It would make a great book for a book club- as the writing style may not appeal to everyone but would promote great discussions- and there are reading group questions at the end of the book.

There’s something philosophical about this book. The philosophical idea starts early in the plot and by the middle becomes clearer, until, at the end, you realise it’s about the life in your years that makes your legacy important. I understand that sounds cheesy and glib but let me share my observations.

I like that Marvellous knows when something or someone is coming.
I love that she doesn’t allow doubt to creep into her mind.
I adore that she tells her stories quietly, that they unravel gently and reveal a life lived in such an extraordinary way, she truly lives up to her name.

Winman spins her tale in such a way that there are multiple beginnings and multiple endings. The chapters, in some ways, mimic life. There are births, there are deaths, there are arguments and wars and all of them build us up into the people we become. You know the story is flowing in a linear way, as years are want to do but it’s the intangible memories and feelings that float through the narrative that really make the connection.

The imagery, too, is incredible. Open to the page where you left off and instantly, you’re embraced back into a reality that is also otherworldly. Marvellous is the daughter or a mermaid, orange starfish deliver messages from her third love, rumour can be caught and turned away before it’s heard; as can doubt. Hatred doesn’t need much watering or care.

A year of Marvellous Ways is such a beautiful story. Her care of Drake, her care of Peace, the care that Peace provides to Drake and Marvellous. There’s so much heart in this tale. I want to ramble on and on but it won’t help you understand what you haven’t read. All I can say is my heart is full, the ending, that isn’t an ending is beautiful and perfect and I wish there had been more for Winman to tell of this story.