Small Pleasures

The general consensus was we enjoyed her writing and the story - particularly some of the local Kent and SE London references and locations which were familiar to some of us. Engaging, good storytelling. Perhaps a little inauthentic and laboured - the 1950s period detail seemed very accurate, was well evoked, and clearly well researched (the author was born in the 1960s) but a little obvious at times. Liked the quiet detail, the touching love story, the gentle humour, the strong female journalist protagonist and the depiction of the manners and mores of the time. Might not have chosen this as a book to read as the premise of the virgin birth was a little strange but enjoyed it. Good characterisation, an easy “ comfort read” and read it quickly. Guessed the ending and the solution to the mystery of the virgin birth. Was the ending ambiguous?