Scan barcode
chrissireads's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book because it was recommended by my sister on a book club that she follows. My sister is usually spot on with her recommendations but even she wasn't sure if I would like this book or not. I am quite surprised by the reviews of this book. I thought it was okay, but felt it plodded on a little with not much of a plot development. It was okay though and not hard to read in any way. I just don't think it is my style of book and I'm not sure I would read anything from Catherine O'Flynn again. I couldn't warm to her writing style.
esyb's review against another edition
3.0
After switching between 3 and 4 stars several times I eventually settled for 3 but it's really a 3.5.
The News Where You Are was just what I look for in a holiday read; easy going, good characters and a little bit of humour, not enough to attract attention on the beach but enough to turn to the person next to you and read out something ridiculous that Mo (the 8 year old daughter of the main character) has said.
It's not a book I will rave about and I think if I had read it at any other time I might not have got through it so quickly, but it was a pleasant read and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a good beach book that is different to the usual chic lit that people recommend as holiday reading.
The News Where You Are was just what I look for in a holiday read; easy going, good characters and a little bit of humour, not enough to attract attention on the beach but enough to turn to the person next to you and read out something ridiculous that Mo (the 8 year old daughter of the main character) has said.
It's not a book I will rave about and I think if I had read it at any other time I might not have got through it so quickly, but it was a pleasant read and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a good beach book that is different to the usual chic lit that people recommend as holiday reading.
ruthie_the_librarian's review
4.0
Gentle humour and moving moments of dark sadness. I loved the style of this book - so easy to read, interesting characters, something a little like a mystery story and yet not really...Very enjoyable read. I'm adding her previous book to me 'to read' list.
bibliobethreads's review
This book was interesting and quite sad in parts, a lot about loneliness and getting older, which all the characters are dealing with in their own ways. I think this could have been better, and I probably wouldn't read the book again, but feel the "sad" parts were written very well.
appalonia's review against another edition
4.0
Most stories follow a linear timeline outlining and then resolving a specific plot. If you’re lucky with your reading material, descriptive prose and interesting characters are included in the mix. This book was a bit different. It was primarily a character study of a man named Frank, a middle-aged TV newscaster who provides for his wife and young daughter, and regularly visits his depressive mother in a care facility. There is a bit of a story, but the timeline is sometimes scattered instead of straightforward. The story is told in a series of vignettes that feature Frank or someone close to him. In this manner you get to know Frank very well, as well as some of the people around him. All I know is when I finished this book I felt a little sad, the way you do when you say goodbye to a friend.
quietjenn's review against another edition
5.0
4 1/2. while i didn't love it as much as "what was lost," catherine o'flynn has got serious chops and i kinda adore her.
jannie_mtl's review against another edition
2.0
The book has a somewhat convoluted plot that, in the main, is depressing. As are the side stories. While the main characters were interesting, I felt like I was reading through a fog of loss and sadness.
alice369's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.5
arwenauthor's review against another edition
3.0
A surprisingly enjoyable book. Very gentle, nothing amazing or noteworthy, no revolutionary plot or style of writing never seen before. Just a quite, non-assuming simple read.
There was one "twist" (or perhaps just a shock) which I hadn't anticipated, and actually hadn't thought it was to be the type of book that held surprises. Apart from that it was understated, thoughtful and melancholy. The words were all suffused with loss, with longing for the past, the inability to move on or let go, the sense of being trapped by your former life, your former self, your former actions. It wasn't sob-worthy sad, but the whole book was tinged with sadness and left you feeling it too.
Well written, basically a good book - but nothing terribly special.
There was one "twist" (or perhaps just a shock) which I hadn't anticipated, and actually hadn't thought it was to be the type of book that held surprises. Apart from that it was understated, thoughtful and melancholy. The words were all suffused with loss, with longing for the past, the inability to move on or let go, the sense of being trapped by your former life, your former self, your former actions. It wasn't sob-worthy sad, but the whole book was tinged with sadness and left you feeling it too.
Well written, basically a good book - but nothing terribly special.
brianajae's review against another edition
4.0
I couldn't decide whether I loved this book or not. The characters are interesting, the story moved along quickly, there were certainly some beautiful passages, but it felt like something was missing.