complicated

Got confused with so many characters. Complicated storyline Had to re read occasionally. Sorry

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1 person found this helpful

exceptional!

The narrators were wonderful and truly brought the story to life, I thoroughly recommend this carefully woven family drama.

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3 people found this helpful

Worth it after all

Yes, it was rather difficult to keep the characters straight, but as I listened, the quality of the writing & what each one said became more important. This is the third Vickers book I’ve listened to & I would recommend this one as well as The Grandmothers & The Librarian.

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Interesting idea, but too drawn out

Believable characterisation but far too much inconsequential detail. We hear the same story from various protagonists but don't gain enough from doing so to make the effort worthwhile

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2 people found this helpful

What a great read!

This book has risen to the very top of my favourites list. A wonderful family saga involving complex emotions and strong family ties. Presented by three generations of the family, it lays bare both the joys and traumas that are evident over the generations. Beautifully written. Please read this book. You will love it, as I did. JH

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Intriguing if tortuous.....

While I enjoyed this book on the whole - well-written and well-read - I did find the story difficult to follow at times, because of its rather tortuous and rambling nature, and the strain of keeping pace with the various characters and their nicknames. The central character, Will, is evidently meant to be seen as complex and charismatic, but (to me, at any rate) was merely unlikeable, which made it harder to engage with the story at times. However, the real strength of this novel lies in the compellingly claustrophobic atmosphere built up by close family relationships and the subtle ways in which shared secrets and memories shift and alter over time. There is a reflectiveness and wisdom in the author's observations which make it well worth listening to, probably more than once.

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5 people found this helpful

Complicated family saga

Would have liked a family tree

Several characters had more than one name which was confusing

Otherwise a gripping story

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6 people found this helpful

An absolute pleasure

Beautifully paced, live characters and just the right amount of descriptive setting. The plot line was unexpected and fitting. I’d like to read the book now. I’m not familiar with Salley Vickers’ work, but now will research her work.

The narrators were first class, seamlessly blending. I’ve only just seen there were three, all excellent.

One of the most enjoyable audiobooks I’ve read. It’s up there in my list of greats listens, nudging for first place with ‘Driftless’ by David Rhodes and ‘Stoner’ by John Williams.

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I almost gave up on this.

I might have enjoyed this a little more if I had read it. The audio version was ruined for me by the narrator for Betsy’s character whom I found mannered and slow in delivery. She also ran phrases together in ways that caused them to lose meaning.
The writing was over detailed and ponderous at times and it was hard to relate to the characters. It is an unrelentingly bleak story. A pity as I have enjoyed other novels by Sally Vickers.

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Dull

This was a book group choice or I would not have persevered I found the voices annoying although I did think it well written just not my cup of tea

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2 people found this helpful