Welcome to my review of Duckling by Eve Ainsworth. I saw this book advertised months ago and loved the description as ‘A gripping, emotional, life-affirming story you’ll want to recommend to a friend’. The blurb sounded good too, so I thought I would try it. Unfortunately, it got stuck in my pile or some time before I got to it, but what a treat it was.
Duckling’s a nickname Lucy has never been able to shake off.
And, if she’s honest, maybe it suits her.
She just isn’t the type to socialise with other people.
You might say she’s reluctant to leave her nest.
Lucy’s life is small, but safe. She’s got a good routine. But all that’s about to change…
When Lucy’s neighbour asks her to look after her little girl for a couple of hours – and then doesn’t come back – Lucy is suddenly responsible for someone other than herself.
It takes courage to let the outside world in, and Lucy’s about to learn there’s much more to life – but only if she’s brave enough to spread her wings…
Eve Ainsworth is a working class award-winning and Carnegie nominated children’s author who has written for both middle grade and teen readers. Duckling is her debut adult novel. Eve has vast experience working as a public speaker and creative workshop coordinator for schools, libraries and other events both nationally and internationally. She also is an experienced mentor and is very passionate about helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Eve was born and raised in Crawley, West Sussex and is one of seven children. After her degree, she had a varied background working within HR and Recruitment roles, before moving in a role she loves – mentoring and supporting challenging and vulnerable children in both secondary and primary schools. Eve is fiercely proud of her working class roots and her large, loud family. She still lives in Crawley with her husband, two young children, crazy dog and two very naughty cats.
Firstly, we meet Lucy, nicknamed Duckling since she was a child by her father. Now at thirty, she still bears the nickname. She’s no ugly duckling, though. Instead, she’s 6 foot 2, slim and very pretty. Lucy is, however, a loner. She lives alone with her darling cat and works at a local bookshop where she gets on well with her boss but mainly spends her time out the back away from the customers.
Her life suddenly changes one day when her new neighbour, Cassie, asks her to look after her daughter, Rubi, for a couple of hours. While she now must interact with others, this sets off a chain of events and conversations she would never have had otherwise.
The plot was entertaining, and the characters sweet and thoughtful mostly. I really liked Lucy and seeing her engage and come into her own. She learnt to trust others, rely upon her own instincts, and converse with others for a change. Rubi is a precocious little eight-year-old; she is headstrong and determined. Despite a bit of a rocky start, she worms her way into Lucy’s heart.
Lucy finds herself with the support of a stranger’s daughter, her boss, Jimmy and her loving father. Her obsession with Columbo is brilliant and well written, so much so that I fancy watching an episode myself now!
This was a delightful and easy read. I finished it within a day as I couldn’t put it down. Perfect for those who like a heartfelt, cosy, contemporary mystery. It’s also as gripping, emotional and life-affirming as the description suggested.
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| Title | Duckling |
| Author | Eve Ainsworth |
| Series | N/A |
| Format | eARC |
| Page Count | 381 Pages |
| Genre | Mystery |
| Publisher | Penguin |
| Release Date | 26th May 2022 (paperback) |
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