Review of 'The Weight of Goodbye' by Eliza Graham
Release date: October 22nd, 2024
Publisher: Storm Publishing
REVIEW
Wow, where do I begin! First, this book was a riveting read. It exceptionally taps into the heart in a big way. I felt like an emotional train wreck by the time I was done reading The Weight of Goodbye. It is painful, poignant and expressive and provoked quite a range of thoughts and emotions in me. I went into Eliza Graham’s novel eager and expectant of another good story (as I enjoyed her previous) but I received even more than I anticipated. The longer I read, the more I fell into its well of trauma and heartache. Time frittered away as I followed these characters through some harrowing circumstances.
This story is about family member ties and hurts, lost loves and children and the closeness and connection between friends. It is set in two time lines and divided into eight parts. It opens with the Prologue in 1940 with our main character Lucia nervous and worrying that a German invasion of London (and the potential capture of the Parliament) could happen any day. All sense of calm is broken once the Germans land in Channel Isles: a place where folks went for ‘seaside holidays, shrimping and bicycle rides.’ The stark contrast hits hard. Lucia is also thinking about the fact she will officially be an adult at twenty-one tomorrow and she will have a new name. Immediately we wonder, why has she changed her name?
Part One and the first chapter thrusts us forward to the year 2000 where we see Lucia in the future, but we also meet Della her younger sister and friend, Effie. It is obvious from the start there is going to be a big story circling these three and yes, there certainly is: one that spans and unfolds across the rest of novel that will pierce and shake your heart.
Throughout the novel we move back and forth in time (comfortably) to understand why Lucia disappeared from her family’s lives. The hurt this caused particularly with her sister is monumental but her parents, too. Her father is a key catalyst in this part of the plot and his character arc goes through some forced dramatic changes. Yet the story is focused more on what becomes of Lucia as a result, the difficult journey she takes and the various decisions she makes, the people she meets and how they affect her life. And her effects on them, too. A lot of growing up happens away from her home and the high society she once knew— a world she never wore well. Her fresh start, takes her down many unusual roads that include a job as an ambulance driver. It is here she makes her contribution when war erupts. She sees and experiences a lot with the bombings of London. Rescuing lives and picking up those who died as a result changes her for sure. The descriptions offered by the author during these events are quite shattering. Her flatmate, workmate and friend, a Jewish girl named Wanda is also quite a moving part of this story, along with the little girl she rescues. I will say no more but be prepared for plenty of tears!
This is without question a deeply moving, insightful story where we see characters go through some very traumatic events. Hearts are transformed and some see the error of their ways and beliefs and require and seek forgiveness. But the solutions and outcomes for some are not pretty. Yet second chances happen and forms of healing do come when stories are shared between those who need to communicate to move forward. I highly recommend The Weight of Goodbye (and yes there are plenty of goodbyes in this novel). But have your box of tissues close as you cannot read this book without shedding some tears and having your heart break or change. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
