Book Review: The Slow Lane Walkers Club, by Rosa Temple.

The vibes: immaculate.

A story about community initiative, inter-generational connection and the beginnings of a romance, all set in a beach setting? Sign me up!

The Slow-Lane Walkers Club was a joy to read; heart-warming, sweet and wholesome, yet real. This book, instead of hitting you with action after action, forcing you on to find out what’s behind the next page, gently encourages you with its warmness to read more about the connections the characters are making in this small town.

Some Plot Points…

Our lead character, Daniel, returns home from his job as a walking-tour guide in Italy, to sort his recently-deceased grandmother’s house. In a bid to find some like-minded people, he sets up a walking club, thinking he’d be one of the many 20-something walkers in Cornwall. However, the only person that shows up to this club come Saturday-afternoon is Hazel, an 80-year-old ex-adventurer with a heart of gold.

In Hazel, Daniel finds a friend, confidant and bounteous source of information about his grandmother, as Hazel and his grandmother were good friends. Throughout the book, the relationship between these 2 grows as they end up co-managing the walking club. Hazel gives Daniel purpose and encouragement, both for himself directly, but also the slowly-growing members of the walking club. I’m all for Hazel!

As the book’s pages grow in numbers, so does the walking club. Rivalled by a different walking group on the same path, The Padstow Pace Makers, the group places their identity in taking life at their own literal pace, something so heartwarming and encouraging.

Another important element of the book is a romance. One that blossoms, then fades, but finds its way back again into the novel towards its end. I won’t say much about it, as Temple places the romance outside of the centre of the book. Just by the way, this was an act I found thoughtful and community-focused. However, Jess is a woman that knows her own mind and will not be disrespected. I liked reading of her. Very cool woman, inspiring me to live the surf and cycle life fantasy I’ve always dreamed of.

So, should you read it?

Basically, I’m telling you to PLEASE read this book. I’m currently reading some Marian Keys, but trust me when I say I’ll be reading Temple’s entire collection. She’s such a nice writer. It feels like you’re coming home when you read her stuff. I LOVE IT.

Recommendation and Rating – 9.5/10 recommend (only saddos would not read this book, we all need some wholesome in our lives. Go on, READ IT.)