If You Could See Me Now
If You Could See Me Now
By Cecelia Ahern
Book Review no Spoilers!!!
Published November 2005, HarperCollins
First review of 2020! Although the following review is not of a new book but that of 15 years ago, I've always told myself that a books age doesn't define the year you should of read and reviewed it in. If you love a book then talk about it, regardless of when it was published.
So with that shall we get started?
Do you ever pick up a book and without reading the blurb you buy it and read it. Unaware of what the story will entail you are truly captured and transported into a world you never want to leave?
Well this is how I felt about this wonderful book. I bought this book from the Heart Foundation charity shop, the book wasn't in great condition but there was something about it that drew me to read it. Once I got home I soon realised that Cecelia Ahern is the author of the famous P.S. I Love You and although I haven't yet read the book, I knew I was in store for some tears. I'm one of those readers that if I know I will cry at it, I won't read it because of the emotional take it will have on me. Dramatic I know.
So naturally, I put off reading the book until curiosity got the better of me.
The background (my version of the blurb)
Elizabeth Egan's life runs around on order, both at home and at work. Never being one to get emotionally attached to anyone or allowing room for new spontaneous possibilities Elizabeth prefers a life of order to counteract with her unstable, chaotic childhood. Order is what she needs, especially since her free spirited sister dumped her son on Elizabeth to take care off.
So when the mysterious Ivan comes along and befriends Elizabeth's nephew, Luke, little does she know the impact he will have on both there lives. Ivan's colourful, spontaneous and full of life attitude could just be what Elizabeth and Luke needs. Throwing caution to the wind, Elizabeth begins to open her eyes and heart. But is Ivan has a secret too and isn't all that he seems, and that perhaps the thing that brings them together isn't real at all.
My View:
If I told you that this book left me in floods of tears in bed would that put it in perspective of how much of an emotional impact this book had on me? This was such a beautiful joy to read, it was brilliant and so unique in that I haven't read a book quite like it before. Elizabeth is a character full of so many different emotions that only make her more real. Full of grief over her mother's disappearance and the sadness that has followed, it seems that events from the past have cast a shadow over Elizabeth's life from childhood through to adulthood. Elizabeth is a character you can sympathise with. And its not until her past secrets are revealed do you see the true Elizabeth, the one that has been hiding for so long.
Ivan is a character that reminds you of the friend that is always there to cheer you up, the one that picks you up when your down and won't allow you to wallow in self-pity. Ivan is also such a real character that when you begin to see the truth behind Ivan and his purpose in Elizabeth's life do you truly understand true believing.
A story full of heart and emotions, this is a story to lose yourself in. One that you will never forget. I absolutely loved this story and wish I could re-read it as if it was my first time. The twists and turns along the way keep you guessing throughout. Just when you think you know how it ends, Ahern surprises you in the most unexpected way. After reading this I can now see why Ahern is such a popular writer, not only are her stories full of love and warmth, but they are so real in many different ways.
This may not be the new release of 2020. Or a must have book, but this book is timeless. Its a beautiful story that opens your eyes to a world full of possibilities and dares you to dream big. That to me is what a story should be about. I strongly recommend you to seek out this book, whether you go to your local charity shop or your local library, but read this book, you will not be disappointed. If anything you will be disappointed that it ended so soon.
Rating:
4* out of 5. I adored this book so much.
After all tomorrow is another day spent reading,
Till next time,
Phoebe x