The Queen of Bloody Everything by Joanna Nadin

Joanna Nadin is known as an author of "juvenile" fiction - but this is a very grown-up story of growing up.  Dido's mother is not your typical suburban middle-class offering, so when she stumbles (or rather falls into) her own version of Narnia at the bottom of her garden it's inevitable she falls for the charms of the family inhabiting the orderly world beyond her own chaotic house, garden and life.

Narrated by Dido to her mother, this is a straight-forward but beautifully told and compelling story of a young woman discovering what matters in life.

You won't learn anything new about the world in these pages, but you will be entertained and find yourself caring about the outcome.  Recommended for a holiday read, or for a break from the heavy stuff.

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