Saving Missy

By Beth Morrey

Beth Morrey's brand new, joyful and uplifting novel, LUCKY DAY, is available to pre-order now

*The Sunday Times bestseller*

Sometimes it takes a lifetime to find where you truly belong…

Seventy-nine is too late for a second chance. Isn’t it?

Missy Carmichael is prickly, stubborn – and terribly lonely. Until a chance encounter in the park with two very different women opens the door to something new. Something wonderful.

Missy was used to her small, solitary existence, listening to her footsteps echoing around the empty house, the tick-tick-tick of the watching clock. After all, she had made her life her way.

Now another life is beckoning to Missy – if she’s brave enough…

‘A touching, deftly written debut that celebrates community and kindness’ Sunday Times

‘Moving and optimistic… will delight readers right up to the very last page’ Stylist

‘Bittersweet, tender, thoughtful and uplifting … I loved it’ Nina Stibbe

A Sunday Times #6 hardback bestseller w/e 15th Feb

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Feb 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9780008334048

Beth Morrey

Previously Creative Director at RDF Television, Beth Morrey now writes full time. Her debut novel, Saving Missy, was a Sunday Times bestseller and longlisted for the Authors' Club First Novel Award. Beth lives in London with her husband, two sons and two poodles.

Reviews for Saving Missy

[amzzz_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The female answer to “A Man Called Ove”, this was a lovely read, if a little predictable at times. It’s nice to read stories that make you believe in the goodness of humanity.

[linda.a. · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Missy is the narrator of this memorable debut novel and, as the story gradually unfolds, her reflections on past events in her life offer us insights into the experiences and influences which have made her the prickly, emotionally cut-off, lonely, depressed and regretful person we are first introduced to. We get to know her as a child, enabling us to understand the continuing influences of her parents and grandparents; as a clever but self-doubting student at Cambridge in the 1950s; as the girlfriend, and later the wife, of Leo; as a mother who often struggled with mothering, particularly of her daughter; as someone who ‘sacrificed’ her academic brilliance for a life of domesticity; as someone who for decades had carried a secret which had, and still does, cause her shame, guilt and regret. There were times when her reflections felt almost unbearably painful to read but, as she began to allow her new friends, both human and canine, into her life and, in turn, came to accept that they equally valued their relationships with her, it felt very moving to see her discover that it really is never too late to make friends, to learn new skills, to make changes in our lives, to build bridges and to make reparation.All the other characters felt very well-developed and three-dimensional, with each having a key role to play as the story unfolded. Missy had long harboured the belief that she was neither loveable nor worthy of being loved and so ‘deserved’ the life she was living – until her new friends began to change her mind. A recurring message in the story was the importance of having a group of supportive, loving friends, something Missy, with her classical education, described as an ‘oikos’, an ancient Greek word to describe a tight network that closely resembles a family. She used another classical reference when reflecting on the wonders of relationships: ‘Sylvie had a wonderful capacity for “philautia”, that boldest of Greek loves, the love of the self – a much finer quality than narcissism, which it’s often mistaken for. The way I saw it, with narcissism, you were just gazing at your reflection in a lake, with philautia, you were frolicking in the lake and inviting people to join you. People who truly liked themselves seemed to have a greater capacity for friendship, for letting people in. Perhaps that’s why I, in the past, was always rather solitary. But I liked to think I was starting to dip a toe in the waters.’I must admit that one of the unexpected delights of the story for me was that it is ‘peppered’ with such classical references, Latin verbs, reflections on the etymology of words and their ongoing influences in our language.Although there are many feel-good moments in this story, as well as some lovely moments of humour, one of the things I appreciated most was that the author didn’t shy away from exploring not only the darker, much more complex aspects of Missy’s personality, but also the various physical, mental and emotional challenges of aging. As a result, the story acquired a much greater and more satisfying depth than I had been expecting. There are also a couple of mysteries at the heart of the story and although at quite an early stage I accurately predicted what one of them was, the final revelation did come as a surprise. However, it was a ‘surprise’ which, reflecting back on the story, felt absolutely credible and added an extra layer of psychological integrity to author’s impressive observational and storytelling skills.Had I not received an ARC of Beth Morrey’s debut novel but had just noticed it in a bookshop, I suspect that I know that I have been put off by the cover and the publisher’s synopsis because both suggest to me a rather lightweight, possibly overly sentimental story. In fact it is neither, rather it is a beautifully written, poignant and thought-provoking ‘coming of old age’ novel. In addition to being a satisfying personal read, I think it would make a good choice for book groups.With thanks to Readers First and the publisher for my review copy.

[shazjhb · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story about getting old. Loved the animals and people in this book. Also did not get the twist.

[ethel55_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Missy gave up her librarian life when she married a very vibrant historian, raised her children, and ran the household as one does. One day, her love and children are gone and she rattles around her place all alone. Quirky and heartwarming (Eleanor Oliphant comes to mind), Missy begins a late in life coming of age story. Her community becomes a friendlier place when she opens her eyes to the possibilities of friendship with the rag tag gang at the dog park or coffee shop. Perhaps they aren't so rag tag after all.

[twink_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I do love my mayhem and murder tales. But I like a story that grabs you by the heartstrings too. Such is the case with The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey.There are a lot of books with seniors as the main characters - finding their way, robbing banks, starting revolts at the care home and more. I wonder if there's a genre tag for these?No revolts or robberies in this one. Just a seventy nine year old, lonely ex-librarian named Missy Carmichael. Her husband is gone, she's estranged from her daughter and her son and grandchild live in Australia. (She's in England) She's lonely, but avoids people and spends her time waiting. For what, she's not sure.And then something does happen - a dog named Bob, two eclectic women and a small boy invade her life, her home.....and her heart.The publisher used this phrase to describe the book. And I think it's perfect....."a life-affirming, deeply moving “coming-of-old” story, a celebration of how ordinary days are made extraordinary through friendship, family, and the power of forgiving yourself–at any age."Morrey does a wonderful job creating her characters. Missy is not a warm and cuddly person in the beginning. But as her life is remembered, I started to understand her pain. And as she starts to venture out into life again I was so happy for her and mentally kept urging her forward. Angela is bigger than life and I loved her 'pushiness'. Her son Otis gives Missy a chance to play and hug a small person again. And Sylvie - her enthusiasm for everything and everyone is infectious.The plot grabbed me by the heartstrings and didn't let go. Every so often you need a pick me up tale. And The Love Story of Missy Carmichael is just right.

[carolee888 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story is perfect. I once knew a very lonely older woman, Mrs. Brown who was in her eighties. the main character of this book was seventy-nine and I am seventy-three. Mrs, Brown used to snare me when I walked down to the mailbox, call me to her sit on her front porch swing. I did not like her much but I was polite as she droned on for hours. A very unhappy woman who depressed me.But Millicent (Missy) Carmichael was much more to my liking. Lonely to the core for most of her life, her guilt over what she had said to her daughter, unhappiness with her own self, disappointed over her husband' s behavior from the first time that she met him. Missy withdrew from her family and very afraid to make friends with anyone. I can understand some of that, I could imaging myself being like that. Missy needed a catalyst to pull her out of her sad cramped life.A little boy, Otis, a couple of women who saw hidden beauty in her and a joyful, playful, devoted dog, Bob AKA Bobbie change her life. I loved this story and I will be avidly seeking out other tales of women who are older than me and hope that I can find more women who are like Missy after shediscovered who she really was and start loving herself.I loved this book and want to read many more like it.I received an Advance Reading Copy from the publisher as a win from FirstReads. My review is from my own thoughts and views after reading this book.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was a sweet read. I found Millicent to be someone that I would like to get to know better and hang out in real life. Of course, there is Bob. Animals just make books better. Millicent would agree as having Bob in her life did brighten it up. Although, in the beginning, she might have disagreed with you.While, I am not taking back my comment about this book being a sweet read; I did feel a strong lack of emotional connection towards most of the characters in this story. If it had been just about Millicent and Bob, I would have bumped my rating of this book a little more up. Yet, there were others that felt like they were supposed to

[shelleyraec · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Saving Missy is a poignant and heartwarming debut novel from Beth Morrey about ageing, loss, friendship, and forgiveness.Seventy-nine year old Millicent ‘Missy’ Carmichael lives in a large, spartan home in central London. Her husband, Leo, is gone, her son, Alistair, his wife and her beloved grandson, Arthur, have emigrated to Australia, and she hasn’t spoken to her daughter, Melanie, in almost a year. Having devoted her life to her family, she now finds herself alone, and lonely, dwelling on the mistakes of her past, relieved only by a ‘sip’ of sherry.“Sometimes the loneliness was overpowering. Not just the immediate loneliness of living in a huge house on my own, loved ones far away, but a more abstract, galactic isolation, like a leaking boat bobbing in open water, no anchor or land in sight.“It’s an awkward encounter at the local park with a warm and friendly women named Sylvie, and Angela, a young, extroverted and opinionated woman with a young son, Otis, that begins to coax a reluctant Missy into the world, and a dog named Bob in need of a home who yanks her into it.“So here we are: the old biddy, the single mother, the superhero and the adopted mongrel…”Morrey’s portrait of Missy is well crafted and developed. Initially, Missy comes across as an unpleasant, judgemental, ‘fuddy-duddy’, but it becomes clear that her attitude is a result of her own insecurities, a touch of anxiety and depression, and a guilty secret that has festered for decades. Her reminisces appear to confirm that this has been a life long issue for her, and matters have only worsened as she has aged, and finally left with only her own thoughts for company.“Perhaps I’d said something at the lunch that she objected to? She was very left-wing. Or perhaps it was something I hadn’t said? I had no witty anecdotes, knew none of the mutual acquaintances they’d discussed, and most of all I was so old, so jaundiced – who would want to be friends with me?”The author successfully evokes a range of emotions for Missy, from dislike to pity to admiration as Missy begins to confront her past, and her future. Sylvia and Angela are both delightful in their own way, but it’s Bob that comes close to stealing the ‘show’.“My Bobby, the dog I didn’t want, didn’t own, but who was truly mine in a way that no one else ever had been.”Though I thought the pace was a little slow during the first half of the novel, and the storyline didn’t really offer any surprises, Saving Missy definitely has its charms.An uplifting reminder of how vital connection and acceptance are to us all, the benefits of unconditional companionship and love from a pet, and that age is no barrier to enjoying either, Saving Missy is an engaging and thoughtful novel

[arthistorychick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth MorreySource: NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s SonsRating: 5/5 starsAt seventy-nine years old, Missy Carmichael has a load of regrets that weigh on her daily. She spends her days puttering around her big old house, cleaning that which is already sparkling, lamenting the mistakes of her life, and, quite frankly, wondering how much longer she will have to endure the loneliness. And then, one day, Missy goes to see a load of fish get shocked in pond.Of all the things in the world that could have happened the day Missy Carmichael went to see the shocking of the fish she never would have expected what did happen. One, the fish really did get shocked and two, Missy passed out. Though neither of those events were particularly nice or enjoyable, they did lead to some interesting new introductions, most notably the effervescent Sylvie and the utterly brash, Angela and her young son, Otis. Though Missy wasn’t particularly looking for any new friends, or friends at all, both Sylvie and Angela work their way into her life and as she eventually finds, it is for the better.For much of her life, Missy Carmichael has felt utterly alone. Even in the days of her grand marriage and motherhood, Missy has always felt separate from those around her. She is utterly convinced she spent her entire life loving her husband far more than he loved her, and her children were responsibilities she now wishes she had viewed as joys rather than simply responsibilities. If her current relationship with her children is any indication, they felt the separateness too. Sylvie and Angela have no idea of Missy’s past and while they would like to know more about her, they both understand that she is going to be a tough nut to crack and it will take patience and time to gain her trust and friendship. Thankfully, both women are more than willing to wait and put forth the effort. In the days and weeks that follow, a strange sort of feeling comes over Missy. She still spends far too much time in the past, but in light of her new friendships, she is beginning to see her past in a somewhat less harsh light. Not only are Angela, Otis, and Sylvie constants in her life, but so is a most unlikely creature, Bob the dog. While Missy has never been an animal lover per say, she isn’t actually opposed to them either and since taking Bob in is meant to be temporary, Missy agrees to the arrangement. Just like her friendships with Angela, Otis, and Sylvie, Missy takes her time with Bob. Adjusting to life with a dog isn’t easy for Missy, but she finds, once the training wheels come off that she rather likes the beast and she (yes, Bob is a girl!) opens up a whole new world of friendships in the form of the dog park people. With each new day and each new experience, Missy begins to see life differently, and she begins to reassess her past and forgive herself for some of her many perceived flaws and failures. As her walk through the past coincides with her walk in the present, Missy learns to appreciate the people in her life and opens herself up to new experiences. She becomes a true friend in every sense of the word and rather enjoys the freedom from the loneliness that had been her constant companion for so many decades. For the better part of year, Missy embraces life as she never has before and just as she’s getting truly comfortable with her new reality, Life rears its ugly head and pulls the rug right out from under Missy. What she finds in the wake of tragedy is that friendship is a two-way street and what she has experienced over the last year has earned her the friendship, kindness, and caring of a large number of people, friends who are more than willing to come to her aid. The Bottom Line: What a truly tremendous read this was for me! Based on the synopsis, I thought this book was going to be far lighter than it is, but I found that I appreciated the heaviness of the read and the themes it explored. Missy Carmichael is a survivor and for much of her life, that is all she has been. It isn’t until her husband is lost to her and her children are virtual strangers that Missy really begins to live. Through a series of strange events and thanks to the persistence of two wonderfully different women, one small boy, and dog, Missy learns to trust, to open herself up, to participate in life, and to be present. As she is learning all these new and liberating lessons, Missy is also applying the lessons to her past and learning to forgive and to let go, to say the things she means and fully participate in the world around her. Through her strength and courage, Missy finds she is not only worth liking, but worth loving and caring for. She finds friendship for the first time in her life and when the rug is pulled out from beneath her, it is that friendship that sees her through the darkness. I so appreciated this book, the steps back into the past to help frame and better understand the present and the unwavering relationships that come to Missy so late in life. Missy Carmichael’s story is one that will resonate with readers as it is, ultimately a story of life, love, connection, and friendship. In all, an excellent read.