I’ve just finished reading The Glittering Hour and am bereft to have to leave Selina and Alice’s stories behind. The characters and their stories in this exquisite book will stay with me for a very long time.

The Glittering Hour is told through two timelines. Selina Lennox’s story, who as one of the Bright Young People in the 1920s, partied hard, shocking society at that time but determined to live life to the full after the horrors and loss of the First World War. We discover her hopes and dreams for her future and about the night she met Lawrence, the poor, talented artist who has such an impact on her life.

Through Alice’s story in the 1930s, we see how the nine-year-old struggles to cope with life at her grandparents’ cold, oppressive home while her mother and father are away travelling. How, to help Alice cope without her, Selina writes letters to her daughter sending her on a treasure hunt. With each letter and each clue Alice discovers more about her mother’s past, her life before she was married and the people she loved and lost.

I’ve read many books but it’s been a very long time since one has affected me as much as The Glittering Hour. This is a captivating, epic read, with enthralling characters whose stories kept me fascinated and broke my heart in equal measure. I can’t recommend this book enough.

My thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.