The View on the Way Down by Rebecca Wait.
This is one of those novels that begins quietly, with just a hint of what is to come. We are introduced to a "normal" family - mum, dad, two sons and a daughter. As the tragic story reveals itself, we can see how this family is struggling to come to terms with the awful tragedy that affects them all. They are dysfunctional at a deep level, made all the more dysfunctional by the veneer of normality that the mother in particular tries to project. I won't go in to too much detail about the plot, as this is one of those stories that needs to be read with uncluttered eyes, but I think by the end you will be weeping like I was. Along the way there are flashes of humour too, and it's not at all gloom and doom; it is incredibly uplifting and moving with a happy-ish ending. Do read it, it's a wonderful novel.
(I was fortunate to be given a proof copy; the hardback will be published in April 2013)
I will enjoy reading the reviews you do on this blog. I am often in a bit of a book rut and when I find a good book, I usually then go and read all the books by that author (so I'm always delighted if I find a new author who has written loads!). I'm really fussy when it comes to books and I can't read anything too upsetting as it keeps me awake, worrying and getting overtired etc etc. I think this stops me from diving in and trying new books in a lot of cases. Didn't used to be like that at all, but ever since I had children, I need my fiction to be soft and gentle (but not mush!!). I love good autobiographies, so if you could recommend any here, that would be great. I also love gentle humour (PG Wodehouse's Jeeves & Wooster series being a favourite). I am currently re-reading Pride & Prejudice which I read around twelve years ago! Falling in love with Mr Darcy all over again!
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Hi Pippa, you may find The View on the Way Down quite upsetting. I cried buckets.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read Elizabeth Buchan? Her stories are "women's fiction", whatever that really means, and they're quite gentle-ish, usually the protagonist is a wife and mother struggling with a family issue, also Elizabeth Noble, similar themes. They don't get too "heavy". But they're not complete mush either.
Mr Darcy, what a man eh?? Pride & Prejudice will always be a favourite, such a great read, and pure escapism with witty insights, what's not to love?
Hi Louise, love the the new blog!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about reading upsetting books. Over the last month I have read Dawn French's, 'Oh Dear Silva' and Judy Finnigans' 'Eloise' both books had sad elements, illness and death which, when you are feeling fragile like I have been, probably wasn't the best choice! But so saying I did enjoy them both but I am going for a more light hearted read next!