrative built towards the gorgeous finale with dated chapter entries leading the reader onwards.
There’s a perfect balance between Merry and Emily’s sides of the narrative that has underpinning themes of loneliness, betrayal and the need to belong, that gives a real piquancy alongside the lovely romances.
Ray’s past life prior to his current dementia raises issues many readers will have encountered, giving a realism along with the escapism, and making readers feel part of the story. As well as the childhood of Merry, Harley in particular shows that children don’t always have the idealised experience we may imagine. There’s also a poignant consideration of how happiness can be achieved that totally embodies the real meaning of Christmas.
Humour and happiness
There are some lovely touches of humour in the dialogue and Cathy Bramley illustrates to perfection how kindness brings happiness. It isn’t material things that lead to contentment in Merrily Ever After, but rather a kind word or thoughtful gesture that makes another person feel cherished. Reading this book is a wonderful example of how we all could live. Through this lovely narrative we learn that it’s the presence of friends, not presents from friends that really matters.
Another profound theme is one of mental health. Merrily Ever After weaves subtle consideration of how our mental health can impact not just our own lives, but the lives of others too, making it a sensitive and thought-provoking read.
I found the characters layered and realistic. Merry’s first person voice is clear and strong as she grapples to find her place with Cole’s children and my heart went out to Emily as she attempted to lead her own life as well as deal with Ray and his illness. So many readers will understand the mixture of guilt and relief Emily feels.
If you’re looking for a wonderful story with real heart, Merrily Ever After is it. There’s a real sense that the author loves her readers and wants to give them the best possible experience. Merrily Ever After is a book that leaves a warm, satisfied afterglow that tenderly teaches the reader the importance of family and home. It made me laugh, and made me shed a tear. I thought it was gorgeous.
Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley (Orion, PB £8.99) is available now from Amazon.
Don’t miss out of some very festive fiction inside the latest issue of My Weekly, on sale Dec 13. The bumper 100-page issue has an incredible 12 fiction stories inside (including one from Cathy Bramley!), all exclusive to My Weekly and sure to get you in the Christmas mood. Plus great cookery, fashion ideas and so much more!
