Book Review - Summer in the City by Fiona Collins

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Title: Summer in the City

Author: Fiona Collins

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Transworld Digital

Publication Date: 27th May 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

A beautiful and heart-wrenching story set over one hot summer in London, about a father and daughter who help one another to step out into the world again, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Lucy Diamond.

Prue is not someone you would notice willingly. She likes to keep herself to herself and fade into the background. If it weren't for the birthmark on her left cheek, she might actually succeed at becoming invisible.

She spends all of her time with her blind father, Vince. Scarred by a difficult past, they sit together in silence and ignore the vibrant city just on their doorstep. That is, until something forces them both to go outside and see what they have been missing. For Vince, that means discovering how to see the world without his sight. For Prue, that means finding the courage to finally love and be loved in return.

About family, second chances and finding the courage to face your fears, this is a moving story that will stay with you long after you have finished the last page.

I was tempted to read this book purely by the gorgeous cover and knowing that I have enjoyed Fiona Collins light hearted rom-coms in the past. 

What I didn't anticipate having not really read the blurb was just how impressive this book would be, and just how much depth there is to it. 

It's the story of a re-awakening for both Prue and her father Vince. They have both been floundering for many years and not really living at all, just barely existing and barely communicating.   Prue has a birthmark on her cheek that makes her self conscious and really effects her confidence and self worth.   Vince, became blind when Prue was only 10 years old, and is allergic to dogs, so can no longer have a guide dog. 

Slowly they start to go on days out into London together with various effects. And the change in both of them is gradual but its great character development, and felt realistic. 

We learn about some horrible things that have happened in Prue's past which contributed to her trying to hide from the world.  We discover just was happened to her mother too. There is a rebuilding of emotional connections and there is the possibility of love if she is brave enough. 

Certainly an eye opening account of what life with a blind person could be like, and I can only guess that large amounts of research were involved. 

This is a touching and heartwarming book and it completely captured my imagination and got me thinking.  

Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.