Review: The Six Loves of Billy Binns

The Six Loves of Billy Binns
Page length: 480 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Date: 24 January 2019
Publisher: Tinder Press
Source: ARC via NetGalley
 
Stars:  4.5 out of 5
 
Link: AMAZON (UK)

 
ABOUT THE SIX LOVES OF BILLY BINNS
 
I remember my dreams but not where they start.
Further back, I recall some of yesterday and the day before that. Then everything goes into a haze.
Fragments of memories come looming back like red London buses in a pea-souper.
Time plays funny tricks these days.
I wait for the next memory. I wait and I wait.
 
At 117 years old, Billy Binns is the oldest man in Europe and he knows his time is almost up. But Billy has a final wish: he wants to remember what love feels like one last time. As he looks back at the relationships that have shaped his flawed life - and the events that shaped the century - he recalls a life full of hope, mistakes, heartbreak and, above all, love.

My Review:

There is nothing more satisfying than finishing a good book. The Six Loves of Billy Binns is a beautiful tale that pivots around the small decisions that prove to have momentous consequences.
 
It did take me a few chapters to get into the story, which starts in 1900 and journeys the life and loves of the 117-year life of Billy Binns. The story flits between Billy Binn's history and current day in a retirement home where he tries to remember his lost loves. 
 
An exceptional debut. Mr Lumsden beautifully weaves Billy Binn's journey with historical and poignant moments of the twentieth century. He brings Shepherd's Bush to life. So much so you can almost smell the fish market.
 
It is heartbreaking, uplifting, and altogether inspiring.
 
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.