The Summer of Broken Stories Book Review and Giveaway

The Summer of Broken Stories is the latest novel from writer James Wilson and I was lucky enough to be given a copy to read and review from Alma books.

England 1950s. While out playing in the woods ten year old Mark meets a man living in an old railway carriage. Despite his wild appearance, the stranger who introduces himself as Aubrey Hillyard is captivating - an irreverent outsider who is shunned by Mark's fellow villagers and a writer to boot. Aubrey encourages Mark to tell stories about his own make believe world, an in return he informs the boy about a novel he is writing - a work of ominous science fiction.

As the meddling villagers plot to drive Aubrey out, Mark finds himself caught between two worlds - yet convinced that he must help Aubrey prevail at any cost. 

I'll start off by saying this book is not quite what I imagined it would would be. When reading the blurb I expected a bit of drama to unfold but this story is almost magical.

Mark is a 10 year old boy, he's growing up but still at a stage in life where he sees the innocence in things so when he happens upon Aubrey Hillyard when his dog Barney runs off, he is more than willing to step into the railway carriage in which he is residing and befriend him.

Everything starts off innocently enough, Mark warms to Aubrey as they both like to make up stories, Aubrey the writer talks about his storyline revolving around 'the brain' whilst Mark conjures his ideas up as he plays, a make believe place named Peveril.

Things start to sway to the mysterious side when other villagers warn Mark away from this "stranger", apparently he's a bad man and he is definitely not wanted in their village but the question is why?

Around the same time Mark makes himself another friend, Lou Bennett, she turns out to be the daughter of the new shop owner. Both children are drawn in by Aubrey's tales and continue to visit despite being told not to.

Could this man really be dangerous? What are his real plans?

What I love about this story is that it shows just how innocent children can be. We all get told about stranger danger but when someone is so nice to you it can be hard to see them in that way. This book is both mysterious and magical.

There are two worlds being seen throughout, the real and the imaginary, both just as interesting and ultimately leading to the same ending. Mark's friend Lou is a feisty one and adds a real depth to the tale.

This story is written in what I would describe an almost classic tone, you really feel like you are back in the olden days with how well everything is described.

Definitely a book to sit and read when you have a quiet moment.

Now if you like the sound of this tale then you can be in with a chance of winning your own copy by entering the giveaway below. Open to UK residents only, this competition will close at 11.59pm on the 16th June 2015. All entries will be checked and verified so make sure to enter correctly.

Good luck everyone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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