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Monday 26 April 2021

Book Review: The Map of Us by Jules Preston

The Map of Us by Jules Preston book cover

AD* | A story of love and lost directions.

Violet North is wonderfully inconvenient. Abandoned by her family and lost in an imagined world of moors and adventure, her life changes in the space of just 37 words exchanged with a stranger at her front door.

Decades later, Daniel Bearing has inherited his father's multi-million-pound business and is utterly lost. He has no idea who he is or where his life is headed.

When Violet’s granddaughter’s marriage falls apart, Tilly, always adept with numbers, compiles a detailed statistical report to pinpoint why. But the Compatibility Index Tilly creates has unforeseen consequences for everyone in her world.

Tilly and Daniel share a secret too. 10.37am, April 22nd.

Soon, a complex web of secrets and lies is exposed and an adventure begins with a blue typewriter...


Sweet and gentle, The Map of Us is a quirky, charming read.

The story is told through a series of short snippets from multiple characters' perspectives, each offering unique insights into the other characters and their personalities. It's certainly an unusual narrative style and although it takes some getting used to, the result is a strikingly original method of storytelling.

This is very much a character-driven story, with each character needing to overcome personal obstacles in order to find happiness. As the thread of each character comes together, more and more is revealed as the past and present come to life. Ultimately, this is a heart-warming tale where everyone is simply searching for their happily ever after.

It is delightful, unique, and unexpected. From Tilly's statistical outlook on life to Violet and Owen's dreamy love story, there is so much going on yet it all fits together effortlessly. Of course, there are some surprises along the way, but it is an enjoyable and original story.

The Map of Us is easy-to-read and thanks to its short chapters, it's ideal for dipping in and out of the story - or just devouring it in one sitting! In equal parts humorous, light-hearted, and nostalgic, this is a beautifully-written book about love, family, and finding the way home.

Rating: 3 stars

The Map of Us is available to buy now. 

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* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Will you be reading the book? Let me know in the comments below! 

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