Having beeen in a bit of a reading funk lately, I was pleasantly pleased when this book arrived and it immediately went to the top of my TBR.
The short blurb on the back promised adventure, magic and travel by umbrella. “Step on to Ollipest where houses grant your wishes, parrots turn into people and witches travel by umbrella.”
In two perfect sittings, I devoured this tale! Dilly has recently lost her mother and it has taken some time for a relative to be found but Dilly is on her way there now. Meeting Aunt Florence is scary and she is a formidable character, one a bit out of touch with polite society perhaps. However, she is kind to Dilly and gives her plenty of freedom to explore her new home and surroundings.
The house has a beautiful library and meets many of Dilly’s needs- from the perfect book to a cosy fire. The house has even heard Dilly’s wish for a dog of her own!
Within a few days, Dilly has made a friend in Callum and discovered The Museum of Lost Umbrellas. It is an odd space but absolutely filled with umbrellas from across time and place. The islanders visit and gaze longingly at specific umbrellas, making Dilly, Callum and museum owner, Shelley, suspect there is more to this fascination than originally thought.
While some islanders are welcoming, others not so much and when one yellow haired man arrives sniffing the air around him, true trouble has arrived.
This is a tale of family, found and chosen, friendship and the power of good over evil. Dilly and Callum are exceptional characters, as are Aunt Florence and Callum’s Gran, Digdee.
There is magic afoot and adventure to follow.
Absolutely brilliant and I know this will be very popular!
My Shelves Are Full 