Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I found this really interesting as I did not pay attention to the news during most of these events. It was so emotive to read about the characters' journeys, even though Benjamin remains extremely annoying. I like how Coe has an empathetic approach to most of his characters
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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:
Complicated
A thoughtful look at the years leading up to Brexit, viewed through the lives of ordinary people and exploring the divisions in British society. I always enjoy Coe's humor, gently mocking the awkward and the mildly absurd, which are so typically British.
Quite a poignant read at the moment. Not just because what's happening politically, but because there is currently a similar divide between those who are taking the vaccine and those who aren't.
The one thing that really stood out for me was the two Dads arguing over the Brexit vote. They're discussing the freedom of movement and remain voter asks - why would you vote to take away these rights from your own daughter - and the other responds - we have Irish passports, this won't affect her, I wouldn't do that to my own daughter.
You can picture it, can't you?
The one thing that really stood out for me was the two Dads arguing over the Brexit vote. They're discussing the freedom of movement and remain voter asks - why would you vote to take away these rights from your own daughter - and the other responds - we have Irish passports, this won't affect her, I wouldn't do that to my own daughter.
You can picture it, can't you?
Wat een prachtig boek is dit! Een geweldige familiekroniek en tegelijkertijd een enorm herkenbaar verhaal over hoe verschillen in politieke opvattingen en vooral ook mensbeeld een relatie en zelfs hele families kunnen verscheuren. Hoe je er soms beter voor kunt kiezen om het er maar niet meer over te hebben, zodat de band heel kan blijven. En ook hoe diep de gevoelens zitten: de boosheid op "buitenlanders", op Europa, maar ook de boosheid van links op mensen met die gevoelens. Als een rode draad door het verhaal lees je de hele aanloop naar de Brexit en hoe David Cameron als voormalig Eton College boy het sentiment onder de bevolking zo verkeerd inschatte dat hij met zijn referendum het hele land in een Brexit-crisis stortte, gezien door de ogen van een familie en hun dichtbije vrienden. Soms met ongelooflijk veel humor geschreven, bijtende doch subtiele humor vooral. Ik moet zelden hardop lachen om een boek, maar dat gebeurde hier wel. Daarnaast is het heel makkelijk om mee te leven met de hoofdpersonen van het boek (voor mij vooral Sophie, de jongste telg die werkt aan de universiteit maar daar geschorst wordt om een incident met een transgender vrouw, en Benjamin, de alleenstaande vijftiger in zijn oude molenhuis). Dikke aanrader!
As a lover of historical fiction, I have a hard time giving a book, that I don’t think is particularly good, less than 2 stars if I’ve learned something about actual people or world events.
In laying out his story of Brexit, one illustration stands out. It is that of a marriage counselor working with a couple, one who voted “Leave” and the other who voted “Remain”. She asks them to each describe their view of the other’s vote. After listening to their responses, she reflects back to them “What’s interesting about both of [your] answers is that neither of you mentioned politics. As if the referendum wasn’t about Europe at all, [but rather a vote about] something much more fundamental and personal. Which is why this is a difficult problem to solve. “
In laying out his story of Brexit, one illustration stands out. It is that of a marriage counselor working with a couple, one who voted “Leave” and the other who voted “Remain”. She asks them to each describe their view of the other’s vote. After listening to their responses, she reflects back to them “What’s interesting about both of [your] answers is that neither of you mentioned politics. As if the referendum wasn’t about Europe at all, [but rather a vote about] something much more fundamental and personal. Which is why this is a difficult problem to solve. “
A bit heavy-handed in places (allowing for the fact I will always think this way because it's all so recent), but this is never going to be a bad book - the author's too good and the characters very nicely drawn.
A thoughtful, generous and illuminating fictional expose on the struggle in Brexit-era Britain. Except that I think it applies also to Trump-era USA, as well as Kenney-era Alberta. This book demonstrates the discontent, the growing divide, between the right and the left and does it in a compassionate way that allows each side to understand the other. Brilliant effort.