Yes I did, they both had a story within a story which made them interesting to read. I think I preferred The Kashmir Shawl as I thought it had a bit more pace to it and the characters more interesting.
I am also ploughing through the free books on my kindle but I am open to any suggestions. Ann xx
Yes, sorry Carolyn - I have been downloading so many free books onto my Kindle lately that I haven't really had time. I feel a bit guilty, though, leaving it in the lurch like that. I'm sorry, Anneemay, but I didn't really fancy either of those books, but I should have let you know! Still up to my eyeballs in free books, but will try to read something else if someone has another suggestion.
Anneemay, did you enjoy both of the books?
Hugs. Barton.x
I have downloaded both books as I couldn't decide, shall we review either or both at the end of the month or is that to early. Ann xx
Hello Anne and Sandra, I prefer the look of The Muse personally, but there is nothing to say we can't discuss two different books- no set rules! Who knows, someones opinion of a book may change another persons mind and convince them to read the other book! What does anyone else prefer?
Hugs. Barton.x
I like a wide range of books and providing there is a good story i'm happy. Both suggestions look interesting and the Kashmir shawl is only 99p on kindle so I've downloaded it anyway as it isthe sort of book i would usually go for, i have a kindle full of bargain books that will keep me going for years never mind all the ones in my bookcase!
Sandra xxx
Can I suggest a couple of books if Waffles has not got any in mind at the moment.
The Muse by Jessie Burton or possibly The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas, not sure what everyone's taste is or whether they have been previously read by members. I don't mind trying either as neither are the genre I normally read. Unless anyone has any other suggestions. Ann xx
Glad you enjoyed it, too, Anneemay. If that has given you a small taste for SF, there are loads of other books I can recommend!
I think Waffles was going to choose the next book. But any suggestions are welcome!
Hugs. Barton.x
I've also finished the book, my first encounter into science fiction which I enjoyed. Like previous comments I thought about how things have changed, since the book was published with regards to childrens freedom. I can remember going off for the day on my bike, with just a couple of sandwices and a drink, with no thought about my safety and my parents did not consider this unusual. Matthew dissapearing for the day was therefore considered quite normal behaviour in the 60's, no mobile phones for the parents to constantly monitor his whereabouts and check his safety !!!
Any ideas on what to read next. Ann xx
Hello Sandra, glad you enjoyed it! Yes, the freedom of the children surprised me, too, although forgot to mention that! Having just watched The Moorside, the story of Karen Matthews, on the telly, I should have remembered! I was also 11 in 1968! What a coincidence! I can remember going out for the day with friends at that age. I can remember how 3 of us walked 7 miles to a local landmark, taking a picnic lunch, and were then collected at the end by one of our parents. We didn't have any supervision, and no-one worried about us. We did it once a year for several years. We once found a whole load of wild strawberries on the way - just happened to be the right time of year. Ahhh, those were the days!
Anyway, glad you enjoyed the book.
Hugs. Barton.x
Hi, I've finished the book and I enjoyed it, I looked in the front cover and the book was printed in 1968, as i was 11 in 68 I could relate to the time period and the amount of freedom children then had, being able to disappear off out for the day without anybody worrying. It makes you realise how little freedom children have today. The reaction from everyone when Mathew disappears is quite understated compared to the press coverage you would expect today. It is interesting that the story is told from the Fathers perspective, probably if it was rewritten today you would also have chapter's written from the Mother's perspective and Mathew's. Nearly 50 years after the book was published it is still a good story, the essence of which has stood the test of time, that I very much enjoyed reading again.
Hello bookclubbers! Today is the day! I wonder if you have all read Chocky yet? If so, any thoughts?
As I said when I proposed it, it is one of my favourite books. Reading it again, though, after all these years, I notice the naivite of it - so much more dated than I remembered. I can't quite set the date, but it has to be set in early to mid sixties, I would have thought. After Googling Jack De Manio (whose Radio 4 programme "Today" is mentioned) I would think those dates about right. I can just about remember hearing him on the radio when I was a child.
The gentleness of the story hasn't changed, though. Still a lovely entry to reading Science Fiction.
Hugs. Barton.x
Yes, Bonariensis, I agree. Love his books. I'm hoping others will too.
Hugs. Barton.x
Welcome, Marcelle. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but it's nice to have other peoples suggestions and I have read a few books that I have enjoyed, but that I would not have read otherwise.
Perhaps you might like to suggest one in the future, after we have read Waffles' suggestion.
Hugs. Barton.x
That's fine Barton I have ordered the book from Abebooks and won't be delivered until the 27 th Jan. so it will give me plenty of time to read it amongst the other books I have on the go. Ann xx
Hello Ann - how does about a month sound? Shall we say 20th Feb? I am totally open to suggestions if that is too soon. It is a short book, though.
Hugs. Barton.x
Ps - have to admit to a small ulterior motive - trying to get new people interested/liking Science Fiction by easing you all in gently!
So are we in agreement to read Chocky if so when will we review it please Barton ? Ann xx
Lovely to meet a fellow Wyndham fan!
Sorry about the dot at the beginning - no idea why it did that!
Hugs. Barton.x
Can I join in please, it's not a book I would normally choose but i remember reading a lot of the John Wyndem books years ago. I love reading and as I am currently struggling to do much more than than sit and read or play games on my tablet this will be a nice.
Sandra ☺
If you go to abebooks.co.uk you can probably get one for less than £3 certainly less than £4.
Hi Barton,
I don't mind trying Chocky if no one has any other suggestions it is not a book that I would normally choose to read but I will keep an open mind. I looked on the Amazon site and some of the reviews have said that the Kindle format has some problems, so if we do decide to go with this book a hard copy would be probably the best way to go. Ann xx
Would anyone be up for an "easy", reader friendly, science fiction book? The one I am thinking of is one of my long-time favourites - "Chocky" by John Wyndham (the author of The Day of The Triffids). It is really quite short, but a lovely story (no nasty torturing, like in my previous suggestion!). If no-one fancies it, can someone else suggest one?
Hugs. Barton.x
Are there any suggestions for the next book to read. Ann xx
Anneemay, thanks for picking this book. Not my usual choice of reading material at all, but so glad I gave it a chance! I thoroughly enjoyed it! The characters were all well rounded, and totally believable. Like Carolyn, I guessed early on that Leni's daughter was dead, but it didn't spoil the story at all. Unlike Carolyn, however, I probably won't but any more by this author, but I did enjoy this one.
Has anyone thought of thd next book?
Hugs. Barton.x
Hi, I really warmed to the characters and loved the feel of the book. It was fairly predictable and stuff but sometimes it's nice to just have a nice book like that, you know?
Reviewing the book I chose The tea shop on the Corner, it was not the sort of book I normally read but I really enjoyed it. I liked the way the characters were interwoven in the storyline and we're believable. I read the book over a period of about a week as I found it difficult to put down sometimes and only normally read at bedtime.
I would definitely add this author to my reading list. Ann
Thats ok - 18th is OK for me, if its OK for everyone else. Have bought Kindle edition.
Hugs. Barton.x
Shall we review on Sunday 18th December that will give us 4 weeks if that's okay with everyone. Ann
I'm OK with it. Do you have a date for us, Anneemay?
Hugs. Barton.x
Hi Barton,
I quite like the sound of The tea shop on Corner by Milly Johnson, I have not read anything by her before so hopefully everyone will enjoy the book. Ann xx
Hello Anneemay, only suggested Jane Eyre if non-one came up with another suggestion. Am happy to go with one of yours. Which one would you prefer to go with? I don't know either author, so have no preference.
Hugs. Barton.x
Hi everyone
there are 2 books that I would like to suggest which I fancy reading, the first is The Christmas Promise by Sue Moorcroft and the second is The Teashop on the Corner by Milly Johnson both are on the Kindle best sellers list so may be worth considering. I do not mind reading Jane Eyre if that is what everyone else decides. Ann xx
Hi all,
sorry I'm a bit late posting I have not been on the forum for a while and completely forgot the date to review the book.
I did enjoy the book and read it over a week, I enjoyed how Mme set the scene in Botswana and could imagine how her life must have been quite difficult in a male orientated and dominated world. She came across as a strong woman who through her womanly wiles and senses managed to succeed in her chosen profession against all odds. I am so glad at the end that she was able to have a better experience of men with a man who cared for her. Ann
By the way, does anyone have a suggestion for the next book? If we are stuck, can I suggest Jane Eyre? Willing to go with anyone elses suggestion, though.
Hugs. Barton.x
Hello fellow bookworms, I too, have read this one before, but, as I enjoyed it so much, it certainly wasn't a hardship!
I loved all the descriptions of Botswana - it is written in such a way that you can almost feel the affection the author has for the country. I have never fancied visiting Africa, but if I did, Botswana would certainly be on the list. I loved the way Mma was such a compassionate woman, and so clever in her reading of people (apart from her first husband!) and their motivations, etc. I am so glad she agreed to marry the garage owner (sorry, can't remember his name) at the end. I had forgotten that from my previous reading of the book. I would love to see the BBC series on tv again.
Hugs. Barton.x
Hi I enjoyed this book. Didn't take long to read and interesting stuff. I'd read another in the seriesi think!
Hi Waffles
Glad you are not feeling too bad apart from lack of appetite. This is what i thought about the book:
I read this book quite a long time ago and others in the series too. Picked a copy up at a jumble sale on Saturday and have just finished rereading it. It’s just as wonderful as it was the first time, full of wisdom, insight, humour, sadness, vivid characters, brilliant descriptions that bring Botswana to life and all kept moving by the crime narrative. It’s refreshing to have crime stories that, while sometimes very distressing, are full of humanity, not violence towards women which seems to be the current fashion in crime writing. The language is simple, elegant and direct.
The book contains much social commentary on Botswana, particularly on the role and behaviour of men, that is less than complimentary. The book is written by a white man and I have heard people say that a white man should not be writing about a black woman in an African country. But maybe a view from outside can in some ways be more perceptive. There is no doubt that the author, who lived in the country, loved it and its people.
There are two passages in the book which might mean something to us. The first is Precious’ father’s feelings about death; he suffered from a life limiting illness too; and a sentence on p158 which talks about feeling like a different person in the middle of the night.
I have also read some of the author’s books about Edinburgh where I lived for a few years. They just don’t have the same effect on you.