A Terrible Kindness: The Bestselling Richard and Judy Book Club Pick

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I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A gifted singer with a stunning voice, William knew his mother was fiercely determined that he should follow a musical career.

It's about a boy growing up, adults who make mistakes, and how there's always life worth living on the other side of it all. I would recommend this book to all - although it is historical fiction I believe it would suit those who prefer a more contemporary read too.So, from the very beginning, we are aware that William has an unusual job but also that he does it well and that he is a kind, thoughtful young man, who wishes to give the victims, and their families, respect and to do his tasks with care. I think anyone above a certain ages in the UK will be familiar with Aberfan, as it was a disaster that was and still remains seared on the national conscience due to both the huge loss of life – including 116 young children and 28 adults – and the aftermath – in particular the refusal of the National Coal Board to accept their clear corporate culpability. Mentally scarred by Aberfan, William Lavery tries, unsuccessfully, to break up with his girlfriend Gloria, and tells her he will never want to have children. Similarly, his treatment of Gloria – which he blames on Aberfan – seems to trivialize the real tragedy there (parents losing their children) as William commandeers it to justify his own loss of innocence.

I would not be surprised to see it in a number of prize lists this year – particularly perhaps the Costa, as it is a memorable, emotionally impactful as well as ultimately uplifting read. His work that night will force him to think about the little boy he was, and the losses he has worked so hard to bury. It is a book about a decent, kind young man’s inability to deal with his own emotions and about both the difficulty and the possibilities of healing in friendship, love and music. William is a character the reader will come to care for, while also being very involved in his life and relationships.It all culminates in what I found to be a very anticlimactic-- and predictable, for that matter --scene.