All You Should Be by Nicky Kemp Review

Reviewed by Julie Jessup

SYNOPSIS

Set against a bleakly toxic educational backdrop, the start of Nina’s journey tracks the shockingly incorrect years of the 1960s and 1970s. Woven into her own story, are the graphically remembered violations inflicted on her mother and her grandmother, and their devastating, lifelong repercussions. Family secrets fester and threaten to destroy lives. Some of them, will in time be shared, but others will remain tantalisingly locked, and linger to haunt the reader for months to come. It is Nina though, who is on course to discover perhaps the biggest secret of them all.

I very rarely get the chance to read books, however I knew I was going to be off work for a while so I was very happy to review the debut novel All You Should Be, written by Nicky Kemp. I have to say I was gripped I  did not want to put the book down, I was thoroughly drawn in and intrigued. Constantly thinking oh what next!

This is not really the genre I would read but I am so very pleased I did.

The book was set in the 60s,70s and 80s so eras I am familiar with, only just! Because of this I was able to relate to the drama and traumas that the characters went through as these things actually happened to friends and family of mine. It also makes the reader realise how much generations of families can affect present day lives. Especially the secrets that families keep that eventually come to light.

The story is very fast paced but Nicky has added excellent detail so nothing is left out and I could understand the characters’ lives. Not all of the characters were nice but this lead to the intrigue and not everyone in life is nice.

It took me through the various stages of my life, reminding me of my childhood right through to adulthood.

The writer has a great sense of style making you believe what you are reading is actually happening. It is very thought provoking and even though some secrets are shared with the reader I finished the book wanting and needing more. It left me wondering what next!

The writer covered very difficult subjects very sensitively especially mental health and I applaud her for that.

This book is griping, powerful and thought provoking.

I do not want to give away too much of the storyline as it really is a book not to be missed.

Make sure you put it on your holiday read list.

I will certainly be looking out for her second novel.

All You Should Be is available on Amazon in Kindle from and all bookshops. She also has a Facebook page you can join.

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £7.99 (Paperback) / £4.99 (Kindle)

Available to buy from Amazon here.