Books

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cover
4.5 

Title: Seven Days of Us
Authors: Hornak, Francesca
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 376
Year: 2017
Language: English
Description: The prospect of a week cooped up together at Weyfield Hall over the Christmas period garners a mixture of reactions from the Birch family. Emma is thrilled that they will all be together, Andrew less so as he has an inkling an indiscretion from the past is about to make an appearance. Olivia, the reluctantly present eldest daughter is the cause for the enforced quarantine, having returned from treating an Ebola-like epidemic in Africa. Younger sister Phoebe is recently engaged to the toffish George and will be deprived of his company. Let the fun begin!

With its potent mix of expectations, resentments and secrets galore, this is a warm and thoughtful set piece with impressive character development and comedic timing.
Categories: Fiction, Relationships, Light read, Blind Low Vision library, 2020 Titles

Reviews

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By: CHCH 550 2024-09-15 16:20:39
4 
Easy light read that everyone enjoyed.

By: UPHU 007 2024-03-06 13:49:55
4 
An easy to read book. Liked by all. Some more enthusiastic than others. One person bought her own copy to share with her family. The story flowed well.

By: CHCH 552 2024-02-21 13:40:40
5 
An easy, enjoyable read - perfect for over the Christmas break!

By: THAM 002 2024-01-23 11:45:55
4 
Light fun really, but still with lots of lessons about human nature.

By: WHAKA 019 2023-06-28 09:56:28
4 
Most enjoyed this book and enjoyed the writing style.

By: CHCH 009 2023-01-25 12:31:01
3.5 
Mixed reaction - some enjoyed while others found it contrived. But it did provoke much discussion about family dynamics in general.

By: FEILD 005 2022-10-19 20:15:32
3.5 
We had a lengthy discussion about each character .We felt the story flowed well but some thought that so many coincidences made it all a bit crazy. Most enjoyed it as a light read .

By: HAMIL 018 2022-08-10 12:38:17
4 
This book caused a lot of discussion especially as it was published before the pandemic - we all agreed we were more knowledgeable about isolation, lockdowns and the changes of human dynamics that can occur. We all enjoyed it and felt that the characters, although somewhat flawed, were in fact quite an accurate portrayal of humanity.

By: TIMAR 011 2022-08-01 10:12:49
4.5 
We all enjoyed this book - the fast pace, the multiple perspectives from differing points of view, and the insight into family issues and dynamics.

By: ASHB 005 2022-05-06 12:02:17
3 
An easy light read. One person did not enjoy it - she did not like the characters. There was a feeling in the group also, that there were several coincidental meetings that seemed unlikely.

By: DUNED 111 2022-03-02 13:03:46
3 
A readable story with several unexpected twists. Each character was interesting. The end was not predictable.

By: TAUP 006 2021-11-05 13:05:39
4.5 
Straightforward, easy read which we all enjoyed. A variety of challenging topics covered in the story. We all had a flash of recognition when Emma, the mother, dealt with an awkward social situation with extreme good manners. Very English.

By: TIMAR 004 2021-09-22 10:05:57
4 
An easy read, coincidentally read about their week of isolation while we were in Lockdown. Some unbelievable coincidences. Discussion promoted lots of laughs!

By: NEWP 012 2021-09-08 13:57:51
4.5 
Loved it.

By: HAMIL 034 2021-08-23 12:07:24
3 
All members enjoyed the book. Very topical! Amazing how many issues the family had. We solved most of them.

By: WELL 228 2021-07-09 15:02:03
3 
We all enjoyed this book, and although a bit of a slow start, couldn't put it down towards the end. A light, easy read - great for the beach or on holiday.

By: TAUR 019 2021-07-07 14:08:31
3.5 
Although we initially thought this book to be very 'chick-lit', we actually found that we talked more about our sibling relationships than ever before.

By: AUCK 058 2021-07-05 14:06:06
4 
All the group enjoyed the book. The characterisation was convincing, and the setting/situation believable. The family dynamics were evoked thoughtfully.

By: NELS 021 2021-06-25 13:39:52
3.5 
Predictable but harmless family dynamics. Interesting take on the idea of isolation and quarantine.

By: MARTO 001 2021-06-11 11:08:20
4 
Most of us enjoyed the book. A rather light read.

By: ALEXA 004 2021-05-05 14:57:25
4 
A well liked read - quite relevant for the times we live in!

By: AUCK 116 2021-05-05 14:56:33
4 
We liked the book except for one who thought it went on and on. It was a quick and easy read, we thought it would make a good movie. After our own lockdown, we could identify with the characters. A good first novel for the author.

By: CHCH 336 2021-02-17 14:10:41
4 
Generated good discussion. We enjoyed the short paragraphs! Easy read but had a good message.

By: CHCH 095 2021-02-05 12:45:06
4 
Everyone enjoyed this book, but agreed that some characters were very cliched. Discussion was lively as members related their family stories, memories and relationships. The lack of communication was seen as the major problem with the Birch family, and that keeping secrets is likely to create major issues, and lack of trust when they become known.

By: ROTO 003 2020-08-26 13:46:18
3 
Great story which could have done with more character and plot detail. Felt a bit light-weight.

By: TURA 001 2020-08-05 14:28:24
4 
Easy and very entertaining read. Most loved it. Some good discussion came out. Thanks.

By: WHANG 015 2020-06-22 10:11:24
4.5 
Easy read. Very relevant to today's situation. This was the second book we have read in 4 months on pandemics. We wonder if our 'picker' knew something!

By: AUCK 167 2020-05-25 14:58:32
4.5 
Perfect timing and a good read!

 
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