PHOEBE The Flagstaff Reunion

Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins close to Birmingham, in the West Midlands, around the mid-sixties, and ends around 20 years later when the early events come to fruition. Bad language and vulgar slang are used frequently, especially when the group of characters are teenagers. Phoebe is the main character, as the title indicates, and the reader is given a clear picture of her life of suffering a miserable home life, bullying at school and her difficulties making friends. Her way of life seems a natural progression from her environment, and the reader is drawn in to understanding the emotions surrounding her downward spiral. The behaviour of her classmates 20 years later is almost unbelievable, but the reader knows it is completely realistic. The end of the book has a surprising twist that makes this book a must - read., I couldn't put it down

This book tells a story that spans over twenty years. . Phoebe has a really traumatic upbringing. Her mother dies when she is very young and as a result her father goes off the rails leaving Phoebe pretty much on her own. She ends up living with her grandmother. She is overweight and gets bullied at school even though she is very smart and is at the top of her class. The author has done a great job at keeping the reader guessing and the suspense building. The ending was a big surprise and seemed a little abrupt but neatly tied everything together. I loved the main character and loved the book. I highly recommend.

I am not a reunion kind of person. I don't like the whispers, the jabs, and the secrets. This book really didn't feel like a reunion. It felt more like a witch hunt. The ending does pull together the lives of kids that went to school together. But what a true look at how kids are in high school. We learn not only what the school years are but how the characters use or don't use the opportunities that were presented. The book was interesting but made me happy to no longer care what others think of me. It was an interesting book.

I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down as it drew me in immediately and before I knew it I was in the middle of the book! Enjoyable read.