Judy Finnigan will be known to most as the other half of ‘Richard and Judy’. She is also a journalist, author and with Richard creator of the Richard and Judy Book Club. ‘Eloise’ is her first novel and although called Eloise, it is really the story of Cathy, the best friend of Eloise. Cathy is still reeling from the death of Eloise from breast cancer. Cathy has a history of depression and is mentally fragile. When she begins to have dreams about Eloise’s death and believes she is being contacted by her, her husband Chris, a psychiatrist puts it down to her mental instability. The story follows Cathy as she seeks to find out the truth of Eloise death
There is a tendency (by me) to dismiss novels written by well known personalities, and had this book not come to me via my mum who just happens to be a member of our postal book club then I suspect I would have done the same with this one. I’m glad I didn’t because had I done so I would have missed out on a well told story that kept me reading late into the night to finish it.
I guess I would describe this as a ‘gentle ghost story’. It is not spine chilling, which suits me well, as I’m not a particular fan of a ghost story but I do like something which keeps me guessing and makes me feel slightly edgy. There is a haunting quality to this novel which managed to do that.
I initially felt a little frustrated by Cathy’s character and her acquiescence to her over bearing and arrogant husband Chris but I warmed to her as she became stronger and able to stand up to Chris and those others who so readily tried to put her down. As the story develops and an increasing number of unexplained events occur, Cathy gradually gains the support of those around her.
Judy Finnigan clearly knows and loves Cornwall. The landscape the food and the weather of Cornwall features heavily. I love Cornwall and was more than happy to read about places I know and places I realise I really want to get to know. The house Cathy and her family have sounds amazing complete with its summer house / writing room. I found myself dreaming of such a place. There is a magic and mystery to Cornwall and I do think Judy Finnegan manages to capture this.
This is not highbrow or great literature but it is a story that engages and reaches a reasonably satisfying conclusion! A good Cornwall based holiday read.