Review of 'A Good Life' by Leanne Lovegrove
Drop by Leanne Lovegrove’s website for more information on her books and writing.
Released on October 9, 2021
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Wow! What a stunning story! A delightful surprise. Once I picked up A Good Life and began reading it, I was hooked! In fact, I had difficulty putting it down until turning the last page. And at that point my heart was bursting with such emotions and love for this story I was speechless. It is a stunning read and perfect on so many levels.
I am one of those people who gets drawn to a book by its cover. Then I read a few pages to see if I want to go further. As captivating as the photo of A Good Life is, (and it is a beautiful cover) it does not match the magnitude of the content therein. Now this is not a negative comment, as you will see. First impressions led me to assume it was a typical feel-good romance (which is fine). And I knew from the blurb that a woman named Greta had trusted the wrong man and he led her down a costly path of deceit. In fact, a two million dollar mistake. But as the pages turned, I discovered it is so much more than an epic fall story. For it focusses on a woman’s road to redemption after the deed has happened and includes some wonderful characters like Brodie, an aspiring artist nurtured by Greta’s free-spirited Aunt Millie. He has his own issues to work out. And these two seekers affect each other’s growth in some interesting ways.
I must stress, I was excited by the hidden qualities that I discovered in A Good Life. It’s like diving in the sea for some beautiful shells and discovering that one contains a gorgeous pearl inside. I found what I did not expect and that makes this novel a real gem. For as I moved deeper into the heart of the story, I saw how much it explodes with originality, complexity and depth. The twist, too, at the end is priceless: like the art it describes.
Although it is not technically a historical novel, since it is set in present times, it expresses a certain aspect of the genre— in the fact it draws from the past to understand the present. It exudes the beauty of history—in art and family. It explores issues of identity through internal journeys where some characters change and others do not (which is realistic). Its modern slant touches on the problems of refugees, ex-convicts and abuse from education authority figures. And reflects a timeless portrayal of the solitary life of an artist, the feelings of self-doubt, the challenges of the art world and how reviews and criticism can be confronting. It is also about lost opportunities, lost loves and lost souls. Even self-harm comes into play through heavy smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction and suicide.
But it is also about bold new beginnings, courage, character growth, restoration and turning the impossible dream into a possibility. Small tremors of miracles emerge when certain bumps in the road appear and force a change of direction. Meetings of unexpected people happen and valuable connections occur from the past. Leanne lays it all out in full vibrant detail and weaves all the threads together, separating the chaff from the wheat, letting the fire of trials burn the dross away. Then from the ashes, the rain of tears begin to fall and something fresh springs up through the mire. Wounds begin to heal and love blossoms into something pure and beautiful.
This novel is impressive on so many levels. You care about the characters and their well-being. You get annoyed by the folly of some. You become part of the plot as it thickens but in the end you begin to breathe and feel elated at the victories that come for some (and weep for those who failed). The settings are gorgeous and appropriate. Leanne takes you to each one through various means: the charming Australian rural community and the romantic country and city images of France. The contrasts clearly show the importance of art and how these different landscapes have shaped their artists. We can easily embrace what’s near and far, past and present.
The cover is like a cloak that hides its secrets from roving eyes until you step inside its pages. Then for the eager and curious, it begins to reveal its treasures through a gifted writer’s way with words-- over the pages it spills its sparkling wonder through the lives of Brodie, Greta and most of all Aunt Millie. For she is the diamond in the centre that draws out the best in others and gives them a fresh start. She sees the talent in the gifted, the hope for the downcast. She provides a rich legacy for promising futures.
Without question, this novel is thoughtfully and skilfully executed. The plot is well-paced and the drama—a steady stream that kept me pinned to its pages. And although I loved Leanne’s previous novel, I think A Good Life is a serious step up to what I call a 5 plus Star novel! I highly recommend this story that shines even brighter than its eye-catching cover! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Many thanks to Leanne Lovegrove for a copy to review.
