Em and Me by Beth Morrey (minor spoilers in review)

You can't change your past

But what comes next is up to you

That’s what life turns on, isn’t it? The choices and moments that change everything

Once upon a time, Delphine Jones had big dreams. Clever, beautiful and ambitious, she was going to get an education, travel the world, make her mark. But somewhere along the line, it all went wrong… Now Delphine is a struggling single mum, serving coffee for a living, fishing coins out the back of the sofa to make ends meet. All she wants is a safe place for her and her daughter Em, yet nothing she does makes a difference.

But there is one thing she never gave up: hope.

When a brief reprieve from her daily grind forces her to look outwards, she begins to remember who she is and what she’s capable of. Her world opens up, offering new opportunities, adventures – even love – if only she can put the past behind her.

Can hope bloom into something more for Delphine and Em?

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I've been sitting staring at this page for a while, because I can't figure out how to review this book. It's not a romcom; it's not a thriller; it's not meant as an inspirational, although it is quite. It's something all of its own, this book.

These trigger warnings are spoilers, so read at your own risk: arguably non consneual relationship between a teacher and pupil; death of a(n elderly) character.)

I loved this book. It's beautiful. Delphine just never gives up, she keeps plugging away even when things look grim. Em is clever, if slightly alarming, and I love the group of friends she builds around herself as the story moves on. I don't want to give too much away by mentioning names, but they were all fantastic, and I loved the oldest one the most. I did cry several times during this! Make of that what you will.

I can't really say this has an overall plot. It's a year, more or less, in Delphine's life - a fairly tumultuous year, which she finishes in a very different place than she started it. I enjoyed watching along as things change for her. There are frequent flashbacks, but I never found them jarring or confusing, as can sometimes happen.

Definitely buy this as soon as it's available. Also buy some tissues, because if you're anything like me you will cry.

Em and Me publishes on the 3rd of February, 2022, in the UK. In the US, it publishes on the 5th of April, 2022, under the title Delphine Jones Takes a Chance. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.