With a blend of magical dress making and historical fiction, Barbara Davis weaves an enchanting tale of both tragic and hopeful discovery.
To be honest, I sat down to plan this review and drew a blank. All I could think was, “I loved that”, and sorting my thoughts into coherent sentences seemed impossible, which to me, is usually a good sign. The Keeper of Happy Endings did not make me think so much as feel, which is what all good books tend to do. Enjoying things is mostly subjective and for whatever reason, this book spoke to me. So, as I collect my thoughts, maybe I can convince you that it might speak to you too.
When I read the synopsis of The Keeper of Happy Endings, it was amongst a few other books in Amazon’s First Reads scheme, and I was immediately drawn to it. I’m always up for historical fiction even though I don’t read it often, and the inclusion of magic sways my opinion towards something far more than it should. Magic you say? Don’t mind if I do!
The book follows two women, one of which is Soline Roussel, who worked in her family’s bridal salon in Paris, their magical hand-made gowns promising to deliver a lifetime of joy for their wearers. This life is turned upside down for Soline when World War II begins and eventually, she must leave everything she knows behind, except a few precious mementos which she keeps locked away in a box.
This box is found by Rory Grant after she leases a property from Soline while dealing with her own loss. An easy friendship develops between the two women when she returns it, and the story follows them as they unveil similarities about their lives, help one another to heal from their losses and uncover long-kept secrets.
“We’re kindred spirits, you and I. Strangers who share a common past.”
Barbara Davis, The Keeper of Happy Endings
The Keeper of Happy Endings is a novel about discovery, especially of things you had not felt were lost. What one might find, thanks to this novel, is an enchanting read of trials conquered and unlikely friendships. Each character is vividly developed, the familial relationships incredibly intricate and the story gripping from start to finish. Davis includes lovely reflections on love and humanity, often filtered through the kaleidoscopic lens of the Roussel family’s magic.
Soline’s melancholic point of view had a maturity that Rory’s did not, a frank acceptance of behaviour and even intrusive feelings that Rory’s did not. This stark difference between their voices creates a clarity between them, and there is never any question whose life we were being made privy to. Individual, yet uncannily alike, the two women’s points of view are a joy to read.
Being so thoroughly enraptured by the reading experience, I struggled to find anything I didn’t like, but if I had to pick out something, it would be that I felt there were a few questions left unanswered, especially with regards to the magic. However, I cannot really delve deeper into my issue with that without spoiling the book, so I’ll have to leave it at that. In other words, the ending was satisfying for me in some ways, but lacking in others.
It’s a great book if you like historical fiction, specifically those that touch on WWII, though it is worth saying that Davis does not push the culture of the eighties, which the other half of the book is set in, very much and it feels like those aspects could have been written today with only the inclusion of the internet making a difference. If a touch of magical realism is your thing, as it is mine, then I think you will like this book too.
I would give The Keeper of Happy Endings five out of five stars. It was an inspiring story with a great setting, well developed characters, and a little bit of magic. What more could you want?
Don’t forget to subscribe below if you want to get a little email to notify you whenever I post, or leave a comment here or on my Instagram if you like!
Read 'N Riot 