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nellday's review against another edition
2.0
This book really felt like Joanna Trollope had to write it in order to be able to tax deduct her trips to Spain. No bueno.
sognatrice1979's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lemon_y's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
lollybee's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
For over twenty-five years, Gus and Monica have lived in Spain running a vineyard but becoming distanced from the three children who live in the UK.
When Gus has a stroke the three adult children rush to Spain in an attempt to organise their parents' lives.
It isn't long before hidden resentments begin to rise to the surface, causing tension and challenges, as everyone tries to find a resolution to the situation they find themselves in.
When Gus has a stroke the three adult children rush to Spain in an attempt to organise their parents' lives.
It isn't long before hidden resentments begin to rise to the surface, causing tension and challenges, as everyone tries to find a resolution to the situation they find themselves in.
rosafb's review against another edition
3.5
Very enjoyable read. The family dynamics were well drawn without spiking my anxiety. I always felt like things would work out and there would be a good ending… without it being obvious or too sappy. Jake needs to get a life and grow up - not a fan. Lol
mousecroghan's review against another edition
5.0
There’s a baby in it called Mousie shortened to Mouse, my names how could I not love it.
Read it in two sittings. Loved it. Very poignant for me for lots of reasons. Vintage Trollope.
I emailed the author to share my delight.
Read it in two sittings. Loved it. Very poignant for me for lots of reasons. Vintage Trollope.
I emailed the author to share my delight.
keysersuze's review
3.0
I’ve been trying to remember which of Joanna Trollope’s books I’ve read before this one, and I can’t think if I have. My Mum is a fan, and so it would stand to reason that I have because basically, if there’s text on it and it’s not nailed down in my family home, I will have read it. Everyone knows who she is – the ‘Aga Sagas’ of which there’s only been one, a rural comfort which actually deals in the bleakness and futility of life. Wikpedia tells me that she’s had a few TV adaptations, including the Rector’s Wife and Other People’s Children.
Gus and Monica are the patriarch and matriarch of the family, settled in Spain for more than two decades and leaving their half grown children in boarding schools in the UK. The story picks up in present day, when their three children are now adults with their own children, some of whom are half grown themselves.
Early on in the narrative Gus has a stroke, leaving Monica bewildered, frightened and ever so slightly relieved to be able to live her own life after following her husband around for his. Her children gather round, galvanised into action but also shamed for leaving it so long. I think that’s what Joanna Trollope does really well – she captures the inherent contradictions of what it means to be human, to struggle with selfish motivations and ensuring we get enough love, care and attention without smothering those next to you.
The family relationships are intricate and complicated, but it was never confusing and I could always tell who was ‘speaking’. Sebastian, Katie and Jake are fully formed, battling their own demons and navigating family dynamics as well as dealing with the possibility of their father dying, or at least never being the same again. This web of family ties pushes out, weaving between all of the children and into the Spanish community in which Gus and Monica have put down roots.
It was an enjoyable read, and one which made me think about my own familial relationships, and perhaps making sure I’m tending to them and helping them to take root now, not just when things go badly.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and Netgalley for the ARC, as always.
Gus and Monica are the patriarch and matriarch of the family, settled in Spain for more than two decades and leaving their half grown children in boarding schools in the UK. The story picks up in present day, when their three children are now adults with their own children, some of whom are half grown themselves.
Early on in the narrative Gus has a stroke, leaving Monica bewildered, frightened and ever so slightly relieved to be able to live her own life after following her husband around for his. Her children gather round, galvanised into action but also shamed for leaving it so long. I think that’s what Joanna Trollope does really well – she captures the inherent contradictions of what it means to be human, to struggle with selfish motivations and ensuring we get enough love, care and attention without smothering those next to you.
The family relationships are intricate and complicated, but it was never confusing and I could always tell who was ‘speaking’. Sebastian, Katie and Jake are fully formed, battling their own demons and navigating family dynamics as well as dealing with the possibility of their father dying, or at least never being the same again. This web of family ties pushes out, weaving between all of the children and into the Spanish community in which Gus and Monica have put down roots.
It was an enjoyable read, and one which made me think about my own familial relationships, and perhaps making sure I’m tending to them and helping them to take root now, not just when things go badly.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and Netgalley for the ARC, as always.
cathylpowell's review against another edition
4.0
Monica has lived in Spain for over 20 years. She followed her husband Gus as he wanted to leave England to get away from his overbearing father. Her elder two children Sebastian and Katie stayed behind at boarding school. But the youngest Jake was educated in Spain.
Now Gus has had a stroke and the family are back together, the siblings at least as well as Jake’s wife Bella and his daughter Mouse. But what will happen to the vineyard in the future if Gus can’t manage it.
What follows after is an interesting portrayal of family life as it appears that nobody has a perfect life.
A great read.
Now Gus has had a stroke and the family are back together, the siblings at least as well as Jake’s wife Bella and his daughter Mouse. But what will happen to the vineyard in the future if Gus can’t manage it.
What follows after is an interesting portrayal of family life as it appears that nobody has a perfect life.
A great read.
polyhy_14's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0