The Telephone Box Library by Rachel Lucas

Captivating, Charming, Engaging

Contemporary Fiction/Historical Drama/Family Drama/Romance

The Telephone Box Library by Rachel Lucas 💞

Since her body had, right in the middle of a day of teaching, sent out a very clear message that it was no long willing to tolerate the chaos and demands of her working life, Lucy had reluctantly agreed to taking a much needed sabbatical from her job and endured the two hour drive to Buckinghamshire with her little dog Hamish, having rented a cottage in a quiet village. She intended to indulge her passion of history with Bletchley Park nearby, plus other sites. Her only regular commitment, to check on a lady of advancing years who lived next door, a condition of her rental agreement. The area was picturesque and colourful, with a village green, and a red phone box that had seen better days. She imagined filling her time with reading, and trips out, peppered with running the odd errand for Bunty, quite the antithesis of her life in Brighton. She certainly wasn’t prepared for how reluctant her elderly neighbour would be at the idea of having someone ‘looking out for her’, or the menagerie of animals that lived with her. Nor how embroiled she would end up getting with village life and it’s residents. Let alone that it might entice her to consider a complete life overhaul, and the possibility of love.

This is a heart-warming novel that felt very authentic in its setting, character dialogue and writing. The main narrative running through it being the second world war, with Lucy being a history teacher, and quite a few of the villagers being able to recall their experiences including the irrepressible Bunty, was a really good hook to hang the whole thing on. I knew that Bunty was going to be a loveable character when Lucy first encounters her. Able to sense that Lucy is the new tenant next door, she is unwelcoming and cantankerous, even at the grand old age of ninety six, she values her independence above all else and likes her solitude. Lucy has the foresight to treat Bunty as a person rather than a pensioner and is wise enough to help only when asked. The elderly lady is quirky and caring and definitely has a respected place in the villager’s hearts as the only nonagenarian and oldest resident. A big animal lover, Bunty has a range of fairly standard pets, except one which Lucy remains weary of for sometime and Hamish really isn’t sure about. The way in which she tolerates her over bearing daughter-in-law Margaret and her son Gordon who has no choice than to go along with his wife’s wishes, is humorous. Bunty handles Margaret with a dry sarcastic wit that could only come with age. Thankfully, they don’t live in the village. When Lucy gets involved with putting together a compilation of memories from those old enough to remember the war, she senses that Bunty’s experience had been far from what she’d heard from other residents, with rumours of her having worked at Bletchley Park and how her work had required her to sign the ‘Official Secrets Act’, Lucy was curious to know more, but she knows not to push her. However, Bunty remains reluctant to part with any information. The phone box also holds great significance for her, and she is not impressed when Helen, head of the village’s W.I wants to replace it with a bench! The reason for Bunty’s discretion is perhaps a familiar one and I did pick up on it quite early on, but it is told well in the form of Bunty’s diary that she kept at the time. The description enabled me to imagine what took place vividly, particularly one passage where Harry flies his plane above the village, but low enough for Bunty to realise it is him, just as he promised he would.

Sam and Freya live opposite Lucy. Sam is an only parent and seems to be something of an odd job man, although his talent mainly lies in building things, tree-houses, being his main skill. His wife left when Freya was small, and up to now, he and his daughter have managed very well with it only being the two of them. The village residents are very close knit, many of them have been life long inhabitants and have therefore known each other all their lives. His friend Mel, with her daughter Cammie live a couple of doors down. Both girls are now entering their teenage years and this is proving tough for Sam. Particularly when Freya starts asking questions about her mum. He is unsure how to handle it and looks to Mel, Lucy and Bunty for advice. I loved the personalities of these individuals, especially drunk Mel (not always though!) who has no inhibitions and doesn’t hesitate to say what she thinks. She is someone I would love to have as a friend and the bond that flourishes between her and Lucy made me quite jealous. As Lucy does, I had to wonder at why Sam and Mel had never entered into anything more than friendship, with two girls who are besties and knowing each other as well as they do, anyone would have thought it would be the perfect set-up. This though, leaves the way clear for another fondness to blossom.

Lucy very easily ingratiates herself with all the residents and has to make the choice of whether to return to her old life, or start a new one. Predictable, but just what I needed actually. There were times when I just couldn’t put it down. If you’re looking for a gentle narrative with characters who you can easily warm to, then this will hit the spot!