Who Would Like This Book:
This heartwarming 'coming-of-old' story sparkles with wit, hope, and second chances. Missy Carmichael - a 79-year-old widow - finds her lonely routine beautifully disrupted by a spirited dog and an unlikely group of friends. If you enjoy character-driven tales about redemption, family, and the magic of new connections later in life (think "Eleanor Oliphant" or "A Man Called Ove"), you'll be smitten with Missy. Animal lovers and fans of British charm will especially appreciate the gentle humor and emotional depth.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or fast-paced drama, you might find Missy’s measured journey a bit too gentle. Some readers found the pacing slow, struggled to connect with the side characters, or weren’t fans of the alternating timelines. If you prefer stories that dive straight into excitement or avoid reflective, emotional exploration, this might not be your cup of tea.
About:
The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of a 79-year-old widow, Missy, who is initially portrayed as lonely and bitter, reminiscing on past mistakes and feeling disconnected from her children. However, her life takes a turn when she befriends two younger women, a little boy, and a dog named Bob, leading to a journey of self-discovery and newfound friendships. The book alternates between the present and the past, exploring Missy's life, marriage, family, and the transformative power of forgiveness and companionship in old age.
The narrative of The Love Story of Missy Carmichael captures the essence of aging, love, and the fear of embracing new opportunities in later stages of life. Through the character of Missy, author Beth Morrey weaves a tale that celebrates ordinary days made extraordinary through the bonds of friendship, family, and self-acceptance at any age. The book is described as a "life affirming, deeply moving 'coming of old' story," portraying Missy's late-life journey towards rediscovering joy, connection, and a sense of belonging in a heartwarming and poignant manner.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of grief and the potential death of a pet, which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
For readers of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and A Man Called Ove, a life-affirming, deeply moving "coming-of-old" story, a celebration of how ordinary days are made extraordinary through friendship, family, and the power of forgiving yourself-at any age.
"At a time when people are having to isolate, [this novel is] a balm, offering an expansive sense of love and possibility when the main characters feel like those chances are gone." -Christian Science Monitor
Missy Carmichael's life has become small.
Grieving for a family she has lost or lost touch with, she's haunted by the echoes of her footsteps in her empty home; the sound of the radio in the dark; the tick-tick-tick of the watching clock.
Spiky and defensive, Missy knows that her loneliness is all her own fault. She deserves no more than this; not after what she's done. But a chance encounter in the park with two very different women and one lovable dog opens the door to something new.
Another life beckons for Missy, if only she can be brave enough to grasp the opportunity. But seventy-nine is too late for a second chance. Isn't it?
Ratings (4)
Loved It (2) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (18):
Read It (4) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (4) |
1 comment(s)
Missy Carmichael rambles around her large house alone, having grown children overseas or estranged, alone in here aged-ness. Through flashbacks and memories, the reader learns Missy's life story and the details of her marriage, education, and current life. Over the course of her 79th year, her world expands with new friendships, experiences, and repaired family relations, largely due to a dog she fosters, in a way. Well told and somewhat breezy, the lightness somewhat betraying deep connections and larger issues. A few surprising twists at various points, an enjoyable read for fans of Fredrick Backman, Gail Honeyman and the like.
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The Love Story of Missy Carmichael?
About the Author:
Beth Morrey's work has been published in the Cambridge and Oxford May Anthologies and shortlisted for the Grazia Orange First Chapter competition. She is the author of The Love Story of Missy Carmichael. She lives in London with her family and dog.
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