This is a ‘feel-good’ novel - I had the comforting feeling that everything would work out - however desperate the situation seemed to be. The book is set in Paradise Gardens, Hackney, London in the latter half of 1945. The background of a country whose people are weary from the deprivations engendered by the war is really superb. The characters ring true as London inhabitants and their use of language is lovely - Cockney rhyming slang and the ordinary East Ender’s voice are employed. The special slang that appealed to me particularly was that of the ‘sea queen’ Ronnie Rigby who was obviously stamped from the same mould as Sandy and Julian in the BBC Radio series of the 50s and 60s, Round the Horne. A polite example of this slang is omie for man - most of Ronnie’s comments in the book are sexual references as were those in Round the Horne! All language is provided with translations for the uninitiated.
he story is character driven and you feel great concern that these people will
deal with their harsh problems. Zelda Fluck is the narrator of the tale and
every event is viewed through her eyes; since she has some ability as a clairvoyant
she sees a great deal. The overt mystery element concerns strange and dangerous
happenings around the local healer, Zinnia Makepeace but the suspense also builds
up around the choices that Zelda and her friends must make. The book is a joy
to read.
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Jennifer Palmer
Pip Granger has published 4 books so far, all are set, wholly or partly, in
Soho after WW2. The first was Not All Tarts are Apples which is narrated
by a child who is born at the end of Trouble in Paradise, The Widow
Ginger is a sequel to Not all Tarts are Apples and No Peace for
the Wicked concerns a further Soho adventure. ran Varady.