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By: KATIK 001
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2026-03-01 12:07:21 |
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A light summer read, yes, of literary merit, we didn't think so! The discussion focused upon our various family foibles, some seemingly outdoing the wider Garrett family. Having previously read some of Anne Tyler's work, our group felt this book fell short of her usual standard. |
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By: WANAK 009
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2026-01-01 14:18:47 |
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All loved this book - very readable, great writing, characters, eye for detail - all perfect. |
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By: DUNED 001
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2025-11-17 11:42:22 |
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Very well written - generated a lot of family discussion. Some enjoyed it a lot more than others. We wondered if this possibly inspired Jennifer Trevelyan in her 'A Beautiful Family'. |
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By: LOWER 009
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2025-10-31 17:14:19 |
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Our group did not enjoy this book - would not recommend it. |
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By: NAP 011
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2025-09-28 20:26:42 |
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Mixed reaction, most enjoyed it, a couple of members loved it and another 2-3 members were disappointed. Interesting discussion about family dynamics and how Anne Tyler integrated various family members stories/perspectives as the novel developed. |
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By: ASHB 024
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2025-07-14 11:59:15 |
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Most of us found it confusing at first. It might be good to read the first chapter again about halfway through. Excellent description of family dynamics. |
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By: WAIHEK 002
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2025-06-23 09:27:56 |
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This was mostly popular and the gentle, slow pace was enjoyed by members - not all! |
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By: AUCK 216
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2025-02-26 14:01:22 |
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We enjoyed it overall, but it felt more like a commentary of peoples' lives than a story. Also we kept waiting for something to 'happen' regarding the lake holiday as it's referenced a lot, but no obvious 'event' transpired. |
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By: CHCH 299
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2025-02-07 11:22:25 |
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Everyone enjoyed this book, although all agreed it is not the sort of book you read if you want twists and turns and unexpected events. Despite nothing much seemingly happening it generated a lot of discussion about the characters and the family dynamic, and all agreed Anne Tyler is a superb writer, even if most thought it was not her best book. |
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By: AUCK 008
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2024-10-17 14:39:08 |
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Generally we were quite taken by this book which described, often in minute detail, the daily life of one family over three generations. At least a couple of us mapped out a family tree to help us follow all the names. Many members related this story to their own families. One, though, felt it was too detailed with regard to daily activities. |
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By: AUCK 135
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2024-10-09 15:00:58 |
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We all enjoyed this book. Anne Tyler is the master of delving into family relationships. |
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By: TAUR 018
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2024-08-29 10:32:29 |
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A lively discussion around family relationships. Page 150 quote... "The lengths this family would go to so as not to spoil the picture of how things were supposed to be" - this seemed to summarise the storyline in this book. The author seemed to focus on the mundane family happenings to only expose more mundane family events. We were waiting for another exciting development that didn't eventuate. |
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By: ALEXA 004
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2024-08-26 10:27:56 |
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Mixed reaction to this book. Some felt it too slow and pointless, while others loved the writing style and the 'slow burn'. Great discussion on the concept of family. |
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By: MATAM 001
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2024-05-02 13:25:57 |
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We all enjoyed this book. It was a deceptively easy read but showed what a fine writer Anne Tyler is. She has such a sensitive, nuanced approach to family relationships. The questions gave us an opportunity to discuss our own families, and to explore 'French Braid' in more depth. |
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