Goldsboro Books Managing Director, David Headley, shares his honest thoughts on Jennie Godfrey’s hotly anticipated new novel, The Barbecue at No. 9.
The Barbecue at No. 9 is everything I hoped for from Jennie Godfrey, delivering all the magic ingredients that made her debut, The List of Suspicious Things, which I loved.
Jennie writes with incredible empathy, humanity, and wit, creating a story that feels both heartwarming and real. After her much-loved, Number One Bestselling debut, The List of Suspicious Things, she has absolutely pulled it off again with a clever and brilliant second novel. I absolutely loved this book and its characterisation; it had me laughing, tearing up, and fully invested from start to finish.
Nostalgic backdrop
Set in the summer of 1985 during the Live Aid concert, the story offers a wonderfully nostalgic backdrop that drew me in. We join the residents of a little cul-de-sac, Delmont Close, as they throw a neighbourhood barbecue to celebrate this iconic event.
On the surface, it’s a festive get-together. Still, Barbecue at No. 9 masterfully weaves in an undercurrent of suspense; an uninvited outsider is watching the party, ready to make a move. And of course, the neighbours have secrets! In this small community, everyone seems to be hiding something, and when the whole street comes together, those long-held secrets start coming to light.
The novel explores the idea that behind the closed doors of even the friendliest little neighbourhood, there are hidden pasts and private struggles.
Believable characters
One of the most striking aspects of this book is how believable the characters are, which I expected from her debut. Each character is a flawed human being with their own quirks, mistakes, and dreams, making them feel incredibly authentic.
The Gordons – Hanna, her uptight mum, Lydia, and her kind-hearted dad, Peter – welcome everyone to the barbecue. As the pages turn, we see their family dynamics tested and truths uncovered.
The neighbours are equally well-developed: for example, Rita, the new resident from Australia, harbours her own mystery, and young Steve is fighting his demons behind a friendly smile. Even Aunty Beverley swoops in to pass judgment on her relatives, and the net curtains, adding humour and a touch of ‘class’.
I found myself understanding these characters as if they were my own neighbours, or, indeed, family. They’re lovable in their imperfections, and you can’t help but root for them because they feel like real people.
Community and hidden truths
Beyond the characters, The Barbecue at No. 9 excels in its exploration of themes such as community and hidden truths. Jennie excels at observing the dynamics, gossip, and camaraderie of close communities.
As the story unfolds, we see how a community can rally together, yet also how secrets can fester under polite smiles. Without spoiling anything, I’ll say that the way those secrets come out is both dramatic and heartwarming.
The book had me thinking about my own street in the ’80s and what unseen stories were unfolding behind each front door. It’s a lovely reminder that everyone has a story, and even in a warm community, you never know what people might be going through or what they might be hiding.
Warm, engaging writing
The writing style here is immersive and engaging. Jennie’s signature warmth and sharp wit shine through on every page.
One moment, I was chuckling at a hilariously relatable observation, and the next, I was struck by a poignant revelation that gave me goosebumps. Jennie balances humour and emotion so well; there’s a bit of bite in her tone when touching on darker issues, but an underlying optimism that leaves you feeling uplifted.
The narrative flows like a good chat with a friend, never too formal, always honest and sprinkled with witty observations about life and people. I especially loved how Jennie can flip from light-hearted banter to profound insight in the space of a page, without it ever feeling jarring.
It’s this warmth and authenticity in her writing that makes you feel invested in the community of Delmont Close and genuinely hopeful for them.
Final thoughts
Overall, The Barbecue at No. 9 is a gorgeous, uplifting page-turner that celebrates the power of human connection while unwrapping the secrets that can lie in any small community.
It’s heartwarming and suspenseful in equal measure, a tricky combination that Jennie handles with aplomb. Congratulations to Jennie on following up her extraordinary debut with such a fantastic second novel; she has truly cemented herself as an author to watch.
If you’re looking for a story with relatable, flawed characters, a nostalgic 1980s vibe, and plenty of wit and heart, this book is for you. I came away from this novel feeling moved and comforted, as if I’d spent time among friends.
Reading The Barbecue at No. 9 will make you feel that little bit better about life, and it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after.
