The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey

The Love Story of Missy Carmichael is a charming, but sometimes sad, read about the life of an older woman living on her own.

From the Publisher: “For readers of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and A Man Called Ove, a life-affirming, deeply moving “coming-of-old” story, a celebration of how ordinary days are made extraordinary through friendship, family, and the power of forgiving yourself–at any age”.

Missy Carmichael is turning 79 years old and spends her days reflecting on her past mistakes and life choices. She has recently lost the love of her life, her son and his family have moved to Australia, and she is estranged from her daughter. One day she ventures out of her home and meets a single mother and her son which starts a chain of events which changes her life. The re-entry of Missy Carmichael into society is potentiated with her fostering a dog; a companion which she so desperately needed.

The messages that The Love Story of Missy Carmichael provided me was one of taking chances at any point in life to make life more fulfilling as well as learning to forgive yourself. I loved observing watching Missy, who had been full of despair at the beginning of the book, transform into a contributing woman in her community. The benefits of having taken the initial chances were far-reaching, not only to herself, but to those whose lives she impacted. The friendships she makes are based on mutual respect and I found this to be very touching. I loved how Missy’s new friends appreciated the treasures found in her attic – from the vintage clothes to personal treasures.

I recommend this book to anyone with a love of fiction involving friendships.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Penguin Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.