Irina Ermoshina Ermoshina itibaren Laguna de Santa Rita, S.L.P., Meksika itibaren Laguna de Santa Rita, S.L.P., Meksika

This was the first Kate Atkinson novel I have read, which is fitting because it was her first book...I'd read the reviews, filled with words like "Stunning", "Breathtaking", "Offbeat", "Playful", "Poignant", "Winner of the Whitbread BOTY", etc. Know what? The reviews were right! I love quirky characters, and interwoven plots- the intricate nature of everyday life, told with craft and skill. The opening sentence: "I exist!" starts us off and from there the story of Ruby Lenox and her family unfolds. And I loved the parrot that was too mean to sell- that escapes and eventually comes back.

I started this book not really knowing what it was about. It ended up being a pretty personal story to me & it was one of those books that forced me to take a look at my own life & situations. I couldn't put it down until the very end. I definitely recommend.