Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I enjoyed this look at British society over the last 75 years and could resonate with a lot of the family dynamics present. The main character Mary reminds me very much of my English grandparents which was lovely. It was part slice of life, part social commentary and part biographical (based on the author's Mother). However, I found it hard to keep track of who was who as the story changed perspective and jumped around so often. The Brexit/Boris Johnson references seemed a little out of place and personally, it feels too soon to read fiction about Covid.
I nearly gave it two stars due to the VERY unnecessary sex scene during Princess Diana's funeral...
I nearly gave it two stars due to the VERY unnecessary sex scene during Princess Diana's funeral...
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Everything changes and everything stays the same. From VE Day right up to the Covid lockdown, Bournville examines these pivotal moments of what life was like for generations of a family in England during the 20th century. A love song to a simple part of England during a tumultuous sixty years. The latter part of the novel is a stark reminder of the difficulties that everyone went through during the early days of lockdown while trying to get used to that “new normal” with the resentful undertones of how the government dealt with lockdown across the country. Heartfelt and touching novel which focuses on the importance of family (both the hurt and love that comes with it) and the massive impact simple lives can have on so many people.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Can see why people (including my aunt from Bham) would have enjoyed this but much too much sentimentality / royalty / covid in there for me. Some nice family dynamics & enjoyed the use of PE teacher profession but really not my favourite commute listen. Sure not my last Coe however.
medium-paced
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fast moving book that follows various family members and their character development through important moments from VE Day to VE Day in 2020. Engaging, thought provoking, and easy to read.
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes