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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
More than anything i found the exploration of the Israeli/Palestine conflict interesting- the rest seemed a bit too unbelievable though it was a good read overall
Compared to Lewycka's previous two novels this one did disappoint. It also rambled, scratched just the surface of more interesting issues and threw out improbable plot scenarios (I'm not talking about Mrs Sharpiro but rather the queue of hunky North London estate agents). In short, it didn't really do the author's reputation any justice. I'm not about to dig deeper to understand the reason why, and at any rate I kept reading because it was easy to do so... I just didn't feel guilty when I skipped great chunks.
If you like charming-enough, easy to get through if a little predictable middle-aged break-up/make-up stories, this is for you.
If you like what Lewycka has already proved herself a master at in [b:Two Caravans|1740908|Two Caravans|Marina Lewycka|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1187640835s/1740908.jpg|2086107] and [b:A Short History of Ukrainian Tractors|828387|A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian|Marina Lewycka|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327935785s/828387.jpg|4240781], which are stories about people who are displaced, put upon, who should be despondent but are instead little heroes in their own right, then maybe pretend this didn't happen.
If you like charming-enough, easy to get through if a little predictable middle-aged break-up/make-up stories, this is for you.
If you like what Lewycka has already proved herself a master at in [b:Two Caravans|1740908|Two Caravans|Marina Lewycka|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1187640835s/1740908.jpg|2086107] and [b:A Short History of Ukrainian Tractors|828387|A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian|Marina Lewycka|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327935785s/828387.jpg|4240781], which are stories about people who are displaced, put upon, who should be despondent but are instead little heroes in their own right, then maybe pretend this didn't happen.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Initially the setting of Islington and the funny bits were pleasant, but as the book progressed it became less satisfying. Perhaps the publisher rushed the creative process.
The old lady is the star of the show and really deserved more shine. The London described here is also entertainingly accurate; no one is from London, property agents are almost demonic, social services corrupt, and all the hallmarks of consumerism are evident throughout.
However, the Armageddon and Palestinian/Israeli themes were not treated with the appropriate depth and the characters were a bit clunky.
The old lady is the star of the show and really deserved more shine. The London described here is also entertainingly accurate; no one is from London, property agents are almost demonic, social services corrupt, and all the hallmarks of consumerism are evident throughout.
However, the Armageddon and Palestinian/Israeli themes were not treated with the appropriate depth and the characters were a bit clunky.
Ordinary weird and vice versa. Human, yet silly. I like her work.
http://recenseernogeenkeer.wordpress.com/2014/02/09/we-are-all-made-of-glue/
http://recenseernogeenkeer.wordpress.com/2014/02/09/we-are-all-made-of-glue/