I mentioned the other day that I had read three quarters of this book. I’ve now finished it. I was already enjoying it, but it is a book of two parts – the first part would fit the description ‘quirky fiction’ whereas the last quarter of the story contains some of the most moving prose that I’ve ever read in a novel. The author’s love of language is abundantly evident. Described in various reviews as ‘Mesmerisingly beautiful, ‘An extraordinary masterpiece’ and ‘A novel that entertains and moves in equal measure’, it was shortlisted for the Costa First Book Award’ in 2019.
What luck that I found it when I was searching Amazon for a cheap Kindle read to fill in before a couple of books I’d ordered were released.
Author Joanna Glen’s love of Spain shines through her writing. She read Spanish at the University of London, followed by a spell at Córdoba University in the south of Spain and later taught Spanish and English.
From the time I learned, I have always loved to read. I couldn’t contemplate a holiday without several books ready to be devoured. It’s a rare day when I don’t have a book ‘on the go’, and if I don’t have at least a couple of others waiting in the wings, I can feel quite anxious. The worst part of a good book is when I’m approaching the end and I don’t want to leave the characters behind. And when the story is finished, I actually miss them.
Books release us from the constraints of our own reality, taking us beyond our world and into someone else’s real or imaginary one. (Katie Yakovleva), and who wouldn’t want to be taken beyond their world as it is right now?
Glad you enjoyed reading your book, Eloise. Currently, I am reading about the battle for the Alamo. It’s a book I’ve had for some time, now, but didn’t read. I had put it aside to donate, but, since no one is picking up donations, right now, I decided to read it before I donate it. 🙂
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Let’s hope that you enjoy it so much, it is worth the fact that no-one is collecting, Bless
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That sounds like the perfect good read, Eloise.
Margaret P
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I started a new book in bed this morning. It’s a silver lining of the current situation – more time to read!
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Thank you for this recommendation, Eloise. I have ordered it from the library as an ebook, and look forward to reading it.
I love your blog, by the way!
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Thank you so much for your kind comment, Elaine, and for joining in. I hope that you will enjoy the book….it’s always a risk when making a recommendation. Do feed back and let me know what you think.
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Coincidentally, I’d had a sample of this book sent to my Kindle this weekend. From your description, I will definitely enjoy this novel. Thank you!
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I think, knowing where our tastes have already overlapped, that you will, June. It gets better by the page.
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