This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Kate Appleton
Sally is a woman of many (hidden) talents. She's been working as wardrobe mistress at the Royal Opera House, not telling a soul she's a damn good singer. But then she's only able to sing if she's shut inside her wardrobe, where it's safe. But she made a promise to her cousin Fiona that she would audition for Opera School and for complicated reasons, she can't get out of it – even though she'd rather claw her own eyes out than sing in public. Sally has a lot to learn, but will she figure out that stage fright is about more than forgetting the words? And that perhaps her real problems lie very much closer to home?
I enjoyed the style of this book and the way it moved seamlessly – i.e. un-confusingly – between the past, present and future of our leading lady Sally. This choice enabled author Lucy to keep the momentum and also stagger the plot twists and revelations leading up to the very end.
However, with regards to our central character, Sally, I was divided. On one hand, her constant self-deprecation and low self-esteem was grinding to the point I almost felt she was digging for compliments. Then, on the other, her family history and relationship with her parents made this level of second guessing and wardrobe singing understandable. As an aside there was also a random thread, one could say a preference, towards scatological imagery, which was slightly disconcerting especially when inputted at romantic junctures. Aside from these distinctly minor issues, Sally is a role model and a character that develops beautifully throughout the story surprising herself and, on occasion, the reader.
Her cousin Fiona, whom I preferred, comes from a line of dark and mentally depressive women and she is no exception. A beautiful ballerina, she is spiraling out of control and is a stark and brutal account of the truth that people can help you, but if you’re not ready to listen or act, no-one can save you from yourself. Thankfully, light relief and brilliance comes in the form of eccentric Hungarian opera singer Jan Borsos – a book should be created about him alone. The dialogue created by Lucy is hilarious and I loved this character.Finally, another lesson you learn during this story is whatever you’re thinking or imagining is usually wrong. Therefore, instead of assuming that someone thinks one thing about you, air your dirty laundry, shout out your grievances and pick up the phone and speak to that person (your family!) and deal with the situation. The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me is a romantic-comedy, but it brings a fresh edge and a soupcon of witty characters to remove it from generic chick lit. If you’re looking for an addictive summer read, look no further.
7/10