Freckles: The gripping and emotional Sunday Times top ten bestseller from million-copy bestselling author Cecelia Ahern: The uplifting and emotional ... million-copy bestselling author Cecelia Ahern

Product Information

This book surprised me in how much I ended up enjoying it by the end (genuine tears in my eyes/lump in my throat at some bits at the end!). I think I was being a bit snobby thinking this was going to be fine, but nothing amazing and while it wasn't the best book I've read this year, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and Allegra's journey. To date, Cecelia’s books have sold 25 million copies internationally, are published in over 40 countries, in 30 languages. The thread that links my work is in capturing that transitional period in people’s lives. I’m drawn to writing about loss, to characters that have fallen and who feel powerless in their lives. I am fascinated and inspired by the human spirit, by the fact that no matter how hopeless we feel and how dark life can be, we do have the courage, strength and bravery to push through our challenging moments. We are the greatest warriors in our own stories. I like to catch my characters as they fall, and bring them from low to high. My characters push through and as a result evolve, become stronger and better equipped for the next challenge that life brings. I like to mix dark with light, sadness with humour, always keeping a balance, and always bringing the story to a place of hope.” I didn't bother reading the blurb, so I had no expectations. Based solely on the cover, I was hoping it wasn't going to be a historical fiction novel, and I was glad to discover it was a contemporary novel. It was also great to have just one POV for a change. What stood out for me, particularly since I was listening to the audiobook, was how natural and believable the narrator was. The voice is very important, especially when it comes to the first-person point of view. I was gripped early on and found ways to keep listening.

This was slow, hard going and the only positive thing I can say is, the characters were well developed.I have enjoyed all of Cecilia Ahern's books in the past and this story was as equally as charming as the stories that came before it. The pandemic has put an end to her boxing but on her long daily walks, Ahern plays movies and plots in her head, ones she has written herself. “And I never want to stop doing that,” she says. “My kids think I am boring. I won’t take risks like go on rollercoasters but I take risks in my work. And I want to make it better each time.” For fans of Eleanor Oliphant and other novels with a quirky lead character just trying to find her way in life. I’ve already decided I’m not going to answer that question, because I don’t even know who the five people are and I don’t even want to think about it ... I know that’s a really horrible answer, but it’s not why I write the books. All I can do is create a character and tell the story from her perspective, how she sees it ... that’s how I write. Otherwise I’d be doing what you do, which is non-fiction, but that’s a skill I don’t have.” First of all, I can’t read an Ahern book without wanting to visit Ireland. She brings the towns and cities to life; creating such interesting characters that I want to walk down the street and meet for myself. I certainly feel myself immersed in the worlds she creates.

Although things didn't go exactly to plan, Allegra still makes the best of her new life and is content with her lot. Until she meets someone who changes her perception of her life and the people she surrounds herself with.Cecelia Ahern (born 30 September 1981) is an Irish novelist, known for her works like PS, I Love You; Where Rainbows End; and If You Could See Me Now. Born in Dublin, Ahern is now published in nearly fifty countries, and has sold over 25 million copies of her novels worldwide. Two of her books have been adapted as major motion films. The short story collection Roar has been adapted as a series for Apple TV+.

I loved Allegra’s voice. Ahern delivers her narrative in a very conversational way reflecting her personality. There’s a very ‘matter of fact’ tone to her writing that makes this very accessible and engaging.

Een vriendin met een rugzak en vanaf het moment dat ze Tristan ontmoet gaat ze op zoek naar haar vijf. Ze gaat op zoek naar zichzelf en naar wie ze wil zijn. En op een gegeven moment herkende ik delen van mezelf in Allegra. Die stoere, lieve meid. Die onwijs sterke meid, een doorzetter. Ze werd een voorbeeld voor mij en ik heb haar in mijn hart gesloten. Ze hield me een spiegel voor: álles kan als je in jezelf gelooft. At the same time she’s grappling with her eccentric landlords, unusual part-time job and keeps running into Tristan who’s trying to atone for his initial behaviour. A beautiful, hopeful book when the world needs hope most... inspiring, life-affirming and full of insight’ Cathy Kelly

What if the people who have the power to change your life are the ones who have been there all along...This was my first book by Cecelia Ahern, but based on this book it will definitely be the first of many. I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling in this book, which was very well structured with some great characters and great scenes.