The characters were
thin and rather stereotypical and the changes that some of them underwent in a
relatively short time seemed improbable. (Review by Fiona de Goede)
When I read the blurb describing this novel by Jennie
Godfrey, it seemed to tick many of the boxes that I look out for in a good
read: the era, diverse characters and a
gripping plot. Tick. Tick. Tick. And, my
other favourite thing: a map, detailing
the area in which the story is set.
The premise is quite simple: the Live Aid concert is the big event of the summer of 1985. And what better opportunity for house-proud, snobbish Lydia Gordon than to invite the neighbourhood around for a barbecue so she can show off their new state-of-the-art TV whilst watching the concert? So, the invitations are sent out to everyone living in the Close and this is when the reader is introduced to the various role players.
Steve, a young soldier back from the Falklands, lives with his mother. He is battling his own demons and cannot come to grips with adjusting to civilian life. Rita, from Australia, a new resident in the Close, with a past that she is trying to hide. Hanna, Lydia’s 16-year-old daughter with a secret so huge she is contemplating running away from home. The other characters all contribute in one way or the other to the unfolding of the drama at the barbecue.
The novel is split into hourly time slots and the bands performing in each segment is mentioned at the beginning of every chapter. This adds a huge dose of nostalgia and manages to move the pace along to the finale which takes place between 9 and 10p.m.
Some of the boxes that I felt were ticked prior to me reading this book, are also, unfortunately, the very things that, in my opinion, failed. The characters were thin and rather stereotypical and the changes that some of them underwent in a relatively short time seemed improbable. Especially Lydia, the snobbish mother. The plot unfolds in a single day with the result that it often became rather slow and mundane. I did not experience one single moment of suspense. Even when the big secret is revealed, it felt a bit flat.
I felt the references to the era were authentic and well-handled. Walkmans, Dynasty, recording the top 40 music charts on cassette, Princess Diana and Delia Smith all set the tone for the 1980’s.
This is the second novel by the author – the first being The List of Suspicious Things, a Sunday Times bestselling novel. - Fiona de Goede
The Barbecue At No. 9 - ISBN 978-1-529-15502-0
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