It’s the last day of the blog tour for West Camel’s debut novel, Attend today and I’m delighted to be sharing my review with you.
First, here’s the blurb …
ORENDA BOOKS; None edition (15 Nov. 2018)
When Sam falls in love with Deptford thug Derek, and Anne’s best friend Kathleen takes her own life, they discover they are linked not just by a world of drugs and revenge; they also share the friendship of the uncanny and enigmatic Deborah.
Seamstress, sailor, story-teller and self-proclaimed centenarian immortal, Deborah slowly reveals to Anne and Sam her improbable, fantastical life, an exquisite history of hidden Deptford and, ultimately, the solution to their crises.
With echoes of Armistead Maupin, Attend is a beautifully written, darkly funny, mesmerisingly emotive and deliciously told debut novel, rich in finely wrought characters that you will never forget.
My thoughts …
Attend is a step away from my normal reads and boy am I glad I read it!
A character driven tale of loneliness, redemption, and love, Attend is beautifully written and completely captivated me from the first page until the last.
Camel has such a way with words and his descriptives had me in the pages, practically stood in the background while the scenes were unfolding around me, it was wonderful!
There isn’t much I can say about the plot that’s not covered in the blurb without spoiling the story, but trust me, this is one book you will want to add to your TBR pile!
Although mainly character driven, the scenery and history steeped into the story are a huge part of this book’s draw. Deborah takes us on a journey through the years as she details the changes she experienced in Deptford and the stories she tells are tantalizing and enthralling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, a fantastic debut, and an author I’m excited to see more from.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater and the team at Orenda Books for my spot on the tour!
You can get your copy now!
About the author …
Born and bred in south London – and not the Somerset village with which he shares a name – West Camel worked as an editor in higher education and business before turning his attention to the arts and publishing. He has worked as a book and arts journalist, and was editor at Dalkey Archive Press, where he edited the Best European Fiction 2015 anthology, before moving to new press Orenda Books just after its launch. He currently combines his work as editor at Orenda Books with writing and editing a wide range of material for various arts organisations, including ghost-writing a New-Adult novel and editing The Riveter magazine for the European Literature Network. He has also written several short scripts, which have been produced in London’s fringe theatres, and was longlisted for the Old Vic’s 12 playwrights project. Attend is his first novel.
You can follow West on Twitter @west_camel
Emma The Little Bookworm 