Ahead of the annual event that’s come to mark the true start of the festivities, the team are sharing their JL Christmas ad predictions for 2022...
We all know the most wonderful time of the year isn’t officially underway until the John Lewis ad has graced our screens and Twitter is ablaze with reactions (and, ahem, criticism).
The highly anticipated advert has become synonymous with the festivities and a staple of our Christmas calendars, year after year. For many, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas until Mariah Carey’s ear-worm can be heard all across the land and the popular retailer unveils its iconic ad. And we are firmly in that camp!
It’s safe to say, 2022 has been another eventful year in British history with the queen’s Platty Jubes back in the summer, the Women’s Euros, the World Cup this month, and of course Her Majesty’s passing. Then there was The Queue for the Queen’s-lying-in-state, with heartwarming stories of mourning strangers striking up friendships whilst shuffling along the ever-growing line, visible from space.
With a wealth of material to choose from, the merry masterminds behind the JL ad are surely set to pull on our heartstrings like never before this Christmas. Could it be the year of The Bear aka Paddington’s marmalade era, or maybe a sad-looking Corgi will be the main character, as the ad tells the tale of the pup who lost its wag? It could even be the Christmas that sees King Charles receive the gift of all gifts… a fully functioning pen.
Ahead of the annual event that’s come to mark the true start of the festivities, the team are sharing their JL Christmas ad predictions for 2022…
Disclaimer: if we’re wrong, its because that’s tradition mmmk.
Lareese’s Prediction
I reckon there’s going to be some sort of climate change angle involving a distressed polar bear and how to have a green Christmas with JL. I’m picturing a classic The Snowman type animation flying round the world looking at all these animals in despair as their homes are disappearing one by one. Then outside a classroom, a fox hops onto the window sill (this is a magic non-nocturnal fox, you see), pressing its long snout up against the glass, touched to see a young child presenting ideas to her classmates for how humankind can pull together, save the planet and rescue the animals once and for all. The fox sets about spreading the word, telling his animal pals that help is on the way, and this won’t be their last Christmas after all… For the soundtrack, I’m thinking a full-on ensemble this year – a star-studded original track with Adele, Coldplay, ABBA, Elton and 1975.
Lily’s Prediction
I think it will be another tear-jerker but on OVERDRIVE! Possibly a nod to the Queen too after all of her years as our Monarch (which I’m truly hoping they do). Although, due to John Lewis and many others curating their ads so early in the year, I also feel there might be a nod to peace + no war. Coming together or supporting from afar / hearts as one. Possibly someone sending a gift they received on Christmas to someone less fortunate!
I would love for JL to do something similar to the: ‘somewhere only we know’ 2013 The Bear and the Hare as it had that traditional Christmas festive feel, a heartwarming storyline and beautiful track to the AD. So possibly be partly illustrated / animated as they’ve started doing over the recent years. Something cuddly and a comfort that can be bought in-store as a symbol to promote their Christmas range for 2022!
Danielle’s Prediction
After predicting what I can only describe as the best advert (that was never made) in 2020, I’m quite burnt by this whole task but alas, I shall try again. 2021’s alien girl was a big miss for me – no tears, no laughs just a bit MEH.
This year I hope they team up with Waitrose to bring a bumper foodie gifting masterpiece. Food and gifting are so synonymous with Christmas, I’d love them to play on those great British traditions and the fact that they’re back for good and this Christmas will be the first normal one in so long. No mention of actual COVID as no one needs reminding of that.
I’d like to see scenes capturing that hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping in London. Mums and Grans getting that 6am food shop on the run-up to Christmas day. Classicly terrible office parties with fizz and mince pies. Families driving from one house to another packed full of gifts. Kids picking out and wrapping their gifts. Terrible Christmas nativity plays. Diving into the quality street watching Home Alone. ALL THAT GOOD STUFF.
Maybe the tagline that appears at the end would say “They’re traditions for a reason” or “Never stray from traditions” which I think works for John Lewis because so many people traditionally shop there. Anyway, that’s my 2 cents, feel free to hire me next year JLP!
Olivia’s Prediction
This year I think they will focus on Christmas through the years that the Queen was serving as Monarch. They will show families coming together to watch the Queen’s speech on Christmas day and sharing gifts. There will be a gift that’s the same every year, maybe a teddy bear as they haven’t changed much over the years. This teddy bear will then be the item they sell in the stores. They would have originally done this for the jubilee but kept it as she passed away later in the year. I also think Sam Ryder will be singing the song for it.
Charlotte Prediction
Although there are plenty of traditions that come around year after year, the classic Christmas films that loop day after day during December is one that every household can relate to. The rules for rewatching films do not apply when it comes to Christmas movies- simply put, the limit does not exist.
I think an iconic advert that only a John Lewis budget could quite pull of would be a nod to some of the most loved and classic movies in the Christmas genre, whether it to that department store scene or a cameo from Hugh Grant himself (dreaming big here), I have no doubt that this ad would be the talk of the town. A win across all generations, I’m imagining references to Love Actually, The Holiday, Home Alone and newer classics including The Princess Switch that those of all ages would love and appreciate.
After a couple of seriously lacklustre Christmases and restrictions of various degrees, I feel like the festive season of 2022 is going to be back with a serious bang, and splurging a big budget with guaranteed ‘aww’ factor is one I would personally love to see. Jude Law, Colin Firth, Will Ferrell, I hope to see you there!
Maddie’s Prediction
I have to say the creative side of my brain is slightly underdeveloped for tasks like this. I can only imagine the stress the John Lewis teams feel each year knowing the pressure they’re under to create the best advert yet. For me, Edgar the Dragon of 2019 was the last time they smashed it.
That coincidentally was also probably the last Christmas where we weren’t burdened with all that’s happened since. What i’d love to see is them capture that innocence and magic again. Where for two minutes we can forget about all the sadness, turmoil and frankly the state of the not so United Kingdom. A story of togetherness, neighbours helping neighbours, understanding and unity across generations and cultures. Not such a big ask is it?
The Cosiest Christmas Bedding To Transform Your Bedroom This Winter
From traditional red and green check, to winter animal extravaganzas, the high-street goes wild for novelty Christmas bedding, and it feels only right to oblige in a little festive redecoration...
If there was ever a time to up your cosy game and lean into all things comfort, the season of autumn would surely be it. With rainy days rolling in thick and fast, ’tis the time for nights in front of Netflix, indulgent dinners that feel like a warm hug and wearing every layer you own to save on a no doubt extortionate heating bill.
With Halloween done and dusted and Michael Bublé about to defrost, time spent at home is about to become more precious than ever. Sunday morning lie-ins are made all the more luxurious when lounging amongst Christmas bedding, and as November hits so does the ultimate selection of festive bed linen.
From traditional red and green check, to winter animal extravaganzas, the high-street goes wild for novelty bedding, and it feels only right to oblige in a little festive redecoration…
Festive Cheer Unlocked: The Best Christmas Events In the UK
We’ve compiled a selection of festive events happening across the UK this year, from light festivals to ice skating, shows, carol concerts, pantomimes and ballets, so you can fill your boots (and your calendars) with Christmas activities aplenty and kickstart the most wonderful time of the year in style!
The scent of mulled wine and mince pies, carol singers crooning, the iconic ‘It’s Christmas’ yell of Slade’s lead vocalist Noddy Holder, people stumbling round the ice rinks, wishing they could get away with a penguin to lean on (guilty) – the run up to Christmas is just as important as the day itself for getting in the festive spirit.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a selection of festive events happening across the UK this year, from light festivals to ice skating, shows, carol concerts, pantomimes and ballets, so you can fill your boots (and your calendars) with Christmas activities aplenty and kickstart the most wonderful time of the year in style!
Pss If you don’t manage to book on this year, make sure you note them down for next year’s festive activities.
Now, let the mistletoe see the wine… it’s CHRISTMASSS.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
📍 Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Any trip to Wakehurst is spellbinding stuff but in the winter, the magic really comes alive as the garden is transformed into the Glow Wild light festival. Their enchanting lantern trail is back for its ninth year running and packed full of surprises including a brand new route.
This year, Glow Wild celebrates the spectrum of colour, inviting you to explore how we see colour and the role it plays in our daily lives. Featuring captivating light installations created by leading artists, glistening fire torches and immersive soundscapes, it’s the perfect activity for all the family.
Don’t miss the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, dressed to impress in 1,800 fairy lights.
Looking for a cute date night idea in the run up to Christmas? Their brand-new adults only sessions are just the thing.
When?
Selected evenings 24 November 2022 – 1 January 2023
4:30pm – 10pm (last entry at 8.20pm)
Quiet sessions available at 4.15pm on selected evenings
If your favourite Potter scene is the Yule Ball, then Hogwarts in the Snow is a must-see. Step into the scenes of Hogwarts at Christmas as the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour, undergoes its yearly festive makeover, complete with blankets of filmmaking snow. Slytherin hearts are defrosting as we speak. From the Christmas tree-lined Great Hall to a snow-dusted Diagon Alley and the tinsel-wrapped boys’ dormitory, Potterheads are set to be in their wizarding element. Merry Christmas, ya filthy witches.
PS due to its popularity with muggle types, it’s already booked up for crimbo but snap up some tickets for January to get your 2023 off to a spellbinding start!
When?
Selected dates 12 November 2022 – 15 January 2023.
You can’t get more festive than Dickens and his classic Christmas Carol but this year, Dolly Parton has sprinkled her very own Tennessee magic on the timeless tale in an all-new musical.
Set during the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee and featuring an original score written by Dolly Parton, this heart-warming and truly unforgettable production imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season.
As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who compel him to see life anew and discover that love is the greatest and most precious gift we have. Dickens’ classic characters and Dolly Parton’s one-of-a-kind song writing and storytelling expertise are certain to make this the most joyful Christmas event.
(Dolly fans please note, she will not feature live in this production).
When?
8 Dec 2022 – 8 Jan 2023
Price: Tickets on sale now from £18.50, Premium tickets available.
Escape into an incredible world of light at the Lightopia Festival in London’s Crystal. The ultimate neon winter wonderland experience will not only showcase immersive, multi-sensory interactive light and lantern installations but will also feature a spectacular festive water show, ready to transport you to a fantastical Christmas experience like no other.
The 40-metre-wide and 15-metre-tall water show over the lower lake is a visual feast, featuring the beloved Christmas imagery of a giant Santa, Rudolf, Christmas tree and snowflakes.
Other highlights include: ‘The Wonders of the Dragon’, a breath-taking light dragon who dramatically breathes ‘fire’, lighting up the surrounding trees and crystals; ‘The Magical Forest’, a fantasy world of mythical winged creatures; the enchanting and organic ‘Land of Fairy Literature’, ‘Earth Flower’ and ‘Forest Mushroom’; the spooky and wonky world of the ‘Haunted Road’ and of course the ultimate ‘Christmas’ installation of giant snowmen, baubles and sugar canes.
Perfect for family Christmas outings, office parties or a joy-filled evening with your bestie, this magical and heart-warming immersive experience is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
When?
17 November 2022 – 2 January 2023
Price: Standard advance tickets are priced at £19.50 off peak and £24.50 peak for adults, £13 off peak and £16.50 peak for children, and £56 off peak and £72 peak for families of two adults and two children. Children under three can go free. Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free; the disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee.
📍 Various locations, including Derby, Chester, Oldham, York, Hull, Buxton, Sheffield, Coventry, Salisbury, Durham & Liverpool.
Go walking in the air this Christmas with a special screening of family-favourite The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. No, you’ve got goosebumps. Sure to create precious memories and get your toes tapping this Christmas, consider this your serotonin soundtrack. Festive cheer unlocked.
Non-stop singing, dancing, music and humour? That should get you in the spirit of things quicker than you can say pull my cracker.
As the largest Christmas show in the country (if not Europe), you really are in for an evening of top-notch festivities. Set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 120 professional singers, dancers and musicians – most of whom are straight out of the West End – the three hour performance delivers an extravaganza of festive entertainment. Featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being performed alongside traditional carols, plus an incredible fly over of white doves across the auditorium for the grand finale, this is what Christmas dreams are made of.
A favourite amongst city residents and visitors alike, the Birmingham Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. You can enjoy all the traditional food including bratwursts, schnitzels, pretzels and roasted almonds, all of which can be washed down with a Gluhwein, weissbier (wheat beer) or a soothing cup of hot chocolate. Tick off a few of your Christmas gifts from one of the many open air stalls lining Victoria Square and New Street, featuring everything from handcrafted toys to jewellery and delicate glass baubles or head over to Centenary Square for your fix of fairground fun and ice skating. Don’t miss the legendary singing moose – the face and voice of the Christmas Market, affectionately known to his friends as Chris Moose!
When?
3 November – 23 December.
Open daily from 10am – 9pm (except Remembrance Sunday 13th November, when the market will be open from 1pm – 9pm).
📍 The Spiegeltent, Cardiff Castle Grounds, Castle Street, Cardiff.
This isn’t just any old version of The Nutcracker, this is The Nutcracker with a Welsh twist, performed in the intimacy of Cardiff’s magical Spiegeltent.
Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival presents the highly acclaimed full-length contemporary ballet, Wales’ first reimagining of its kind, featuring a rich cast of recognisably Welsh characters, including Uncle Idris, Bop Sheila & Bopa Linda and The Mari Lwyd. The production also features the showpiece Snowflakes as seen at Cardiff’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and featuring choreographer Jamiel Laurence’s unique take on dancing, tumbling, avalanching and flying snowballs.
Audiences are invited along for a magical ride through the Williams’ Family Christmas. As you are taken into the dream world of the lead protagonist, Carys, her Uncle Idris will conjure up a battle, a snowstorm and his very own variety show, The Uncle Idris Show.
When?
25 November – 27 November for five performances only.
Get ready to be transported to the magical land of huskies, reindeer, elves and storytelling! Brought to life in a 4-hour immersive experience, Lapland UK takes guests through a magical secret doorway in the Enchanted Forest to an ancient Elven civilisation. Here, small folk can watch with wide eyed wonder as the magic of the forest unfolds, complete with a visit to the toy factory to help Whittle, Conker and Wish with their toy making, a delicious gingerbread decorating class with Mother Christmas, ice skating and finally, a special personalised trip to see Santa and his reindeers in his cosy wood-cabin home.
Guaranteed to create the kind of core memories that last a lifetime for small and big folk alike, allowing grown ups to revel in the joy of their children’s fleeting belief in Father Christmas, and childhood wonder itself. Father Christmas in the UK doesn’t get more authentic than this!
Is it even Christmas if you don’t pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie with a cliche but indisputably magical day of festivities in the big smoke? Whether you live in London or make an annual trip to fully absorb its infectious Christmas spirit, an afternoon at Somerset House is a festive rite of passage. Their magnificent ice rink (now with an even bigger skate space!) transforms the iconic courtyard into the winter dreamland, complete with a glorious 40ft Christmas tree, specially curated decorations from Moët & Chandon and gourmet dining at Chalet Suisse- a mesmerising pop-up alpine restaurant courtesy of Jimmy Garcia. Top tip: save the bubbles for once you’re safely off the ice!
Playful, witty and charming, this brand-new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved The Wind in the Willows by award-winning children’s author Piers Torday (The Last Wild series) is a beautiful tale perfect for the whole family that’s sure to create memories you will treasure for years to come.
Set in modern-day London and tackling familiar issues of the present day, the tale is fundamentally one of hope and joy, featuring a healthy dose of classic songs, puppetry and the book’s favourite characters. With rave reviews from The Sunday Times, The Guardian and The Evening Standard, consider this a must for the festive season if pleasing the whole family is top of your agenda.
When
24th November to 31st December. 7.30pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Matinees 2.30pm.
This beautiful after-dark experience is one to bookmark for those in and around Cambridge seeking an evening of festive cheer for the whole family. The beautiful National Trust location and home is continuing its partnership with local author Robert MacFarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris, with the Winter Lights experience including Lost Words and Lost Spells poems, music and illustrations throughout.
Enjoy projections of Jackie’s nature illustrations around the grounds, created by award-winning projectionist team Ross Ashton and Karen Monid, as well as new versions of songs and poems throughout the route. Finish your evening by refuelling with food and drinks from independent street food vendors in the Orchard area, and cheers over a warming cup of mulled wine- ‘tis the season!
📍Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, 2 York St, Bath.
Is there a more beautifully traditional, picture-perfect spot to get into the Christmas spirit than the city of Bath? We think not. After being paused for two years, the iconic Bath Christmas markets are up and running once more, welcoming traditional artisan makers to their streets and ensuring festive cheer seeps from every corner of the city.
With over 150 twinkling chalets including some of the best crafters that the South West and beyond has to offer, find homeware, handmade jewellery, and personalised gifts that make Christmas shopping for even the fussiest members of your family feel like a breeze.
Meander round the beautiful stalls with an extravagant hot chocolate and Belgian waffle in hand and consider multiple boxes on your festive bucket list ticked off.
When?
Thursday 24th November to Sunday 11th December.
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm. Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm. Sundays: 10am to 6pm.
No booking necessary.
Tulleys Farm at Christmas
📍 Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Rd, Worth, Crawley Down, Crawley.
Set within the beautiful courtyards and woodland of Tulleys Farm, their Christmas experience is created by the same award winning team behind Tulleys Halloween, Escape Rooms and PYO Sunflowers, meaning you’re guaranteed to be in for a festive treat.
From Christmas markets to storytime with Santa himself, ice skating to gingerbread decorating, a trip to Tulleys is a full family affair with activities those of all ages will be excited about. Finish your visit with a warming treat at one of the farm’s many food and refreshment spots, and prepare to have Mariah stuck in your head for the rest of the weekend…
When?
26th November-24th December, various time slots.
No booking necessary.
Castle of Light: A Kingdom on Colours at Edinburgh’s Castle
📍 Castlehill, Edinburgh.
Back for a third magical year, one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful landmarks is set to be transformed into a kingdom of colours once more with a bigger and better than ever colourful projection show that gives the castle a mesmerising new lease of life.
“Drawing inspiration from kaleidoscope patterns, this year’s projections include a mix of geometric designs depicting stories from Scotland’s past, transforming the castle with light, sound and wonder like never before” says Creative Director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s trail.
For those planning a magical staycation to the city that comes alive at Christmas (or anyone lucky enough to have an EH postcode), a trip to Edinburgh castle is guaranteed to become one of your top memories of Xmas ‘22.
When?
18th-20th and 25th-27th November. 2nd-4th, 8th-11th, 16th-23rd and 27th-30th December 2022. 4.30pm to 9pm (last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm)
The home of Christmas in London for 150 years, The Royal Albert Hall is opening their doors this December to share the joy of the most magical season of all. Live music was few and far between during the Christmases of ‘20 and ‘21, and what better way to celebrate the comeback of such events than in one of the country’s most iconic venues. From Christmas carols to traditional concerts, jazz, drag, soul, classic ballet and so much more, there’s a plethora of events set to get you in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year. Check out the full programme line-up here and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
When?
Concerts running from Saturday 3rd-31st December.
Ice Skating at Brighton Pavilion
📍 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton
Ice skating may be one of the more marmite festive activities out there, but even the wobbliest of skaters will be keen to hit the ice upon seeing the beauty that is Brighton Pavillion’s rink in all its glory this Christmas. Powered entirely by green energy, it’s one of the country’s more eco festive experiences, the atmosphere is one that feels on par with the magic of Love Actually’s most heartwarming moments (let’s try and block out the Joni Mitchell scene…).
Both family friendly and the perfect romantic date spot, cosy up in the rinkside bar after your skate and enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate before taking a twinkling walk through the iconic Brighton Lanes. It’s the stuff of Christmas bucket lists!
When?
Oct 29th, 2022– Jan 8th, 2023. Weekdays and weekends, check website for peak and off peak session times.
New for 2022, Blenheim Palace is set to be transformed thanks to their new Kingdom of The Snow Queen theme, with visitors able to take a self-guided tour around the Palace’s rooms, each one filled with hidden surprises. From the glistening Land of Snowflakes filled with a silvery frost-covered forest, to the wintery Kingdom of Ice adorned with larger-than-life shimmering crystals, the transformation is captivating whether accompanied by little ones or a new wintertime lover.
If that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, wander the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens through tunnels of light and lakeside reflections, and end your evening warming up by the flickering flames of the palace’s fire garden that brings to life the cosy ambience that is so special during the Christmas period.
Blenheim Palace’s Christmas Market will also be returning for 2022, with plentiful designer/maker craft traders housed in wooden chalets in the Great Court with a selection of treats and gifts for yourself and loved ones this Christmas. Finally, if a foodie agenda is what makes your heart sing, enjoy their Ice Kingdom Themed Afternoon Tea between 18th November 2022 – 2nd January 2023 at the Orangery- meet you there!
When?
Access to The Kingdom of The Snow Queen 18th November 2022-2nd January 2023.
Glow Wild
Wakehurst Place 2014
Picture by Jim Holden
Entrances at Victoria Gate, Brentford Gate and Elizabeth Gate. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond.
If Kew Gardens wasn’t magical enough, consider its magical-ness amped up X 1000 during the festive season as its grounds bring to life the beauty of Christmas, made better by the fact it’s their 10 year anniversary of celebrating the festive season in style!
Their winter lights trail is truly as romantic as it sounds, featuring “sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour”- truly divine. Marvel at the spectacular light, music and water display in front of the iconic Palm House or nail the perfect photo dump cover in front of the Christmas Cathedral with its thousands of sparkling fairy lights.
You’ll find independent street food vendors dotted along your route, offering a delightfully festive treat or spiced winter warmer drink to keep you feeling merry and bright no matter the temperatures.
When?
Selected dates, 16 November 2022 to 8 January 2023. Time slots start between 4.20pm and 8pm. The Gardens close at 10pm with last entry at 8:20pm and 7:20 pm on Christmas eve.
Once Upon a Christmas Evening Carols at Christ Church Cathedral
📍 Christ Church Cathedral, Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, Ireland.
If a night of traditional festivities is what you’re seeking this December, Dublin’s Once Upon A Christmas Evening is the epitome of classic Christmas cheer. The Park Singers, along with their director Órla Gillan, are set to perform a mix of carols from old favourites to modern classics (and a few surprises in between!) at the impressive Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of Dublin.
Winners of the City of Derry International Choir Competition in 2018, and the ladies choir competition at the Cork International Choral Festival in 2019, consider this evening one sure to transport anyone not feeling the full effect of the festive season to a scene worthy of Love Actually.
Reviewing That Green Eyed Girl: Our October Book Club Pick
If you’re in the mood for an all-consuming read, look no further than our October book club pick. Keep reading for the team’s low-down on Julie Owen Moylan’s dazzling debut!
Prepare to lose yourself in the jazz era of 1950s New York in this evocative page-turner.
Gripping from the opening sentence, That Green Eyed Girl is both a deeply immersive thriller and a tragic queer love story, centred around a cast of deftly drawn, bold and complicated women.
1955: In a cramped apartment on the Lower East Side, school teachers Dovie and Gillian live as lodgers, unable to reveal the truth about their relationship. They guard their private lives fiercely – until someone guesses their secret.
1975: Twenty years on, in the same apartment, Ava Winters is desperately trying to conceal her mother’s fragile mental state from the critical eyes of their neighbours. But, one sweltering July morning, Ava’s mother escapes.
Alone after her mother’s departure, Ava takes delivery of a parcel. The box is addressed only to ‘Apartment 3B’, and contains a photograph of a woman with the word ‘LIAR’ scrawled across her face.
Seeking refuge from her own crisis, Ava determines to track the owner of the photograph down. And, in so doing, discovers a shocking chain of kindnesses, lies and betrayals – with one woman at the centre of it all…
If you’re in the mood for an all-consuming read, look no further than our October book club pick. Keep reading for the team’s low-down on Julie Owen Moylan’s dazzling debut!
The author deftly handles the heartbreaking themes of queer love during a time when homosexuality was a criminal offence, mental health and prejudice, documenting the half-lives society forced the characters to lead.Lareese
Julie Owen Moylan’s poignant debut is going right to the top of my list of fave reads of ’22. I loved the dual timeline and found myself equally invested in both eras (a rarity with dual timelines, as I often find myself more drawn to one than the other) and the intricately woven plots between the women at the heart of the story. A character-focused coming of age novel set in the smokey backdrop of NYC during the 50s and 70s, its Fitzgeraldian sense of place is so vividly evoked whilst allowing the characters to propel the story forward. The author deftly handles the heartbreaking themes of queer love during a time when homosexuality was a criminal offence, mental health and prejudice, documenting the half-lives society forced the characters to lead. Gillian, Dovie and Ava will certainly stay with me for a long time, as will Judith for the opposite reasons ha! A truly impressive debut from an author I’m excited to have on my radar.
Rate: 4/5 Would you recommend: Green with envy at anyone yet to read it – YAS!
Lily’s Review
The alternating timeline is done extremely well, let alone the beautiful quality of writing where you can feel the NYC summer heat.Lily
A tale of forbidden love in 1950s New York. Not quite hooked yet, well.. This emotional, poignant and thought-provoking novel digs deep in both timelines taking you on a moving journey and will have you turning the page. The alternating timeline is done extremely well, let alone the beautiful quality of writing where you can feel the NYC summer heat & smell the coffee in Paris where Dovie and Gillian dream of living. It expands on relationships/friendship, love and loss. As well as taking us along Ava’s journey with her mothers mental health issues and the treatment she receives in 1975, which breaks your heart.
Overall, this is such a compelling and impressive debut by Julie Owen Moylan. Yes, it’s heartbreaking and thought provoking, but you are swept along in a desire to see what happens next!
What would you rate it? 4/5 Would you recommend it? I can’t stress enough how incredible this book is. Don’t believe me? Then get reading!
Charlotte’s Review
The more books I read that are set in New York, the more the city moves to the top of my must-visit-in-the-immediate-future list, and That Green Eyed Girl has made my savings for such a trip all the more urgent.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love a dual timeline book, and this one was no different. The 50s and 70s backdrop to this story were beautifully described, making it perhaps one of the most ambient books I’ve read this year. Covering a plethora of heavy themes without feeling all-consuming in its intensity, Julie has such a talent for drawing you into the world of her characters in a way that it’s impossible to put down once you start.
Exploring the necessary secrecy that many gay couples were forced to live through in the not so distant past is a stark reminder of the struggle this community once faced, and continue to do so.
A heartbreaking look at the experiences of gay, American women in the 50s, and mental health ‘treatments’ of the time, it feels both poignant and difficult to read simultaneously. I recently watched the on-screen adaptation of My Policeman by Bethan Roberts, and found the story to explore a lot of similar themes, namely internalised shame, homophobia, heartbreak and loneliness. Such stories are so important, and a shocking reminder of how far (although not far enough in many ways) we have come in LGBTQ+ acceptance in recent decades. Exploring the necessary secrecy that many gay couples were forced to live through in the not so distant past is a stark reminder of the struggle this community once faced, and continue to do so.
Once again another incredible debut and a real treat to delve into as the cooler weather arrives and the season for cosying down with a book and glass of wine on an evening is upon us.
What you rate it? 5/5 Would you recommend it? 100x yes.
With Halloween done and dusted and Michael Buble defrosting as we speak, the month of November will soon be slipping through our fingers like a silky smooth gift wrap ribbon...
Anyone else feel a little bit unnerved that the final month of 2022 is upon us, meaning Christmas is quite literally around the corner? Gulp.
With Halloween done and dusted and Michael Buble defrosting as we speak, the month of November will soon be slipping through our fingers like a silky smooth gift wrap ribbon, as 2022 nears its chaotic end. If maximising the magic of the month of November is top of your priority list, consider this list of top tier autumnal activities the peak of how you can spend the penultimate month of the year…
Scrooges of the world, get back in your box. Christmas listening starts now and we won’t hear another word about it.
Swap out Pumpkin Spice for a Baileys hot chocolate because it is literally 5pm somewhere and we must hold onto the small joys where we can.
Order an electric blanket and immediately feel your life improve tenfold.
Eat dinners that are described as winter warmers only! ‘Tis the season!
Alternatively eat exclusively jacket potatoes and rotate your toppings of choice because 1) affordable and 2) delicious.
Wonder how early is too early to buy a box of Celebrations and give in as soon as you see them in Tesco during your weekly shop.
Crack open a bottle of red as soon as the clock strikes 5pm on a Friday because what else would one drink to see in a dark November weekend?
Listen to Midnights by Taylor Swift on repeat because if anything can save our mental health it will be this album and our one true love, Ms Swift. Alexa, play Karma on repeat!
Wrap up warm for a wholesome instalment of firework night and head down to a display near you, whilst simultaneously worrying about the welfare of dogs and cats up and down the country.
WFHIB aka work from home in bed for the foreseeable because the forecast is the definition of uninspiring and being forced to leave the comfort of those warm, soft layers is simply not conducive to getting sh*t done.
Watch My Policeman as soon as it drops on Prime Video and find yourself dreaming of long, sun-soaked days on Brighton beach. Ugh.
Devour It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover in one sitting and immediately regret not savouring every inevitably heartbreaking chapter.
Get an autumn inspired mani and soak up the opportunity to match your outfits to the tones of the season. Life may be chaotic but at least your nails will be slaying the game.
Listen to ‘Sad Girl Autumn Bops’ as soon as the inevitable rainy days roll in and let yourself wallow in your feels for a little bit. Permission to have a dramatic main character moment, granted.
Plan a Friendsgiving and use it as the perfect excuse for an indulgent meal and 6 courses of picky bits.
Head to Primark and pick up one of *the* Acne Studios scarf dupes.
Have a delightful, autumnal candle lit constantly. Firehazard, we don’t know her.
Book in your Christmas activities (we’re talking wreath making, ice skating, Christmas tree shopping and market dates) ASAP and nail down your December socialising, stat. Organised fun is very much still fun!
Watch Little Women in the ultimate pre Christmas preparation and immediately fall down a Florence and Timothée TikTok hole.
Continue to add Campari and Sbagliato Prosecco to your Ocado order because being a basic b*tch is nothing to be ashamed of.
