A remarkable story full of hope and inspiration. I loved this from the get go, it was written and plotted so beautifully and with so much care. Helen was a wonderfully flawed character to lead the book, although I didn’t agree with some of her choices, I had no problem empathising with her. William was another excellent character, one whom I couldn’t help but feel pity but also hope for.

The setting and background characters added much needed plot depth. I really enjoyed the premise and the way William’s story was told in reverse order, giving us a little bit more information chapter after chapter. If I took anything away from this novel, it’s the important of kindness despite everything. Chambers did a brilliant job of delivering a beautiful book, and I’m so grateful to have read it.

A pleasant enough tale, set mainly in the 1960s and the 1930s. Extremely reminiscent of a previous Claire Chambers novel “Small Pleasures”.
An illicit affair, cover up of abuse in a boys school, child out of wedlock all intersect in various ways with all the head-shaking, tut-tutting and denial of those eras.

Finally a full length novel to savour from Clare Chambers. And what a beautifully written story it is.
In less sensitive hands, this 1960s story of a wild looking man who hasn’t been outside for decades, and the elderly aunt who kept him imprisoned, could have been sensationalist or cruel. After his existence comes to light William is sent to Westbury, the local psychiatric hospital, where Helen an art therapist, takes an active interest in his recovery, having been involved in the incident that led to his discovery.
Helen is having an affair with progressive psychiatrist Gil. There’s an interesting sub plot about early 1960s psychiatry, with Gil competing for a senior role against a more traditional pill-dispensing rival. Gil’s “progressive “ attitude naturally entitles him to befriend a vulnerable female patient, we learn. Helen becomes aware of this and fortunately there is a satisfying conclusion.
Helen unearths the background to William’s withdrawal from society, and learns about his life with three aunts. The story gently unfolds, shocking us at times. I felt quite invested in William’s future. A gentle and compassionate read.

I have been a fan of Clare Chambers’ writing ever since I was entranced by ‘Learning to Swim’ many years ago so was overjoyed to receive a copy of her latest. Nothing here to disappoint. I loved the characters - Helen for sure but especially Marion, who is just a delight - and the relationships between the cast of characters are subtly observed, realistic and poignant. I am of a slightly later generation than those in this book but can recognise my parents and grandparents and their attitudes of ‘not something we want to talk about’. It all rings true and I can well believe how the sad events described here could happen.

Some passages I highlighted while reading that still resonate with me now I’ve finished:

‘I think a lot of men are suspicious of any female enjoyment if they aren’t the source of it.’

‘…the girls heading to the bus stop, with all the swaggering assurance that big hair and new outfits and too-high hemlines and the certain disapproval of their elders can confer.’

A heart-warming read with the sort of ending I most enjoy - the strands not tied up too tightly and an understated sense of hope that all will be well. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Orion via NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Clare Chambers is one of my favourite authors and her writing just gets better and better. This story starts slowly and it takes a while to warm to the characters. Set mainly in the 1960s, but with flashes back to pre-war London, the author uses the language and social niceties of the time to build tension and leave tantalising clues about the mystery at the heart of the tale. The second half of the novel picks up pace and I found myself reading ‘just another chapter’ to get to the crux of the story.. Absorbing, empathetic and satisfying. Another winner from Clare Chambers.

Shy Creatures is the story of interesting characters Helen, an art therapist, and William, a man whose light of life was taken away from him.
I liked the themes explored, and kudos to the author for writing such a layered, nuanced and tender book. I appreciate the use of multiple timelines, however, this felt slightly constructed at times, although most of these switches were to reveal important information. I am eager to read Clare Chambers' other work now. She is a great writer.

Characterisation; 5
Setting and Concept: 5
Story Shape: 4
Writing Style: 4
Plot: 3.5

What a lovely lovely book.
Two incredible characters in Helen and William, that I adored.

The writing was beautiful, and I struggled to put the book down (but had to) and rushed back to it as soon as I could.
I was intrigued by William and his history, and enjoyed the slow reveal.
Just an uplifting book, that cements Chambers in my list of incredible writers.