‘A place called Here’ is an easy-to-read story about loss, in particular, the emotional response to childhood fears. While reading this novel, I reflected on my own childhood anxiety of not being able to complete everything I’ve ever wanted to do, or not being able to read every book in existence. Sandy Shortt, the protagonist, faces a similar concern triggered by the disappearance of her childhood neighbour.

‘A place called Here’ is a novel that delves deep into the human experience of loss and the emotional impact of obsessive compulsions or anxieties. For Sandy, it is the fear of things going missing. Written by the talented Cecelia Ahern, this novel is a masterful exploration of the themes of love, fears, and the power to overcome and accept these. In the end, Sandy finally comes to terms with and processes her fear of losing things.

The story follows the journey of a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own unique sense of loss. While focused on her job as a private detective of missing people, Sandy ends up in the mysterious world of Here; a world where all the things and people that have ever gone missing appear. She befriends some of the people she herself tried to find in the ‘real world’, and together they help her heal and find her way back. I must admit, a little suspension of disbelief is needed to fully appreciate the themes of this novel. Through the vivid descriptions and engaging narrative, the reader is transported to a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.

The one thing that did make me uncomfortable was the fact that Sandy ‘falls in love’ with Gregory, her adult therapist from when she was a teenager. It screamed grooming to me, but then they went on to become lovers, with no qualms except him being loyal and waiting for her to be ready while she repeatedly pushed him away. I felt this could have been explored more deeply and with further nuance.

What makes this novel so interesting is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in the reader. From heart-wrenching sadness to moments of joy and also desperation, ‘A place called Here’ is a rollercoaster of emotions. Whether you are a fan of fiction or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this novel is a must-read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.