BookBrowse Reviews Ellie and the Harpmaker by Hazel Prior

BookBrowse:

An uplifting and inspirational debut novel about two lonely people who bond over a shared loved of music.

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Of the 46 members who reviewed Hazel Prior's Ellie and the Harpmaker for BookBrowse's First Impressions Program, 39 gave it a 4+ rating, for an overall average of 4.5 out of 5.

What it's about:
Hazel Prior has spun a heartwarming, delightful story brimming with love of nature and dreams fulfilled (Rose N). In her debut novel, Ellie and the Harpmaker, the author introduces us to Dan Hollis, the Exmoor Harpmaker, who lives an isolated life in the woods and spends all his days building beautiful Celtic harps. Ellie Jacobs, who describes herself as "The Exmoor Housewife," lives with her controlling husband, and has become convinced by her mother that she deserves little and should be happy that anyone would want her; she writes poems that no one will ever read and takes long walks. On one of these walks she explores a hidden lane and stumbles across Dan's workshop. The story of their growing friendship unfolds as Ellie begins to appreciate nature and the necessity of music in her life (Dorothy M). Told in alternating voices, Prior does a fabulous job of showing us how the world looks and feels to two interesting and unique individuals (Eileen C). This is an enchanting book about lost souls finding each other (Nancy H).

The author's characters were the highlight of the novel:
From the first, I loved the two main characters, each of whom was vulnerable in his or her own way (Marguerite K). They were easy to relate to, sometimes very quirky, and just all around delightful (Beth P). I expect most readers will, like me, be grateful for the time spent in the company of such deeply felt characters, their music, and their search for kind and meaningful lives (Nancy H).

Many also enjoyed the book's setting:
I was charmed by the strong setting in rural south-west England (Lois P). The beautiful, lyrical descriptions of the Exmoor landscapes ("...distant hills that melt into the sky, jags of coastline that climb, fall and reach out to the sea...") form the backdrop of the friendship and love that unite the lonely, poetic Ellie and the naïve, innocent, talented harp maker, Dan (Rose N).

Reviewers largely felt the book was a "feel good" read:
This book was like a mini vacation from all the anger and discord in today's news (Jan M). I found it to be an unexpected gift, heartwarming and touching (Betty B); Dan's outlook on life was so uplifting. The world needs more books like this! (Miriam B). At this time of escalating dissatisfaction with everything, it is refreshing to read a book that takes you away from that and gives you pause to think about the purity of viewing life through innocence. Prior has touched on all human emotions in a thoughtful and gentle way, giving us all hope in our own lives (Diane T). This is a book to cheer the heart! (Rebecca H).

Some found the novel challenging, particularly regarding the female protagonist:
Ellie should have been allowed to choose what she needed out of life without such extreme consequences. Those extreme consequences felt too over the top for me (Amy S). I disliked the fact that it took Ellie so long to develop some backbone and stand up for herself (Marsha S).

Overall most of our readers loved it:
Ellie and the Harpmaker is an unexpected gem of a novel with imperfect characters who make your heart ache for them (Mary C). I cannot remember feeling this way about a book in so long. The plot was simple, the characters were unforgettable, and the author's writing is just perfection (Beth P). I rarely give a 5-star review; however, I fell in love with these quirky characters and the quiet quaintness this read provides (Amy R). It was enchanting, and I read it in two sittings because I could not put it down. A big thank you to Hazel Prior for creating these very special characters. This book is one that I can't wait to share with a good friend (Beth P); it has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf of all-time favorites! (Jean N).

Ellie and the Harpmaker is recommended reading:
I would recommend this one for those who like unconventional characters, music, and a bit of romance (Laurie W). It should also appeal to anyone who appreciates the art of writing (Beth P). I would definitely recommend this book to book clubs. In fact, I will do so to mine! (Mary C). If you liked A Man Called Ove, then Ellie and the Harpmaker is for you (Dorinne D).

This review first ran in the August 21, 2019 issue of BookBrowse Recommends.