Book Review

Clare
2 days ago
2 min read

The Flowers of Bay C by E.M. Carter

This is a beautifully flowing novel about a motley group of six women, unlikely comrades, stuck on a hospital ward together, each aware of ways life might have been different. Among them is elderly Barbara who has one final wish: to see the sea again before she dies. Of course, that’s impossible. She has no one, and spends her days confined to a hospital bed.

Told through the eyes of Penny - a disabled single mum haunted by an unhappy past, and feeling at the end of her usefulness - the story unfolds with unexpected camaraderie and the breaking down of divides to reveal the tenderness within each person, however much that may be masked by bravado or brashness. ‘Flowers’ is a good description - their reckless, compassionate decision to grant Barbara’s final wish brings new growth and beauty to each one of them.

An underlying Christian message is sparked by the strength of one character, and fanned into flame by themes of courage and hope as each of the women gradually opens their eyes to new ways of seeing themselves. Their collective tale touches on themes of domestic violence, miscarriage, death and grief, yet through their resilience it delves deep into the human heart, bringing redemption, freedom and healing.

With characters you want the best for, exquisitely written prose and a dash of comedy, this is the sort of book where you find yourself slipping away to ‘just read a few more pages’.

This book is a page-turner that goes straight to the heart. A story that shows the vital importance of friendship and how this can be found in the most unexpected places.

I loved it, apart from anything because, at 87, I know I will be ‘Barbara’, still longing to feel cool damp sand beneath my feet and to see the freedom of bustling waves, watch them soften into shallows. When it comes, I hope I will have such a sincere, courageous bunch of friends to take me there...

...and that I will be equally open-hearted to learning from the adventure.

The Flowers of Bay C is released on 28th November 2025.