Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
‘Mad Mabel’ is a fictional novel written by Sally Hepworth. It is a fast-paced story about a little girl’s survival in a rich, lonely, judgemental world. It is a miracle that she has survived until the age of 81 which is when we first meet her. She has renamed herself ‘Elsa’ and is living a quiet life until she attempts to rescue an elderly neighbour who subsequently dies. Suddenly it is revealed that she is THE infamous ‘Mad Mabel’ and everyone suspects she has ‘done it again.’
‘Mad Mabel’ is an easy, pleasant and addictive read. All the characters are easy to visualise and even harder to dismiss from your mind; you are still thinking about Ness and Cess and Persephone long after the book’s conclusion. Crucially, all Sally’s characters reflect the current societal mix, an interesting blend of good and not so good – plus the last chapter is a combination of surprises, revelations and when justice is sort of served – finally! I did shed a tear.
If, like me, you just love reading come and join the Airlie Book Club – we meet every last Thursday of the month at The Rainbow Bakery at 12.30 for a coffee or a light lunch and then discuss the ‘Book of the Month’. This month it is ‘The Promise Seed’ by Cass Moriarty. See you there!
Contributed with thanks to Janet Smith
WHAT: Airlie Book Club
WHEN: Last Thursday of every month, 12.30pm
WHERE: The Rainbow Bakery
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