It wasn't a great ending of the series. I hoped for more, not sure for what, but it was the worst part of the series. It was still a good novel, just It wasn't a great ending of the series. I hoped for more, not sure for what, but it was the worst part of the series. It was still a good novel, just not as satisfying (especially the second half of the book)....more
I think this series is one of the best feminist novels. Yes, the women were here show harshly, but one can't tell it wasn't true. I don't like what thI think this series is one of the best feminist novels. Yes, the women were here show harshly, but one can't tell it wasn't true. I don't like what they did. I would like them to be sometimes more modern, sometimes more moral, etc. Yet, in this cruel reality, I watched the essence of a woman, who we are, how we differ from men, and how we do not differ....more
This part of the series was a picture of a young marriage and other young adult relationships, dreams, and decisions in Neapol in the 1960s. I can't sThis part of the series was a picture of a young marriage and other young adult relationships, dreams, and decisions in Neapol in the 1960s. I can't say I approve or like them, but I can say I believe in the reality of them. I got also the feeling that it had many autobiography elements, I almost felt the author's emotions because of it. But perhaps I am wrong, and it was so just because Elena Ferrante is such a good writer.
I had some reservations about all those political, social, and philosophical discussions, or rather just mentioning them. Yet perhaps it was supposed to show the gap between the classes.
There were moments when I was a bit annoyed with the "love-dramas", almost like from the TV series when everyone slept/was in love with everyone (I mean, not at the same time).
And I am not a fan of cliffhangers at the end of the book. The previous novel had it too, but very subtle. This one ended like a chapter, not as a book.
Yet, despite the mentioned reservations, it is hard to give it less than the previous one. One of the reasons is the way the author portrayed women. Like brilliantly put it Violet wells...a dazzling display of a writer removing all the paint and powder from a woman's face mask and showing us the naked truths beneath (...) She dispels all the fog, unravels all the knots of a woman’s deepest feeling and elucidates in simple language the fount, the hidden motive. She always knows the secret as to why her women are doing what they do. She once said in an interview that her ambition was to make the facts of ordinary life gripping.
A gripping novel. Not from the first page, but when the childhood memories started I was fully in.
I liked the description of childhood and growing up A gripping novel. Not from the first page, but when the childhood memories started I was fully in.
I liked the description of childhood and growing up in Canada after the IIWW the most. Not only everyday life things and happenings but also the relations between people, and their views.
The relationship between girls, their friendship, and abuse were fascinating.
Some parts about feminism, the roles and rights of women are today (happily) not valid, sadly some others still are.
My scientific part liked the bits about physics, biology, etc., yet, there was nothing new or revealing. The novel was written almost forty years ago, and then, I am sure it was more thrilling.
It was my second try with the author. The first one, The Handmaid’s Tale, I ended with abandoning it. It was probably the wrong moment for that story. I must try more by Margaret Atwood.
I have read it (only skimming many pages). I needed some light story, even if unrealistic. But there were too many repetitions and "Harlequin sentenceI have read it (only skimming many pages). I needed some light story, even if unrealistic. But there were too many repetitions and "Harlequin sentences" to my taste (or mood). I didn't buy Vince's better site - he was too brutal initially. I can understand the romance has fans - it was written for a specific target. Yet, to me, the hero was too awful and all that angst was overused.
...lifting him from the certainty of turmoil and dropping him in a turmoil of uncertainty.
A gripping story about people and culture I know little
...lifting him from the certainty of turmoil and dropping him in a turmoil of uncertainty.
A gripping story about people and culture I know little about. I have no idea how representative the characters were, but they were fascinating and moving. The sentence: For you, a thousand times over will stay forever with me, and it will probably always wrench my heart.
The last part of the story seemed to me a bit too sentimental, and, when I think about it now, the whole book had such an atmosphere. But, Khaled Hosseini squeezed my heart in a way, that didn't feel melodramatic (save the mentioned last part) when I read it.
It is not probably for all, because at times it was awfully brutal. Yet, the world it described was/is cruel.
- But your past is you (...) - Your past isn’t you; it’s just what piles up to make the present-day you
I found Julia's doubts touching and real. Th
- But your past is you (...) - Your past isn’t you; it’s just what piles up to make the present-day you
I found Julia's doubts touching and real. The whole book was, more or less, about changing, growing up, etc. And as such, it was interesting.
Then you suffer—and then what? Nothing. A sort of memory, and pretty dim at that. So next time you find yourself swooning off, what do you say to yourself? You say: Here it is again,
I also liked that Miriam, the character "of the background" in the whole series, found her courage and happiness.
but seeing something or somebody constantly made one blind to the fact that they might be changing, developing
But I was rather disappointed in Elaine Morley, her story didn't convince me fully, and her constant crying was a bit annoying.
It is sad, that there are no more books about the family. I was so enchanted by Dominic and Simon in the first book, that I would really like to see more of them.
This sequel about the Waynes siblings wasn't as funny as the previous one, but it was psychologically more absorbing. Elizabeth Cadell memorable portrThis sequel about the Waynes siblings wasn't as funny as the previous one, but it was psychologically more absorbing. Elizabeth Cadell memorable portrayed the relationships between Nicholas, Cliff, and Estelle.
I found the mystery twist interesting because between the lines it had something to tell, yet it was too big a coincidence for my taste.
The main idea, a historical fact was fascinating, and a marvelous material for a novel, without a doubt.
Sadly, Christina Baker Kline didn't do justiceThe main idea, a historical fact was fascinating, and a marvelous material for a novel, without a doubt.
Sadly, Christina Baker Kline didn't do justice to this great idea for a book. The reading was very fast but without a feeling of attachment.
The "orphan train" was at the center for a part of the story, and then it was like a speeded summary of Vivian's life (especially the last part).
I understand, I think, why the author added Molly, but again, it was wasted, not to mention, rather badly done.
Moreover, I felt that there was something wrong with the narration. Once I thought the narrator (no matter if it was Molly or Vivian) had the perspective of a child, a sentence, or a few later, it was an adult and all-knowing narrator.
Not getting too much into it, I would say formally it was ok (and probably well-researched), but I didn't feel a touch of a good novelist.
I don't recommend it if you want to learn about Orphan Train - better go on Wikipedia.
I will try another novel someday, where the topic is a part of the storyline, The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty - I hope it will be more engaging.
Betty Neels' old-fashioned romances had something that made me pick her again despite the fact two others I had read I rated 2-3 stars.
"Cassandra by CBetty Neels' old-fashioned romances had something that made me pick her again despite the fact two others I had read I rated 2-3 stars.
"Cassandra by Chance" started rather nicely, the children were responsible for much of my enjoyment at that point. But (like I suspect with most of the authors' novels) there was too much unreality. I know that Harlequin novels occupy a unique niche in the romance genre (especially those written in the XX century) - so I know what to expect when I pick one of them. Yet, I did read one or two that I really enjoyed. This one at the end I would say was so-so. ...more
Too little can be said, because there is too much to say.
While reading two previous books of the series I thought: what a great novel. This time w
Too little can be said, because there is too much to say.
While reading two previous books of the series I thought: what a great novel. This time was the same. And I think it was the best of the three, or at least I rooted for the characters the most.
Watching like Stacey "fought with the fire", meaning she coped with family life, was like watching real people. How many of us struggle with similar doubts and troubles?
Moreover, Margaret Laurence didn't try to be polite or give us "a nicer version". She wrote thoughts that women/mothers have, although they do not tell them aloud, because they are afraid of judgment, etc.
The novel didn't have "a big ending", it showed the power of the circle of life, which keeps repeating. And like Stacey, sooner or later we tell ourselves: I'm a stranger in the now world. Nonetheless, we don't stop "dwelling the fire"....more
It was a charming follow-up to Amberwell. And I liked it a bit more than the previous part.
I watched as Ayrton siblings without a firm footing of loveIt was a charming follow-up to Amberwell. And I liked it a bit more than the previous part.
I watched as Ayrton siblings without a firm footing of love and affection from childhood struggled farther on to find love and a sense of security (protection).
I think that Anne's experience of an abusive marriage was a new topic at that time in such novels. I only regret that the ending for her wasn't more clear (of course we can assume, but still).
Some parts didn't age well, but one just has to keep in mind when it was written....more
I felt deeply Rachel's intrusive thoughts. That constant mix of worrying and dreaming. Margaret Laurence captured splendidly their intensity and powerI felt deeply Rachel's intrusive thoughts. That constant mix of worrying and dreaming. Margaret Laurence captured splendidly their intensity and power.
The author created supremely other characters too. Rachel's mother, Calla, Nick Kazlik and his parents. Laurence was great at human examination.
You can also find in this novel a glimpse at the specific time and place, at a woman who had her first affair (and her first sexual experience).
In other words, the book was a fascinating character study (and how nice and proper family and society sometimes can be oppressive)....more
The idea and the characters could have made an enjoyable Harlequin romance. But it was too boring and inconsistent. I didnOdd and flat, in my opinion.
The idea and the characters could have made an enjoyable Harlequin romance. But it was too boring and inconsistent. I didn't buy Dominic's mistrust of women. He was supposed to be poised and intelligent, and he even didn't love "that woman" - so where was the base for so long and deep mistrust? Then, Abigail behaved like she didn't understand Dominic's behavior - although she obviously knew "that part of his past" (someone told her personally).
So, I skimmed and skipped most of the book. It was my second by the author. I rated The Course of True Love a bit higher, although I don't remember it at all. I am not sure when and if I will give Betty Neels another try....more
Third, and for now, the best of Mrs Cadell that I read. I couldn't put down the book. I wanted to know what would happen to all the siblings. I was enThird, and for now, the best of Mrs Cadell that I read. I couldn't put down the book. I wanted to know what would happen to all the siblings. I was enchanted with all of them. And of course, now I must know what happens to them next.
By the way, Barb summarized it perfectly: Marvelous feel-good story about family ties. Cadell's gentle humor shines throughout.
[4.5 stars, 0.5 less because of not enough of a main love story]...more
I so much needed such a harlequin romance now. And I can always rely on Crazy About Love for a good recommendation.
Of course, it was a Harlequin, so oI so much needed such a harlequin romance now. And I can always rely on Crazy About Love for a good recommendation.
Of course, it was a Harlequin, so one gets what the genre can offer. Still, among so many, there are some that don't make me shudder, and that give me a nice time.
[3.5-4 stars]
PS I have rated it, obviously, comparing the novel with the genre, not to all books I have read....more
Through the voice of a five-year-old girl, I traveled to Morocco of the 1970's. I saw beauty, and friendliness, but A beautiful story about childhood.
Through the voice of a five-year-old girl, I traveled to Morocco of the 1970's. I saw beauty, and friendliness, but also cruelty, and brutality of that world (and people).
In this (untypical) background (and with a hippie mother) a kid was still a kid. It was obvious in what way Lucia and Bea profited from such childhood. Yet, there were also (sadly) failures of such growing up.
The child's point of view isn't easy to narrate. For a time, I found a bit annoying this kind of wandering, erratic narration. But at some point, I got, that it was as truthful as possible (while writing by an adult). I appreciate the reality of a child's voice.
I don't agree with many choices of (adult) characters, but I value this story.
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