The Singalong Society for Singletons should come with the following warning: "Seriously addictive read likely to induce uncontrolled tune humming, toe-tapping and an irrational need for pizza at 10am." Bravo Katey Lovell on this darling debut that really does deliver everything you'd ever want from a musical but in book form; heartbreak, longing, camaraderie, tragedy, energy, bravery and hope delivered in weekly chapter updates from Mon, our heroine of the tale.
Mon joined by her sister Hope, along with their friends Issy and Connie, set up the Singalong Society for weekly Friday night musical indulgence. They are soon joined by Liam and Ray and the fun really begins as the society members each reveal their secrets and dare to dream of what could be possible.
I began this book thinking I wasn't really a particular fan of musicals, having last been to a theatre showing of one when I was about 15, only to realise I knew most of those mentioned and found myself recalling my favourite scenes and tunes along with the characters. If musicals really aren't your bag though have no fear, there's enough humour, grit and intrigue to pull you in and keep you hooked.
The characters are a wonderful display of different but loveable personalities that fill you with admiration and attachment to each story and I think that stays with you after you finish the book. The difficult balances of romantic, platonic and familial relationships are explored in various perspectives, and it was particularly refreshing to read a very tender account of a gay couple, not as a dramatic shock occurrence or for comedy value as other books tend to feature, but as a sincere, authentic love story, hurrah! I have a feeling every reader will have their own personal favourite character from this book (mine is Liam, if you're asking) because of how each one is tenderly crafted and woven in to your psyche so that by the end of the novel you feel you know, and care for, them as real friends.