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Five-star reviews
Insightful, compassionate and angry “The final section of the book, containing an irony worthy of Thomas Hardy, is heart-breaking. Matilda Windsor is Coming Home isn’t light reading, but it packs a powerful punch and stays in the reader’s mind long after the end,” says Mark.
I adored this very special book "Matty is an endearing character, and I did not want the book to end," says Anna
This is a thought provoking novel “There is humour and logic behind her thinking and it was easy to fall in love with her mischievous approach to modern intrusions into her fantasy,” says Sally
Engaging and unforgettable characters in a setting that shouldn't be forgotten “The characters all do their best; engaging and real, they drive a story in which one might conclude that “home” and “crazy” are relative terms,” says shiftnshake
I recommend you read this one for yourself and see where it leads you “This is most definitely one of those books designed to take each reader on a unique and individual personal journey towards a common outcome,” says Yvonne
Absorbing and heartbreaking “Anne Goodwin addresses mental health issues and institutionalization over the years, and questions mental health policies and societal assimilation. Who decides who is sane and who is to be believed?” says Renata
An endearing heroine “I found Matilda Windsor an endearing heroine, and her story is told in a delightfully poignant yet humorous manner,” says Catherine
Fiction to care about “Set among the world of long stay psychiatric hospitals there are some hard hitting moments, but as a whole this is a book of kindness, positivity and hope,” says Emma
Would definitely recommend this “The author does an incredible job at twisting and turning your emotions in different directions. I smiled, I laughed but also wanted to sob at the same time,” says Nicola
Would highly recommend “This was an interesting read. Good story and characters. I did enjoy this book. This was very well written,” says Sue.
I felt as though I was part of the story “The author… knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a compelling read,” says Amanda.
A beautiful story of love and determination “but also a sadly poignant reminder of the past. I loved the gentle humour of Matty and really felt for Henry as his whole life has revolved around the loss of his sister,” says Pauline.
As much a story of human resilience as it is of human frailty “I recommend this book for anyone who loves to delve a little deeper into the complexities of the human condition,” says Norah
I adored this very special book "Matty is an endearing character, and I did not want the book to end," says Anna
This is a thought provoking novel “There is humour and logic behind her thinking and it was easy to fall in love with her mischievous approach to modern intrusions into her fantasy,” says Sally
Engaging and unforgettable characters in a setting that shouldn't be forgotten “The characters all do their best; engaging and real, they drive a story in which one might conclude that “home” and “crazy” are relative terms,” says shiftnshake
I recommend you read this one for yourself and see where it leads you “This is most definitely one of those books designed to take each reader on a unique and individual personal journey towards a common outcome,” says Yvonne
Absorbing and heartbreaking “Anne Goodwin addresses mental health issues and institutionalization over the years, and questions mental health policies and societal assimilation. Who decides who is sane and who is to be believed?” says Renata
An endearing heroine “I found Matilda Windsor an endearing heroine, and her story is told in a delightfully poignant yet humorous manner,” says Catherine
Fiction to care about “Set among the world of long stay psychiatric hospitals there are some hard hitting moments, but as a whole this is a book of kindness, positivity and hope,” says Emma
Would definitely recommend this “The author does an incredible job at twisting and turning your emotions in different directions. I smiled, I laughed but also wanted to sob at the same time,” says Nicola
Would highly recommend “This was an interesting read. Good story and characters. I did enjoy this book. This was very well written,” says Sue.
I felt as though I was part of the story “The author… knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a compelling read,” says Amanda.
A beautiful story of love and determination “but also a sadly poignant reminder of the past. I loved the gentle humour of Matty and really felt for Henry as his whole life has revolved around the loss of his sister,” says Pauline.
As much a story of human resilience as it is of human frailty “I recommend this book for anyone who loves to delve a little deeper into the complexities of the human condition,” says Norah
This book will have you breaking your heart one minute and laughing out loud the next “If you've read and enjoyed Elizabeth Is Missing, you won't want to pass on Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home,” says Tracey
Engaging and rewarding “an engaging, rewarding story with characters who are real and raw and flawed and trying their best with the lives they've been given,” says Annalisa
An absorbing and moving story “Although this is very much about the abolition of the old-style institutions, it is primarily a beautifully told story of love and loss,” says JKF
Interesting topic told through a novel point of view “I wondered if the people outside the asylum were any saner than the ones in it,” says Dorothy
I loved this book - it's so much deeper than at first glance “it is wonderful to see Anne Goodwin reclaiming a life from amongst many tragic stories and showing us that life is still life in whatever setting we live it,” says Anne
Matty's story chilled me to the bone! “I can’t imagine anyone reading this book and not being moved by the characters. They draw you in and won’t let you go!” says Colleeen.
A compelling and well written novel “This is a very poignant tale as Matty's story is gradually revealed and the abuse she has suffered becomes known. As her story unwinds, Janice is forced to face her own relationship problems,” says Robbie.
A moving look at mental health care as it was “Goodwin captures perfectly the atmosphere of the mental health asylums, where routine was sacred, and everybody had a part to play they were not allowed to deviate from,” says Olga
Compassionate Reflection of Hidden Truth “Some of the situations were humorous, others chilling. It makes one glad that mental health care has progressed,” says Botkin
I found this book fascinating “I grew very fond of the little band of patients who were making the faltering and often painful transition to a life 'outside',” says Clare
I loved reading about Matty, Janice and Henry and I can’t wait for the sequel “The more we learn, the more shocking it becomes,” says Veronika
Moving and funny! “With bitter-sweet observances at every turn, and the use of gently mocking humour, this an absorbing and involving read,” says Jessica
Excellent read “Although the story of Matilda is set in the early 20th century, what she experiences is a crime that has been committed against women and girls for many centuries,” says Cheryl
Nicknames for Matilda are Matty and Tilly “I enjoyed the various levels of their psyches, how they coped with daily life and how family secrets can cause so much heartache,” says Sue
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From the book blogs
“As events unfold and Matilda shares her childhood and teenage years, you as the onlooker are moved to outrage, despair but also admiration for the spirit that reached breaking point, only for it to escape instead into a fantasy world that provided comfort.” Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
“I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out Matilda’s world and how it related to the other stories … You can read it for the surface subjects that are very apparent or you can dig a little deeper into what makes each of these characters not only live but keep them moving and changing.” Jennie Reads
“No matter on which side of the asylum doors; the characters are all emotionally complex, raw and passionate, vulnerable and often unreliable; although always genuine, believable, authentic and totally addictive.” Fiction Books
“The main theme is the difficulties which arise within mental health institutions … with a 'one size fits all' mentality. However … it becomes a story of hope as we see them treat their patients as individuals. It is a poignant story told with both sensitivity and humour.” Left on the Shelf
“I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out Matilda’s world and how it related to the other stories … You can read it for the surface subjects that are very apparent or you can dig a little deeper into what makes each of these characters not only live but keep them moving and changing.” Jennie Reads
“No matter on which side of the asylum doors; the characters are all emotionally complex, raw and passionate, vulnerable and often unreliable; although always genuine, believable, authentic and totally addictive.” Fiction Books
“The main theme is the difficulties which arise within mental health institutions … with a 'one size fits all' mentality. However … it becomes a story of hope as we see them treat their patients as individuals. It is a poignant story told with both sensitivity and humour.” Left on the Shelf
“Matty is all those patients who are falsely incarcerated, betrayed by family members, those left alone with no visitors, those who find family among staff, those who yearn to go back to society but are labelled and discriminated against.” Tomes and Tales
“I found Matilda Windsor an endearing heroine, and her story is told in a delightfully poignant yet humorous manner. The book deals with the tricky issue of people with mental disabilities, and how best to enable them to live the best lives they possibly can in today’s world whilst maintaining their dignity.” Whispering Stories
“Matty is a wonderful character … there are some hard hitting moments, but as a whole this is a book of kindness, positivity and hope.” Emma B Books
“I kept wanting to jump inside the pages of the book to give Matilda a hug and to remonstrate with those who had treated her like an ‘inconvenience’ … a gripping and emotional read … superbly written and then some. The author … knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a compelling read … I would find myself wanting to cry at certain parts of the story and then the next minute I would be chuckling away to myself” Ginger Book Geek
“I really liked how well rounded the book become as we read through 3 perspectives and each narrative gave a unique element to the book. It also showed how some stigmas around mental health haven't changed much in all this time.” Laughter and thunderstorms
“This is such a fascinating eye-opening book, an insight into the old fashioned mental asylums in the UK … A poignant, heartbreaking at times, but overall uplifting read.” Donna Morfett
“The author does an incredible job at twisting and turning your emotions in different directions. I smiled, I laughed but also wanted to sob at the same time … Would definitely recommend this.” Twilight Reader
“I absolutely loved Matilda as a main character and enjoyed following her story throughout the book. Her story is heartbreaking and I often wished I could reach into the book and give her a hug. I loved the descriptions of the imaginary world she has created and felt glad she had that to take her away from her everyday life.” Over the Rainbow Book Blog
“Written in a sympathetic way, Anne Goodwin has brought these characters to life and has created a perfect balance between the now unbelievable reasoning for institutionalising a person and the care of people around them.” Pauline Render
"Each of these characters are cleverly brought to life on the page, by their dialogue, by their actions. Every turn of a page is a revelation, an insight to human emotions and the lives we think we are creating, but, more often than not, are structured through fate and inadvertent choices." Judith Barrow
“I could have cried at how alone she was, how there was no-one, anywhere, who would listen to and believe her. It was so tragic, so shocking, made even more so because you know that this sort of thing happened to so many” Terry Tyler Book Reviews
“I fell in love with Matty’s character, the more you hear from her the more you want to listen to her story … an emotional and heart-warming book which delves into the changes of mental health care over the years.” Jenny Lou’s Book Reviews
“While Matty appears to be a dotty old woman, we can see that she … has many very attractive qualities: a way of speaking her mind, generosity, hospitality, courtesy and resilience." Older Women Series on Bookword
“Origins, home, and family (especially mother-daughter relationships) are important themes. Most of the story takes place in and around Henry’s childhood home where he still lives, and the mental health unit where Tilly is living when the story opens. It’s hard to say much about the plot without giving things away, but there’s a strong whodunnit element (perhaps that should be whoisit / whereisshe) … The threads of the story are very well interwoven and there are a number of twists along the way.” Gum on My Shoe
“As a mental health professional, this novel brought goosebumps to my skin and a lot of memories. As a reader, it gave me pause and made me care for a group of characters whom I share little with (other than my professional experience). As a human being, I can only hope no girls find themselves in the position of Matilda ever again, and also that, as a society, we always remember that there is no health without mental health.” Author Translator Olga
“Anne Goodwin has done an impressive job of striking a balance between empathic sensitivity and some light hearted humour. The humour in no way dilutes or detracts from the heart of this novel which looks at the life of one woman incarcerated from early adulthood in a psychiatric institution. Indeed some humour is necessary for without it one’s anger would be hard to contain … Fiction can entertain and it can educate. And when the fusion of the two work well together a book can leave a lasting impression on you. And so you’ll be thinking about Matty Windsor long after you turn the last page of this story. And I doubt you’ll ever consider jelly babies in the same way again!” Bookphace
“I just wanted to explain why this book means so much to me. We love Matty because she is such a lovable character. As the story unfolds we discover more and more about her childhood, the death of her father, her mother’s death in childbirth and her relationship with her stepfather, George. The more we learn, the more shocking it becomes … I loved reading about Matty, Janice and Henry and I can’t wait for the sequel.” Bookchatter@cookiebiscuit
“There is so much sadness between the pages and yet hope shines through. The writer’s empathy is obvious and there is a thread of lightness and humour throughout. Matilda is a wonderful character, expertly crafted, and a delight to read about … Anne Goodwin has demonstrated a real understanding of social history, the human psyche and the indomitable spirit in this tender and warm-hearted read.” GraceJReviewerlady
“Matilda Windsor is Coming Home is a truly immersive story that really gets under your skin and you can't help but fall in love with Matty, a wonderfully quirky and charming main character of whom I felt incredibly protective.” The Book Magnet
“Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home is such a poignant novel and I am relieved that women are no longer treated as shabbily as Matilda was throughout her life.” Literary Flits
“Goodwin’s description and writing is superb … In just one paragraph she encapsulates the atmosphere of Ghyllside, the psychiatric hospital in the story.” Honestmamreader
“This is a beautifully written tale of a world many of us have no idea exists, of a community within the community. I fell in love with Matty and her friends, the odd and peculiar who really just want to get on with life.” The Bookwormery
“There are three main voices in this novel, but it is Matilda who shines and made me keep turning the page. She is an unreliable protagonist because the years in the asylum have affected her mental health making her confused, and living in the past but I adored her. She is honest to herself, eccentric and adds humour to this emotional novel.” From Under the Duvet
“Matilda Windsor is Coming Home is heartbreaking, funny and surprising all rolled into one good cup of tea … Overall, an easy read with a good storyline. Terribly heartbreaking to think about the years lost” The Book Review Crew
“Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home is an incredibly poignant and thought provoking read. I actually found that it angered me in places when I thought about the way things used to be … The author touches on social commentary and manages to provide an excellent sense of time and place. The author’s experience in the industry shines through and makes for a knowledgable read that I found endearing and life affirming.” Reflections of a reader
“A magical and harsh story of reality - decades in an asylum, grasping reality after years of pretending. Beautiful and well done.” Chaos Happiness Book Mama
“This was an interesting read. Good story and characters. I did enjoy this book. This was very well written. 5*.” Sue Loves to Read
“It’s an intricately drawn picture of a tragic family story [which] speaks to the six degrees of separation that exists between us all.” Cheryl M-M’s Book Blog
“Matilda Windsor is Coming Home is a recommended read for anyone with an interest in such a sensitive and very painful social topic, seen from the perspective of a relatable kind story.” WildWritingLife
“a story of heartbreak and mischances” Our Book Reviews Online
“I found Matilda Windsor an endearing heroine, and her story is told in a delightfully poignant yet humorous manner. The book deals with the tricky issue of people with mental disabilities, and how best to enable them to live the best lives they possibly can in today’s world whilst maintaining their dignity.” Whispering Stories
“Matty is a wonderful character … there are some hard hitting moments, but as a whole this is a book of kindness, positivity and hope.” Emma B Books
“I kept wanting to jump inside the pages of the book to give Matilda a hug and to remonstrate with those who had treated her like an ‘inconvenience’ … a gripping and emotional read … superbly written and then some. The author … knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be one hell of a compelling read … I would find myself wanting to cry at certain parts of the story and then the next minute I would be chuckling away to myself” Ginger Book Geek
“I really liked how well rounded the book become as we read through 3 perspectives and each narrative gave a unique element to the book. It also showed how some stigmas around mental health haven't changed much in all this time.” Laughter and thunderstorms
“This is such a fascinating eye-opening book, an insight into the old fashioned mental asylums in the UK … A poignant, heartbreaking at times, but overall uplifting read.” Donna Morfett
“The author does an incredible job at twisting and turning your emotions in different directions. I smiled, I laughed but also wanted to sob at the same time … Would definitely recommend this.” Twilight Reader
“I absolutely loved Matilda as a main character and enjoyed following her story throughout the book. Her story is heartbreaking and I often wished I could reach into the book and give her a hug. I loved the descriptions of the imaginary world she has created and felt glad she had that to take her away from her everyday life.” Over the Rainbow Book Blog
“Written in a sympathetic way, Anne Goodwin has brought these characters to life and has created a perfect balance between the now unbelievable reasoning for institutionalising a person and the care of people around them.” Pauline Render
"Each of these characters are cleverly brought to life on the page, by their dialogue, by their actions. Every turn of a page is a revelation, an insight to human emotions and the lives we think we are creating, but, more often than not, are structured through fate and inadvertent choices." Judith Barrow
“I could have cried at how alone she was, how there was no-one, anywhere, who would listen to and believe her. It was so tragic, so shocking, made even more so because you know that this sort of thing happened to so many” Terry Tyler Book Reviews
“I fell in love with Matty’s character, the more you hear from her the more you want to listen to her story … an emotional and heart-warming book which delves into the changes of mental health care over the years.” Jenny Lou’s Book Reviews
“While Matty appears to be a dotty old woman, we can see that she … has many very attractive qualities: a way of speaking her mind, generosity, hospitality, courtesy and resilience." Older Women Series on Bookword
“Origins, home, and family (especially mother-daughter relationships) are important themes. Most of the story takes place in and around Henry’s childhood home where he still lives, and the mental health unit where Tilly is living when the story opens. It’s hard to say much about the plot without giving things away, but there’s a strong whodunnit element (perhaps that should be whoisit / whereisshe) … The threads of the story are very well interwoven and there are a number of twists along the way.” Gum on My Shoe
“As a mental health professional, this novel brought goosebumps to my skin and a lot of memories. As a reader, it gave me pause and made me care for a group of characters whom I share little with (other than my professional experience). As a human being, I can only hope no girls find themselves in the position of Matilda ever again, and also that, as a society, we always remember that there is no health without mental health.” Author Translator Olga
“Anne Goodwin has done an impressive job of striking a balance between empathic sensitivity and some light hearted humour. The humour in no way dilutes or detracts from the heart of this novel which looks at the life of one woman incarcerated from early adulthood in a psychiatric institution. Indeed some humour is necessary for without it one’s anger would be hard to contain … Fiction can entertain and it can educate. And when the fusion of the two work well together a book can leave a lasting impression on you. And so you’ll be thinking about Matty Windsor long after you turn the last page of this story. And I doubt you’ll ever consider jelly babies in the same way again!” Bookphace
“I just wanted to explain why this book means so much to me. We love Matty because she is such a lovable character. As the story unfolds we discover more and more about her childhood, the death of her father, her mother’s death in childbirth and her relationship with her stepfather, George. The more we learn, the more shocking it becomes … I loved reading about Matty, Janice and Henry and I can’t wait for the sequel.” Bookchatter@cookiebiscuit
“There is so much sadness between the pages and yet hope shines through. The writer’s empathy is obvious and there is a thread of lightness and humour throughout. Matilda is a wonderful character, expertly crafted, and a delight to read about … Anne Goodwin has demonstrated a real understanding of social history, the human psyche and the indomitable spirit in this tender and warm-hearted read.” GraceJReviewerlady
“Matilda Windsor is Coming Home is a truly immersive story that really gets under your skin and you can't help but fall in love with Matty, a wonderfully quirky and charming main character of whom I felt incredibly protective.” The Book Magnet
“Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home is such a poignant novel and I am relieved that women are no longer treated as shabbily as Matilda was throughout her life.” Literary Flits
“Goodwin’s description and writing is superb … In just one paragraph she encapsulates the atmosphere of Ghyllside, the psychiatric hospital in the story.” Honestmamreader
“This is a beautifully written tale of a world many of us have no idea exists, of a community within the community. I fell in love with Matty and her friends, the odd and peculiar who really just want to get on with life.” The Bookwormery
“There are three main voices in this novel, but it is Matilda who shines and made me keep turning the page. She is an unreliable protagonist because the years in the asylum have affected her mental health making her confused, and living in the past but I adored her. She is honest to herself, eccentric and adds humour to this emotional novel.” From Under the Duvet
“Matilda Windsor is Coming Home is heartbreaking, funny and surprising all rolled into one good cup of tea … Overall, an easy read with a good storyline. Terribly heartbreaking to think about the years lost” The Book Review Crew
“Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home is an incredibly poignant and thought provoking read. I actually found that it angered me in places when I thought about the way things used to be … The author touches on social commentary and manages to provide an excellent sense of time and place. The author’s experience in the industry shines through and makes for a knowledgable read that I found endearing and life affirming.” Reflections of a reader
“A magical and harsh story of reality - decades in an asylum, grasping reality after years of pretending. Beautiful and well done.” Chaos Happiness Book Mama
“This was an interesting read. Good story and characters. I did enjoy this book. This was very well written. 5*.” Sue Loves to Read
“It’s an intricately drawn picture of a tragic family story [which] speaks to the six degrees of separation that exists between us all.” Cheryl M-M’s Book Blog
“Matilda Windsor is Coming Home is a recommended read for anyone with an interest in such a sensitive and very painful social topic, seen from the perspective of a relatable kind story.” WildWritingLife
“a story of heartbreak and mischances” Our Book Reviews Online
Podcast review on Hannah's Bookshelf
(approx 42 minutes in)
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Endorsements from other authors and experts
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“How long can the stories we tell ourselves protect us? In Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home, Anne Goodwin peels back the narratives, revealing a common wound. Told with compassion and humour, this is Zeitgeist literary fiction from a former NHS clinical psychologist whose novels not only entertain, but offer hope.” Mia Farlane, author of Footnotes to Sex published by Viking / Penguin
“There's a mystery at the heart of this story which keeps the reader guessing and turning the page. It's well written and easy to read. There's a huge sense of injustice that someone can have been locked up in such a place for no good reason other than - apparently - misfortune and bad luck. The book raises profound questions about rights, attitudes to mental health and what it means to be 'home.'” Clare Stevens, author of Blue Tide Rising published by Inspired Quill “A fantastic novel, about a tough topic, which forces us to remember we are all vulnerable and we should fight to ensure that nobody is ever left behind.” Olga Núñez Miret, author of the Escaping Psychiatry series. “A poignant, compelling and brilliantly authentic portrayal of asylum life, with a plucky protagonist you won’t easily forget.” Dr Theodore Stickley, Honorary Associate Professor of Mental Health, author of Short Strolls to Destiny |
“Anne Goodwin gives us an authentic look at trapped lives within the stifling world of the long-stay psychiatric asylum, institutions that are disestablished now but which still cast long shadows into our present." Rod Madocks, author of Ship of Fools: Stories From The Mental Health Front Line
“Having first met Matty in 99-word stories, I fell in love early with this character creation from the imagination of Anne Goodwin. With perfectly articulated vowels and a muddled past, Matilda Windsor is a character you will want to follow home. As you read to discover how lives and generations cross, tangle, and fall away you will be captivated by an intricate story that spans the final days of Victorian asylums in the UK. A former clinical psychologist and native of Cumbria, Anne Goodwin masterfully guides us through a setting and culture she knows well. Matty stole my heart. She's unforgettable and Matilda Windsor is Coming Home is unstoppable. A character-driven page-turner that makes you think.” Charli Mills, lead buckaroo at Carrot Ranch Literary Community, editor of The Congress of Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology.
“Anne Goodwin’s latest novel is a chillingly convincing tale of someone lost for five decades within a mental health system that echoed rather than challenged the stigma and prejudice festering beyond its walls. The sole progressive voice belongs to newly qualified social worker Janice Lowry. She is my favourite character, not least because I identify with her relentless (or is it naive?) hope and optimism. She’s not working in a vacuum, however. The old ways of the asylum (summed up in the book’s most powerful phrase as the “business of warehousing society’s estranged”) are changing. On the other hand, Janice’s compassion, inexperience, and compulsive desire to set the world to rights are not without consequences. She’s doing her best, but I was left wondering just how helpful that best might be. A sobering thought, seeing how closely I identified with her. If only good intentions were enough.” Martin Baker, co-author of High Tide, Low Tide: The Caring Friend's Guide to Bipolar Disorder.
“The light wins in this novel, which manages to be warm, uplifting and surprisingly funny for all the sadness and injustice portrayed. The author’s expertise as a clinical psychologist comes through strongly in her ability to bring the reader onboard with Matilda’s altered perceptions – she’s a really endearing and memorable character.” Isabel Costello, author of Paris, Mon Amour and Scent
World Mental Health Day
Browse the comments from readers with inside knowledge of the mental health system
Browse the comments from readers with inside knowledge of the mental health system
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