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2.92 AVERAGE
2.92 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed the writing in this novel however, without any characters to relate to or even have any fondness for, it was very difficult to enjoy it. I have never read a novel with a cast of such despicable characters. Each one was selfish and not the least bit concerned about how their actions affected others. I gave the book three stars because of how well Vine writes.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book kept me very interested up until about 30 pages from the end. I found the ending somewhat unsatisfying. I think it was the modern day story that I expected to "go somewhere" and in my opinion it didn't.
I loved this book and found it really compelling. I did think some of it was a bit unrealistic (e.g. brother's reaction) and occasionally that did take me "out" of the story but generally I couldn't wait to find a moment to read a little more...
This was a fast, easy read, but the characters were quite pathetic and self-sabotaging, which I dislike in my books or on tv/movies. This was a book within a book. The secondary story was better developed and more compelling than the primary story but I think I was more interested in the primary story and wished the author had developed it a bit more. But like I said, easy summer read.
I have been utterly gripped and unsettled by other Barbara Vine books. Sadly, this one is turgid, repetitive, clunkily written and trite.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not the best Vine/Rendell. Why the idea of literature and real life mirroring each other is good, the characters are flat, the mystery isn't really a mystery, and there isn't any suspense. The message is worthwhile, but meh to the book.
Here is my review as seen on my blog, HERE WE ARE GOING: http://herewearegoing.wordpress.com/2014/01/12/reading-barbara-vines-the-childs-child/
Though I cannot remember what nor when, I feel sure that along the way I have read the work of Ruth Rendell. I am a great fan of mysteries, procedurals, and cozies, particularly those taking place in Britain. I don't, however, know that "The Child's Child" falls into any of those categories.
The Child's ChildA novel within a novel, meant, I think, as some sort of social commentary, I found the behavior of its characters perplexing. While the juxtaposition of social mores from the early 20th century versus modern-day is interesting, the plotting seemed contrived unto tortured in order to make points I'm not sure need making. The mirroring of children born out-of-wedlock and the brother/sister and distant mother stories, well, none of them really sang or spoke to me - and if ever there was a person for whom brother and sister conflict ought ring, it's me.
That said, I read it in a day. It's fast, although the novel within the novel goes on too long (for me) and I felt the ending of the modern story too neatly, quickly and rather unbelievably tied up. After having invested so much time in the characters in the past - who came in the middle and lasted nearly to the end - I felt denied closure with the characters from the present, as if they'd been rushed out the door.
Still, nicely written, oddly plotted, poorly motivated behavior, and too many ideas left without enough exploration. Fun, but trying too hard, like the clever fellow at the party who might have a way with a story if he just didn't go on so.
(As I've said, I read because I love to read. I have no dog in this race. I am not sent reviewer copies nor does anyone pay me to offer my opinion. I bought "The Child's Child" and read it on Kindle after downloading the free preview which I found intriguing. You know what they say ... get them in the first three pages ... well, she did.)
Though I cannot remember what nor when, I feel sure that along the way I have read the work of Ruth Rendell. I am a great fan of mysteries, procedurals, and cozies, particularly those taking place in Britain. I don't, however, know that "The Child's Child" falls into any of those categories.
The Child's ChildA novel within a novel, meant, I think, as some sort of social commentary, I found the behavior of its characters perplexing. While the juxtaposition of social mores from the early 20th century versus modern-day is interesting, the plotting seemed contrived unto tortured in order to make points I'm not sure need making. The mirroring of children born out-of-wedlock and the brother/sister and distant mother stories, well, none of them really sang or spoke to me - and if ever there was a person for whom brother and sister conflict ought ring, it's me.
That said, I read it in a day. It's fast, although the novel within the novel goes on too long (for me) and I felt the ending of the modern story too neatly, quickly and rather unbelievably tied up. After having invested so much time in the characters in the past - who came in the middle and lasted nearly to the end - I felt denied closure with the characters from the present, as if they'd been rushed out the door.
Still, nicely written, oddly plotted, poorly motivated behavior, and too many ideas left without enough exploration. Fun, but trying too hard, like the clever fellow at the party who might have a way with a story if he just didn't go on so.
(As I've said, I read because I love to read. I have no dog in this race. I am not sent reviewer copies nor does anyone pay me to offer my opinion. I bought "The Child's Child" and read it on Kindle after downloading the free preview which I found intriguing. You know what they say ... get them in the first three pages ... well, she did.)
A book within a book, both with similar themes -1) gay men and 2) women having children who are not married. It starts out in current time, a single woman and her gay brother inherit their grandmother's house and choose to live in it together. The woman is doing her thesis on single women in fiction having children. She is given an unpublished novel whose author is a relative of her brother's boyfriend.
The middle of the book is the book within a book, set in early 1900's - 1950's. Story is set around a family who has a gay son as well as a young 15 year old pregnant daughter. Both are outcasts in the family dye to their predicaments. They attempt to live their lives with lies. They both end up miserable. I had a hard time liking anyone in this story.
Then the end of the book comes back to present day where the sister had a one night stand with her brother!s boyfriend and is pregnant. Really. It's just too coincidental to have these parallel stories. I just wanted the book to end.
The middle of the book is the book within a book, set in early 1900's - 1950's. Story is set around a family who has a gay son as well as a young 15 year old pregnant daughter. Both are outcasts in the family dye to their predicaments. They attempt to live their lives with lies. They both end up miserable. I had a hard time liking anyone in this story.
Then the end of the book comes back to present day where the sister had a one night stand with her brother!s boyfriend and is pregnant. Really. It's just too coincidental to have these parallel stories. I just wanted the book to end.