I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review this novel. In these turbulent political and social times, when the country seems more divided than ever, it was a true delight to be able to read this novel, based on years of Pam Rhodes' experience travelling round churches and village halls.
This novel has a cast of truly wonderful characters: Kath, the administrator; Trevor, the caretaker; and Maggie, the cook. These three are the centre of the novel but there are many other great supporting characters as well - Shirley, the new no-nonsense cleaner; Della, a young dancer who is determined to provided classes for all ages; and the Can't Sing Singers - a new choir formed after the music director at their church unceremoniously kicked them out.
What of the plot? Mostly it's about the daily ins and outs of the village hall and its users, but they are all working towards something special - a Centenary Easter Monday Fayre which proves a harder task than any of them imagined, not to mention dealing with this as well as their personal lives as well. Trevor has a wife terminally ill with cancer and Maggie has been left by her husband for a much younger woman.
What's so heartening about this novel is that it reminds us of Britain at its best, when community spirit and solidarity is high. Pam Rhodes reminds us, the readers, of what really matters in life and how life works best in community, looking after each other, and what happens when we are divided. It's touching, funny, but heart-warming most of all, which is definitely the kind of story we need in times like this.
Springtime at Hope Hall will be available in paperback from 22nd February 2020.
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