|
|
Title:
|
What Could Be Saved |
|
Authors:
|
Schwarz, Liese O'Halloran |
|
Genre:
|
Fiction |
|
Pages:
|
448 |
|
Year:
|
2021 |
|
Language:
|
English |
|
Description:
|
The Preston family's stint in Bangkok ends abruptly in 1972 when they return home to the States after eight-year-old Philip disappears. For parents Robert and Genevieve, and sisters Beatrice and Laura, life can never be the same again. When Philip resurfaces forty-seven years later, there are many questions to be answered and secrets to be divulged.
Suspenseful and enthralling, this story examines what follows when the worst has happened, made memorable by its sensitive portrayal of the power and complexity of sibling connection. [Small font]
|
|
Categories:
|
Fiction, Family Saga, Grief/loss, Relationships, Suspense/Thriller, Tragedy/disaster, Thailand, America, Small font, 2023 Titles |
|
|
By: CHCH 345
|
2025-06-13 16:51:35 |
|
|
|
Most of our group enjoyed this one, it had a lot of depth, with interesting characters and storylines, and deeper philosophical themes. The first half was slow, especially the parts set in the past, but it picked up in the second half and became unputdownable! The ending was difficult and traumatic for some of us, especially compared with the pacing of the rest of the book - it might pay to read the content warnings if you're a more sensitive reader. |
|
|
By: AUCK 014
|
2025-04-15 15:28:48 |
|
|
Although the plot intrigued us initially, it progressed slowly and took off in so many directions that character development was a bit compromised. So the novel dipped somewhat in the middle then seemed quite rushed at the end. Parts of the book were difficult to read, especially the descriptions of Philip's experience. That said, we had a lively discussion since half of the group had been in 'expat' communities themselves. |
|
|
By: AUCK 293
|
2025-03-24 10:16:40 |
|
|
|
An interesting look at the lives of expat women in Thailand in the 70s. But so sad to read about what could so easily happen to a child whose parents were wrapped up in their own lives. How could a child live a normal life after that? Why didn't he try to escape? This book has so many complex characters. Very well-written and easy to read. Enjoyed by all. |
|
|
By: WHAKA 020
|
2024-10-09 14:58:23 |
|
|
|
All agreed this was a great read. |
|
|
By: AUCK 038
|
2024-09-02 12:44:41 |
|
|
|
Enjoyed by most of the group even if it was a somewhat disturbing read! |
|
|
By: ROTO 010
|
2024-08-13 20:58:28 |
|
|
For some reason, although this book enthralled us and posed 'what would you do?' questions tempered by times and places, most of us were unsettled and ready to put it down. |
|
|
By: HAMIL 070
|
2024-06-26 11:23:42 |
|
|
Most really enjoyed it. One person found it difficult. |
|
|
By: WANAK 021
|
2024-06-06 09:33:53 |
|
|
|
Wonderful story of family issues. Most of the group enjoyed the fast moving character traits. Overall a great read. |
|
|
By: BLENH 027
|
2024-05-13 13:43:42 |
|
|
All our group read and loved this book. gave us lots of discussion. Some found it quite confronting but felt the storyline flowed really well. |
|
|
By: HAMIL 003
|
2024-05-09 11:18:34 |
|
|
|
Good discussion. Everyone liked it. |
|
|
By: BLENH 024
|
2024-05-02 12:34:00 |
|
|
|
Book was well received by all our readers. Kept most of us on our seats to see what happened to the boy when he was kidnapped. Amazing twist at the end that we never saw coming! |
|
|
By: MOTUE 009
|
2024-05-01 13:05:34 |
|
|
|
A very interesting book. Many twists and turns. It made us think. |
|
|
By: WELL 041
|
2023-09-19 13:28:02 |
|
|
|
Our group found this was a polarising book: some thought it was very interesting while others just did not like it at all. Philip's fate was sad and tragic after being kidnapped - almost impossible to return to a normal life. |
|
|
By: MAST 005
|
2023-07-19 11:40:59 |
|
|
|
A very intensively researched book - not short on detail! Most of the group enjoyed her writing style and thought the characters true and believable. A page turner - one of the group did not like the book. The rest gave it 4/5. |
|
|
By: TAUR 059
|
2023-07-09 17:34:54 |
|
|
|
Some found it slow going at first but all got engrossed. Lots of discussion on storyline in Thailand, treatment and opinions of Thai people by ex-pats. Most had guessed the child’s fate and all glad there was not too much graphic detail. Felt settings and characters were very well-written. Some found the sisters and parents unlikeable and therefore hard to feel for. The character dynamics were in the main well built up and all came together well by the end. 6 out of 8 really enjoyed it. |
|
|
By: PUTAR 001
|
2023-06-21 12:16:37 |
|
|
|
Mostly enjoyed - conversations about expat life, raising children offshore - the different lifestyle, and the kidnapping of children in these countries. |
|
|
By: NELS 042
|
2023-03-06 13:39:06 |
|
|
|
9 out of 10 people enjoyed this book, and 4 couldn't put it down. |
|
| |
