Book Review - Undressing Stone (Hazel Manuel)

I recently finished reading Undressing Stone which was my lucky dip book from Cinnamon Press. I fell in love with Hazel Manuel's way of writing and absolutely adored this book.  The question If you were able, how would you redesign your life is posed by Sian's shrink. Unable to wangle any leave from work she resigns from the call centre in Wales and moves to rural France to take up residence in a cottage owned by her aunt and uncle. The terms are for one year in which time Sian must bring the cottage to a point where it is salable. Her ex husband tries to dissuade her but with her son working in India she feels there is nothing to stay for.

There are vivid descriptions of the cottage and the work Sian sets to doing. I love the conversations she has with herself (the resident ghost is what Sian calls this other voice). Sian has lots to reconcile from her old life while getting to know her new neighbours, including the odd encounters with a mysterious sculptor who likes to work in the nude.

The blurb on the back of the book doesn't reveal how much humour is within the pages. I couldn't put this down. I like the way there are hints of a secret, something Sian finds it hard to think about let alone explain to her ex husband and son. She carries a lot of guilt and sadness too. Then just as Sian comes to a decision something happens that blows things apart.

Wonderfully written. A thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable book. You can buy ta copy from Amazon or direct from the Cinnamon Press website.