In the early hours of this morning, I finished this book. And I've umm'd and aaah'd over how to rate it.
.
On the back, at the end of the blurb it poses the question, "Is this a great love story, or a story of great love?"
.
My verdict to that is the latter.
.
I thought this was going to be a proper chick lit. The blurb tells us that Emily and Robbie have been together for years. When I read that, I assumed "childhood sweethearts" and in their 40s. Oh how wrong I was.
.
The book starts with Robbie and Emily in the present day at about 80 years of age. A huge secret that's been kept for years is hinted at, and we come to realise that that's what the book is ultimately all about.
.
The story unfolds in reverse. We learn Robbie and Emily's story, all the way back to 1962, where the secret is revealed. And I didn't see it coming. Not one bit. I was genuinely in shock. There's so much more I want to say about why I'm so conflicted on the star rating, but I can't do that without giving away even the slightest clue!