Publisher : Pan; Main Market edition (27 Oct. 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 480 pages
ISBN-10 : 1529084253
ISBN-13 : 978-1529084252
Synopsis
The right words can change everything . . .
It had been a make-or-break Winter holiday for their marriage, but Natasha and Rob’s rekindled romance is short-lived when their daughter’s beloved soft toy disappears on the journey home. As Natasha comforts her distraught child, she turns to social media for help. Miraculously, the toy is found, but it has become the lucky mascot of a man named Duffy, who is thousands of miles away trekking in Nepal.
When Duffy promises to keep Natasha updated with pictures, a correspondence begins that soon becomes more meaningful. Sometimes, Natasha feels this stranger half way across the world understands her more than the man lying next to her.
But as the weeks pass and Duffy heads deeper into the mountains, Natasha notices a change in him. Then one day, the messages stop. Too late, Natasha wonders why he had ever needed a lucky mascot at all.
Review
I don’t read many festive books but every year I do read Karen Swan’s offering. What draws me to her books is that they are not overly fluffy or Christmassy if that makes sense, they always have a thought provoking plot line and more often than not are set in some wonderful locations. The Christmas Postcards is the perfect example of this formula at work, set partly in Nepal, partly in Somerset and is a story of loss, love, family and secrets.
Karen Swan always draws characters that readers can relate to, and Natasha is someone most parents or grandparents could relate to.; a child’s lost favourite toy can be distressing to both child and parent. The catalyst to the story of Natasha and Duffy is a soft cow toy, lost by Natasha’s three year old daughter Mable. Duffy finds Moolah, as Mable calls her, and takes her as a good luck charm on his journey to climb Annapurna. When Natasha goes on social media to find her daughter’s beloved toy she finds herself in correspondence with Duffy.
Whilst Natasha seems to have the perfect life, perfect marriage and perfect child, she still feels lonely as her husband works away a lot. Duffy’s ‘postcards’ become a solace for her as she follows his journey. Duffy on the other hand is trekking across Nepal alone, on a mission to climb Annapurna, something that has personal significance for him. He is a troubled character, on what feels like a journey to self destruction at times but Karen Swan shows how a simple connection between two people can make all the difference to both.
As mentioned above, the settings chosen by Karen Swan are an integral part of the plot. Nepal and the Himalayan mountains may not be as glamorous as previous choices but it was a beautiful and powerful choice that fitted well with the themes of this book. Karen Swan captured the majesty and beauty of these huge mountains and juxtaposed that with the danger and respect that they deserve from those who try to conquer them. I found my self looking up details and images of Annapurna and it’s base camps as I followed Duffy’s progress and felt I became part of his perilous journey.
I have to say Karen Swan has created another perfect festive read. I loved the characters of Natasha and Duffy, both facing personal battles of their own and how Moolah became a talisman between them and Mable. Whilst this may be classed as a Christmas book, it could be read at any time of year as Christmas is not the main focus of this book, just that it is set in December and has a message of new beginnings. A stunning setting, secrets, lies, adventures with a touch of wit and warmth made this such a fascinating and fabulous read.