I have just finished my first read of the summer hols, Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella, and thought I would post a quick review as I loved it so much.Lara is a young woman dissatisfied with her life, not knowing how to find true happiness nor having the self belief to begin her personal journey. Sadie is a rather confident ghost, paradoxically full of energy, desperately wanting to experience a last Charleston, to feel that certain sizzle whilst in search of a treasured dragonfly necklace, which is to unlock her future and her past. In Lara Sadie finds the only person who she can communicate with and although Lara is at first reluctant to aid her personal haunter in her, for Sadie insists on such boldness and such courage which are frightening to express,as the story progresses she allows herself to take control of her beliefs and the amazing adventure she has been thrown into, growing into a beautiful person both inside and out.
As a lover of the 1920s era with its zest for life, its sparkle and its daring, I couldn’t resist this book even though I was a little weary as Kinsella has never appealed to me before. I was pleasantly surprised by an original story line, full of humour intertwined with an abundance of powerful messages on how to live life to its full potential.
This book is worth reading for the fiery character of Sadie alone and I was left with a deep longing to know more of he rincredible story, there is surely the potential for a prequel there! I very much enjoyed dipping into an era of such vibrance and found the the contrast with life now very poignant, for it is so easy to live and believe that measured, calculated and often corporate lifestyle which Lara is part of at the beginning instead of following the passion that Sadie evokes. I loved the hope that the reader is able to find in Lara, that we can open ourselves to that inner spirit and tap into our own adventure.
Another theme which touched me greatly was the treatment of the older generations, for Sadie is the ghost of Lara’s great aunt, who she knew very little of. How many of us judge by the body’s outer mask, and simply don’t make the time to look for the person inside? I fully agree with Kinsella that we should value the life and the sheer wealth of experiences of each individual and celebrate these human beings rather than dismiss in them in favour of our busy lifestyles.
Yes, Twenties Girl it is a feel good story but such stories have such an important part to play in a world which is so often ruled by pessimism, seriousness and monotony.
