Shop-Bought Flowers

I devoured this in two days. I fell in love with the characters, I was totally invested in their stories and their lives. I have worked in some of the locations where the book is set and the familiarity was wonderful. I would definitely recommend!

I must read if you lived in the Westbourne Park area in the in the 60’s taking you through to the present day Beautifully written tale of the trails and tribulations of a working class family, I read it in one go

Loved this evocative and page turning novel which is believable , emotional and humorous . The three women portrayed are testimony to the author’s depth and understanding of human life and how we are shaped by our circumstances. Totally brings the historical era to life !

Living in Notting Hill Gate as I did in the 1960’s the area is described well and as I remember a grim, depressing and deprived place far removed from the affluent Notting Hill Gate of today. With this memory in mind Rose, an intelligent and creative teenager fell into bad company which in turn heralded the start of her life spiralling out of control, this working class girl didn’t stand a chance. The book covers three era’s and Rose’s actions have consequences throughout and affects badly on those closest to her. This is a well written book that gives a sense of time and place from the authors description and her attention to detail brought each era to life, the book reads seamlessly with each turn of the page bringing more surprises. I highly recommend this debut novel by Yvonne Dykes.

Just didn’t want it to end! It bought back many memories of my Notting Hill roots and my beloved Portobello Rd where I spent my childhood & teenage years. The author has perfectly captured the feel of the area from the 1960’s & onward. The characters are cleverly bought to life in this amazing story.