When I picked up A Year Of Marvellous Ways by Sarah Winman, I hadn't the faintest idea what to expect. The name sounded vaguely familiar but due to the heaps of booktubers I follow, that doesn't mean much nowadays (modern day problems). I went into the pages entirely blind, and to be honest, apprehensive. This genre of book is not one I'm familiar with, at all, and after recently finishing up Wild by Cheryl Strayed, my mind craved for something else that could be thought provoking and inspiring. I wanted beautiful words written on a page, and a last chapter that would cause my heart to swell up to three sizes. Boy, oh boy, did A Year Of Marvellous Ways deliver. Here is my spoiler free review of the magic.


Set in 1947, this story follows an elderly lady, also known as Marvellous Ways, who sits by a creek in Cornwall, waiting for her final story to come to pass. And a young and grieving solider, Francis Drake, who is looking for something to keep him grounded to the earth. Lost, needing companionship, and a reason for everything.. they come together like a sand and water. Friendships blossom, loves arise, broken hearts are mended, and fate is sealed. I hate being the person to say this, but I have to.. I can't fully delve into the story as it's one that you just have to experience for yourself. I know, I know. Annoying. BUT! Really, you do. There isn't even a specific direction to it all until the final chapter, and then everything just seems to click in the most wonderful of ways. Gah, I loved this. So much. A Year Of Marvellous Ways is almost a story of stories - of love, different people, connections you make in life, the ocean, mermaids (not literally.. well..), and untouched pure humans who steal your heart and refuse to give it back.

You aren't delving into this world feet first, you're just there as a shadow - watching the world unravel itself for you. You listen to Marvellous's stories beside Drake, drinking in each and every beautiful word and ache for the losses from both sides. The strange and wonderfully weird Marvellous steals your heart within chapters, and the wounded solider gradually gains your love and respect. It's just.. beautiful. All of it. That may of been my favourite aspect of this story - the stark differences in Drake and Marvellous. It's like night and day. You have the young man who has seen too much in life, and the elderly woman who sees through the eyes of a child. The man who feels the pain, and the woman who replaces the pain with hope for a better day. They mesh like mother and son, but care like friends. Beautiful. All of it, beautiful. *Throws my hands in my air as I give up trying to get across how beautiful this book is*


I actually didn't have any quims about this world - I mean, book -, the only thing that semi tugged on my problematic side was the style of which it was written. No quotation marks! The horror! Okay, I'm kidding. It just confused me at times, especially when we were switching between old stories and the current time, with no specific specifications until someone spoke. But you know, the more I got into the world, the more that seemed endearing to me. To me (ever the over thinker), it represented Marvellous. Her mind. Her confusion when mixing the past and present. I don't know, I may just love the book a tad too much and am now finding everything beautiful. Oh! It did make me want a gin, a lot. Is that a quim?

If words speak to you and you like a little poetic rhythm with your reading.. pick this one up. I can't promise it will touch you as it touched me, but I'm not normally one for this genre and I absolutely loved it. So if you are? Then you're likely to also adore this. If you're not, try it anyway. Get through the first few chapters (as it will seem a little odd - but as with anything in life, you just have to adapt to the new. A thing us humans do not do enough.), and I guarantee the characters and world will grab you.

It truly was Marvellous, in many ways. (Yes, I have been itching to write that down since starting this review. Sue me!)

Plan Ahead
Don't be afraid to be that person with a billion printed out documents and a strict schedule. If it helps you have peace of mind, do it. Ask Google the stupid questions that you are too worried to ask anyone in person. (Like How do I know if the plane's bathroom is occupied?) If you have questions that you're going to have to ask the person at the check-in desk, see if you can ask ahead of time via email. Trust me, half of the worry that's clouding your mind is caused by the things you don't know. So ask and find out.

Choose An Aisle Seat
Most airlines allow you to choose your seat 24 hours prior to flying, so take advantage of that if you're in it for the long haul. The first time I flew long distance, I assumed a window seat would be the best option as I would feel hidden away and wouldn't need to disturb anyone. That resulted in an 6 hour need to pee. Not fun. Go with the aisle, not only is it easier to go to the bathroom, but you can keep an eye on whether anyone is in there so you aren't stuck trying to find your balance right outside the bathroom door. On top of that, you'll be able to see when the stewardesses are going to start offering drinks so you can plan ahead AND you won't need to shout what drink you want over the two or three people that'll be sitting between you and her/him.

Security
Try and organise your carry on bag as much as possible. When going through security, you'll of course have to pull out any laptops/tablets/toiletries (check Google for anything you aren't sure of), put whatever you'll have to take out in a separate compartment of your bag so they're easy to get to and won't give you that panicked feeling when you're laptop is wedged between your books and people are waiting behind you. I've been there, trust me, it isn't the best. A backpack is your best option as it's large and usually comes with a variety of pockets. If you're super stressed, you can go as far as to pull off your jacket/cardigan/hoodie and fold it up into your backpack prior to queuing up so you won't have to deal with that on top of the other stuff, jewellery is another one. Take a little coin purse and keep any pieces in there, tucked somewhere safe in your bag, until you're all the way through. It's what I do, and to be honest, it makes it easier on both ends. I hate the part after being through security when you have to rush to try and put everything back into your bag and get your shoes on. The less you have to pull off only to put back on, the better.

A Bag Within A Bag
If you need to put your carry on bag in the overhead compartment but are worried about having to keep going to it for your items of entertainment, I recommend you pack a bag within your bag. Whether a cross body, clutch or any ol' travel bag, put all the things you think you'll need on the plane in it. Then when you're waiting to board, get it out and carry it on as it is. When getting to your seat, put it down and go ahead and stow away your carry on. The easiest option for this is a cross body, as you can then put it on when waiting to get off the plane ridding yourself of the annoyance of carrying two bags. Plus a helpful packing tip for getting an extra bag onto your packing list!

Aisle Companion
Now you've made it to your seat, and there is one person next to you also travelling alone. You just want to sit and be in your own brain, I get it. But sometimes a dreadful thing happens.. they want to talk. On long haul flights, this is rare. But short haul, it's 50/50. It's nice to make chit-chat, of course, but when shy, it can just be plain awkward. So what I like to do is, whether it's music on my phone or the movie on screen, once it seems like an acceptable time to do it, I put one earphone in (the one that isn't between you and your aisle companion), and leave the other out. This way it doesn't feel like you're being rude to them. They won't think you're purposely tuning them out as it still offers them the option to talk to you, but it's also inviting them to get on with whatever they wanted to do during the flight. Most of the time, people are just trying to be friendly and then end up sitting there wondering if they are expected to continue with the talking throughout the flight.

Ribbon That Case Up
So you've survived the flight, go you! And it's the heart-wrenching moment to find out whether your case made it all the way with you. "Ooh, that's my case coming towards me! Wait, no, that other woman just took it. Oh, no, I see it now. Ha. That'd of been embarrassing. Here it comes. Wait, is that my handle? No, is it? I don't know. Crap, crap. Okay, that family took it. Good. There it is! Coming out now. Is it? Why'd I choose black!?" I've been there. (Twice, but shush.) Whether you buy a flamboyant case, a luggage strap, or just tie ribbons on every surface that you can, make sure you'll be able to tell yours apart in a line up.

Smile, Be Brave
No matter what happens, just smile. I know it can incredibly hard when your eyes are welling up with tears and you just want to run back to the familiarity of home, but you booked this flight for a reason so keep your mind on it. Ask a worker if you're lost or don't know what to do about something, believe me, when their shift comes to an end, it is incredibly unlikely that they'll remember you asking whether you ought to go left or right. Don't psych yourself out too badly, and be gentle with yourself. You can't plan the unexpected and airports can be daunting, no matter how many signs they put up. You aren't ever stupid for needing a little help.


Choose An Overnight Flight
If you don't do good with loud noises or the hustle and bustle of people, try an overnight flight. The atmosphere is much calmer than your average day flight and you tend to get left alone more.

Be An Early Bird
Get to that airport as early as you're able to, the last thing that's needed in this situation is the added stress of thinking that you're going to miss the flight. You'll only be sitting in a seat waiting to find out the number of your gate, so give yourself that extra 90 minutes. Or heck, 2 hours. You'll be surprised at how fast the time goes when in the buzz of a place like an airport. Grab a drink,  a magazine or your book, sit patiently and get that calm in before the.. storm? Well, that doesn't sound pleasant. You know what I mean. Plus this gives you ample amount of opportunities to use the bathroom before boarding.

Meal Requests
On your airlines website, they will most likely offer you he choice of requesting a "special" meal. Whether veggie, vegan or gluten free, you needn't worry your head too much wondering if there'll be something for you if you take advantage of this.

Snacks
Buuuuutt, just in case you hate the food, take some snacks in your carry on. To save a few pennies you can pre-buy some packaged snacks preventing the dreary duty-free cost, so long as you either eat them or throw it away before arriving to your destination. I have to finish this bag of chocolate? Oh well, guess it's outta my hands. *wink, wink* But really, it's good to have something at hand for these situations. Especially if your flight is overnight and you won't want to disturb anyone. Also take an empty water bottle to fill up once you're through security, or buy the biggest one you can find. Your skin and lips will thank you for it.

I went red! Literally! Not like all those other times when I went out with the intention of returning home with dye that will make my hair as red as a cherry, and instead wound up with the same coppery locks that I've had since I was 15. Voila! I can check this one off the bucket list.

Okay, but seriously, I did go red. And I've had a fair few questions on social media (mainly Instagram) asking what dye I used, and whether it's lasting. So I figured a speedy review was in order. Because, well, why not? I used Nutrisse Ultra Colour in 6.60 Fiery Red. My hair reaches mid back, so I did need one and a half boxes of dye, which isn't ideal. It didn't spread very easily and as someone with some stubborn blonde highlights gained from a hairdresser disaster a few years ago, I definitely needed the extra help. If your hair is fine or easily coloured, then this won't be a worry for you. Obviously. Duh, Anne. But I figured it was worth mentioning, just in case. I was so thankful that I had that extra box or else I would've certainly had some questionable ombre going on.

The colour came out quite accurately to the box photo, which pleased me immensely. Though I did want a more gingery undertone but I think that is only achieved by a salon adventure, which I am not yet ready to endure *Points stubbornly at the hairdresser disaster line in the last paragraph*. But I have a big ol' quim, the dye is rapidly leaving. I've washed my hair a grand total of five times since dyeing, and each time I do, it's like my hair has had it's time of month. It's to the point that I'm afraid of being caught in the rain (yes, and I like pina coladas) for the fear of the dye running down my clothes.

Damage wise, I haven't appeared to have any. My hair looked and felt so glossy for days after dyeing. I wish I could buy the conditioner included in a big bottle, as my hair would thrive. And I didn't notice any extreme snapping or falling. My ends aren't dry, and the dye didn't stain my skin. So for that broad topic, it gets a yay.


All in all, this dye does give the results that you go in wanting but it isn't permanent in the slightest. I know boxed dye always states that it'll last for 14 washes or something of that nature, and it never does. But it is kinda ridiculous how much dye I'm losing each time I wash my hair. 5 washes in, I ought to be okay walking around the rain without too much worry. I've never had that problem with the other dyes I've used in the past (Schwarzkopt Color 088 Urban Brown or Garnier Nutrisse Cream Colour 5.54 Light Mahogany). More annoying than anything. 

I want to keep this colour a little longer but I don't know if I can with the upkeep that red entails. Do you have a similar colour that's a little longer lasting? If so, please let me know!