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By: TAKA 001
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2025-04-15 14:25:59 |
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Overall the book was enjoyed, and the development of the characters was thought good. Some of the storylines were a bit farfetched but they did not detract from the main theme re racism. This led to a great discussion re racism in its many forms. |
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By: OHOPE 001
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2025-04-08 14:46:40 |
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We gave the book 3 out of 5. Some members thought it was quite shallow and others enjoyed a laugh, but most enjoyed the character descriptions. |
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By: GRETA 001
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2024-08-21 14:51:08 |
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So many layers! Delightful characters brought to life so clearly. |
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By: WAIHEK 002
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2024-07-11 11:53:52 |
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Not particularly well received. We thought it was bit light and unsatisfying. |
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By: NAP 024
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2024-05-20 15:00:51 |
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This was an easy read and there was lively discussion when answering the questions. We wondered how we'd all feel if a mosque went up in our community. Talked about empathy for other cultures. |
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By: INVER 017
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2024-05-20 14:58:55 |
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Everyone enjoyed the book and we all had a favourite character. It clearly demonstrated people's resistance to change, especially in areas they were not correctly informed on. Prejudices cloud judgement. A well-written, funny book covering a topical topic. |
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By: CHCH 393
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2024-04-15 10:00:58 |
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Took a while to get into the story but the surprises in the plot led you towards a refreshing ending. A lesson to be learnt for us all. |
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By: WAIKA 011
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2024-01-15 10:19:52 |
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An easy read, very topical themes. Produced lively conversation in our group. |
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By: DUNED 063
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2023-12-13 14:59:45 |
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Mostly enjoyed by the group. More so in the second half. |
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By: NORTH 003
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2023-09-13 12:58:00 |
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Everyone enjoyed most of the book but many were disappointed with the ending. It was an interesting depiction of English village life, amusing at times. |
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By: ONAWE 001
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2023-09-05 15:10:25 |
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No one in our group really enjoyed this book. Most felt that the author tried to include too many themes and did a poor job of it. The characters were mostly superficial and not easy to relate to (and too many of them). To quote one member, 'a bit of a plod'. However, the ensuing discussion was actually quite lively and interesting. Probably not an author any of us would seek out in the future. |
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By: AUCK 055
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2023-08-16 12:05:07 |
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Group enjoyed the book, and we had a very lively discussion bringing out many different views and opinions. |
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By: WHANG 015
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2023-03-27 12:18:03 |
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A very well-written thought provoking book. We would love to see this as a film. |
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By: AUCK 265
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2022-10-13 14:05:13 |
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This book was fundamentally about racism but cleverly couched amongst the various characters' flaws and foibles. Although the book was well-written and was humorous and warm, because there was too much dialogue it became tedious to read. Symbolism was noted in reference to the name of the village and the story of 'The Tower of Babel' ( when everyone spoke different languages and nothing was ever achieved). Although a light read, because the book at times was uncomfortable and challenging, it initiated a robust and lengthy discussion which was also a surprise to everyone. |
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By: WINT 001
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2022-09-29 15:46:34 |
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Most enjoyed this book as it followed the format of a typical novel set in an English village, with the usual range of characters. Some however struggled with the unfamiliarity of Pakistani names. The discussion that arose from it was very diverse and rewarding, covering a wide range of topics from immigration to local body politics. A topical read, especially for members of our reading group based in a small rural town. |
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By: STEW 001
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2022-09-15 12:51:32 |
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Author tried too hard to address a variety of social issues - suicide, racism, cultural and religious divides, plus a plethora of character divisions, that was all a bit much in one story. Characters lacked real life credibility because of this. |
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By: WHANGA 003
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2022-05-05 16:10:54 |
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A really rich and enjoyable read. She made a great job of bringing all the totally different characters to life. We had a lively discussion that encompassed our small town, and all the 'for and against' Covid rules, and how it affected us. |
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By: LOWER 018
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2022-03-02 13:43:29 |
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Most of the group enjoyed this book, although the very large cast of characters was a little daunting. It was described as 'Midsomer Murders' without the bodies! It provoked quite a discussion on the position of immigrants in society, as about half the group had immigrated into to N.Z. A great start to the year. |
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By: AUCK 422
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2021-12-04 11:15:10 |
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A pleasant and light read, with unexpected depths addressing issues of grief, faith, identity, and culture. It stimulated a great discussion. |
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By: AUCK 071
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2021-11-19 11:35:07 |
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We have been unable to meet during lockdown but I have received comments from some members. They found the book easy to read and enjoyed being transported to a "leafy, green English village". "Just what was needed to distract from lockdown". "Lovely characters", and a "Gentle and charming story". |
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By: ASHB 022
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2021-10-27 10:22:04 |
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Good discussion held on racism and how it affects everyone. Also how one strong person can influence how others feel. |
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By: CHCH 202
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2021-10-18 14:33:25 |
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Most of the group enjoyed the book. This was a on the surface light read, but actually it had a lot of depth and there were many layers if you took the time to actually look for them. Gave lots to talk about re acceptance/expectations of incoming groups/religions/races etc. |
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By: WAIHI 003
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2021-10-11 12:08:42 |
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Hard to get into at the beginning, but enjoyable by the end. |
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By: CHCH 487
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2021-09-14 13:11:26 |
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After hoping for a lighter read, our group found this overall too light for our tastes! An easy read, with good descriptions of English village life, but most of the characters lacked depth. We would have preferred a story focusing on Bilal's Aunty Rukhsana and her blossoming friendship with the curmudgeonly Shelley. Rukshana had the best character arc by far Bilal was quite bland as a main character and his wife, Mariam, was annoying. |
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By: AUCK 306
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2021-08-06 14:46:17 |
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Enjoyable light read with likeable and some quirky characters. Blend of humour and more serious issues was akin to some British TV or film depictions of immigrant communities in the UK. |
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By: WHITBY 003
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2021-06-16 14:07:30 |
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Our group found this a fun book to read. It's a bubbling lighthearted story, a little like a Bollywood movie in that the characters are not well developed. The focus is more on the way people react when met with a different culture. The writing is perceptive. |
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By: CHCH 052
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2021-05-10 12:01:49 |
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We enjoyed this light read exploring many ( some thought too many) contemporary issues in a rural British context. Some powerful characterisation eg. Auntie Rukhsana and entertaining situations were described. Some members felt the ending was "rushed". |
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