Author:Val Wood
The choice was hers - fame and fortune or true love.
Poppy Mazzini, born in Hull over her father's grocery shop, lives up to the promise of her fiery red hair and Italian ancestry. Her lovely singing voice and good looks lead her to her great ambition - to go on the stage and see her name top of the bill. She becomes a music hall star both in her native town and in the south, after an appearance in the theatre at Brighton - she even performs in Paris, to tremendous acclaim. But when her first love, an ambitious shoemaker in her home town, becomes engaged to someone else Poppy is devastated. She disappears, believing that she will never return to her life of stardom. But her fame cannot be kep a secret...
A captivating love story
—— The Lady
'A wonderfully warm debut novel told with humour, charm and compassion ... I loved it, as will anyone who enjoys reading a good story, delightfully told.'
'A truly lovely and well told story.'
'An absolute delight. Without doubt, the most wonderful book you'll read this year.'
'A warm-hearted debut novel guaranteed to please.'
'A delightfully fresh and original novel with an unexpected sinister streak.'
'This warm first novel set in working-class Soho in the Fifties explores an adult world through a child's eyes ... The author spent her childhood in Soho which perhaps explains the convincing period detail.'
Anshaw's understated, casual tone is made delightful with small details.Vivid images hit home with finishing flourishes . . . Carry The One is an engaging narrative, eloquently told
—— FTCarol Anshaw is one of those authors who should be a household name . . . [a] fine, eloquent novel
—— USA TodaySuperb . . . [Anshaw] has a knack for capturing a personality in a single phrase
—— Financial TimesMoving and engaging . . . Anshaw has written not only a funny, smart and closely observed story, but also one that explores the way tragedy can follow hard on celebration, binding people together even more lastingly than passion.
—— Sylvia Brownrigg , The New York Times Book ReviewWords used to praise Anshaw's earlier novels - witty, warm, intimate, poignant - apply equally well to her most compelling book yet, a wholly seductive tale of siblings, addiction, conviction, and genius . . . Masterful in her authenticity, quicksilver dialogue, wise humour, and receptivity to mystery, Anshaw has created a deft and transfixing novel of fallibility and quiet glory
—— BooklistA brilliant feat of storytelling . . . one of the most intensely vibrant novels I've ever read
—— Boston GlobeFunny, touching, knowing . . . a quiet, lovely, genuine accomplishment
—— Publishers WeeklySplendid . . . sits somewhere between a Jonathan Franzen novel and a collection of haiku
—— Entertainment WeeklyAnshaw is that rare, brilliant, witty writer whose prose is rich and buttery, and whose plotting is as well-conceived and seamlessly executed as that of the most intricate thriller
—— Chicago TribuneIf you love Jonathan Franzen, you'll love this compelling book
—— Entertainment WeeklyGraceful and compassionate . . . Writing with rueful wit and a subtle understanding of the currents and passions that rule us, Anshaw demonstrates that struggling to do one's best, whatever the circumstances, makes for a life of consequence
—— PeopleA fine novel . . . stunning . . . wise
—— TLSAnshaw submerges the reader in gorgeous detail
—— IndependentCarol Anshaw's writing is cool and funny, outraged and sympathetic by turns. The book is full of sharp observations and memorable phrases
—— Literary ReviewBeautiful prose
—— Independent on SundayA series of beautifully detailed snapshots . . . an arresting examination of three intersecting lives, forcefully told
—— Telegraph