Book Review: Grace & Marigold by Mira Robertson

Through Grace & Marigold Australian author Mira Robertson brings 1970's bohemian London to life on the page.

 

It's 1974 when 20 year old Grace leaves Australia to reinvent herself. Sloughing off her Australian accent she immerses herself in what she believes is the real London experience, living in communal squats, debating politics, attending drug fueled street parties and taking part in protest rallies.

The story follows Grace and her new found friends as she struggles with her sexuality and falls secretly in love with the charismatic and furtive Marigold.

 

Grace & Marigold will appeal to anyone who lived these rebellious, tumultuous days of the mid seventies and will bring back memories of a wild untamed freedom enjoyed by many of the 20somethings of that time. Young adult readers will enjoy an insight into the lives of their boomer parents/grandparents and may just be surprised how radical they were.

 

Grace & Marigold is a sapphic coming-of-age story and I enjoyed Grace's evolution. There are many tender moments and moments of tension with plenty of humour interspersed throughout the story.

 

My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

 

Publisher: Spinifex Press 

Publication date: 6th August 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction / LGBT

Pages: 272

RRP: AU$32.95

Source: Courtesy of the publisher