This was a very deep and descriptive novel that analyses the memories that houses hold and its told through fictional characters.
I have great admiration for the way Ian Gouge writes and the wisdom he shares throughout this book. If you like a reflective novel that is a relaxed read then this is the book for you. – Kelly’s books
This was a lovely little story where the house actually becomes a character in itself. This was a super interesting read with a unique premise. The idea that a house contains the soak and memories of all that has gone before and everything that’s passed under its roof and within its own 4 walls.
As we visit Alma Road and wander through it’s rooms, each one telling its own story – from the faded wallpaper to the worn carpets – we learn about the relatives who have come before and about their lives.
This was beautifully written and I really enjoyed walking through the memories held here but this also prompted me to stop and take a look at all the memories that could be told by my own house.
An enjoyable read which had me reminiscing long after I’d finished reading. – book-a-holic
I wasn’t sure to begin with how to review this. There isn’t much of a storyline, not in the conventional sense. Nothing really happens, there’s no action, no excitement. And yet, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Who are we really? What labels would we apply to ourselves? What would others say about us? Does it matter if those labels don’t match? Is how we perceive ourselves more important than how others perceive us?
It’s the story that a house might tell if houses could tell stories. It’s the story of 2 siblings discovering themselves via the house they grew up in. It’s relaxing, calm, and almost poetic. It’s a story about life, love, and loss. And I wonder just what we might learn about ourselves if we were to revisit our childhood homes. – Charlotte at bluefairybugsbooks
I really liked the simplicity of this book, the concept of visiting a family home you’ve inherited and reliving the memories as you go through each room. The idea that long since passed relatives are in the house with you, memories being rekindled is a beautiful thing. I really like how this book is written, like you are meeting the family and learning about their life through the wallpaper discolouration where pictures once hung, the threadbare bits on stair carpets where people sat and the overgrown flowerbeds that were once lovingly tended to regularly. As you read, you get titbits from the family, telling secrets and memories along the way. Houses can hold so many memories and it’s nice to remember them, the family living there and the good times growing up. Enjoyable read and would recommend. Emma bookaholic
Ian Gouge - Writer 