A former Stroud journalist is celebrating the release of her new novel, which explores family secrets, dementia and the powerful connection between music and memory.
The Songs That Find Us, by Andrea Darby, who grew up in Stroud and now lives near Tewkesbury, tells the story of a family torn apart by long-held secrets and a devastating illness – but ultimately brought back together through music and unexpected community connections.
The novel has already struck a chord with readers, making it into Amazon’s top 50 bestsellers in two women’s fiction categories within 24 hours of publication.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the response,” said Andrea, who worked as a journalist for more than 20 years before turning to fiction.
“The narrative reflects on memory, friendship, belonging, and forgiveness. Some of the early reviews have been so heartfelt and poignant.
“Knowing that the book’s themes are evoking such a powerful, emotional response means the world to me.”
The story is narrated by three members of the same family – mum Lizzie, dad Ed and their adopted daughter Beck.
Readers see the world through each character’s eyes as they face their own struggles and shocking revelations that threaten to tear the family apart.
Music becomes a source of solace – and perhaps a way back to one another.
The book even has its own soundtrack, with a curated list of pivotal songs at the back of the novel tracing the family’s journey.
Andrea said her lifelong passion for music was the starting point for the story.
“Music has been a lifelong passion, and the starting point for this novel was my fascination with the extraordinary relationship between music and memory – how a song can unlock emotions, moments and parts of ourselves that we thought were lost.”
She added: “Exploring this idea, I began to wonder what might happen if someone who’d spent a lifetime protecting a deeply held secret found that the barriers built around the truth were beginning to fall away.
“The story grew into a reflection on family, memory and the complex ways people stay connected through love, loyalty and change.”
Andrea developed the novel while studying for an MA in Creative Writing, where she was fortunate enough to have the late author Fay Weldon as her personal mentor.
“It was such a privilege for me,” she said. “Growing up, Fay was the author everyone was talking about.
“She really championed this book, and I learned so much from her.”
Having witnessed the impact of dementia on several members of her family, Andrea was determined to approach the subject with sensitivity and compassion.
“Alongside its challenges, I hoped to portray the resilience, humanity and love that can accompany the condition, and how music can spark precious – and sometimes unexpected – feelings of joy, recognition and connection.
“I hope this novel contributes in some small way to greater understanding and awareness of dementia, but above all I hope it reminds us of the power of memory, music and the moments that stay with us.”
The Songs That Find Us is available as an ebook and paperback from Amazon, other booksellers and Andrea’s website. www.andreadarby.com
