What I Learned - Debutante by Anne Melville
This gorgeous epic is out today, and I was lucky enough to be sent an advance copy. I loved every last page of it (and may of had a wee cry on more than one occasion throughout!) The stories and intertwining, developing relationships are just beautifully written and really authentic. I can see this book being made into a series for tv, and it would be deservedly so!
Starting in the last "Season" before the outbreak of World War II it also gives a fabulous insight into the realities of war for this generation, and how it would impact their lives, as well as their hopes, dreams and positions within society, forever.
A really bold story about empowering women to step away from what is expected of them - I want my teenage daughter to read this book!
What I Learned:
A great reminder that your past doesn't define you - you can be anything and do anything that you set your mind to!
Never make a judgement about anyone because of where they come from. I guarantee if you get to know the person behind the label you will be surprised!
This made me smile. Never a truer word spoken!!!!!!
You will be amazed by the difference this simple trick can make to your life, as well as to the lives of the people around about you. When you decide to be happy instead of miserable you will start noticing all the things you have that should be making you smile every day!
This is sometimes easier said than done, but you can choose how you react and move forward from everything that is happening both "to" you and around you. What is it that you want? Where do you want to be?
One of the best descriptions of first love I have ever read.
A great reminder that there is no point worrying about things until they actually happen. Often the "what if's" are a whole lot worse than the reality.
Every so often this is the reality of life, and we just have to learn to roll with it - I guess the bright side could be that there should be some sunshine just around the corner.
I'm 37 and feel like this A LOT! Life is passing me by so quickly and I keep having to remind myself to stop, breathe, look around and just appreciate everything that is happening right now.
I am a firm believer that you do "just know", but having the guts to follow it through is another matter entirely.
...always look for the silver lining - sometimes it is much harder to find than other times, but always try, no matter how hard, to look.
Heartbreakingly true - so never miss an opportunity to tell the people important to you how much you love hem because you just never know...
I try every day to instil this into my daughter. Always stand tall, be independent, and be uniquely you!
Another strong message we should be teaching all the young women in our lives - and teaching all the young men to respect.
Never, ever. Everything is temporary. Appreciate everything you have right now!
My Goodreads review:
Debutante by Anne MelvilleMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gorgeous book following the unfolding lives of a group of very different debutantes in the last season before the outbreak of WWII. This story follows these strong women as they deal with a society that is changing really fast in the face of war, and as the expectations places on women in the old world collide with the new expectations they have while faced with this new world.
I cried my eyes out at parts of this book - and felt a real empathy and fondness for all the women featured in this book - I really want my teenage daughter to read this as ultimately it is an empowering story of the things women can achieve, as well as a testimony to how important friendship is.
Read this epic story - I guarantee you will love it, and I am hoping we get another instalment featuring the complicated lives of the next generation these strong women are influencing.
Find Anne Melville online at:
This book was published by Ipso Books. Find them online at:
Thank you so much for checking out this review - if you enjoyed it please have a look at my complete list of What I Learned reviews.
Happy Reading!
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