Monday 27 July 2015

Secrets of the Pomegranate by Barbara Lamplugh
Release Date: 23rd April 2015
Publisher: Silverwood Books
Genres: Contemporary Fiction



Passionate, free-spirited Deborah has finally found peace and a fulfilling relationship in her adopted city of Granada - but when she is seriously injured in the Madrid train bombings of 2004, it is her sister Alice who is forced to face the consequences of a deception they have maintained for ten years. At Deborah's home in Granada, Alice waits, ever more fearful. Will her sister live or die? And how long should she stay when each day brings the risk of what she most dreads, a confrontation with Deborah's Moroccan ex-lover, Hassan? At stake is all she holds dear... '


Secrets of the Pomegranate deals with topical themes such as inter-cultural relationships and the moral dilemmas around truth and lies – whether personal or political. It explores, with compassion, sensitivity and - despite the tragic events - humour, the complicated ties between sisters, between mothers and sons and between lovers, set against a background of cultural difference and prejudices rooted in Granada's long history of Muslim-Christian struggles for power.
“Lamplugh does a great job of unveiling a little at a time – but still maintaining tension until the surprise of the final revelation.” Rebecca Foster, Bookbag




https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25411776-secrets-of-the-pomegranate?from_search=true&search_version=service_impr


Secrets of the Pomegranate is one of those books that held my interest from the first page with what was literally an explosive start! Centred around the effects of the Madrid bombings, this harrowing tale of family secrets and the unconditional love of family makes for at times a harrowing and sad tale of two very different sisters whose love for one another rescues them both in very different but at the same time similar ways. The secret they share must be protected but at what cost? 

This book is rich in interesting characters from different cultural backgrounds who add a wealth of colour and dimensions to this book. Barbara Lamplugh has painted such a vivid picture of Spain that the reader is instantly transported there. Hell, I even bought some pomegranates! Told from the perspectives of Alice and Mark, Deborah's son, I liked how each saw Deborah's situation and the emotions that each felt around what had happened to Deborah. We gain an insight into Deborah's life in Spain through diary entries and gain a greater understanding into just what sort of woman Deborah was and I loved her spirit, strength and courage. But there's also a vulnerable side to Deborah too and like Alice, the reader is given a glimpse into the 'other' Deborah. I just loved this beautifully written book and simply could not put it down. And, I'm not afraid to admit that the raw emotions in the book reduced me to a blubbering idiot. Highly recommended. 

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About the Author



 
Barbara Lamplugh has been writing since the 1970s. Her love of adventure and travel took her first on an overland journey to Kathmandu, which inspired her to write Kathmandu by Truck (1976) and then on the Trans-Siberian railway, by boat to Japan and around SE Asia, which led to her second book, Trans-Siberia by Rail (1979). Becoming a mother put a stop to such long travels but not to writing. She turned instead to fiction, inspired by the often fascinating and unexpected stories of ordinary people she came across in her work in the community. She also wrote occasional articles for magazines and newspapers, including The Guardian and Times Educational Supplement. In 1999, with her two children now independent, she moved to Granada in Spain, where Secrets of the Pomegranate is set. Her encounters and experiences of life in Granada provide her with abundant inspiration. For several years she worked as a features writer for Living Spain magazine, contributing around a hundred articles on topics ranging from Olive Oil to Machismo to Spanish names. Alongside her writing, she teaches English, edits and translates. With two children and five grandchildren in the UK, she makes regular visits there. Other passions include cycling, dancing, travel, jazz and reading.

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One Response so far.

  1. Dawnio63 says:

    I love the cover..very enticing!

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