Review - The Daughter of Victory Lights by Kerri Turner

The Daughter of Victory Lights by Kerri Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: Publisher for Review

Paperback, 362 pages

Published January 20th 2020 by HQ Fiction

Synopsis:

'PART CABARET, PART BURLESQUE, AND LIKE NOTHING YOU'VE EVER SEEN BEFORE! GENTLEMEN, AND LADIES IF YOU'VE DARED TO COME, WELCOME TO ...

THE VICTORY!'

1945: After the thrill and danger of volunteering in an all-female searchlight regiment protecting Londoners from German bombers overhead, Evelyn Bell is secretly dismayed to be sent back to her rigid domestic life when the war is over. But then she comes across a secret night-time show, hidden from the law on a boat in the middle of the Thames. Entranced by the risqu� and lively performance, she grabs the opportunity to join the misfit crew and escape her dreary future.

At first the Victory travels from port to port to raucous applause, but as the shows get bigger and bigger, so too do the risks the performers are driven to take, as well as the growing emotional complications among the crew. Until one desperate night ...

1963: Lucy, an unloved and unwanted little girl, is rescued by a mysterious stranger who says he knows her mother. On the Isle of Wight, Lucy is welcomed into an eclectic family of ex-performers. She is showered with kindness and love, but gradually it becomes clear that there are secrets they refuse to share. Who is Evelyn Bell?'

My Thoughts:
Overall I found this a unique story that contained interesting characters that draws you in and keep you turning the pages to see what will happen to them next.

I loved the main character Evelyn's strong mind and determination to lead the type of life that she wanted rather than just settling down to get married and have kids as was expected of women back in those days.

The description of the events on the Victory and the imagery created around the boat was the best part of the book in my opinion. I really enjoyed reading about the events on the boat and seeing behind the scenes of what it would be like to be a part of a show like that. I'd actually really like to see something like this in real life if it ever existed.

When the story turned to young Lucy I felt very sorry for this poor little girl and can't imagine how these people who were supposed to be her family could be so hateful and cruel. It was interesting to see her character develop as she learns more about her real mother and father after coming into an environment where she is actually cared for and treated like a person who matters.

To be completely honest, I did find this book moved a little slow at times which has to be my only criticism, because other than that it was an enjoyable read.