Five people. Five chances. One woman’s search for happiness. Freckles is a joyful read about taking a chance on yourself and those around you.
Allegra Bird’s arms are scattered with freckles, a gift from her beloved father. But despite her nickname, Freckles has never been able to join all the dots. So when a stranger tells her that everyone is the average of the five people they spend the most time with, it opens up something deep inside.
The trouble is, Freckles doesn’t know if she has five people. And if not, what does that say about her? She’s left her unconventional father and her friends behind for a bold new life in Dublin, but she’s still an outsider. Now, in a quest to understand, she must find not one but five people who shape her – and who will determine her future.
Told in Allegra’s vivid, original voice, moving from modern Dublin to the fierce Atlantic coast, this is an unforgettable story of human connection, of friendship, and of growing into your own skin.
There is no doubt that Irish writer Cecelia Ahern is beloved amongst the BR community, as well as by millions of readers globally. Her novels, including her bestselling debut PS. I Love You, have sold over twenty-five million copies and are published in over thirty languages. Freckles is another heartwarming read to add to her collection.
Freckles is an unusual book that follows Allegra and an eccentric cast of characters. Allegra lives a simple, regimented life, enjoying the stability and orderliness of her job as a parking inspector in Dublin. The lack of quotation marks throughout the book means that Allegra’s thoughts and dialogue flow at a rapid pace. She’s an endearing character, with insecurities, flaws and complex family relationships that I’m sure many readers will relate to. The underlying concept of an individual being an average of the five people they spend the most time with also makes interesting food for thought.
There’s something familiar and charming about an Ahern novel set in her home country of Ireland, and Freckles ticked all my boxes for a bit of armchair travel. From the historic Georgian streets of Dublin to the lush green countryside and rugged West coast, the settings were beautifully portrayed. It’s a lovely escape during lockdown.
Freckles is a charming yet unusual read from Ahern, who shows no signs of slowing down her already prolific writing career. We’re certainly not complaining.
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