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sarah_liest's review against another edition
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
blanca7's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
whats_margaret_reading's review against another edition
3.0
Jane Gardam is again good for a psychological story of families and interpersonal relationships. God on the Rocks is set between word wars in an English village occupied by a group of extremely devout, daresay fringe, Christians. Margaret's father is one of their leaders, and the reader explores her mother's choice to join this group when she gets to know Mrs. Marsh's childhood friends, Charles and Binkie. There are secrets everywhere but in a traditional Gardam way that is more a reflection of reality that an attempt at shock.
Examining choices of her mother while also coming to terms with the beginning of the end of her childhood, Margaret Marsh is another compelling character in the Jane Gardam canon. I preferred [b:Crusoe's Daughter|13585606|Crusoe's Daughter|Jane Gardam|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1339965129s/13585606.jpg|1164601] to this novel, but both are compelling and well written stories of women in the early to mid-20th century.
Examining choices of her mother while also coming to terms with the beginning of the end of her childhood, Margaret Marsh is another compelling character in the Jane Gardam canon. I preferred [b:Crusoe's Daughter|13585606|Crusoe's Daughter|Jane Gardam|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1339965129s/13585606.jpg|1164601] to this novel, but both are compelling and well written stories of women in the early to mid-20th century.
lectrice's review against another edition
3.0
I couldn't really get into this one, although I've loved other Gardam titles. Maybe bad timing (beginning of new semester) to blame?...
mimii's review against another edition
4.0
A very interesting read. Complex characters and multiple levels of relationships make this engaging book. I look forward to reading more by Jane Gardam.
dynamo170's review against another edition
5.0
The great thing about Jane Gardam is that sometimes you start one of her books thinking it's not going to be that good but the book gets better as you read on to the point where you don't want it to finish. And then she manages to tie everything up so well that you are pleased with the ending. A great story teller, God on the Rocks is an excellent read.
flogigyahoo's review against another edition
5.0
Jane Gardam's books are a treat. She is funny, she is wicked, she is smart and oh so sly. I felt this when reading her wonderful book, Filth and its sequel, and I felt it now, reading God on the Rocks. The story begins innocently enough being told from the point of view of Margaret, an 8 year old, whose mother lavishes her attentions on her new baby brother. Her father is strict in his strange faith and preaches to all and sundry. Margaret can quote chapter and verse of every biblical saying. The fun begins when Margaret is given the treat of a day outing with the nanny, Lydia, and both end up on the grounds of the Hall, once the home of Charles and Binky and where Margaret's mother, Ellie, was schooled, adored Charles and he her, but is now a home for mental patients. The story moves to Ellie, we learn that Charles and his sister have after 12 years returned to town, but not to their old home where their mother is dying, and the plot as they say thickens. A lot of hanky-panky, a few absolutely hilarious English teas, various weird and slightly mad characters all meeting and parting--all under the finely controlled pen of Jane Gardam.
alli_teration's review against another edition
4.0
Jane Gardam, I'm going to guess, is an author who you've never heard of. But you should change that right away. I've read 3 of her books now and each one is wonderfully written and the stories are surprising.
pattydsf's review against another edition
3.0
It has been four years since I read a book by Jane Gardam. When I read The Queen of the Tambourine, I wrote in my review, “I don't think I will fully appreciate and understand this novel until I have read some other books by Gardam.” Well, I have now read another book by Gardam and I am still not sure what she is trying to say.
This book seemed especially British. By that I mean that much of the story could only take place in Great Britain. The language, the expectations of the characters, the setting all seem to be particular to the British world. My viewpoint is probably skewed by the fact that I am American, but I have read a lot of British works.
For whatever reason, I am as confused by this novel as I was by the first book I read by Gardam. Apparently, her work, Old Filth is her most acclaimed story. I can’t decide if I will try to find this book or just let Ms Gardam rest in piece. Her writing is wonderful, her people intriguing and weird, but is she worth reading again?
This book seemed especially British. By that I mean that much of the story could only take place in Great Britain. The language, the expectations of the characters, the setting all seem to be particular to the British world. My viewpoint is probably skewed by the fact that I am American, but I have read a lot of British works.
For whatever reason, I am as confused by this novel as I was by the first book I read by Gardam. Apparently, her work, Old Filth is her most acclaimed story. I can’t decide if I will try to find this book or just let Ms Gardam rest in piece. Her writing is wonderful, her people intriguing and weird, but is she worth reading again?