The Last List of Mabel Beaumont: The unforgettable book everyone is talking about in 2023
£1.30
The list he left had just one item on it. Or, at least, it did at first…
Mabel Beaumont’s husband Arthur loved lists. He’d leave them for her everywhere. ‘Remember: eggs, butter, sugar’. ‘I love you: today, tomorrow, always’.
But now Arthur is gone. He died: softly, gently, not making a fuss. But he’s still left her a list. This one has just one item on it though: ‘Find D’.
Mabel feels sure she knows what it means. She must track down her best friend Dot, who she hasn’t seen since the fateful day she left more than sixty years ago.
It seems impossible. She doesn’t even know if Dot’s still alive. Also, every person Mabel talks to seems to need help first, with missing husbands, daughters, parents. Mabel finds her list is just getting longer, and she’s still no closer to finding Dot.
What she doesn’t know is that her list isn’t just about finding her old friend. And that if she can admit the secrets of the past, maybe she could even find happiness again…
A completely heartbreaking, beautiful, uplifting story, guaranteed to make you smile but also make you cry. Perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and The Keeper of Stories.
Readers are loving The Last List of Mabel Beaumont:
‘Be still my beating heart. I’ve smiled and I’ve cried and everything in between… I’d give it 10 stars if I could.’ Nicki’s Book Blog
‘Tender and beautiful… As hopeful as it is heart-breaking… I loved it.’ Amy Beashel
‘This beautifully written story of friendship, love, loss and second chances captured my heart. I adored Mabel and her unlikely gang of colourful characters… Leaves you feeling warm, hopeful, and satisfied.’ Lisa Timoney
‘Mabel Beaumont is an absolute treasure… Laura Pearson cleverly, gently, peels back the layers of Mabel’s and her friends’ lives in a way that hurts, then soothes, your heart… An uplifting, life-affirming joy of a novel!’ Emma Robinson
‘I’ve been inundated with books in the uplit genre but this is by far the best I’ve read… moving, life-affirming and utterly wonderful.’ Matt Cain
‘I absolutely loved this book… I adore an older protagonist… who is feisty and not afraid to speak her mind. The story is like a warm hug – but it had spark and wit and humour too. I was bereft when I finished it (far too) late last night!’ Clare Swatman
‘Wow. Seriously. Just beautiful. So many wonderful elements… So many memorable characters… Beautiful and utterly affecting.’ Louise Beech
‘Charming, warm and moving… A beautifully written story about love and longing, and a poignant reminder that it’s never too late to follow your heart.’ Holly Miller
‘I adored it… A heartbreakingly beautiful story about love in all its different forms. (And she made me cry again, of course). Bravo.’ Nikki Smith
‘I finished this in the same 24 hours as I started it. Oh… what a beautiful story… Poignant and inspiring!’ Jennie Godfrey
‘Such a poignant story. Brought a lump to my throat… Will really appeal to fans of Joanna Cannon.’ Karen Angelico
‘A beautiful book about truth, love, relationships and how it’s never too late to follow your heart… Moving, funny and emotionally clever.’ Alison Stockham
‘Wonderful… Uplifting… A brilliant book… Clever and unforgettable. Dive in, and prepare to be inspired.’ Ross Greenwood
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Additional information
| Publisher | Boldwood Books (4 Aug. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 4417 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 314 pages |
by Theogeorge
First, I want to say that I loved this book but there were a few anachronisms which I would like to see dealt with before the well-deserved TV/film version.
Mabel says she remembers “itchy tights” during childhood church services. Outside the theatre, there were no tights during that period. Little girls wore socks and older girls and women wore stockings.
There is mention of an “emergency” telephone during a car breakdown. These are a feature of motorways and would not have existed on other roads during this period. Although there would have been regular telephone boxes even on country roads (see any episode of “Heartbeat” for confirmation).
I calculate that Mabel was born in 1937 so would have started grammar school in 1948. I think it most unlikely that they would have been studying ” causes of the second world war” on their history syllabus. I started grammar school in 1960 and the closest we got to modern history was causes of the First World War. It would all have been far too recent.
Mabel, reflecting on what would have happened if she and Dot had shared their life, mentions the possibility of a jail sentence. Female homosexuality was never explicity outlawed in UK legislation. Although they would have faced many problems, imprisonment would not have been one of them.
by jax
I expected this book to be a quick read, an ordinary sort of book and one I would quickly forget.I guessed wrong, it was beautifully written, every character was rich and alive. A tale of what might have been and what should have been, of love, loss courage, fear and how love wins ‘in the end’.
by Craftaholic Chris
A beautiful story about an enduring love and the strength found in friendships. The characters are all so well drawn and have real depth. A very satisfying and heartwarming read.
by Cynthia Syston
A very enjoyable, cosy read. Not thrilling but with an ongoing intrigue. It’s the first time I have read this author but I most definitely will again. The characters involved were all really likeable.
by Jenny J
Loved this witty mystery. Mabel and her growing band of friends and mysteries to solve are wonderful company. The plot draws you along through many twists and turns as you will them all along on their mission. A lovely book that got me out of a reading rut.
by Reader in Beds
I absolutely loved this book which has everything I need for a good read. All the characters were realistic and engaging – though it took me a while to warm to Mabel – the plot was intriguing and the outcome uplifting. Stylishly written too.
by HJ
Loved reading the book. Had quite a few hypotheses.
Story was well written. Couldn’t out the book down.
Looking forward to reading other books written by Laura.
by Kindle Customer
The book is written in the first person by an elderly lady starting just before her husband dies. A story of courage, friendship, mistakes, unfold in unexpected ways. In it she honours the life she has had and embraces a new life.