The best meal of the day! (Marshmallows for Breakfast - Dorothy Koomson)

Name: kingfisher111

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Product:	Marshmallows for Breakfast - Dorothy Koomson
Date:	23/03/08 (136 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great story

Disadvantages: none

Marshmallows for Breakfast is the second book I have read by Dorothy Koomson. Earlier this year I read her novel 'My Best Friend's Girl' which I absolutely adored so I was very keen to read this one and it did not disappoint! It is the sort of book which should appeal to you if you like reading about people and relationships but it is definitely not 'chick lit'!

The main character in the book is Kendra. Things have happened in her past which still have a serious impact on her life and she seems to spend a lot of her life running away rather than confronting her problems. At the start of the book, she is newly arrived in Britain from Australia ready to start a new uncomplicated life. She rents a small flat from Kyle, a recently separated man with two small children. Her determination to keep herself to herself though is soon tested when she finds herself with two small visitors - Summer and Jaxon - the two children in question. They have already decided that she is going to be a part of their lives and she soon discovers that, try as she may, she cannot turn her back on two needy children.

As the story progresses, Kendra becomes more and more involved with the family and becomes integral to helping them with their problems. As this involvement grows, so does her love for them all, and it's not long before she realises that she needs them as much as they need her! As she falls in love with the family, she finds the strength to face up to her past and ultimately move on with her life.

I thought this was an excellent book. It was very readable and also very emotional. Some parts will make you laugh, such as some of the antics that the two children get up to, and other parts will bring tears to your eyes. The book is written in such a way that at times you will be likely to be feeling these two extremes of emotion at the same time!

There are a lot of flashbacks in the story. I liked this because it meant that Kendra's story was gradually unfolding before me and this kept me intrigued. I tend not to like it when I know too much right at the beginning - I like to be kept guessing and trying to work out for myself what might have happened.

The novel is not just about Kendra though. There are a number of different storylines that are interweaved beautifully throughout the book. Kyle's separation from his wife and his struggle to come to terms with this is a strong storyline as is his developing relationship with his children. Also, Kendra's work at a recruitment agency tells another story and develops her friendship with her boss Gabrielle, who is desperately trying to help her. I loved the way all these stories worked so well together.

I found all the characters tremendously likeable and as a consequence I found myself really caring about what happened to them. The story is mainly written in the first person from Kendra's viewpoint and this gives a very good insight to her thoughts and feelings. Kyle is a very interesting character too. He presents a very vulnerable figure, sometimes very sad, and floundering as to how best look after and protect his small family. Best of all for me had to be the two small children who are developed so well that you can just picture them. Summer is confident and outspoken whereas her brother is shy and nervous. Both are very needy and crying out for some stability in their lives. If they were ever to make a film of this book, they would need to find two incredibly cute kids, and you could guarantee there would not be a dry eye in the house!

The book explores a lot of issues but in a sensitive way. these include love, separation, divorce, assault, betrayal and alcoholism. These are all central themes to the story, and although I would not describe the novel as 'heavy', does not always make for light reading.

The title of the book is quite intriguing. Very early on, after their first unplanned meeting, Kyle invites Kendra for breakfast. She reluctantly accepts, not wanting to get involved, and turns up to what can only be described as chaos! She somehow manages to turn the situation around by telling the children that Saturday breakfasts are special - they have to have matching bowls and put a bag of wishes in with their cereal. The children go along with her and Summer pronounces that her's tastes of marshmallows - hence the title! The breakfast theme runs throughout the book, with every few chapters sectioned off under something else that you might have for breakfast. I have to admit that I wasn't sure of the significance of all these!

Overall though this is an excellent book which I enjoyed from the first page. It was an emotional read and a book that made you think, but overall it is a very uplifting book and really celebrates the love and joy that young children can bring into your lives - even if they are not your own!

The book is published by Sphere, nd my paperback version with 440 pages, has a RRP of £6.99.

Summary: You'll be laughing and crying at the same time!