Sometimes one just needs an embrace and Sally Page’s The Book of Beginnings is a huge enveloping hug of a novel!
The heart and soul of the book is about friendship and just as the characters in the book became firm friends, I felt just the same reading the chapters, joining them on their trails, their joys, and their journey to finding their true selves. By the end, it was hard to say goodbye to them all.
Within this beautifully crafted novel the author, through the close third person point of view, captures Jo Sorsby as she arrives in London and her uncle’s beloved albeit rather dated stationery shop. Sadly her Uncle Wilbur was recently diagnosed with dementia and Jo’s mother kindly asked if she would mind looking after the shop for a while. The answer was an unequivocal yes. (‘Sometimes a heartbeat is all the time it takes to reach a decision’.) Not only is Jo a stationery nerd with many happy memories of joining her uncle in his beloved place as a child, but she is also suffering following a recent break-up.
Quickly the reader is drawn into the profound loneliness and heartache of Jo’s life which is in the middle of a devastating flux following the break up of her long-term relationship with the infamous James. A man she realised everyone else detested. At last with the care and love from unexpected and unlikely new friends and childhood and work friends, Jo begins to understand James’s manipulation and control over her.
Her salvation is the shop and its quirky set of characters – two especially become her rock.
One is the wonderful and wise Vanishing Vicar, Reverend Ruth. What caused her to suddenly depart her parish home mid-meal? Ruth’s wit, inherent wisdom and kindness help Jo and others around her, yet at times such deep anxiety and sadness overwhelm her. How can Jo come to Ruth’s aid? A septuagenarian called Malcolm is another regular visitor and he seeks shelter in the shop following an accident. The tight-knit trio is formed and it is a joy to follow their quirky and close friendship as their journeys unfold and this includes their excursions to Highgate Cemetery to help Malcolm write his first ghost book; here they flit into the lives of some of the deceased, imagining their conversations.
Furthermore, as Jo begins to revel in the joy of discovering herself along the way she longs to unravel the stories and secrets around her including that of her best friend Lucy since primary school. Why has Lucy suddenly become withdrawn? She feels the distance and loss keenly, aware this is harder to bear than losing James. (‘Could an out-of-step friendship make you feel ill? Now, she thinks it can’)
As the unusual group becomes ever closer, Jo’s new neighbours also become pivotal in her life. Two neighbouring shops are the opticians and a tattoo parlour. Lando and his family become good friends. Meanwhile, Jo slowly begins to realise that Eric The Viking as she mentally labelled the optician, and embarrassingly blathered this out loud to him, could become important to her as they share much more than just a deep interest in fountain pens and poetry! Alas, following various misunderstandings her awakening of her feelings towards him seems to be too late.
Throughout the book, the customers of the shop are a delightful mix of people, their love of all things stationery creating fleeting friendships as she effectively creates a self-help environment.
Sally Page’s writing is superb, skilfully weaving the characters and their stories into this beautiful novel. At times it is almost lyrical, one saying Uncle Wilbur’s sayings runs like a chorus through the book, and Jo quickly realises that her uncle was referring to much more than fountain pens and paper when he said: ‘A place for everything and everything in its place.’ May we all remember this in our own lives!
I love how this wonderful whimsical cross-generational tale of friendship breaks down the barriers of loneliness and isolation faced by people at crisis points; friendships which continue into their everyday lives. After all, ‘the joy of having a best friend was one of humanity’s best-kept secrets.’
I love how quickly I became caught up in Jo’s and her friends’ lives.
I love the warm and engaging writing and story-telling.
I love stationery shops and by the end of the book eager to head out to buy a fountain pen, maybe one like the new ones bought into stock by Jo. Just like her many customers, I too have my own favourite fountain pen story!
Finally, as a huge fan of the author’s debut novel The Keeper of Stories, I am overjoyed to feel that her second novel is even better … I just hope I don’t have to wait too long for her next creative endeavour!
Many thanks to the publisher HarperCollins UK for granting my request to read a pre-release copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins UK
PUBLICATION DATE: 28th September 2023
GENRE: General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Women’s Fiction
AVAILABLE: AMAZON UK: KINDLE PAPERBACK Amazon US – hopefully it will soon be released in US soon.
ABOUT SALLY PAGE
After studying history at university, Sally moved to London to work in advertising. However, in her spare time she studied floristry at night school and eventually opened her own flower shop. She soon came to appreciate that flower shops offer a unique window into people’s stories and eventually she began to photograph and write about this floral life in a series of non-fiction books. Later, she continued her interest in writing when she founded her fountain pen company, Plooms.co.uk.
In her debut novel, The Keeper of Stories, Sally combines her love of history and writing with her abiding interest in the stories people have to tell. Sally now lives in Dorset. Her eldest daughter, Alex, is studying to be a doctor and her youngest daughter is the author, Libby Page.
Annika Perry 
Dear Annika,
we loved this novel as well. Thanks for your review.
We got it from our editor who loved it as well.
Have a happy weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
It was a joy to read and review – so glad you both enjoyed The Book of Beginnings as well, Klausbernd! Wishing you all well!
This book sounds wonderful!
Days, as you can tell, I found it wonderful indeed! Is this one you might be tempted to review?
I would love to, but I currently have a long TBR list. Hopefully, I will be able to once I complete it 🙂
A wonderful review, Annika. I find the eclectic and interesting mix of characters intriguing.
Thank you so much, Mark! The eclectic characters are truly the heart of the book!
A wonderful and convincing review, Annika.You have certainly communicated well to us… best wishes to Sally Page.
Thank you so much, Iris! I’m glad my enjoyment of this wonderful book came across in the review! I look forward to reading more of her books!
Your review beautifully captures the essence of this novel, Annika. The way the story unfolds, with its quirky characters and stationery shop setting, sounds like a delightful experience.
Ritish, wamest thanks for your lovely comment and it’s great my review captures all these wonderful elements of the book – one of those times when finishing a book it feels as if saying farewell to a close friend!
wowww, such a nice review by one of my favorite writers…. so many congratulations dear Annika for another wonderful review and publishing your own books.
Thank you and it’s great you enjoyed my review and are already a fan of Sally Page’s work! 😀 I appreciate your comment about my own books – thank you!🙏
Oh, this sounds so good!
Thank you, Luanne – that is what I was hoping to show!
Well, you did it!
This is MY kind of book!! Your review sold me within the first paragraph. I want to read it NOW – forget all my commitments and sit on my reading chair (or rocking porch chair) and sink into the story. It’s unfortunate it’s not available for the Kindle yet. Should I start with her first book? You write your review in such a great conversational style I felt like you were sitting beside me on the front porch. A cuppa tea now?
Pam, I’m imagining a swing seat in that porch and just about to pour a cuppa from my yellow tea pot! How about a blackberry crumble as well, I’ve picked loads!
It is wonderful how you feel there is a conversational style to the post, sometimes I pretend exactly that when writing a piece and it sends me to the right head-space!
Haha! Books that make you drop everything else, if possible, are real gems and Sally Page’s are just such! I do hope it won’t be too long before available in America but yes, I am sure you will love ‘The Keeper of Stories’ and quickly become embroiled in Janice and her world!
Pam, thank you so much for your lovely comment! Xx ❤️
BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE!!!! :-0 I wish I had wings. Is this an easy recipe???
Wonderful review!!! Thank you for sharing this book with us! 🙂
Thank you so much, Linda and I’ve enjoyed sharing here! 😀
A well – written review Anika. I will keep the release date in my calendar.
That’s great, Mich! So glad you enjoyed my review and are keeping this book on your radar! 😀
Outstanding review of Sally’s new book Annika. You brought it to life in color and I felt like I was right there meeting the characters through your eyes and the friendships I have woven in my life. Such a heartfelt story of sharing and caring “‘A place for everything and everything in its place.’ May we all remember this in our own lives!”
A great reminder indeed. I love everything about the feel of paper and fountain pens and in my heart they still exist as I tap. So happy you had the opportunity to read it first and share such a rich and meaningful endorsement. Thank you for the introduction! 💕
Cindy, bless you for your wonderful comment and you have me smiling away! I love the idea that the fountain pen is still with you in your heart as you write away. My son bought me a quill pen many years ago and I use that at times just for fun, to imagine the writers of previous centuries. Thank you so much for your kind thoughts about my review; it means so much to me that you feel that I’ve brought the characters alive – that is just how they were for me when reading the book and I wanted to convey this. Sally’s book did have me dwelling upon my own friendships, and the richness of these and reminded me never to take them for granted. Hope you are feeling better and take care. xx
It’s my pleasure Annika! Glad to bring a smile to your face today-:)
Oh I love you bring it out and imagine and the proof is in the pudding that it works when we read your wonderful work! Someday I will get another and use it.
You are so very welcome and thank you for sharing it. Friendships are precious for sure!!! You’re sweet to ask. I’m moving in the right direction so that’s a start. Thanks my friend!💕
Thanks for this review! It sounds like the kind of book I would love, as I really prefer character-driven stories that explore the emotional issues we all face in life.
Ann, that sums up the book perfectly and the author has created a rich and varied set of characters with oodles of emotional issues – all around a great storyline! I hope you have a chance to read it sometime.
A very engaging review, Annika! Beautifully written, it makes the book so enticing! I think the setting of a small shop is a wonderful idea in our Walmart world! ❤ People get to know each other in such places in neighborhoods and small towns. Thank you for this lovely review! 🙂
Cheryl, I am so glad you enjoyed the reivew and found it engaging! That reflects the book! I know, these kind of shops are a dream and we had a wonderful stationery shop in the town near us – of course, I was a regular visitor and everyone was just so excited to talk about the products! It was a sad day when it closed and unfortunately there is nothing similar within the area! I agree, they do give a real sense of community. xx ❤️
This is an outstanding and detailed review, Annika. The book sounds wonderful.
Thank you so much, Jennie and lovely that you enjoyed the review! Yes, as you can tell I think it is wonderful! 😀
You are very welcome, Annika. Yes, it is!
A lovely review for a book that sounds like a feel-good movie. I’m particularly drawn to the theme of friendship, as I try to write my own story… I’m certainly adding it to my TBR list. Thank you, Annika!
Khaya, how exciting that you are writing your own story ! I wish you all the best with your book and you’ve got an amazing story to tell, I’m sure! I’ll be one keen reader! Yes, I loved how this book delved into the theme of friendships and explored it in all its facets and stepped outside of the box to find true friendships outside of one’s age group! I’m glad it’s on your list of books to read! Xx ❤️
A gorgeous review of what sounds like a stunning book! ❤
Thank you so much, Layla! xx 🙏❤️
This was a most in-depth and beautiful review for the book Annika. You certainly sold me to add to my reading list. Congrats to Sally Page on this lovely story. xx
Debby, thank you so much and it was fun to write this review! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much – you are a skilled book reviewer yourself and your opinion means a lot! If you have a chance to read it (maybe perfect for next summer’s months away?) I would love your thoughts on it! xx ❤️
Thanks so much Annika. I have a few books on my TBR from your lovely reviews. I will get there! ❤
Hi. Terrific review. I hope that Sally Page reads it!
Thank you, Neil and I hope so too! 😀 It’s up on Goodreads and NetGalley now so is to come across!
Isn’t it great to find a writer you love? This sounds like a love affair, Annika.
Jo, it does feel like a richness in life to come across books that one truly loves and where the author consistently writes great books that resonate with one! Yep, Sally Page is definitely there for me – now I have to be patient for her next book!
I hope the weather behaved for the big day and that you’ve had an amazing and no doubt very emotional time. xx
Absolutely, on all counts, Annika 🤗🩷
Fantastic review, Annika. I love these quotes so much:
‘Sometimes a heartbeat is all the time it takes to reach a decision.’
‘Could an out-of-step friendship make you feel ill? Now, she thinks it can.’
This is on my TBR list now. Thanks for sharing! 💖
Sarah, I had marked up some of my favourite sentences and at first, couldn’t find a way to include them but I couldn’t not include them – in the end managed to ‘slip’ them in! They point so much towards the book, and its thoughts and so glad you enjoyed these! Lovely that you are interested in reading ‘The Book of Beginnings’. ❤️
This is a beautiful review, Annika! Reading your review makes me feel happy to see the happy relationship of Jo, Reverend Ruth, and Malcolm. What a wonderful way to heal Jo’s broken heart. It must be interesting to follow their journey and share their joy. I appreciate lyrical writings and thank you for pointing this out about Sally Page’s writing. I would love to help out in a stationary shop, but I’m afraid I would act like a customer, though.
Haha! Miriam, I thought just the same – what a dream to run a stationery shop but I think I would just want to buy everything! 😀 It was lovely to see how Jo, as she starts to make new friends and comes out of her destructive relationship, starts to put her own stamp on the shop with new up to date stock, lovely decorations. I could visualise it exactly! Alas there are not many such shops near to me otherwise I would be straight down there! 😀
Miriam, I am so glad you enjoyed the review and felt the connection with the diverse and engaging characters – it is wonderful when one becomes part of their lives in books as well as carried away by the various fascinating and unusual stories of them all. Happy Reading! 📖
This sounds like a wonderfully engaging and heartwarming read!
Very much so, Liz and a book I really did not want to end!
You’re welcome, Annika!
Oh that does sound like a book to envelop the reader. I must also look up her first novel.
Janet, that’s exactly the way to describe it – enveloping the reader! I love its uplifting feel-good nature yet never belittles the difficulties and trauma of life. Some of their stories were laugh-out-loud funny and that’s not often I come across that in books! I am sure you will enjoy her books.
Hello Anika, last night I went to the book shop that never closes and downloaded ‘The Keeper of Stories’ and ‘The Storyteller Speaks’.
There are some advantages to that particular book shop, Janet!! 😀 Aww … I’m smiling that my book ended up in your basket – thank you so much and hope you enjoy both this and Sally’s book very much.
Stationary shops, multi-generational relationships, slice of life – what’s not to like? I’ll keep my eye for it here in the States.
BTW: thought of you while I read “My Hygge Home” by Meik Wiking…I know Hygge is Danish and you’re Swedish…but I like to think it’s all part of the Scandinavian Outlook on Life!
😉
Lauara, that’s exactly what I thought! 😀 I was thrilled when NetGalley granted my request to review a pre-release copy. I do hope it soon arrives in America but couldn’t find out any exact information.
Oh, My Hygge Home is such a great book and one I read at my son’s and his girlfriend’s flat. Lots of ideas, philosophy and practical mingled into a delightful little book.Yes, it is a very Scandinavian approach to life and bless you for thinking of me! My home is very Swedish in style apart from the fact I do like the softness of British wall-to-wall carpeting. Alas the insulation of English homes are not good and wooden floors very cold otherwise! Happy Reading, my friend! xx❤️
A wonderful book review, Annika! Thank you for the introduction to Sally Page.
Rebecca, thank you so much and I’m glad you enjoyed this introduction to Sally Page and her work! I imagine she will soon become as well known as her author daughter, Libby.
I really enjoyed your review. Sounds like a good read.
Thank you, Lynette and it is a hugely engaging and memorable book! I just didn’t want to leave the characters there – especially since one moved to the town in Yorkshire where I grew up!
This book sounds awesome and beautiful, Annika. An excellent review. Good to know Sally is so talented. Thanks a lot 🙏🏻😊🙏🏻😊
Thank you so much, Kamal!🙏 Beautiful and awesome sums up the book perfectly! I was slightly cautious starting the book as I wanted it to be at least as good as her debut novel and wow, wonderful to see it even better! Sally Page has set the bar high for her next book!😀
Yes Annika, Sally Page has really set the bar high for her next book. You are always welcome dear ❤️❤️❤️
What a great review Annika. They all sound interesting characters and I especially want to read about the Vanishing Vicar and Erik The Viking! Can’t wait until the 28th September to buy this book.
Mike
Mike, thank you so much and it is great that you are smitten with the characters. Those two are terrific as are they all! Enjoy downloading and reading the book next month! So glad to introduce this book to you.
This sounds like a feel-good book! Thank you for sharing your review Annika.
Balroop, it is most definitely a feel-good and uplifting book – of the highest calibre!
Hi Annika, this is a very detailed and comprehensive review. The book sounds very interesting with plenty of human drama which I like.
Thank you so much, Robbie. As always it is a matter of giving enough of the story and writing so readers can make an informed decision but not giving away TOO much! There is very much drama, but never contrived, surrounding all the characters and the story moves swiftly and wonderfully along!
I like that kind of book 🌷
Thanks for the wonderful review, Annika. Sounds like a heartfelt story.
Lori, warmest thank and it is truly a heartfelt and equally heartwarming novel!
What an intriguing story. It’s difficult to find new friends.
Exactly, Jacqui and I love that Sally Page not only shows how Jo makes new friends, but that these are from various generations as well as reminding the reader how important it is to nurture current friendships – it is easy to take these for granted and let them slip a bit.
This sounds like a book I’d really enjoy. Thanks for sharing your review, Annika. xo
That’s wonderful, Jill! May it not be too long until the book is available in America. Hope you’re doing well. xx ❤️
Wonderful review, Annika. I want to read the book.
Thank you so much, Pat and glad that my review has interested you in this wonderful and uplifting book!
A great review, Annika. How wonderful to have such a book out in the world now. Thank you.
Selma, that is so true! With the world in such a flux we need our friends more than ever. This is such a heart-warming novel about friendships. My current read is a thriller and one of the main characters got a rescue dog to try and win new friends in the dog walking groups – alas this plan backfired as her dog is unruly! Hope you’re having a lovely summer. xx ❤️
Your review is a warm hug for the book and author and makes me want to take the journey with you and the characters. Thanks Annika.
Bless! Brad, thank you so much for your heart-warming comment – that is lovely! I’m glad it wants you to join the characters on their adventure of life! It was hard to leave them, I must admit!
To loving and fanciful journeys!
What a gorgeous review of a feel-good book, Annika. I feel good just reading the review, so the book must be a treasure. I enjoy books about friendship and books with beautiful language. And what a treat that it’s even better than Page’s first. Thanks for the thoughtful and heartfelt recommendation. ❤
Diana, I was slightly wary before I started the book as I enjoyed Sally Page’s first book so much – luckily this did not disappoint, as you can tell! It has it all! I’m so glad my review conveys the book’s feel-good and uplifting nature – that shows how caught up I am with the heart of the story and its characters.
❤
Thanks for the great review Annika. It sounds like a great book to get lost in.
Bernadette, exactly! I did lose myself thoroughly in this novel and it is one of those times it was hard getting into my next read. I can imagine a sequel for the characters but not sure the author (or publisher) will go that way.
I really enjoyed your review, Annika. It sounds like an uplifting story that I would enjoy reading.
Norah, that is terrific and one I’m sure you would enjoy very much!
It isn’t yet available as an audiobook, so I’ve purchased her earlier one: The Keeper of Stories. I’m looking forward to starting it in a couple of days.
I do love the review you have given ” The book of beginnings” . From the first sentence ” Sometimes one just needs an embrace”, how true is that.
You show us how Sally Page has shown just this in her book where care and kindness become such healing and lifegiveing embraces.
Not only does Jo take over her Uncle’s stationey shop, she does through her enthusiasm and care draw in other people who need friends and sharing. who also love old stationery shops. I am already hooked on all the charachters and can’t wait to learn more so have after first reading of your review been over to Amazon and pre-ordered the book.
Like you, Annika, I also was very taken with ” the Keeper of Stories” .
Thnks again for this treat of a review.
Miriam
Bless you for your wonderful and thoughtful comment, Miriam! 🙏I love how it captures the book and it is almost as if you have read it yourself! 😀 You are right that the author conveys the ‘care and kindness become such healing and lifegiveing embraces’. After her initial feeling of loss of self in the shop, Jo realises the potential within it and especially once she starts adding her stamp to it. It is heartwarming how so many are drawn into this world, how many she helps (but the writer does not pretend all are perfect and some very rude customers make a fleeting visit too!)😀
Miriam, I am sure this is a book that will win over your heart as much as it did mine. As you have pre-ordered it will appear ‘as if by magic’ on your kindle on the 28th! Enjoy! hugs xx❤️
Thank you for introducing me to this fascinating book so well, Annika. The author’s life seems so wonderfully supportive of her book ” The book of beginnings” . I will be so happy to read it when it comes out. Have a lovely day.
Yes, the author’s passion for fountain pens, and stationery definitely shines through in the book and serves as a fascinating and unique setting! It’s great my review has tempted you to read this upon its release! Wishing you a lovely day too! I’m just back from blackberry picking – a real treat this time of the year and freezing lots for the winter! 😀
How good to have some berries to freeze too. Ours need picking too.
Wonderful review, Annika!!
Thank you so much, Donna! ❤️
This book sounds delightful. Thanks for the excellent review.
Thank you so much, Darlene!😀 It’s a gem of a book to read and a joy to share here! Wishing you a lovely week. xx
A perfectly written Annika that makes me want to read this book. As a repressed stationary shop owner the book holds more than enough interest.
Haha! Amanda, I agree, for anyone with any interest in things stationery this is a dream – but luckily a great story and engaging characters as well. So glad this is now on your radar!