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Title:	Forrests, The
Authors:	Perkins, Emily
Genre:	Fiction: New Zealand
Pages:	340
Year:	2012
Publisher:	Bloomsbury
Language:	English
Description:	Meet the Forrests: Americans Frank and Lee and their children, Michael, Dorothy, Evelyn and Ruth who settle in Auckland in the 1970s. Like any family they have their endearing qualities and their idiosyncrasies. Their story is told in a series of snapshots through Dorothy's eyes as she experiences the universal life events of marriage and family and the inevitable loss and grief along the way. Evocative detail and a realistic but sensitive portrayal of family life make this distinctly New Zealand novel a pleasure to read. [Larger font] Comments from Groups: Mixed reception for this book. We did not think this book was a celebration of family. Dorothy seemed to spend a lot of time thinking about Daniel which seemed to inhibit her getting on with her life. None of our members raved about this book. Napier 024 Lack of empathy with the characters - unlikeable. Half of the group found the storyline boring, other half felt it representative of life. Language enjoyed by most. Robust discussion with some shifting of views as fellow readers explained their interpretation. Rotorua 002 Mixed reaction to the reading of this disfunctional family. Those who were reading it for the second time expressed more positive thoughts. Lower Hutt 008 Interesting family, fast paced, not a book you could put down for too long - needs to be read over a few days. Some found it a bit confusing. Winton 002
Categories:	Fiction NZ, Family Saga, Relationships, Blind Low Vision library, Larger font

Reviews

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By: ASHB 005		2022-09-21 13:20:49

We had a good discussion, but most members were rather disappointed in this book - felt it was too disjointed and left too many unanswered questions. Others appreciated the episodic nature of the chapters. Overly descriptive at times.

By: HAMIL 034		2022-09-21 13:11:14

Several did not finish reading this book. One comment was that it reminded her of a book of short stories. Perhaps Emily Perkins should concentrate on the former, or poetry The discussion went well, with the general feeling that there were too many superfluous characters, not one of whom we liked!

By: RAUM 001		2022-09-21 12:37:51

Whilst we enjoyed aspects of the writing, not one person really enjoyed the book.

By: LOWER 006		2022-09-21 12:37:09

The book had some good descriptive writing but it was disjointed and had immature, cardboard characters and the story went nowhere.

By: RAUM 004		2022-09-21 12:29:28

The majority of members did not enjoy 'The Forrests' - overwritten, episodic and not the best of Emily Perkins' books.

By: TOKO 001		2022-09-21 12:27:35

As a group we enjoy a diverse cross section of writing, but no-one finished this book and all were disappointed, as the Group likes to support N.Z. writers.

By: AUCK 171		2022-09-21 12:21:55

Not a favourite. Easy to read but unremarkable.

By: COOKS 001		2022-09-21 12:15:57

Over half the group did not enjoy this book, as found the portrayal of the main character's life as a series of negative events very depressing - and felt although we all have "stuff" happen, we do not (generally) experience as life as all bad. Others enjoyed the writing, the imagery, and the N.Z. feel to the story.

By: WELL 130		2022-09-21 12:13:19

A well constructed book with realistic characters. Interesting turn of phrase. A good read.

By: WELL 027		2022-09-21 12:12:16

Sadly we were disappointed with the book as we found the style too flowery, too many adjectives, didn't warm to the characters and many found it difficult to persevere with the book. We did however have a good discussion over why we had been so disappointed! A number of us intend to try another 'Emily Perkins' to see if we enjoy it more.

By: CHCH 299		2022-09-21 12:08:58

Most found it an enjoyable read. Because it was descriptive rather than plot-driven, some found it a bit tedious. A few had problems with some of the characters' behaviour being less than believable. Many enjoyed the way it evoked an essentially Kiwi feel. Great book for discussion - as the N.Z. books often are.

By: LOWER 004		2022-09-21 12:03:43

Many found the timeline hard to follow. A story of an extremely dysfunctional family with the inevitable consequences for the children in their adult lives. We all found the outlook for the next generation more hopeful as they seemed to have their lives more ordered. We all, however, admired the language and the beautiful and apt descriptions of the physical surroundings. Emily Perkins may yet need to find a story to fit her poetic language.

By: AKLD 020		2022-09-21 11:56:52

We all enjoyed this. It's bound to become a N.Z. classic.

By: WANAK 009		2022-09-21 11:54:56

Enjoyed by all, although for me there was too much detail and not enough plot.

By: AUCK 105		2022-09-21 11:51:48

Lots of discussion but not much pleasure in reading.

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