Life, love and loss dominate Elizabeth Delo’s memorable new novel, Becoming Liz Taylor. After losing her husband and youngest child in the space of only eight months, protagonist Valerie’s grip on reality is severely shaken. Dressing up in a mink coat and nylon stockings to pretend she’s Elizabeth Taylor may bring her solace, but it only serves to horrify and alienate her one surviving son.

Now 72, and faced with seeing out her final years alone, Valerie cannot believe her luck when she stumbles across an unattended pram on the street. Stealing the baby, she jumps into her car and sets off on a whistlestop tour of Wales and south-west England, sparking a desperate, nationwide manhunt in the process.

Along the way she’ll rediscover her youth, fall in love and be forced to confront the hollow mess she has allowed grief to make of her life. Despite its dark subject matter, Delo’s light, compassionate touch succeeds in making Becoming Liz Taylor a surprisingly sweet and thoroughly engaging read. An entertaining cross between Thelma & Louise and The Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry, it’s a hidden gem sparkly enough to put even Liz’s infamous jewellery box to shame.