Book: The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones
Reviewed by: Robyn
Upon starting this book, I thought I was in for just a light and quirky summer read. Although it can fulfill that role, The Uninvited Guests quickly turned into a spectacular novel with as much depth as you are in the mood for. It caught me completely off guard and I am so happy to have picked it up.
In short, it’s the turn of the century and Emerald Torrington is turning 19. Her stepfather is out of town trying to handle some financial issues that could cause the family to lose their lovely English manor called Sterne. Regardless of this, Emerald’s mother, brother and sister are holding a small birthday party in her favor. The cake is prepared, settee pillows have been fluffed and three guests are en route for the festivities. Unfortunately, a train derails this same stormy evening very close to Sterne and a great many of the shocked passengers are directed to the Torrington’s home in order to await instruction from the railroad company. This throws a definite kink into the evening’s plans and leads an already somewhat peculiar family to astounding and unconventional actions.
Even though this novel takes place over a short twenty-four hour period, I feel like the characters are developed and understood in that time frame much more efficiently than in some stories taking place over a lifetime. People of different ages and backgrounds being thrown into erratic conditions while trying to keep up with manners that society requires of them is a recurring theme. And although parts were actually creepy (!), I enjoyed the innocence of a younger sister wanting to play with her animals intertwined with the old-fashioned dinner party elements. This book tugged at my heartstrings, made me want to yell at characters, laugh out loud, look over my shoulder and ultimately adore every single page and person.
The Uninvited Guests is available in-store and online at www.bookpeople.com.
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