The Sweet-Shop Owner is set during a single June day in the life of an outwardly unremarkable man whose inner world proves to be exceptional...
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reviews
Jan 14, 2010
Steve
rated it: 
Swift has encapsulated the routine minutiae of twenty-four hours in the life of a shopowner while contrasting such mundanity with the slowly emerging tension that this will be the final day of Willie Chapman;s life. Not only has his life been confined to the same suburb of the capital, but he has been confined to an existence which exemplifies duty and to a marriage of accomodation. Havingrescued his heart's desire from emotional turmoil, her middle-class background provides the funds to establi
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Jan 26, 2011
Andrew
rated it: 
As most reviews will point out, this isn't as impressive as Waterland. It is a well told story nonetheless, and the themes that Swift goes on to develop in subsequent books are here in his first novel.
Swift's work is never exactly a bundle of laughs, but why should it be? There are few writers who engage with ordinary human life with such skill.
Swift's work is never exactly a bundle of laughs, but why should it be? There are few writers who engage with ordinary human life with such skill.
Oct 24, 2007
Karen
rated it:
As others have said, The Sweet Shop Owner doesn't quite match up to Waterland. But this is Swift's first book, and it set a precedent for his later work. Some of the themes, especially that of history (in the academic and personal senses) shine through, and it's interesting to see how he enlarged upon them later.
Whatever I say about the story will sound trite. It's about a man married to a much wealthier woman, the disease she refuses to treat, and their daughter, who feels repuls More...
Whatever I say about the story will sound trite. It's about a man married to a much wealthier woman, the disease she refuses to treat, and their daughter, who feels repuls More...
Apr 22, 2009
damiec
rated it:
Swift doesn't write about sweetness, and this book is no exception. The sweet shop with all it's colorful little delights, is the perfect foil for all the bitterness in the characters' lives. It's a beautifully written, and terribly sad book.
Jun 09, 2009
Scott
rated it:
Although this is an amazing first novel, I did not care for it as much as I do Swift's other novels.
Jun 28, 2007
Perhaps I thought less of this book because I read Graham Swift's amazing _Waterland_ first--which isn't fair criticism! This is Swift's first novel, and although it's not as polished as _Waterland_, you can see him developing the themes that intrigue him: lost communication between parents and children, the intricacies of marriage, and of course History.
Jan 29, 2012
Jackie
rated it:
I loved this book when I read it. When you've finished this book go back and read the first page again..
Jun 18, 2008
Ursula
rated it:
very sad, melancholy book. i like this writer, will definitely read more of him.
Jan 31, 2012
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