Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers

Themes/Triggers: self-discovery, confinement, relationships, sexuality, loneliness, longing, abortion, rape.

Synopsis & Review: A historical fiction set in 1950's south-east London. The main character of this story is Jean Swinney, a middle-aged independent woman who lives with her mother. Jean is a writer for the local paper the North Kent Echo. She is the only female on the team, and lives a rather uneventful life - when Jean isn't working she is taking care of her mother. She has no real friends or family nearby.

The paper is contacted by a young Swiss woman Gretchen Tilbury, who claims she a daughter through a virgin birth. Jean is set with the task to investigate whether this story is genuine before she can feature it in her column. So she begins to connect with the Tilbury's and digs deep into Gretchen's past. Along the way the two women develop a good friendship and Jean finds an unexpected love for the Tilbury family as well. She finds in them, all the relationships she could have had. But, after a lifetime limited to small pleasures can Jean bear the price for her happiness?

I must admit, I was drawn to this book because of its beautiful cover. After reading the blurb I was curious and interested in Gretchen's story and wanted to know the truth behind the virgin birth. There are two main aspects to the plot; the mystery behind the 'virgin birth' and Jean's own personal story. I really enjoyed both parts and found they were interwoven seamlessly. The characters are well-written and likeable, especially Jean. I loved how Chambers wrote about simple everyday things with such elegance and precision which made this a very delightful read. I didn't want to rush through it to discover the plot but wanted to savour the words purely because of the prose. The light humour throughout brings a special touch to the novel. I particularly enjoyed the wholesome feature of Jean's writing columns blended throughout the book.

I have mixed feelings towards the ending, I thought it was harsh and abrupt. After everything the characters go through I just wished there was more for them. I wanted the story to continue from Jean's perspective. I wanted to know the aftermath of the final event. Although I did sort of see the finale coming I was hoping for something better! Nonetheless, I would still recommend this book as it was a pleasant read.

This story is a good reminder that some secrets are better left unrevealed and sometimes the smallest pleasures in life are the greatest.

Rating: 4/5

Favourite Quotes:

'She knew the transformation was only illusory and fleeting but for a moment she felt a rare kinship with those legions of women who bother with such things and take pleasure in them.'

'Never before had she considered that all these experiences that had nearly demolished her had built her into something better.'