Somewhere in the Crowd

What’s not to love about this book? Eurovision meets One Day - genius. Such a heartwarming story, that actually feels a bit epic given it spans over more than 10 years! The stories of the four main characters are easy to get invested in, even more so with this euphoric celebration of Eurovision as a backdrop.

A five-star read that would earn ten points. This was such a complex story, in ways I hadn’t even imagined, I loved it so hard and that was odd as I didn’t always like all of the characters. In fact at times some really annoyed me, but I also think that’s part of why I adored this story right from 1974, in all of its Abba glory. Millie, James, Ingrid and Noah will all take you on their time-spanning journey and you will love some years more than other, but each year and each place play their roles. Each year and country pull together much like the contest itself, all seemingly different, but having a theme running through. This story isn’t all glitz and glamour, it shows us the underbelly of friendship, and it also shows us how far we are willing to go for each other. Now I am of to practice my ‘you must recognise me’ and ‘I’m a celebrity’ in the manner of Ingrid Vogel as homage.

I'm a massive Eurovision fan, so when this book came onto my radar, I knew I would have to read it. And wow, I couldn't get enough of it.

Set to the backdrop of over 10 years of song contests, we get snapshots into the lives of our four main characters, and what they are up to now, as well as enjoying the vibe of each city.

All the Eurovision acts, host countries, winners etc... that are mentioned are all real, which makes a lovely change from books that do fictionalised versions of these sorts of things.

From the prologue of Millie's grandparents meeting at the Brighton Eurovision, the year Abba won, to then moving to 2010, Oslo, where we meet Millie and James who are best friends, and then they have chance encounters with Noah and Ingrid. From which a pact is formed that the four will meet up at Eurovision every year going forward.

I absolutely adored all of these characters, and seeing how their lives changed over the span of the story, and in fact each time we meet up with them. They are in and out of relationships and their careers take various turns.

I'm incredibly envious of everything that both James and Ingrid end up doing with their lives.

And then there are romances, many unsuitable partners, after all how on earth could I diehard Eurovision fan, really envisage a long term relationship with someone who clearly doesn't get the contest at all.

Oh and the descriptions of the costumes, and how other fans were looking and what they were wearing, it just adds so much to the atmosphere of the book.

I just loved every single second of this story, and couldn't get enough of it. Pure escapist fun.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Ah I absolutely adore this book!

Focusing on the chance meeting of 4 people, you are taken through 12 years of Eurovision and their lives.

I'm such a huge Eurovision fan so requesting this was a no- brainer. The book perfectly encapsulates why I love Eurovision. With the added bonus of a lovely story focusing on four people and their lives over 12 years.
Somewhere I'm The Crowd will have you laughing, crying and wanting to attend Eurovision!

I simply adored this book and could absolutely see it being made into a film! It is the perfect feel-good heartfelt rom-com with entertaining characters who are wellwritten. Brilliant!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

This was adorable. I loved every single word. I’m pretty sure I smiled throughout the whole thing. There were a couple of heavier moments such is life but it was mostly pure joy. Music, friends, sequins. What more could you possibly need. I love Eurovision and I loved this book. What a balm to the soul this was.