An entertainingly deceptive masterpiece

Ever After begins with a fairytale holiday romance set against the rich backdrop of Italy. But Kate Eberlen takes the fairytale to another level because the state of happy ever after is far from easy when real life intervenes and , on their return home to London, the protagonists face real demons, witches and challenges which threaten not only their love for each other but their very existence.
Cleverly using the construct of the fairytale Eberlen has written a novel of epic proportions which asks whether even the purest love can survive real life challenges such as family obligations, social differences, financial pressures and mental and physical illness. The evocative entertaining prose carries the reader along and the book is such an easy absorbing read it is rather deceptive because it’s only on reaching the end, and reflecting, that one realises the enormity of the novel and the questions it raises. All of life is here. Anna Karenina comes to mind - but this is an easier read and a kinder, warmer, more optimistic portrayal of life and humanity. Hard to explain cos I’m not a writer but just read it and see for yourself.

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