The House At Tyneford by Natasha Solomons – 355 pages
Book Blurb:
It’s the spring of 1938 and no longer safe to be a Jew in Vienna. Nineteen-year-old Elise Landau is forced to leave her glittering life of parties and champagne to become a parlor maid in England. She arrives at Tyneford, the great house on the bay, where servants polish silver and serve drinks on the lawn. But war is coming, and the world is changing. When the master of Tyneford’s young son, Kit, returns home, he and Elise strike up an unlikely friendship that will transform Tyneford-and Elise-forever.
My Review: 2.0 stars
This is a book that really tells you what is happening rather than giving the reader the opportunity to learn, question, and read between the lines, and in my opinion, the ending was expected based on the blunt foreshadowing of it. The story had greater potential in my mind though I loved learning about the English countryside. The romance was evident however I felt little connection between the characters involved. I read this book only a week ago while out of town and computerless and sadly, there is very little I can recall about the novel now.
Quotes I liked:
Photographs are so strange; they are always in the present tense, everyone captured in a moment that will never come again. We take them for posterity, and as the shutter blinks we think of the future.”
– โHis arm brushed mine, but I was too tired to obey decent etiquette and did not push him away. His skin felt so warm, and I wondered that in all her lectures upon proper behaviour, Anna had failed to mention that behaving improperly was much more fun.โ
– โA man who has experienced great sorrow, and then has known its end, wakes each morning feeling the pleasure of sunrise.โ
8 hardcover books with 24 pages per book 18 sound buttons: 8 book iD, 8 LEDs, 3 long-lasting replaceable AAA batteries included. Standalone electronic pad resembles an eReader, Choosing a story to read is fun and rewarding Engaging narration and stor... read more
Review:The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar is another excellent example of creating a novel with richly layered characters while comparing Indian and American lifestyles. In this story, Remy returns to Bombay, which he has dubbed the museum of failures, as he sees his native country through the lens of his American life. Heโs there to meet his friendโs niece with the hopes of adopting her baby, as he and his wife are unable to conceive. This innocuous trip turns into a much more complex time as Remy is hit with roadblocks time and time again.Itโs the story about Remy and his mother that really got to me. He lived a life of never measuring up and feeling quite unloved by her. Through their time together in Bombay, he learns critical information that allows him to see her in a more thoughtful and understanding way. This time away has brought whatโs left of his shattered family back together.His trip extends much longer than anticipated and he realizes the value of being home. His American wife Kathy seemed too good to be true, but I did like their relationship, born of trust and equality. Remyโs life as a poet was buried away, but through his visit in India, he realizes the importance of doing work you love, not just working for a higher paycheck.Overall, this was a satisfying read and one that fans of Umrigar will appreciate. Her last book, Honor, along with The Space Between Us, are my two favorites of hers. I havenโt met an Umrigar book I didnโt enjoy!@thrity_umrigar @algonquinbooks ๐: Do you dress up for Halloween? If yes, what's your costume of choice? If not, what's a scary book you've read? ... See MoreSee Less