REVIEW: The Toymakers (Robert Dinsdale)

Book: The Toymakers

Author: Robert Dinsdale

Premise: Welcome to Papa Jack’s Toy Emporium: a place where children’s dreams can come true, where the impossible becomes possible. Enter young Cathy Wray – homeless and vulnerable. The Emporium takes her in, makes her one of its own. But Cathy is about to discover that while all toy shops are places of wonder, only one is truly magical.

I adored this book. It's full of magic and childhood delights. We follow Cathy through the first half of the 20th century, seeing her become emersed in Emporium life and dealing with hardships. Throughout there is a conflict between Papa Jack's two sons, their toy fights turning into battles over how the Emporium is run and who's it is. There is heartbreak, largely spiralling from WWI and the trauma the characters endured. You're constantly wanting them all to have a happy ending.

Really fun book and perfect for the festive season!