Another great read from Allie Cresswell, who has yet again created an intricate, beautiful tapestry with her descriptive writing and attention to detail, all of which transports the reader in the main to a time gone by, with relatable characters and backdrop. As a child of the sixties myself, Cresswell’s reference to things that were common place at the time, brought childhood memories and emotions flooding back. These incidentals, for example, the way we shopped, life centred around family, and many more, all helped to embellish the main story line. The storyline centres on the Day family, their market garden business and family life through the eyes of Prue, a younger member of the family. Prue narrates this story, mainly of complex feelings and relationships, exploring her own emotions and behaviour whilst also questioning those of others. Did I love or dislike the main character, Prue? Let’s just say you will have to read the book to understand why my feelings changed towards her as the story progresses. Throughout this book I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster; of sadness conjured by jealous cruelty; of uplifting heart warming happiness at the display of love and nurturing created especially by the elders of the Day family; and by the turmoil I felt when the final twists and turns of the storyline came into clear focus towards the end. I was captivated by Salad Days for all of the above reasons. I couldn’t put it down and would heartily recommend it to anyone, I certainly loved it!

Salad Days suggest a time of youth and innocent enjoyment and in this case it is also the name of the Market Garden run by Prue’s family, the Days. The extended family and their assistants work hard tending their crops or serving in the shop and at times they are able to enjoy relaxing gatherings together. Prue’s parents seem loving and happy while little Arthur, given plenty of attention by her Granny, is treated with indifference by his father Henry Glenister. Their rural environment by the sea reminded me of my childhood holidays at my uncles’ & grandparents’ farms on a sea loch, which I remember fondly despite many arguments with my cousins. Like Prue I also had a lovely young cousin who was permanently ill. But Prue lived there all the time and she was not a happy girl. At first, she resented Arthur for taking her place as the youngest child, even though he is not really a relative, but gradually they became close. Arthur never speaks to us, but Prue paints his character as kind and considerate despite his sterile home life. As the plot unfolds Prue’s anxious but dutiful attitude keep her at Salad Days, suspending her plans of a literary career. There are tragic events and unexplained mystical occurrences which are beautifully described, captivating the reader. While Arthur’s career flourishes she despairs of returning to the time when they were close. This is a complex story, similar to some of the novels of Kate Atkinson, which compels you to read on eagerly. Although I identified with Prue, I became increasingly aware that her version of events might be different to Arthur’s and I worried about her actions. I can recommend choosing this intriguing novel.