Book Review: The Coordinates Of Loss By Amanda Prowse

A few months ago I spotted The Coordinates Of Loss on Netgalley and after reading the blurb I decided I just had to request a copy and I was thrilled when I was accepted! Due to a huge TBR pile it has taken me a while to get round to reading it, but I hope you enjoy my review! Many thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy of this title.

Synopsis

When Rachel Croft wakes up on her family’s boat in Bermuda, it’s to sunshine and yet another perfect day…until she goes to wake her seven-year-old son, Oscar. Because the worst thing imaginable has happened. He isn’t there.

In the dark and desperate days that follow, Rachel struggles to navigate her grief. And while her husband, James, wants them to face the tragedy together, Rachel feels that the life they once shared is over. Convinced that their happy marriage is now a sham, and unable to remain in the place where she lost her son, she goes home to Bristol alone.

Only when she starts receiving letters from Cee-Cee, her housekeeper in Bermuda, does light begin to return to Rachel’s soul. She and James both want to learn to live again—but is it too late for them to find a way through together?

Review

Rachel and James Croft have a life most of us could only dream of, living in paradise on the sun-soaked island of Bermuda with their son Oscar. They have it all, financial security, a nice house and most importantly love. Until one fateful morning the couple wake on their private yacht to discover Oscar isn’t in bed and upon further investigation is no longer on the boat.

Their world comes crashing down in that very moment and when it becomes clear Oscar is gone without a trace the couple are left to deal with life after loss. Dealing with their grief in very different ways a wedge is created between the pair and they can’t see a way to be together as they were previously, a piece of their puzzle is missing.

Emotions are high and eventually Rachel feels the need to escape and finds herself travelling back to Bristol to stay with her parents to try to find a way to heal in the wake of Oscar’s death. Whilst in England she begins to receive letters from her housekeeper back in Bermuda, Cee-Cee, which become an unexpected source of support. By sharing her story from afar Cee-Cee tries to help Rachel heal and move forward despite her grief, but can that future include James?

As a Mother the storyline of this book is literally my worst nightmare played out within its pages. It’s brimming with raw emotion and I felt every step of Rachel and James’ journey in my own heart, walking side-by-side with them. The story explores grief in a way I’ve never read before, so openly and honestly. It covers the pain and the guilt the couple feel and highlights just how differently people who have experienced the same loss grieve, not just the couple but the wider family too.

Cee-Cee is an intriguing character and I loved reading her heartfelt letters which are filled not only with her own story, but also a wonderful message of hope about living life after tragedy. Despite her own sadness at Oscar’s passing Cee-Cee finds the strength to pass on her wisdom to help Rachel heal and have the second chance that the Croft family provided for her.

One thing for sure is that The Coordinates Of Loss is not a light, fluffy read, it’s a raw, heavy story that I just couldn’t put down. This heart breaking story is beautifully written and is one that will stay with me for a long time to come. Despite being so emotionally hard-hitting the underlying message of hope is what this book is all about and although I spent most of the book either crying or with a lump in my throat it’s that message I’ve taken away.

I really enjoyed reading The Coordinates Of Loss, it’s one of my favourite books this year. I haven’t read any of Amanda’s other novels, but I will certainly be adding some to my TBR list as I loved her writing style and I have heard so many wonderful things about her stories.

About The Author

Amanda Prowse likens her own life story to those she writes about in her books. After self-publishing her debut novel, Poppy Day, in 2011, she has gone on to author nineteen novels and six novellas. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages and she regularly tops bestseller charts all over the world. Remaining true to her ethos, Amanda writes stories of ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage and love tested in ways they never imagined. The most prolific female contemporary fiction writer in the UK, with a legion of loyal readers, she goes from strength to strength. Being crowned ‘queen of domestic drama’ by the Daily Mail was one of her finest moments. Amanda is a regular contributor on TV and radio, but her first love is, and will always be, writing.

The Coordinates Of Loss is available to purchase from Amazon*

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**We were sent a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.