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Strays and Relations
Strays and Relations follows the story of Dizzy, whose search for her birth parents is sad, humorous, and in parts bizarre. Dizzy learns that she began life as a surviving twin, then was fostered until a permanent home was found.
Dizzy begins her search for her original identity. Why was she given up for adoption in the 1960s? Following a tenuous lead, she travels to Ireland with her best friend Sugar, but the trail takes a misleading turn. It ends in what they mistakenly believe is Dizzy’s mother’s grave.
Dizzy falls in love with Will, a blacksmith. But something is missing. Dizzy’s life changes when her birth father Tommy makes contact using a private detective. He reveals that her birth mother is alive and married to a man called Vernon. Now the bigger, trickier task lies ahead: working out how to fit the disparate bits of her life together. This is a book which will both amuse and touch readers’ hearts.
Strays and Relations manages sensitive subject matter with engaging wit and sharply-observed dialogue, and includes vivid descriptions of some rather unusual animals and people. It will appeal to readers who have encountered a recycled animal or family.
Dizzy begins her search for her original identity. Why was she given up for adoption in the 1960s? Following a tenuous lead, she travels to Ireland with her best friend Sugar, but the trail takes a misleading turn. It ends in what they mistakenly believe is Dizzy’s mother’s grave.
Dizzy falls in love with Will, a blacksmith. But something is missing. Dizzy’s life changes when her birth father Tommy makes contact using a private detective. He reveals that her birth mother is alive and married to a man called Vernon. Now the bigger, trickier task lies ahead: working out how to fit the disparate bits of her life together. This is a book which will both amuse and touch readers’ hearts.
Strays and Relations manages sensitive subject matter with engaging wit and sharply-observed dialogue, and includes vivid descriptions of some rather unusual animals and people. It will appeal to readers who have encountered a recycled animal or family.
- GenresAdoption
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2018
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 19, 2019
5☆ A Warm, Entertaining, Real, Funny, Emotional, Must Read!
Strays and Relations is a beautifully warm, insightful, compelling, and poignant read with plenty of laugh out loud moments.
It's a story about finding oneself, truths, family, adoption, biological parents, friendships and one cheeky loveable pup.
Dizzy has always known she was adopted, but something was always missing.
Although she loved her family, she had come to the time where she needed answers and wanted to search for her birth parents.
What follows next is an emotional adventure as Dizzy sets off to track down her birth parents.
With some entertaining, touching and funny moments it truly felt like I was on this personal adventure with Dizzy which I felt privileged to be a part of.
Merlin absolutely melted my heart.
He is a cheeky, loveable pup, had me laughing out loud, and really made the story extra special, I'm a sucker for a fur Baby in a book!
I loved the clever connection between being adopted and rescuing a pup.
I just want to take a moment to applaud Dizzy's strength and courage to write such a heart felt and touching personal story and for sharing it with us all.
Strays and Relations is such a heart warming read, that people will be able to relate to.
I loved that Dizzy has combined emotion and humour it was the perfect combination as it made an impact. It played on your emotions and drew you in, but created the right amount of light hearted moments.
I highly recommend reading Strays and Relations especially if you love reading true stories, packed full of warmth, humour, emotion, strong loveable characters, and an Adorable Pup.
I can't wait to see what's next for Dizzy.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Strays and Relations is a beautifully warm, insightful, compelling, and poignant read with plenty of laugh out loud moments.
It's a story about finding oneself, truths, family, adoption, biological parents, friendships and one cheeky loveable pup.
Dizzy has always known she was adopted, but something was always missing.
Although she loved her family, she had come to the time where she needed answers and wanted to search for her birth parents.
What follows next is an emotional adventure as Dizzy sets off to track down her birth parents.
With some entertaining, touching and funny moments it truly felt like I was on this personal adventure with Dizzy which I felt privileged to be a part of.
Merlin absolutely melted my heart.
He is a cheeky, loveable pup, had me laughing out loud, and really made the story extra special, I'm a sucker for a fur Baby in a book!
I loved the clever connection between being adopted and rescuing a pup.
I just want to take a moment to applaud Dizzy's strength and courage to write such a heart felt and touching personal story and for sharing it with us all.
Strays and Relations is such a heart warming read, that people will be able to relate to.
I loved that Dizzy has combined emotion and humour it was the perfect combination as it made an impact. It played on your emotions and drew you in, but created the right amount of light hearted moments.
I highly recommend reading Strays and Relations especially if you love reading true stories, packed full of warmth, humour, emotion, strong loveable characters, and an Adorable Pup.
I can't wait to see what's next for Dizzy.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
June 20, 2018
Dervla (Dizzy) Greenfield reveals the emotional rollercoaster she, Will, and her mum traveled, in Strays and Relations, after Dizzy was contacted by a private investigator for her biological father, Tommy. Dizzy's parents were very open about her adoption since she was very young. She knew she was loved and accepted but longed to know why she wasn't good enough for her biological mother. Maria always regretted the decision she made while grieving for the twin that died and the rejection her husband had towards Dizzy. Adoption had appeared to be the best decision at the time, but both women went years with unanswered questions and doubt. Dizzy realized her love for stray animals, especially the dog Merlin, came from the desire to love even those that were rejected by others, like she had been as an infant.
I believe Strays and Relations could help others who are struggling with being adopted or had give a child up for adoption. Dizzy Greenfield is very open about her inner turmoil and how meeting her biological family could interfere with the family she already had. She was continually conscience of the mother she had growing up and never wished to see her hurt, or felt replaced. Dizzy's account of acquiring a loud, boisterous family is humorous as she adjust to their ways. She keeps her story real. Dizzy will keep you laughing as she gives account of her new family and her dog. I laughed often of her escapades and will remember this novel every time I see a greyhound.
This review was written for Readers' Favorites by Peggy Jo Wipf
I believe Strays and Relations could help others who are struggling with being adopted or had give a child up for adoption. Dizzy Greenfield is very open about her inner turmoil and how meeting her biological family could interfere with the family she already had. She was continually conscience of the mother she had growing up and never wished to see her hurt, or felt replaced. Dizzy's account of acquiring a loud, boisterous family is humorous as she adjust to their ways. She keeps her story real. Dizzy will keep you laughing as she gives account of her new family and her dog. I laughed often of her escapades and will remember this novel every time I see a greyhound.
This review was written for Readers' Favorites by Peggy Jo Wipf
March 13, 2019
Dizzy knew she was adopted…..She also knew she was much loved by her adoptive parents but had always wondered why her biological mother had given her away..
She contacts the relevant authorities and gets her ‘birth file’….with only basic details and adds herself to the search register.
She travels to Ireland with her best friend, Sugar, to find out more about her mother…..their laugh out loud exploits are bittersweet though…
Dervla (Dizzy) Greenfield writes an emotional rollercoaster here with laughter, love and some tears….Merlin, the grated cheese stealing greyhound is a riot !
I don’t want to say too much as there’s a lot to spoil, but I loved this book with its funny, touching, emotional and sympathetic covering of adoption and life ….wonderful writing by Dizzy Greenfield….I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
She contacts the relevant authorities and gets her ‘birth file’….with only basic details and adds herself to the search register.
She travels to Ireland with her best friend, Sugar, to find out more about her mother…..their laugh out loud exploits are bittersweet though…
Dervla (Dizzy) Greenfield writes an emotional rollercoaster here with laughter, love and some tears….Merlin, the grated cheese stealing greyhound is a riot !
I don’t want to say too much as there’s a lot to spoil, but I loved this book with its funny, touching, emotional and sympathetic covering of adoption and life ….wonderful writing by Dizzy Greenfield….I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
March 26, 2018
Dizzy Greenfield is adopted and feels like she needs to know where her beginnings were and why her parents gave her up. She was fortunate to have great adoptive parents and loves them but just needs to put the past at rest. The journey takes time and has some unexpected turns but she manages to do it with humor as well as tears and some deep emotions in making her world work for her. She is fortunate to have Will who shows so much love and patience with her journey. There are many surprises and many relatives she never knew about until she meets her parents. In many ways she knows more about herself with having allowed herself to follow her curiosity. Sometimes it was scary but she always had Will and her Mum to back her up. Well worth the read.
March 19, 2018
Excellent book and the title goes very well with the content.
The book is about the author dizzy greenfield who in his childhood was given to another lady to enable her to have fun in a good home.
It’s tremendously good!!!
Once start reading its unputdownable!!!
The book is about the author dizzy greenfield who in his childhood was given to another lady to enable her to have fun in a good home.
It’s tremendously good!!!
Once start reading its unputdownable!!!
March 20, 2018
This is a delightful book, a memoir of adoption - but so much more! Although Dizzy has changed the names of the people involved - for obvious reasons - this is her account of tracking down and reconnecting with the young mother who gave her away as a baby. Dizzy is frank about the challenges this posed - not only the logistics of tracing her 'lost' family, but also the way in which this ready-made tribe of half brothers and sisters - and their children - threatened to overwhelm her, a woman who had been brought up in a small adoptive family, in a very different environment.
I would love to learn more about Dizzy and Will's life in the countryside. Not only was Dizzy adjusting to her new family, she was also having to move from the farm where she and Will had lived for so long. I do hope Dizzy Greenfield writes more on her life in the countryside - when she's not clubbing "Oop North" with her other mum! An entertaining writer, who conveys the depths of emotion surrounding family, home and love. A great addition to Frome Writers' Collective's Silver Crow brand.
I would love to learn more about Dizzy and Will's life in the countryside. Not only was Dizzy adjusting to her new family, she was also having to move from the farm where she and Will had lived for so long. I do hope Dizzy Greenfield writes more on her life in the countryside - when she's not clubbing "Oop North" with her other mum! An entertaining writer, who conveys the depths of emotion surrounding family, home and love. A great addition to Frome Writers' Collective's Silver Crow brand.
December 4, 2019
This is the author’s true story of finding her birth parents and navigating her emotions as she integrates her new biological family into her life. It was very brave of her to share this so openly, and I have no criticism of the story whatsoever. My issue is with the way she tells the story, which is very much “first we did this, then we did that.” It was more like little vignettes that were loosely connected. It could have used a little more polish in the overall delivery.
March 14, 2019
A book of honest memories, sometimes painful, often hilarious, always thought provoking, Dizzy Greenfield has written a loving book of family and friends. This is the story of discovery of what families can mean in all their variety and sometimes inconvenient affection. New beginnings can only mean challenges, but as Dizzy negotiates life in all its variety, her unique circumstances seem to magnify the small challenges that afflict all of us at times. The contrast between countryside and city is well drawn, as getting to know people can sometimes mean getting to grips with entire lifestyles. I was pleased to receive a copy of this book to read and review.
The book opens with a journey on a train, as Greenfield describes with a realistic touch her fellow travellers. She is en route to meet someone, on “a journey that had taken five hours and four decades”. Her friend Sugar, who we will read more of later, reminds her to be “True, Brave and Fearless”, as she confronts those who are waiting for her to arrive. We go on to discover that she has been adopted and lives with her partner Will and their daughter Sasha. She has fond memories of most of her childhood, of her adoptive mother in particular, who has a lovely positive attitude to Dizzy and her attempt to discover her birth mother. Dizzy is quite a character, content to live in a lonely farmhouse with few comforts and a notoriously temperamental Rayburn called Daphne for heating and unpredictable cooking. She recalls her rescue of a dog, Merlin, and her desperate attempts to restrain him and his behaviour. He will provide a lovely background character responsible for someone who will temporary get lost. Dizzy and Sugar have quite the adventure to find out more about her birth mother in Ireland, enjoying local hospitality. As members of her birth family emerge, she discovers that her partner, her daughter and her home will be affected by an influx into her life of people who are loving, radically different, and no longer allow her life to run in straight line. It is her honesty and the tiny details that make this book come alive, and the humour and good nature that transform the bleakest events into comedy, headlines which verge on the ludicrous, such as a lost prosthetic leg, overly hot chutney and awful television.
This is a book which has undoubtedly been written from the heart with some deep emotions, imaginative empathy, and a great sense of humour. There is the pain of a mother who lost children, the gap of no communication for decades, and yet the ability to pick up relationships. This is a cheerful book, as alcohol is taken and new connections made, but there are challenges of sadness and loss honestly described. Greenfield is a clever observer, a constructor of memorable scenes and has a fine ear for dialogue. This is an immensely readable book, which I greatly enjoyed, and I recommend it for a refreshing view of family life.
The book opens with a journey on a train, as Greenfield describes with a realistic touch her fellow travellers. She is en route to meet someone, on “a journey that had taken five hours and four decades”. Her friend Sugar, who we will read more of later, reminds her to be “True, Brave and Fearless”, as she confronts those who are waiting for her to arrive. We go on to discover that she has been adopted and lives with her partner Will and their daughter Sasha. She has fond memories of most of her childhood, of her adoptive mother in particular, who has a lovely positive attitude to Dizzy and her attempt to discover her birth mother. Dizzy is quite a character, content to live in a lonely farmhouse with few comforts and a notoriously temperamental Rayburn called Daphne for heating and unpredictable cooking. She recalls her rescue of a dog, Merlin, and her desperate attempts to restrain him and his behaviour. He will provide a lovely background character responsible for someone who will temporary get lost. Dizzy and Sugar have quite the adventure to find out more about her birth mother in Ireland, enjoying local hospitality. As members of her birth family emerge, she discovers that her partner, her daughter and her home will be affected by an influx into her life of people who are loving, radically different, and no longer allow her life to run in straight line. It is her honesty and the tiny details that make this book come alive, and the humour and good nature that transform the bleakest events into comedy, headlines which verge on the ludicrous, such as a lost prosthetic leg, overly hot chutney and awful television.
This is a book which has undoubtedly been written from the heart with some deep emotions, imaginative empathy, and a great sense of humour. There is the pain of a mother who lost children, the gap of no communication for decades, and yet the ability to pick up relationships. This is a cheerful book, as alcohol is taken and new connections made, but there are challenges of sadness and loss honestly described. Greenfield is a clever observer, a constructor of memorable scenes and has a fine ear for dialogue. This is an immensely readable book, which I greatly enjoyed, and I recommend it for a refreshing view of family life.
March 18, 2019
I don’t even know if I have words to describe how I feel about this book. First off, I am absolutely honoured to have been included on this blog tour and for being able to read Dizzy’s story.
Secondly, this book caused me to become an emotional wreck! This well and truly touched my heart.
We get to go along with Dizzy on her journey to discover her birth parents and why she was adopted, whilst taking in a much loved stray of her own. She has the most amazing Mum (who adopted her) and you can truly feel the love they share throughout this. We experience all the feelings she went through on her journey, which had me laughing, smiling and crying for her. We also get to meet Merlin, a wayward dog that she adopts – his antics had me laughing out loud! (This also made me chuckle as my parents had a little black poodle called Merlin, who also had his own mind and did whatever he wanted!)
I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to give away this special story, which I suggest everyone reads. I will warn you though…..I got to Chapter 28 and sobbed my heart out!
This is beautifully written, and I honestly just want to say thank you to Dizzy for sharing her story. I’m sure there are many people out there who will resonate with this, and by sharing her journey will help others who may be going through similar experiences. This has to be one of my favourite ‘real life’ stories that I’ve ever read and will be keeping this on my shelf, and most definitely reading again (at least I’m prepared for the tears this time!)
Secondly, this book caused me to become an emotional wreck! This well and truly touched my heart.
We get to go along with Dizzy on her journey to discover her birth parents and why she was adopted, whilst taking in a much loved stray of her own. She has the most amazing Mum (who adopted her) and you can truly feel the love they share throughout this. We experience all the feelings she went through on her journey, which had me laughing, smiling and crying for her. We also get to meet Merlin, a wayward dog that she adopts – his antics had me laughing out loud! (This also made me chuckle as my parents had a little black poodle called Merlin, who also had his own mind and did whatever he wanted!)
I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to give away this special story, which I suggest everyone reads. I will warn you though…..I got to Chapter 28 and sobbed my heart out!
This is beautifully written, and I honestly just want to say thank you to Dizzy for sharing her story. I’m sure there are many people out there who will resonate with this, and by sharing her journey will help others who may be going through similar experiences. This has to be one of my favourite ‘real life’ stories that I’ve ever read and will be keeping this on my shelf, and most definitely reading again (at least I’m prepared for the tears this time!)
May 13, 2021
A story about adoption conjures up tales of new life and building up the past. This one is packed full of hope and humour and should be read by anyone that has been touched by any kind of adoption story.
Dizzy has known since the age of six that she was adopted and the few facts that she had about her birth parents were never kept from her. But as laws changed and adoption registers opened for people to share more information about the past then Dizzy starts her own journey (physically, emotionally and metaphorically) into finding out about her past and how it has lead her to the roots she now has.
This story is a proper rollercoaster of emotions with witty and (sometimes) quite frankly bizarre acaedotes which will leave you with tears running down your face (I laughed out loud a couple of times - I was in a public place and everyone turned to stare at me!)
I don't know if I have ever read a book that is so packed full of heart and love and hope. Dizzys eternal optimism (either hers or that of her partner and daughter) fuel such an amazing and gripping plot with daft momonts and heartbreaking ones. Dizzy has poured her heart and soul into her writing and the result is so beautiful.
Dizzy has known since the age of six that she was adopted and the few facts that she had about her birth parents were never kept from her. But as laws changed and adoption registers opened for people to share more information about the past then Dizzy starts her own journey (physically, emotionally and metaphorically) into finding out about her past and how it has lead her to the roots she now has.
This story is a proper rollercoaster of emotions with witty and (sometimes) quite frankly bizarre acaedotes which will leave you with tears running down your face (I laughed out loud a couple of times - I was in a public place and everyone turned to stare at me!)
I don't know if I have ever read a book that is so packed full of heart and love and hope. Dizzys eternal optimism (either hers or that of her partner and daughter) fuel such an amazing and gripping plot with daft momonts and heartbreaking ones. Dizzy has poured her heart and soul into her writing and the result is so beautiful.
April 10, 2018
This was a fun book to read, it is a novel but is also a fictionalized account of the authors true humorous stories from her own life, so part memoir I guess.
Dizzy is a surviving twin, who was fostered out and then adopted, as her mother was not able to take care for her.
As the title states this is a story of her life through four decades. She and her husband Will, live in the country, near her adoptive parents. They have a bit of a hectic life but love their home, and the dogs that they have rescued and then along comes their daughter, and the search for her birth parents starts to happen with the well wishes of her adoptive parents. Her Mom and Will are her biggest supporters as she is going through this search.
The journey of balancing her life from her own family, to the new ones that she discovers, is quite humorous, and hectic at times. She finds out she has a large and boisterous group of relations. Not knowing how to navigate the different personalities, she over time settles into to this loving family and finds out not only about them, but about herself as well.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would like to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing limited-Matador for the ARC of this book
Dizzy is a surviving twin, who was fostered out and then adopted, as her mother was not able to take care for her.
As the title states this is a story of her life through four decades. She and her husband Will, live in the country, near her adoptive parents. They have a bit of a hectic life but love their home, and the dogs that they have rescued and then along comes their daughter, and the search for her birth parents starts to happen with the well wishes of her adoptive parents. Her Mom and Will are her biggest supporters as she is going through this search.
The journey of balancing her life from her own family, to the new ones that she discovers, is quite humorous, and hectic at times. She finds out she has a large and boisterous group of relations. Not knowing how to navigate the different personalities, she over time settles into to this loving family and finds out not only about them, but about herself as well.
I really enjoyed this book, and I would like to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing limited-Matador for the ARC of this book
March 16, 2019
This is a brilliant first novel, made even more exceptional as it is a true story. It must have taken a lot of soul searching and bravery to lay yourself bare in this way and I congratulate the author for this.
The book follows Dizzy as she starts her journey to find her biological mother, and she is successful but first meets her father, then her mother. Dizzy explains the emotions of their first encounters and how the changing dynamics of her life, impact on the other members of her life. Her husband, her daughter and adopted mother are the pillars of her life and their feelings are discussed.
While her life is changing, Dizzy still has to continue with every day life and the introduction with the star of the book, Tuesday who will become Merlin. I laughed out loud at his antics, especially when he jumped over the fence on the man. I don’t want to ruin the story but the picture of him at the end of the book had me sobbing.
A truly great read and I look forward to reading more of her work.
The book follows Dizzy as she starts her journey to find her biological mother, and she is successful but first meets her father, then her mother. Dizzy explains the emotions of their first encounters and how the changing dynamics of her life, impact on the other members of her life. Her husband, her daughter and adopted mother are the pillars of her life and their feelings are discussed.
While her life is changing, Dizzy still has to continue with every day life and the introduction with the star of the book, Tuesday who will become Merlin. I laughed out loud at his antics, especially when he jumped over the fence on the man. I don’t want to ruin the story but the picture of him at the end of the book had me sobbing.
A truly great read and I look forward to reading more of her work.
April 9, 2019
Thank you to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this is certainly a book that is full of emotions and takes you on quite the ride as you follow Dervla (Dizzy) on her journey of meeting her birth parents and all that comes with it!
Now this story is a fictionalized version of the authors own experiences and stories and I think this really shows in the book, although fictionalized it helps give a very real feeling to the book and the connection with the characters and I felt that although I myself am not adopted I could still really relate to all the characters throughout the book. It was also great to see the emotional and somewhat psychological aspects affecting all of the characters within the story as of course, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions for all involved. I also really enjoyed being able to add a bit of a troublesome dog to the equation!
A great four and a half star read!
Rating: 4.5/5
Would I read again: Yes
Would I Recommend: Yes
Would I read another book from this author: Yes
Well, this is certainly a book that is full of emotions and takes you on quite the ride as you follow Dervla (Dizzy) on her journey of meeting her birth parents and all that comes with it!
Now this story is a fictionalized version of the authors own experiences and stories and I think this really shows in the book, although fictionalized it helps give a very real feeling to the book and the connection with the characters and I felt that although I myself am not adopted I could still really relate to all the characters throughout the book. It was also great to see the emotional and somewhat psychological aspects affecting all of the characters within the story as of course, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions for all involved. I also really enjoyed being able to add a bit of a troublesome dog to the equation!
A great four and a half star read!
Rating: 4.5/5
Would I read again: Yes
Would I Recommend: Yes
Would I read another book from this author: Yes
March 18, 2019
I have to admit I was a little bit worried about reading this, adoption and catholic Ireland being something I think about a lot, as being an Irish catholic (I go to mass on and off but hold a lot of beliefs, and know some lovely priests, but hate what Irish history is and how cruel catholic Ireland was to so many people) and was relieved when it didn't become all about that.
I read it on a train, aptly enough, a s this is very much a story about a journey and I settled into Dizzy's one nicely. The book was full of homeliness, warmth and some nice little chuckle out loud moments. Had it been any other day actually I think I'd have cried in parts too, but it just wasn't that day (I know, it's weird, some days the waterworks overflow, others-nothing!) and I nodded on reaching a conclusion that was nicely done. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to be part of the blog tour and for the book in return for an honest review.
I read it on a train, aptly enough, a s this is very much a story about a journey and I settled into Dizzy's one nicely. The book was full of homeliness, warmth and some nice little chuckle out loud moments. Had it been any other day actually I think I'd have cried in parts too, but it just wasn't that day (I know, it's weird, some days the waterworks overflow, others-nothing!) and I nodded on reaching a conclusion that was nicely done. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to be part of the blog tour and for the book in return for an honest review.
April 3, 2019
What a fabulously heartwarming and uplifting novel. That’s not to say its without it’s moments where tissues are needed. This novel/part memoir really touched a nerve with me as I am an adopter and i know theres a chance I may find myself supporting my daughter through similar events in the future.
I adored Dizzy’s approach to life, I laughed at her mishaps and mischief with her friend Sugar and I shed a tear at her most vulnerable times such as being pregnant and Tuesday the dog. Each chapter is told with such emotion and heart that you can’t help but be drawn into Dizzy’s life.
When describing her journey through meeting her biological family and the thoughts that accompanied her the honesty is refreshing to read. I am fully aware that aspects of the novel are embellished but I feel those parts were told to openly to not be true -surely.
Told with beautiful humour and emotion, this story is a must read for anyone
I adored Dizzy’s approach to life, I laughed at her mishaps and mischief with her friend Sugar and I shed a tear at her most vulnerable times such as being pregnant and Tuesday the dog. Each chapter is told with such emotion and heart that you can’t help but be drawn into Dizzy’s life.
When describing her journey through meeting her biological family and the thoughts that accompanied her the honesty is refreshing to read. I am fully aware that aspects of the novel are embellished but I feel those parts were told to openly to not be true -surely.
Told with beautiful humour and emotion, this story is a must read for anyone
April 25, 2018
What a wonderful, honestly written book. The story of Dizzy's search fro her birth mother is an entertaining, emotional rollercoaster of a read. As her journey unravels, you get pulled in to Dizzy's world of wonderful characters and animals. It's so easy to get emotionally attached to Dizzy and at certain moments forget that she and everyone else in the book are real people. A very moving and at times hilarious account of a sensitive subject to some people, but it is handled with grace, honesty and the many things that make us human.
April 9, 2018
This is a warm and affectionate story about adoption and our heroine’s meeting with her birth family. Dizzy has grown up in a loving and supportive family but then she embarks on a journey to meet the family she never knew. Interwoven into this is the tale of her childhood and her relationship with the lovely Will. This is a very impressive first novel and gives us family in all its different forms.
April 10, 2018
Strays and Relations is a delight. warm and funny it relates the concerns and anxieties of the author on connecting with her birth parents - the eccentricities of family characters and relations as well as the sensitivity of how these affect her adopted home relationships. The other strand to the story is the challenging behaviour of adopted family pets. This combination makes for some wonderfully humorous encounters and poignant moments.
July 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. ;it was warm and funny. The family members were a welcome addition. Very funny moments in this book. Nice read.Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not affect my opinion of this book nor my review.
June 5, 2018
I enjoyed this book enormously. Like Dizzy Greenfield, I only later discovered my birth family later in life. The highs and lows of the author’s journey to find her roots are written with humour and style. It’s a great read for anyone who is adopted – and for anyone who isn’t!
July 29, 2018
Strays and Relations by Dizzy Greenfield has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Readers' Award
"A beautiful novel, I couldn’t put it down. Excellently written and worded."
www.chillwithabook.com
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Readers' Award
"A beautiful novel, I couldn’t put it down. Excellently written and worded."
May 3, 2019
I took this book on holiday and I really enjoyed it. It’s a lovely book about family.
May 23, 2018
In 1968 a young Catholic girl gives up her baby daughter. 5 hours and 36 years later Dizzy is about to meet her birth mother. Two worlds collide as they find each other on the platform...This witty, insightful, beautifully written book has made me laugh and cry in equal measures. Dizzys search to find herself, her stays and her relations is a journey tinged with guilt, but filled with humour, love and the answers she needs.
This true story is heartwarming and I encourage you to loose yourself in its wonderful pages.
This true story is heartwarming and I encourage you to loose yourself in its wonderful pages.
March 17, 2019
What a brilliant read! Once you open it, you cannot put it down. 5*
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