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By: DUNED 115
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2025-05-07 09:36:30 |
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Interesting discussion on this one! We had concerns that the criticisms of Charlotte's family may have been disingenuous, but also felt she had the right to a voice and interpretation up against her father's. A difficult, but interesting enough read. |
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By: AUCK 399
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2025-03-19 13:43:47 |
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The book was thought provoking for all of us. |
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By: UPHU 002
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2024-06-06 10:16:59 |
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This book resulted in lots of discussion among our group. Most agreed it was well-written but the majority did not like the candid way Charlotte wrote about her family in a derogatory manner. Some said 0 for content, and a 4 for the writing. |
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By: GOVER 005
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2024-03-15 19:42:47 |
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We (mostly ) found this interesting and a fascinating insight into a very famous NZ literary family. Sparked much discussion about narcissists, Donald T, therapy, sexual abuse, parenting and bravery. The book did wobble in the middle and we felt it lost its way a little but the tangential nature of the writing also added something to the read - so, positives and negatives. |
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By: COOKS 001
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2023-10-31 13:57:28 |
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Some loved it, some didn't and some felt indifferent to it. We agreed that it was well-written but very dense in the latter part of the book. Some understood her need to delve into her past and come to terms with who she is and why, especially when you read about the complex family dynamics and what we saw as an unhealthy dysfunctional upbringing. We all agreed that this book took courage to write and have it published while her parents, at least, are still alive. Having said that, our discussion centred on should she have 'gone public' with it. |
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By: HAMIL 053
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2023-06-21 12:10:18 |
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We scored this book 2.5 to 3. This book was not rated so highly because we thought it was somewhat self-indulgent and became repetitive after a time. It was easy to read but many felt uninterested. It promoted a lot of discussion however about memory and her reasons for writing this. |
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By: MORRI 001
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2023-03-23 14:25:15 |
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Different views on the book. Half loved it and felt empathy for Charlotte, others felt it was self indulgent, and possibly not the full story. Interesting either way. |
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By: WAIKA 003
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2023-03-13 10:23:47 |
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Very interesting insight to an unusual family. |
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By: NEWP 001
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2023-03-02 13:18:25 |
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Some members thought the dirty laundry should not be aired in public. Well-written and engaging. |
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By: CHCH 010
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2023-01-19 11:37:48 |
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A number of our group felt this book started slowly and held little interest. However half of us went on to really enjoy the story and to develop a feeling of empathy for the life that was revealed, and the questions led to an interesting discussion both about Charlotte Grimshaw's experiences and some of our own. |
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By: WANAK 009
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2022-11-25 14:20:16 |
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An interesting story that provoked a lively discussion, especially re the merits of "airing dirty laundry in public". Whilst appreciating the book, not all would say they enjoyed it. |
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By: PICT 005
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2022-11-17 11:14:47 |
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Superb writing. |
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By: PICT 005
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2022-11-16 13:11:20 |
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We certainly appreciated the quality of the writing and vivid descriptions. Although "not a page turner", topical issues addressed include: sexism, racism, and aspects of New Zealand history. |
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By: AUCK 135
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2022-11-02 13:44:38 |
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Well-written. Brave and honest. We were amazed at the teenage freedom Charlotte had. |
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By: ALEXA 001
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2022-09-28 11:19:46 |
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A lively discussion on a well-written book. The conduct of the parents C.K. Stead and his wife beggars belief, with systemic neglect (emotional) in a toxic home atmosphere. Charlotte and her father alike in that they both have literary and poetic genius, but you pay a high price for talent. The group's opinion varied but overall they appreciated the writing that painted a picture, but found it depressing too. |
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By: AUCK 037
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2022-09-05 14:27:12 |
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Members found this memoir to be honest and brave, considering the author's parents are well-known and still living. The writing style irked some, but most found it interesting and insightful. The parenting style of the author's parents was a topic of lively discussion. |
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By: NEWP 014
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2022-06-20 11:17:41 |
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A compelling and thought-provoking read. |
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By: WANG 002
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2022-06-20 10:19:19 |
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Not for everyone, however it generated much discussion and was greatly appreciated by some. A clever, thoughtful book. |
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By: AUCK 172
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2022-04-29 12:24:31 |
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A great read! Discussion centred around author's veracity, her upbringing and family life. |
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By: WHANG 008
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2022-03-02 12:14:51 |
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A very interesting and powerful book, with some startling revelations. We agreed on that, but couldn't agree on Charlotte's purpose in publishing while her parents were alive. Some of us felt that writing it would have been therapeutic, but publishing it was a step too far. |
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By: CHCH 344
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2021-11-17 12:41:29 |
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Good discussion. Strong reactions - not all positive. Repetitive. Did not make any of us want to read her other books. |
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