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alexandrabree's review against another edition
3.0
We all have at least one person in our lives like Else and no matter how guilty Norm may or may not have been you feel terrible for the poor guy and how it all pans out.
Interesting to have a fictional / non-fiction mixed piece like this.
Walters in a newish author find for me and I am loving her work thus far.
Interesting to have a fictional / non-fiction mixed piece like this.
Walters in a newish author find for me and I am loving her work thus far.
mehitabels's review against another edition
3.0
I can't remember when I first read this, so my excitement over new Walters was slightly tempered by the fact it was old Walters.
Still, quick and good read, based on 1920's true crime. A fair and human tale of why love cannot be forced, and the consequences of morality judgement.
Still, quick and good read, based on 1920's true crime. A fair and human tale of why love cannot be forced, and the consequences of morality judgement.
annalena219's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
dr_piggi's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
tardesentrelibros's review against another edition
3.0
3,5
Historia basada en hechos reales. La forma que tiene la autora de contar la historia es muy fluida y ánima al lector a seguir leyendo hasta acabarla. Ágil y corta. Me he leído el libro en un par de horas tranquilamente.
Historia basada en hechos reales. La forma que tiene la autora de contar la historia es muy fluida y ánima al lector a seguir leyendo hasta acabarla. Ágil y corta. Me he leído el libro en un par de horas tranquilamente.
rogue_runner's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very quick World Book Night read that I chewed through in about an hour and a half today. Written as an easy read, I think it would be a good introduction to boks for someone that wants to get into reading more, but might not be that confident- does what it says on the tin.
It was different to the normal 'crime' book that I was expecting, going more into the lead up to the murder than actually solving it as a case- there was no intrigue or detective. There was an interesting dynamic and good use of things like in-character letters though, which made it nice and snappy to read. The characters were instantly recognisable and well portrayed, and the plot moved at a reasonable pace throughout. An interesting story, but I don't think it'll stand out much in the long run.
It was different to the normal 'crime' book that I was expecting, going more into the lead up to the murder than actually solving it as a case- there was no intrigue or detective. There was an interesting dynamic and good use of things like in-character letters though, which made it nice and snappy to read. The characters were instantly recognisable and well portrayed, and the plot moved at a reasonable pace throughout. An interesting story, but I don't think it'll stand out much in the long run.
datnad's review
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
izabrekilien's review against another edition
4.0
Reviewed for Books and livres
This novella was a very quick read, it's only 128 pages. Minette Walters first tells us what she think happened between Elsie and Norman, based upon the facts, naturally, as if we were watching them both : dialogues, attitudes and backgrounds for both of them.
To be honest, when I learned that Elsie was to be the victim of the murder, my first thought was "good riddance" - it's not charitable, I know, sorry, but she was really obsessive and I felt bad about Norman.
And Norman was young, yes, but he was weak too - maybe the way he was brought up by his father ? Or just his personality. Or he was just too young and his life made him harder than he was at the beginning - and he led a very hard life.
Then Elsie disappears and we see the history through the eyes of the police officer and how everything develops and leads to the inevitable hanging.
But was Norman really guilty ? The doubt is permitted. Very good read !
This novella was a very quick read, it's only 128 pages. Minette Walters first tells us what she think happened between Elsie and Norman, based upon the facts, naturally, as if we were watching them both : dialogues, attitudes and backgrounds for both of them.
To be honest, when I learned that Elsie was to be the victim of the murder, my first thought was "good riddance" - it's not charitable, I know, sorry, but she was really obsessive and I felt bad about Norman.
And Norman was young, yes, but he was weak too - maybe the way he was brought up by his father ? Or just his personality. Or he was just too young and his life made him harder than he was at the beginning - and he led a very hard life.
Then Elsie disappears and we see the history through the eyes of the police officer and how everything develops and leads to the inevitable hanging.
But was Norman really guilty ? The doubt is permitted. Very good read !
jackielaw's review against another edition
4.0
Chickenfeed, by Minette Walters, is based on the true story of the ‘chicken farm murder’ which took place in East Sussex in December 1924. It was written as a Quick Read; a short, compelling and accessible work of fiction created to encourage more reluctant readers to pick up a book.
The protagonist, eighteen year old Norman Thorne, is flattered when the slightly older Elsie Cameron singles him out for attention after church one Sunday morning. Elsie is desperate for romance and dreams of getting married, but in the aftermath of the First World War suitable men are in short supply. Elsie is not good looking and is known to be moody. Few have paid her any attention.
Norman’s father is not pleased when the couple start to walk out together. He agrees to lend his son money to enable him to set up a small poultry farm in Sussex in the hope that he will lose interest in the girl. Elsie is determined not to let this happen.
What unfolds is a tragic story of loneliness, weakness and manipulation as both Norman and Elsie try to force each other to acquiesce to their desires. This is a believable tale of a relationship gone sour.
Norman was hanged for murder but always maintained his innocence. Elsie’s unstable state of mind was common knowledge but so too was Norman’s desire to have her out of his life.
The reader’s attention is grabbed from the first page to the last. Whatever opinion may be formed from the facts, questions remain. The author is not alone in asking, were Norman’s intentions proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’?
The protagonist, eighteen year old Norman Thorne, is flattered when the slightly older Elsie Cameron singles him out for attention after church one Sunday morning. Elsie is desperate for romance and dreams of getting married, but in the aftermath of the First World War suitable men are in short supply. Elsie is not good looking and is known to be moody. Few have paid her any attention.
Norman’s father is not pleased when the couple start to walk out together. He agrees to lend his son money to enable him to set up a small poultry farm in Sussex in the hope that he will lose interest in the girl. Elsie is determined not to let this happen.
What unfolds is a tragic story of loneliness, weakness and manipulation as both Norman and Elsie try to force each other to acquiesce to their desires. This is a believable tale of a relationship gone sour.
Norman was hanged for murder but always maintained his innocence. Elsie’s unstable state of mind was common knowledge but so too was Norman’s desire to have her out of his life.
The reader’s attention is grabbed from the first page to the last. Whatever opinion may be formed from the facts, questions remain. The author is not alone in asking, were Norman’s intentions proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’?
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