Arrangements in Blue

An exploration of life untouched by the traditional boundaries of romantic love, Arrangements in Blue by Amy Key is a poignant memoir that weaves together the themes of independence, self-discovery, and the many facets of non-romantic connections. Using Joni Mitchell's iconic album Blue as a metaphorical compass, Key navigates the complexities and nuances of life as a single woman in her forties.

This deeply personal narrative recounts Key's journey through the expectations and societal pressures of romantic fulfilment, alongside her ultimate realisation and acceptance of a different path. Far from a story of resignation, the memoir is a stirring ode to self-reliance and personal growth. Key depicts her solo travels, home-making endeavours, and the challenging questions surrounding motherhood, while celebrating her own milestones and the meaningful forms of self-care and self-friendship she cultivates along the way.

Arrangements in Blue does not shy away from addressing the raw and often unspoken aspects of human experience—loneliness, envy, grief, and perceived failure. Through Key's unflinchingly honest prose, readers are invited to confront and contemplate these powerful emotions, which are frequently hidden beneath the veneer of societal expectations. The memoir serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in how we live and love, pushing us to embrace our true selves without shame or fear.

Recognised for its significant contribution to contemporary discussions on intimacy, Arrangements in Blue has garnered acclaim from notable voices. Dolly Alderton, author of Everything I Know About Love, reveres it as "the book I've been waiting for my entire life," while The Observer acknowledges it as marking "an important shift in ideas about intimacy." The Sunday Times celebrates Key as "the harbinger of real talent."

An essential read for anyone navigating the complexities of modern relationships and personal fulfilment, this memoir promises to inspire a more genuine and heartfelt approach to our connections with others and with ourselves.

A SUNDAY TIMES AND INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023