West Camel – Fall

Well, yet another Orenda Books published novel. I have to say I have not come across any bad Orenda book yet, and I have been reading their releases for quite a while now. I have been eager to get my hands on Camel West’s book that I started reading this as soon as I received a copy.

Fall revolves around twins, Aaron and Clive. The story moves back to the 1970s when both boys were inseperable as teenagers and returns to the present day where they are men in their Sixties, who have no contact with each other. They are on the opposite sides of plans to develop the tower block estate their mother designed, and they grew up on.

Aaron still lives in the tower block they called home. Clive thought there was only Aaron living there, until he discovers there are still other residents in the block. People he never thought he would see again, who make him confront the past to move forward. A time when two sets of twins met and their lives were irrevocably changed.

I read this novel and wondered why I had not read anything by West Camel before. This book is so beautifully written. I felt captivated from the start. Don’t get me wrong; this is not an easy book to read. The subjects the author deals with are serious. He brings family relationships, siblings, the parental role and even how controlling behaviour affects others I to the forefront. Racism rears its ugly head as well throughout the story, as I say, not a light read.

The characterisations are fabulous, the twins mother, Zoe, who decided she was going to raise her children in the place she designed to prove it was a great place for families. Her determination in such a male dominated world fascinated me and the fact we get to see the plans how Zoe imagined her creation just made me want to know more. West Camel definitely made characters that make you want to know everything and draws you right into this world he has so expertly brought to life.

An exquisitely multi layered book that is a tense, compelling, and thought-provoking read. This is one book that will stay with me for quite a while. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and can only say I hope I have done this fabulous book at least a little justice with my review today.

With thanks to Anne Cater and Orenda Books for my place on this tour and the copy of the book.