My thanks to NetGalley and publisher, HQ, for the ARC.
This book is really well-written, with real-world dialogue that draws the reader into the everyday lives of 5 main characters living in a high-rise development in London. It is 1996, a hot Bank Holiday weekend. The exceptional writing provides a clear sense of the surrounding environment, the sights and sounds and actions of the residents of all ages, and how their individual holiday weekends are being spent. The gang of teenagers cycling around the green or sitting on the wall, some dealing low-grade drugs; young girls sunbathing on the grass.
The lifts in Nightingale Point aren't working.
Elvis is on the Care in The Community programme, living somewhat independently in his shiny new flat. His daily Carer, Lina, is cooking his favourite pie for dinner.
Mary, a Nurse from the Philippines, keeps an eye on 2 brothers, Malachi and Tristan on behalf of their Nan who has returned home. Their mother had died several years ago - suicide following years of depression.
Malachi is 21, looks after Tristan, 15, and is desperately trying to continue his university studies, manage the little money they have, and keep Tristan out of trouble. At the same time he is distracted by losing Pamela, his 16yr-old girlfriend who has been sent to stay with her mother in Portishead by her over-protective father, Jay.
Mary catches her bus to work but makes a detour to meet her lover, Harris. Her husband David only returns home every other month from his travels as an entertainer, but she's heard he's on his way home now and she has as decision to make..

Then - the accident happens.

This story is based on factual world events. I found the level of detail - indeed the incredible amount of understanding in the story - of the difficulties these residents faced, both before and after the 'event,' was mind-blowing.

A really commercial and very readable novel that follows the lives of a few of the residents of Nightingale point, a tower block estate in London. Their lives are turned upside down by a terrible accident... a cargo plane that crashes into one of the housing blocks which will change all of their lives forever.
Inspired by a real life event in Holland this also has echoes of the Grenfell fire tragedy.
Very real. Great characters, and a really moving set if interwoven tales.