The Love Story of Missy Carmichael

By: Beth Morrey

Narrated by: Harriet Walter

Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

For fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and A Man Called Ove, a life-affirming, deeply moving "coming-of-old" story, a celebration of how ordinary days are made extraordinary through friendship, family, and the power of forgiving yourself - at any age.

"At a time when people are having to isolate, [this novel is] a balm, offering an expansive sense of love and possibility at a time when the main characters feel like those chances are gone." (Christian Science Monitor)

The world has changed around 79-year-old librarian Millicent Carmichael, a.k.a. Missy. Though quick to admit that she often found her roles as a housewife and mother less than satisfying, Missy once led a bustling life driven by two children, an accomplished and celebrated husband, and a Classics degree from Cambridge. Now, her husband is gone, her daughter is estranged after a shattering argument, and her son has moved to his wife's native Australia, taking Missy's beloved only grandchild half-a-world away. She spends her days sipping sherry, avoiding people, and rattling around in her oversized, under-decorated house waiting for...what exactly?

The last thing Missy expects is for two perfect strangers and one spirited dog named Bob to break through her prickly exterior and show Missy just how much love she still has to give. In short order, Missy finds herself in the jarring embrace of an eclectic community that simply won't take no for an answer - including a rambunctious mutt-on-loan whose unconditional love gives Missy a reason to re-enter the world one muddy paw print at a time.

Filled with wry laughter and deep insights, The Love Story of Missy Carmichael is a coming-of-old story that shows us it's never too late to forgive yourself and, just as important, it's never too late to love.

©2020 Beth Morrey (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Masterful and a real page-turner. Missy is a joy...the humor and courage with which she faces loss and ageing are handled with such wit and empathy. The world needs more assured female voices like Beth Morrey’s. Her novel is a breath of fresh air!" (Felicity Hayes-McCoy, author of The Library at the Edge of the World)

"For everyone with an Eleanor Oliphant-shaped hole in their heart, this is the book to fill it. Gorgeous characters, heartfelt storytelling and the sort of book that lifts your heart." (Eithne Shortall, author of Grace After Henry)

"Morrey has deftly created a series of love stories, interwoven together and told in snippets through time.... Pain, grief, and hurt are all part of life in this moving portrayal of the many forms love can take." (Kirkus Reviews starred review)

It takes a village!

I thought I would enjoy this book but had no idea how much.
80 year old Missy has isolated herself in her big, old house because of her grief and pain.
Through, Bobby, the dog she only accepts reluctantly, she meets an eclectic group of people and her life slowly changes.
I love how well developed Missy’s character is as the author smoothly, goes back and forth in time. Her life story is slowly unveiled and I came to understand who Missy Carmichael really is.
The story takes place in England with a marvelous British narrator. It is a poignant and delightful book. I can’t recommend it enough!

Wonderful Story of Friendship and Love

As a woman in her sixties I am always looking for books that have older women who are treated as they should be...like women...strong, flawed and still living complex lives. Too often these women are no more than extensions to or add ons to the lives of the main characters. This book gives you, not just one but, several women of varying ages and backgrounds, with the main character being 79 at the start. I loved this book so much and was sad to come to the end of it. The narrator did an excellent job in every way.

Much needed!

I don't think I could find enough adjectives to describe how special this book is for me. With our planet in the sad and scary condition it's in today, with so much hate and violence and war, this story reminded me that there really r good, caring, and kind people out there who r still willing and open to accept us whether we r young or old, or we have two legs or even four, into their lives IF ONLY WE CAN B BRAVE ENOUGH TO LET THEM! People who will accept us and all that we bring with us. Whether it's something good or bad, real, or imagined. With all of the uncertainties that we all face today, this is so very important.
This book put a smile on my face more than I could've imagined that it would. We all have a Missy inside of us and we all long for acceptance and friendship at some point in our lives and this book shows that IT DOES, CAN, AND WILL HAPPEN if u can let it.
Loneliness, I know, can b so very hard. Not having a single person to just talk to can. b so detrimental and lead to very drastic consequences (as I think we all know) and I just think EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY! It's scary to b new and to try to fit in but if we just b ourselves and stay open to new people and things great things can happen, as Missy found out.
This is just a positive and uplifting book that I am so glad to have found it. I will b listening to this one again. Go ahead...give this book a chance! Just like Missy, (the main character) take a chance and I think u will b VERY PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!!DEFINITELY WORTH THE CREDIT!!!

Such a lovely, heart touching story

The story of Missy and her mismatched band of friends is such a lovely story. Just the kind of thing to read/listen to when you just want to feel the happiness and pangs of what living life really is.

A good read.

Enjoyed the story as well as the characters. The narrator was lovely to listen to. Will certainly read more from this author.

Sweet storytelling

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The narrator was wonderful the story was beautiful everywhere I went I was listening

What a surprise!

I’m not sure how I came across this book but I’m so glad I did! What a wonderful story about friendship and love. Missy Carmichael’s story should be read by anyone who thinks they are getting old and becoming unnoticed. As I finished listening to the closing words of this story, I was left with a very heartwarming smile on my face and an appreciation for this author who told such a beautiful story.

Throughly enjoyable!

I loved this story and the great performance. I laughed and teared up...my favorite kind if book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Good read, sweet lady with her dog! It took me a little longer to read just because it wasn’t pulling me into the story line but still an easy read over all.

Bless her

I think we all know or have felt the same ways as Missy at one point or another. When we have felt trapped, or misunderstood, and then immediately made it worse by putting our foot directly in our mouth. And how sometimes the only thing we can feel close to is our animal. So much realness.