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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
funny
informative
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:
Yes
I really liked this one - the characters were interesting and realistic, even if I'd wanted to spend a bit more time with some of them (and some do appear in other books, I learned at the end). A very enjoyable read, as always with Coe.
A very entertaining and amusing attempt to write a novel about two of England's recent traumas, Covid and Brexit. It's mostly about our changing relationship with Europe over the last 75 years and how society and taboos have changed during this time. I'm not sure it irritated me too much but the reliance on the characters being in the orbit of critical moments in British history each chapter was very noticeable.
Horrifically cringe COVID references were the cherry on the top after reading about sucking cock to the sound of Princess Diana’s funeral. Absolutely do not recommend.
A beautiful potential that ultimately fell short. Read like modern day fiction but in the head of an elderly person grieving a different time. It could’ve been beautiful, or maybe it is. Definitely one to come back to but just not working for me now. 🖤
Characterisation just wasn’t there - didn’t care for them or the words I was reading
Wanted it to be more about the experiences and what it was like to live through set times
Wanted it to be more about the experiences and what it was like to live through set times
3.5, rounded up because I'm a sucker for a family history of mundane families
I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this book, as I found the prologue incredibly dull, but as soon as the story went back in time to the VE Day celebrations and began telling Mary’s story as a child I was hooked. It was incredibly well written, and I loved how the writing style differed for each event section of the book. It was genuinely a pleasure to read about this family across the generations, witnessing these historical events, and the relationships and dynamics between all the characters and how they all connected. I will defiantly be looking out for more books to read by Jonathan Coe.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated