Meet Doris, a 96-year-old woman living alone in her Stockholm apartment. She has few visitors, but her weekly Skype calls with Jenny—her American grandniece, and her only relative—give her great joy and remind her of her own youth.
When Doris was a girl, she was given an address book by her father, and ever since she has carefully documented everyone she met and loved throughout the years. Looking through the little book now, Doris sees the many crossed-out names of people long gone and is struck by the urge to put pen to paper. In writing down the stories of her colorful past—working as a maid in Sweden, modelling in Paris during the 30s, fleeing to Manhattan at the dawn of the Second World War—can she help Jenny, haunted by a difficult childhood, unlock the secrets of their family and finally look to the future? And whatever became of Allan, the love of Doris’s life?
A charming novel that prompts reflection on the stories we all should carry to the next generation, and the surprises in life that can await even the oldest among us, The Red Address Book introduces Sofia Lundberg as a wise—and irresistible—storyteller.
*I received a free copy from the publisher and chose to leave a voluntary review. Thank you!*
This is one of those books that give you a feel good feeling after reading it, but also make you think a bit.
We meet Doris, who is 96 years old and very lonely except the Skype calls with her (grandniece) , throughout the book we learn long with Jenny Doris’s past and what all she life has dealt her.
All the people she met in her life and what and how big of an impact on her life that had.
The book heartwarming, but very emotional all over. Happy and sad, the good, the bad and even the ugly side of her life is laid out, all with the ups and downs.
I loved the writing, it just kept you glued and engaged to the story until the very last pages.
I really enjoyed how it all came together in the end.
Overall I really enjoyed this quick but fun and heartwarming book.
I rate it 4 ★
Will be available January 8, 2019.