Description:
Tom, single father to Hannah, is the manager of a tiny local theatre. On the same day each year, he and its colourful cast of part-time actors have staged a fantastical production just for his little girl, a moment of magic to make her childhood unforgettable.
But there is another reason behind these annual shows: the very first production followed Hannah's diagnosis with a heart condition that both of them know will end her life early. And now, with Hannah a funny, tough girl of fifteen on the brink of adulthood, that time is coming.
With the theatre under threat of closure, Hannah and Tom have more than one fight on their hands to stop the stories ending. But maybe, just maybe, one final day of magic might just save them both.
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What a wonderful book! I did wonder if Days of Wonder would be as good as Keith Stuart's first novel, A Boy Made of Blocks (one of my favourite books) but it is just as enjoyable. You can read my review of A Boy Made of Blocks HERE.
It's a story about Tom, a single father and manager of a small provincial theatre and Hannah his 15 year old daughter who was diagnosed with a serious heart condition at the age of 5. Tom and Hannah tell their story in alternating chapters supported by a wonderful cast of characters – mainly members of the local drama group who are like Tom and Hannah's extended family having always been there for Tom and his daughter. It's Tom and these friends who make the magic happen for Hannah.
Hannah knows her health is failing and her life could be cut short at any moment. Not only is Tom worrying about his daughter, his theatre is threatened with closure. While Tom is constantly worrying about Hannah she just wants to be like a normal teenager and do the things young people do. She also wants her dad to find a girlfriend so he will have someone when Hannah is no longer around. Her efforts to set her dad up with someone are very funny.
It didn't take long for me to become hooked. Keith Stuart has a great writing style, easy to read and yet there is so much in it. I felt as if I knew the characters and I would have loved to have been part of the group.
It's a story of fathers and daughters, friendship, love, family, community. The words that come to mind are: funny, tragic, joyous, glorious, triumphant, magical, heart warming and more. It brings out lots of emotions.
You might think that given the nature of Hannah's medical condition and her prognosis it could all turn out rather depressing. It's anything but. It's wonderful. (And it's a book I will definitely read again!)
[My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital review copy]
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