I have read and enjoyed all Giselle Green’s books so far, so was delighted when she offered to send me a pre-publication copy of her latest novel ‘Where the Magic Is’. I have just finished reading it on my Kindle, and on the whole liked it very much.
There are three main characters in this novel: Sofia, Cal and Sofia’s 13-year-old daughter Ida. The story is told in alternating viewpoints, as is typical for this author, although until the epilogue we only read Sofia and Cal’s viewpoints. The two are very different in culture, financial situation and outlook on life; but I felt that I got to know them - and several of the minor characters - fairly well. Giselle Green has a gift for creating three-dimensional people, most of them very likeable.
Despite her not having a viewpoint voice until the end, I became fondest of Ida. She is bright, sometimes outspoken, and has some quite mature ideas and opinions that are perhaps typical of only children. Ida’s father is not in the picture; he is barely mentioned. But Sofia has brought her up alongside her close extended family in Rio de Janeiro. They are not well-off, but Ida has had a happy childhood, and their financial situations are about to change dramatically. For Sofia is soon to be married to the wealthy Cristian.
It’s clear from the beginning that Sofia is having a few doubts. But large amounts of money have been spent on the wedding already, and her family are benefitting in various ways from her future in-laws. She feels the pull of duty and tries to avoid the treacherous concerns that creep into her mind and heart.
The person who matters most to Sofia is Ida, and Ida has a serious problem with her eyesight. I’m not sure we ever learn exactly what it is, but it’s likely she will become blind at some point. Cristian has paid for her to see a top specialist in Rio and the news is not good. So when Sofia hears about a possible experimental treatment available in London, she is determined to take her daughter there, even if it means postponing her wedding…
I liked Sofia’s family on the whole - not that we get to know any of them very well - although her sister seemed a bit pushy. I didn’t much like Cristian’s family, however. And the one character I couldn’t entirely believe in was Cristian himself, who seems to change personality depending on who he is with, and is entirely under the thumb of his dominant sister. I couldn’t really see why Sofia was in love with him - but she is convinced that she is, even while wondering what it will be like spending the rest of her life as part of his family.
The other viewpoint character is Cal, a Scotsman who lives in England. He offers to help out an old friend who is ill. Cal’s regular job is that of a male escort, with quite a demanding boss called Melissa. He’s very good at his job, and he discovers that he’s also rather good at being a tour guide in place of his friend. He’s clearly a kind person, one who is able to make women feel cared for and special even though he’s acting most of the time.
Sofia and Ida fly to the UK for a visit to the clinic and to Scotland for a short holiday, to enable Ida to see some scenery from her favourite film while she still can see. It’s no surprise, given how the novel unfolds, that Cal ends up being their guide. He knows a lot about the history and legends of the places they visit, and he’s not above weaving a few extra stories too. He and Ida hit it off instantly, and Sofia finds him attractive although she tries to resist it.
The writing is good, as I expect with Giselle Green. The conversations are realistic, and her lyrical descriptions of expeditions to different locations in Scotland work very well in moving the story along. I could feel Sofia’s stress as she tries to ignore her growing affection and attraction for Cal, while fielding messages from Rio from her concerned family. She’s also very worried about Ida: not wanting to raise her hopes too much, but also not wanting to miss out on even the slightest chance of a cure, or at least remission of her condition.
Giselle Green’s novels often take unexpected turns in the storyline, so I really didn’t know, for the first half, where it was going to lead. I hoped that Ida’s treatment was going to yield positive results, but wasn’t at all sure whether Cal and Sofia would end up together, despite that being a somewhat predictable storyline for women’s fiction. Indeed, I suspected one particular twist which seemed quite possible early in the book, but I was entirely wrong about that.
Overall I thought it was an enjoyable read, with an interesting contrast of cultures, some thought-provoking issues related to the importance of family ties and expectations, and intriguing glimpses into a profession I knew almost nothing about. The subplot involving Ida’s eye condition made an excellent addition to the more traditional storylines, as well as being a catalyst for Sofia to re-think her priorities. At times I could barely put it down.
Definitely recommended if you enjoy character-based women’s fiction.
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