Every so often a book sneaks up on you in the best possible way – and The Seven O’Clock Club absolutely did that for me. I went in expecting something soft and comforting, maybe even a cosy tale of community and healing. What I got was a story that’s layered and emotional. And no, I did not see that twist coming!
At the heart of the book are four strangers – Freya, Callum, Mischa and Victoria – each navigating their own sea of grief. They’ve been invited to a group therapy programme by the slightly enigmatic Genevieve, and while they couldn’t be more different on the surface, they’re bound by something deeper and more mysterious than just loss.
What I Loved:
- Four Very Different, Very Real Characters: Callum the washed-up rockstar, Victoria the stelly lawyer, Freya the broken homemaker, and Mischa the young carer with a tender soul – each one brought something unique to the table. I found myself connecting with all of them in different ways, which is no small feat.
- The Accessible Yet Rich Writing Style: Amelia Ireland’s writing is effortlessly immersive. The book flowed so naturally that I found myself flying through chapters. The grief felt real, the relationships felt earned, and the pacing hit that perfect sweet spot.
- Grief, But Not As You Know It: I appreciated how this book tackled grief in a way that didn’t feel clinical or predictable. It didn’t cling to the typical “five stages” – instead, it showed how messy, personal, and non-linear grief really is. Some characters rage, others retreat, and one or two avoid it entirely. It was refreshing and really well done.
- That Twist. THAT TWIST: I won’t spoil anything, but the “why” behind the group therapy sessions adds a whole extra layer to the story. It was clever, impactful, and made me look at every previous scene through a new lens.
Final Thoughts
This debut surprised me in the best way. It manages to be tender without being saccharine, emotional without being melodramatic, and clever without trying too hard.
If you’re in the mood for something that makes you think and feel – without being too heavy – definitely give The Seven O’Clock Club a go. Just maybe don’t feel it when you’re already feeling a little wobbly. This one does hit you in the feels at times.
Have you read it yet? Would love to hear your thoughts!
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