To say this story is beautiful is a complete understatement, because beautiful does not capture the essence of this book, beautiful does not capture the intensity of the emotions the author brings forward, and beautiful does not put into perspective how incredibly executed this story was, and how powerful the words within it were. Since my last reading of Andrea Michael’s writing, it appears the author has decided to move in a different direction, and what a fantastic decision that was. Although I really enjoyed the author’s previous books, this seemed to hit on an entirely different level. ‘The Book of Us’ was much deeper, more brutal, and Michael certainly didn’t hold back when it came to the darker matters of life, those of which it is pointless trying to avoid. Death, mainly. This was in no way a soft and cosy read. This was a bittersweet, intense and impressive novel, written boldly, and completely unapologetic in its telling, which paired with Cass’s character perfectly who was also both of those things. Andrea Michael’s style, although still enjoyable, has become so incredibly confident since those last stories I read by the author, and I really can’t compliment Andrea enough. This really blew me away, and absolutely deserves an almighty amount of praise.
I’m reviewing ‘The Book of Us’ by Andrea Michael as part of the blog tour organised by Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources. Thank you, Rachel, for allowing me to take part today, and for giving me the chance to read this book.
‘The Book of Us’ by Andrea Michael is separated into four parts, each part a different destination in which Cass and Loll travel to, as set out in the book they brought to life in their younger years, and the book of which this story’s title is dedicated to. Within this book, the girls had written down their dreams for the future, the places they wanted to visit and the goals they wanted to achieve. It’s a gorgeous premise, and one which I’ve always been fond of. The idea of a bucket-list has always struck a poignant chord with me and is always bound to bring a tear to my eye at some point. I think it’s the thought of a person not doing all of the things they wanted to do with their life before it ends that breaks my heart, especially when a person’s life is cut short. It really chokes me up and plays havoc with my emotions.
Within this story, readers follow Lauren (Loll) as she is reunited with her oldest and dearest friend, Cassidy (Cass). What brings the two women back together is a letter from Cass, which informs Loll that she is nearing the end of her life. She’s been sick for a long time, something which Loll wasn’t aware of as they’ve not been in touch for six years. A lot has changed in that time, but despite what happened, what blew them apart all those years ago, Loll can’t help but to go to her friend. With a bond like theirs, there’s absolutely no way Loll can stay away, and so, even though she tries to avoid the tug of Cassidy Jones, it isn’t long before she’s in her car and making the trip to Blackpool.
I’ve got to hand it to the author, she writes emotion so impeccably well. The sheer grip and grittiness of this novel was fascinating. Andrea Michael strips away the flesh and opens up the issues between Loll and Cass in the deepest and most raw of ways, getting right down to the nitty-gritty and leaving no stone unturned between them. I was so intrigued by these friends, amazed by the sheer strength of their bond, and by the way they knew each other inside out, completely and utterly. Michael writes with such heart, such feeling and with so much depth, it’s impossible not to feel moved by the issues discussed, to not also feel affected by them. It’s emotionally-gripping, so much so I felt just as drained by the characters each time they had it out with each other. So much history lay between the women, and so many feelings, too. Loll’s anger steamed off the page, undeniable and fierce. Cass’s personal anguish was so sad, it evoked its own feelings in me that had me racing through the pages just to see where their friendship would lead them. The absolute transparency of emotion in this novel took my breath away. Michael excels when it comes to her characters baring all. I felt everything that these characters felt, and by the end of the book, I genuinely felt exhausted by the turmoil which weaved its way throughout the pages.
The travel aspect of this book was beautiful and added a certain sense of escapism and wanderlust to the story which I thoroughly enjoyed. We begin in Blackpool, then we head to snowy Finland. From Finland we travel to Seville in Spain, and from there, we head to Australia. Michael’s descriptions opened up these destinations in the most exciting of ways and I truly loved wandering around with the trio as we explored these places, but of course, despite my enjoyment, and the characters’ enjoyment, it always came back to Cass living out her last days, and so even though I smiled, it felt immensely bittersweet and with every turning page, I felt the tension heightening, as though I too were waiting for the moment when it would happen. When Cass’s resolve would inevitably call it a day, and the trip would reach its end. The contrast of this, of living life to the fullest but constantly waiting on death, really shook me, and yet again, I felt the emotion rising within me, pushing me to the edge, always waiting with baited breath for Andrea Michael to say the words.
By the time this story reached its end, I felt as though I’d lived a lifetime alongside Cass, Loll and Vee. It was almost as if I’d been part of their friendship group right from the very beginning. It moved me immeasurably and I didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters when the time came for me to do so. I wanted to desperately to see how the story would carry on. I wanted to watch as Loll grew in confidence and learnt how to take life less seriously. I wanted to watch her courage brim and bubble over, to see how she’d tackle life Cassidy style. I felt connected to them all in a way only incredible writing can make you feel. From first page to last, Michael delved so deep into the lives of these two women and dissected each and every single part, allowing you the most open view of who they were, and what had made them that way. Andrea handled the most dramatic scenes between Cass and Loll with such a commendable skill, and a certain brutality that made it all the more real, satisfying and believable. Just like real life, these women are flawed and they’ve made mistakes, monumental ones, and the tackling of resolving the years-old issues that lie between them was not an easy one, but Michael does so, and in the most fascinating way.
‘The Book of Us’ by Andrea Michael was a truly memorable and emotionally-gripping novel, and this was a triumphant change of direction for the author. I finished reading this book with a weight in my heart, but a lightness too, because life goes on, and although we may lose precious things along the way, we learn to take steps forward and we learn to survive, although in a very different way we had once perhaps planned. I loved this story. I loved the incredibly detailed characterisation, and the unforgettable adventure Loll, Cass and Vee head out on, an adventure that changes each of them in monumental ways. I adored the constant, emotionally-charged tempo and the tremendous friendship that sat between Loll and Cass, even despite going their separate ways. I am sure this is a book I will think of often, a story that reminds us that anything can happen at any given moment, so we should apologise where we can and not waste time on grudges. Life is far too short for that.
With thanks to the tour host for providing me with a review copy of ‘The Book of Us’ by Andrea Michael, that of which has no reflection in me providing a fair and honest review.
Read on to find out more about ‘The Book of Us’ by Andrea Michael.
We’ve got some important things to talk about. It’s time.
Cass and Loll used to be inseperable. They met at university and they made sense, like two halves of a whole. They had planned their lives around each other, writing down their dreams in The Big Book of Our Life – the things they wanted to achieve, the places they’d go after they finished university. But then one night changed everything.
Seven years later, Loll receives a letter from her old friend. The coming year will be the year they both turn 30, but Loll might be making it to 30 alone. Cass has cancer. Loll had believed she would have her whole life to come to terms with Cass’ betrayal, but time is running out. Cass’ final wish is to complete The Big Book of Our Life, but has enough time passed to heal old wounds?
Purchase your copy of ‘The Book of Us’ by Andrea Michael here.
Andrea Michael writes books to explore complicated relationships. Having trained in using writing for therapy, she really believes in the magic of stories to change your life. Failing that, sparkling wine and obnoxious sing-a-longs also do the trick.
Andrea works in content marketing, and runs Writing for Wellbeing workshops. She lives in Hertfordshire with her fiancé and their crazy cat, and can be found reading in a comfy corner or digging something at the allotment.
You may also know her from her romantic comedies written as A L Michael.
Andrea is represented by Hayley Steed at Madeleine Milburn. The Book of Us is her thirteenth book. She’s hoping it’s lucky.
Twitter: @almichael_ Instagram: @andreamichaelwrites http://www.andreamichaelwrites.com
Come have a chat on socials – she loves a good cat gif.
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