An absorbing book about people, especially broken people, and why they do the things they do. It's also a story about courage and striving to make connections.

The story seems a bit improbable in places, but there was enough good stuff in it that I was able to suspend disbelief and enjoyed the story.

19-year-old February Kingdom's world has come crashing down. The deaths of her parents and her twin sister has left her feeling isolated and alone.

She now lives with her aunt and uncle who struggle to get February to leave the house. When a yellow canary is discovered in their kitchen, this is the start of February's journey to move on with her life.

This story of loss and grief is written with such beautiful compassion.

February Kingdom is nineteen years old and mourning the loss of her twin sister Diana. She lives with her aunt and uncle following the death of her parents years earlier, but hasn't left the house for six months. February finds a canary in the kitchen and this triggers a whole series of events. This was a great read, I really enjoyed it

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, whose novel “The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets” became a bestseller and was described as a “modern vintage classic”. An accomplished writer with a unique voice, Rice may well achieve similar success with this novel.

Set in Notting Hill, London in the 1990s, it explores themes of grief, loss, trauma and ultimate renewal through connection with others. Nineteen-year-old February Kingdom has retreated from the world following the traumatic deaths of both parents in the notorious 1987 Kings Cross fire followed by that of her twin sister who was killed in a car accident only months before the story begins. February (or Feb as she’s known) thinks of the frequent rushes of panic and agoraphobia she suffers subsequently as “The Trench Effect”. Coined during the investigation of the actual Kings Cross fire, the term refers to what happens when a fire bolts up an inclined surface and instantaneously turns violent and uncontrollable. The analogy with the sudden onset of Feb’s severe trauma related symptoms after the death of her sister is clever.

Symbolism is used to good effect by Rice in other ways. For example, the arrival of the yellow canary, “Yellow”, later joined by a mate, “Kate”. They become Feb’s and live in her room, eventually nesting and hatching eggs. The yellow canary is said to be linked to joy, the sun, blessings and pleasure. It’s also suggested that if a yellow canary visits you during a time of crisis, it’s a sign that the problems will soon resolve. There’s also the suggestion of renewal, birth and a new dawn in the unexpected pregnancy of Feb’s aunt, previously told she couldn’t have children. And, although the author might not have realized, there’s amazing symbolism in the following descriptive passage: “the sky was pewter grey so that it felt like a pillow was being held over the park, a slow gentle suffocation …”

Michael Hutchence’s cameo appearances in the novel were a delight. Being a Michael Hutchence fan myself, it was not just a happy surprise to see him there but also great that he was portrayed as a really nice and caring guy.

Characterisation is one of the great strengths of Rice’s writing. Her characters are vividly drawn, engaging and colourful, especially Plato. As in the best fiction writing, at the end of the book you’re left wanting more of them.
Readers who loved “The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets” (which I look forward to reading) will love this one too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Review Copy.

First I must say what a name for a character in a book... February Kingdom. Love it.

This is her story, being just 19yo and loosing her twin sister, while having also lost her parents previously. When a canary flies into her life she finds hope and courage to get on with her life after hiding away for quite some time.

It is a story of grief, loss and coming to terms with getting on with life after the devastations of the lose of family members. It is poignant and real, well written and interesting with good characters you can relate to.