|
By: CHCH 549
|
2024-11-15 21:12:12 |
|
|
Well-written and an absorbing tale, enjoyed (if that's the word for a sad book) by most of us and triggered discussion of repressive regimes. Some wondered if the true horrors were deliberately hidden or only hinted at and if so, why. Some more of the history of the country through the period covered by the book would have been helpful. |
|
|
By: WELL 189
|
2024-05-15 20:55:46 |
|
|
Beautifully written and descriptive pieces of "normal" life in Argentinia, and how scarily quickly things can turn and change. Our group enjoyed a deep and lively discussion about some of the challenging decisions that faced this family, the debate over nature v nurture, and the complex ethical dilemmas of finding out one is a child of the 'disappeared'. |
|
|
By: TAUR 060
|
2024-01-23 12:02:17 |
|
|
|
Overall we enjoyed this book, although we all found it difficult to get into. None of us knew anything about the history of Argentina, and while it was difficult to read about at the time, it was important to hear about. |
|
|
By: WHAKA 011
|
2023-09-25 13:22:38 |
|
|
Best book yet! We enjoyed the story - it was very well-written with beautiful language. A joy to read, despite the cruelty of the military junta. |
|
|
By: TAUP 011
|
2023-08-03 14:44:59 |
|
|
|
We felt the author's writing was overworked with too much imagery and repetitive use of metaphors. Shocking to learn about the history of Argentina, especially when this dirty war happened in recent times. It's clever how the author writes about the story of Persephone, relating it to Ana's life. |
|
|
By: MATAM 008
|
2023-06-07 10:08:09 |
|
|
The entire group really enjoyed this read. Thought provoking for them and everyone learnt so much! |
|
|
By: LITRIV 001
|
2023-03-15 13:09:35 |
|
|
|
Although we enjoyed the story of the missing granddaughter, we felt there was a lot of unnecessary padding and the book could have been 100 pages shorter. We found the writing style overly descriptive. |
|
|
By: AUCK 349
|
2022-05-02 12:49:34 |
|
|
|
A great read - clever plot and use of language. |
|
|
By: TEPIR 001
|
2022-03-28 16:11:31 |
|
|
|
Really in depth study of Argentina during this time. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. |
|
|
By: NAP 020
|
2021-11-19 14:49:33 |
|
|
|
Beautifully written. A sad and tragic story but you didn't want to put the book down. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the book. |
|
|
By: CHCH 449
|
2021-11-05 11:44:26 |
|
|
|
Most of us enjoyed this although we found it a little slow and confusing to begin with. Interesteing to read of an aspect of history of which we were not (or only vaguely) aware. |
|
|
By: MAST 007
|
2021-10-27 10:10:49 |
|
|
|
Our favourite read this year! |
|
|
By: WHAKA 019
|
2021-09-27 13:55:43 |
|
|
|
Everyone in the group enjoyed reading this book, and felt they learnt a lot from it. Thought it was very well-written. |
|
|
By: NELS 015
|
2021-09-10 12:04:37 |
|
|
|
Everyone enjoyed this book though some felt it over-long. A period of recent history that a few knew nothing about. We felt the book introduced the reader to events that happened in our lifetime, and were mostly hidden from the outside world, in an inquiring and interesting way. |
|
|
By: AUCK 293
|
2021-08-23 14:26:48 |
|
|
|
Another piece of history we had little knowledge of. The main characters, Yolanda and Osvaldo, are well portrayed. Interesting to learn about the grandmothers of Argentina. Sad, but extremely well-written - a book not easy to put down. Memorable. |
|
|
By: LOWER 007
|
2021-08-02 11:35:52 |
|
|
|
The majority of our group rated this book highly for content, characterisation, and 'form'. Most of us knew something about the activity of the Junta, but learned heaps from the book. We enjoyed an informed discussion about the book, and what had happened in Argentina and other similar fascist regimes within our recalled lifetimes. We agreed that Caroline Brothers is an outstanding writer. |
|
|
By: AKAR 001
|
2021-08-02 11:31:28 |
|
|
|
Our group really enjoyed this book - although a few thought it got a bit long winded in parts. But overall, a big tick for historical fiction. Some never knew about the Junta in Argentina, nor did they know of the happenings in the 1970s - and the precursor to the Falklands War. It has inspired several to investigate Argentinian history more closely. And - a read that covers several generations that held the readers' interest. |
|
|
By: GERAL 002
|
2021-05-26 13:56:02 |
|
|
|
Some of our group had difficulty with the start of the book, but we all found it an engrossing read. Its vivid, descriptive writing carries the reader through the fear, love, horror and hope of the family in its efforts to trace their missing daughter. A very good read, though some regretted the lack of a satisfying conclusion. Very good discussion - good questions. |
|
|
By: PICT 005
|
2021-03-03 14:20:11 |
|
|
|
We thought it was a compelling, well-researched novel. Caroline Brothers excels at describing human emotions as she tells the story of a family coming to terms with loss while trying to remain hopeful. |
|
|
By: ASHB 022
|
2020-11-19 12:39:13 |
|
|
|
We thought it was one of the best books we have read this year - very descriptive and told us things we didn't know about Argentina. |
|
|
By: QUEEN 006
|
2020-08-28 14:16:47 |
|
|
|
A much admired book for style, language and character. Historical setting graphically evoked in imagery. Engendered much discussion. |
|
|
By: CHCH 043
|
2020-07-29 11:35:25 |
|
|
|
A wonderful read, enjoyed by all our members. A gripping story, lyrical description about a very interesting country and its history. |
|
|
By: WHANGA 002
|
2020-05-04 13:36:18 |
|
|
|
'The Memory Stones' was very well received by our group. |
|
|
By: WAIHI 001
|
2020-03-09 13:36:10 |
|
|
|
Enjoyed by all. Considered too good to put down. Opened a window to events not widely known. |
|
|
By: AUCK 422
|
2020-02-26 20:16:28 |
|
|
Most of us felt conflicted because some themes and characterisation were very good, but other parts we felt were irrelevant and detracted from the flow of the story. Use of imagery was creative in parts, and irritating in others. It stimulated a good discussion. |
|
|
By: TAUR 023
|
2020-02-24 13:19:18 |
|
|
|
Many members were not aware of the war torn period of Argentina. The book prompted much discussion on the rights of those 'adopted' without their knowledge. |
|
|
By: DUNED 002
|
2019-12-12 12:40:58 |
|
|
|
Our group was split as to whether they "enjoyed" the book. Some found the shifting to different times confusing, while others thought the father's "voice" was not very authentic! |
|
|
By: PAIHIA 003
|
2019-12-12 12:39:32 |
|
|
|
Most of the group really loved the book and the writing style, although some felt it was an uncomfortable insight into a terrible regime. |
|
|
By: RUSS 004
|
2019-12-12 12:35:44 |
|
|
|
Harrowing, but a beautifully written book. |
|
| |
