No More Chocolates From Harrods

In the heady days of the early 80s, in the London of Sloane Rangers, City wide-boys and extravagant lunches, George and Prudence fall quickly and deeply in love. A bit stunned, they try to overcome the obvious obstacles of him in Singapore and her in London with a dull husband, through passionate and revealing letters, phone calls and the occasional intense rendezvous.This is a clever, intriguing and thoughtful tale about the nature of love. Can the lovers’ private world of the imagination withstand the grind of mundane problems, social obligations and twists of fate?MG Kile has left enough gaps between letters and calls to provide some mystery and there are interesting quotes from mythology (from both West and East) and poetry to show that humanity is still swept away and left helpless by the force of love.The arc of romance in the book has moments that will be familiar and Kile has a sharp eye for the detail of life in the 80s (before Google, Facebook and easy divorce).There’s plenty of food for thought here, drama that will keep you turning the pages and wry, understanding humour that helps you forgive George and Prue when they stuff up their opportunities as they try to close the deal.It would make an excellent book club choice. Is Prudence a feminist, a femme fatale with a fondness for fine dining and ‘proper’ champagne, or a thirty-something woman desperate for an adventure and a few perfect moments in a loveless world? You’ll argue about it for a long time…(This reviewer was a beta reader for the book)

I'm not normally a fan of romance fiction being more of psychological thriller guy. But this book made me think. The to and fro of the letters between these two interesting people made for an hypnotic romantic dance. I'm certain it would also appeal to anyone who is an old softie like me. It's certainly a great introduction of a softer, more romantic type of story. Very enjoyable.