This novel rescued me from a reading slump. My family lost their home too during the “Troubles” in Belfast so it struck a chord. I was not drawn to any of the characters and yet still enjoyed the novel - a testament to Van der Wouden’s prose.
I loved this book and was caught completely off guard by the “twist.” I have really been impressed with the selections you offer up to our Bookclub. It has opened up so many new authors to me. I m looking forward to Creation Lake together. Thank you!
Three distinct parts: part 1: and bit dull, for me. Part 2: 😮💨 Part 3: Holy cow! Absolutely fantastic! Overall, it’s either a 4 or 4.5 stars out of five. I did almost give up in the first part. Not because I didn’t like the main character, as I’ve seen many people say. It was just dull. Thank goodness I continued with it because it was so worth it with part 3!
I listened to this on audio and it was fabulous. To me it felt there were three main characters. Isabel, Eva and the house. In some ways I too, was reminded of The Dutch House by Ann Patchett where the house was a character all of its own and the other characters contrasted strongly around it.
I really enjoyed this book, it is one that I think I value the Booker longlist for, something I would have probably missed if it were not on the list. I read it probably too quickly because it pulled me in and I was fascinated by the siblings relationships, as a gay man who only had one sibling (sadly now deceased) I feel that a relationship with a sister is fascinating and was for me both rewarding and supportive. As for the ending, yes please, a fairy tale should always end “and they all lived happily after”. Strangely I am relieved when I find that a book I loved you loved too, I feel justified 😊. Don’t think it is a Booker winner, but worthy of the longlist.
Thanks for your excellent review Eric. I probably wouldn’t have read this book if it hadn’t been on the Booker Longlist but I’m so glad I did. I thought the author kept the suspense throughout the book. It didn’t bother me that Isobel was so unlikeable - I thought her character was very well written and compelling. The slow build up to the relationship between Isobel and Eva was brilliant. I enjoyed guessing what the secret of the house was but I guessed wrongly as I thought Isobel’s family had Nazi connections. After Isobel learns of Eva’s past it was so interesting to hear the justification that people had for their actions during and after the war - “that’s the trouble with this country - no one remembers anything.”. I hope this book is chosen for the short list but I don’t expect it to be the winner.
Thanx for your recommend and review on this book. Can u believe it's a debut?! Please don't be mad at the happy ending. Love not only wins but it's always well-earned.
Thanks for the review, Eric. I really liked this book and think it's definitely worthy of it's place on the Booker longlist, I'd like to see it make the shortlist too. I felt that Isabel was a victim of her circumstances - her mother sounded awful (abusive?) and I just assumed that Isabel only learned how to behave to others through herv which is why she was so closed off to the world. I also considered autism especially with her lists of what the house contained. Ending perhaps a little contrived but I like to think there's potential they could both save each other.
Eric, thank you so much for this review. I was not sure how I felt about this book up until the third part. Isabel is such an unlikeable character and rude. As you say, there is no explanation for that. But when Eva's past was revealed, the relationship made more sense. I loved the ending
I am currently reading and enjoying this book. I read Isabel as possibly being autistic her love of routine social awkwardness and finding change difficult
This was my first read from the Booker list, and literally said to my friend that this is the Call Me By Your Name for lesbians. 😂 I’m one of those who felt the ending was a bit too saccharine. I really loved that Isabelle was able to come out though.
This novel rescued me from a reading slump. My family lost their home too during the “Troubles” in Belfast so it struck a chord. I was not drawn to any of the characters and yet still enjoyed the novel - a testament to Van der Wouden’s prose.
That’s great to hear, thank you
I loved this book and was caught completely off guard by the “twist.” I have really been impressed with the selections you offer up to our Bookclub. It has opened up so many new authors to me. I m looking forward to Creation Lake together. Thank you!
Oh good! Hopefully Creation Lake will be as positive experience.
I went in blind and ended up liking this book more than I thought I would.
This book caught my interest since your video about this year's booker longlist. I'm definitely going to read it.
Three distinct parts: part 1: and bit dull, for me. Part 2: 😮💨 Part 3: Holy cow! Absolutely fantastic! Overall, it’s either a 4 or 4.5 stars out of five. I did almost give up in the first part. Not because I didn’t like the main character, as I’ve seen many people say. It was just dull. Thank goodness I continued with it because it was so worth it with part 3!
I’m glad you stuck with it and I know what you mean about how the fist part got a little monotonous.
What an EXCELLENT review! You totally encapsulated the book for me, here, really enjoyed this video so much
I hadn't been drawn to this one but you really caught my attention, especially when you said that the house itself is a central character.
I know your TBR is high but if you get time to read it I’d be keen to hear what you think.
I am here for all the twists and turns. Thanks for talking about this one. 😊💙
I listened to this on audio and it was fabulous. To me it felt there were three main characters. Isabel, Eva and the house. In some ways I too, was reminded of The Dutch House by Ann Patchett where the house was a character all of its own and the other characters contrasted strongly around it.
I'm keen to read it, so I'll come back to your review later.
That book sounds so interesting! (And I love your shirt. :))
Wonderful review, Eric. I struggled with this book. Isabel is so bold and grumpy. Thanks for this review!!
Thanks!
I really enjoyed this book, it is one that I think I value the Booker longlist for, something I would have probably missed if it were not on the list. I read it probably too quickly because it pulled me in and I was fascinated by the siblings relationships, as a gay man who only had one sibling (sadly now deceased) I feel that a relationship with a sister is fascinating and was for me both rewarding and supportive. As for the ending, yes please, a fairy tale should always end “and they all lived happily after”.
Strangely I am relieved when I find that a book I loved you loved too, I feel justified 😊. Don’t think it is a Booker winner, but worthy of the longlist.
That’s great to hear, Keith! It was on my radar but I’m not sure I would have got to it without the Booker listing either.
I love a good Mystery Story. I will definitely read the “The Safe Keep.” 📖
Thanks for your excellent review Eric. I probably wouldn’t have read this book if it hadn’t been on the Booker Longlist but I’m so glad I did. I thought the author kept the suspense throughout the book. It didn’t bother me that Isobel was so unlikeable - I thought her character was very well written and compelling. The slow build up to the relationship between Isobel and Eva was brilliant. I enjoyed guessing what the secret of the house was but I guessed wrongly as I thought Isobel’s family had Nazi connections. After Isobel learns of Eva’s past it was so interesting to hear the justification that people had for their actions during and after the war - “that’s the trouble with this country - no one remembers anything.”. I hope this book is chosen for the short list but I don’t expect it to be the winner.
Thanx for your recommend and review on this book. Can u believe it's a debut?! Please don't be mad at the happy ending. Love not only wins but it's always well-earned.
Thanks for the review, Eric. I really liked this book and think it's definitely worthy of it's place on the Booker longlist, I'd like to see it make the shortlist too. I felt that Isabel was a victim of her circumstances - her mother sounded awful (abusive?) and I just assumed that Isabel only learned how to behave to others through herv which is why she was so closed off to the world. I also considered autism especially with her lists of what the house contained. Ending perhaps a little contrived but I like to think there's potential they could both save each other.
Eric, thank you so much for this review. I was not sure how I felt about this book up until the third part. Isabel is such an unlikeable character and rude. As you say, there is no explanation for that. But when Eva's past was revealed, the relationship made more sense. I loved the ending
The ending was great, the beginning was good. However, I did not like the middle with too much uncalled for details.
Great review 😊
This is one of the Booker books I want to get to.
I’ll be keen to hear what you make of it.
I am currently reading and enjoying this book. I read Isabel as possibly being autistic her love of routine social awkwardness and finding change difficult
Ah, I hadn’t considered this. Thanks!
This was my first read from the Booker list, and literally said to my friend that this is the Call Me By Your Name for lesbians. 😂
I’m one of those who felt the ending was a bit too saccharine. I really loved that Isabelle was able to come out though.
I didn't enjoy this book.