Then and Now – review (AD)
I was kindly given an electronic copy of Then and Now by R J Gould in exchange for an honest review*.
I’m a fan of R J Gould having previously read and enjoyed Nothing Man and Dream Café so I was very much looking forward to reading Then and Now.
Then and Now book blurb
Sandy is about to retire following an illustrious career as editor of an upmarket fashion magazine.
Michael can’t retire, he thinks his work to explain the dangers of climate change is far too important.
Jonathan would like to retire from running his fundraising consultancy but a family crisis is getting in the way.
These three were the best of friends at university before a tragedy wrecked their friendship. That was fifty years ago and they haven’t spoken since.
Sandy urges the other two to join her at a weekend reunion.
Together they reminisce about their student days, such a wild era with its heady mix of free love, drugs and ground-breaking music.
They share their life journeys since the Swinging Sixties – the successes and failures, the happiness and despair, and their optimism and fears for the future.
The reunion is drawing to a close.
Dare they tackle the incident that tore them apart, an event that has brought guilt for so many years?
If they are to have any chance of reconciliation they have to, but the clock is ticking.
My overall thoughts on Then and Now
I absolutely love this authors books and writing style and couldn’t wait to read Then and Now.
Then and Now focuses on three main characters – Sandy, Jonathan and Michael who were friends (and lovers) while at university together fifty years ago during the swinging sixties!
The story is told through the present day and flashbacks and we quickly learn about the trios lives now and how they are all rather unhappy and why.
Sandy, Jonathan and Michael have lived three very different lives since their graduation and their paths haven’t crossed until the tri are reunited for the first time in decades at the university reunion weekend.
The major elephant in the room is Stuart, the fourth friend from university who is absent at this reunion and not spoken about until the final chapters.
During this reunion, lives are examined, the past is slowly uncovered and the truth is finally spoken aloud.
We’re really taken on a journey with all three characters who are a crossroad in their own lives.
Sandy has recently retired after a super successful career in women’s magazines but feels like her personal life is lacklustre with her previous romantic relationships long forgotten and her relationship with her children not so strong.
Jonathan has had a successful career supporting fundraising endeavours with his wife but his personal life is in turmoil when his affair with his wife’s best friend leaves Jonathan with some serious decisions to make.
Michael has continued with a tougher less blessed life than his friends, he has continued to look after his mother, he had such a tough childhood and much less privilege in his life than Sandy and Jonathan. He’s still working doing what he loves at an environmental Think Tank but is it time that he retired and started really living beyond campaigning for the world?
I really enjoyed reading about the wild antics these four went through in their university days but Stuart’s story is very sad – no spoilers from me.
This was a poignant and life affirming read and I simply can’t wait for this authors next book.
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*Disclaimer
This review has been written with 100% honesty.
I was not financially compensated for this post. I was given an advance copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are completely my own based on my own experience.
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