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Her Giant Octopus Moment
When a surrogate mother pretends the pregnancy has miscarried, and bears a daughter - to whom does the child belong? To her runaway birth mother, or her deceived father and his wife? Scout, born as a result of a surrogacy arrangement, is kept by her biological mother, Joanie, who has deliberately deceived both the clinic and Scout's intended parents by claiming to have had a miscarriage. When this deception comes to light ten years later, a compelling moral dilemma unfolds as Joanie makes her situation worse in the eyes of the law and social services by going on the run. Scout is a resourceful, anxious, perceptive child. She craves normality in the face of her mother's restlessness and unaccountability. She is loyal to her mother, and loves her deeply, despite being aware of her inconsistencies. Will the Family Court make the right decision for this vulnerable and determined little girl?
- GenresFictionContemporary
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Kay Langdale
16 books21 followersKay Langdale was born in Coventry, England.
From a young age she loved to read and to write.
She attended Bedford College, London University, graduating with a first class degree in English Literature and then went to Oxford University where she completed a doctorate on Samuel Beckett’s prose fiction. She briefly taught twentieth century literature at St Edmund Hall, Oxford before beginning work as an account handler and copywriter at a brand consultancy.
She is married to a South African entrepreneur, with whom she has four children who are now mostly grown. Kay divides her time between their homes in Oxfordshire and Devon.
Now writing her eighth novel, Kay also works as an editor for the charity The Children’s Radio Foundation which trains young broadcasters in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
When not writing Kay enjoys running, ballet barre, yoga, swimming, coastal walking, learning Italian, cooking and reading. Always reading.
From a young age she loved to read and to write.
She attended Bedford College, London University, graduating with a first class degree in English Literature and then went to Oxford University where she completed a doctorate on Samuel Beckett’s prose fiction. She briefly taught twentieth century literature at St Edmund Hall, Oxford before beginning work as an account handler and copywriter at a brand consultancy.
She is married to a South African entrepreneur, with whom she has four children who are now mostly grown. Kay divides her time between their homes in Oxfordshire and Devon.
Now writing her eighth novel, Kay also works as an editor for the charity The Children’s Radio Foundation which trains young broadcasters in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
When not writing Kay enjoys running, ballet barre, yoga, swimming, coastal walking, learning Italian, cooking and reading. Always reading.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 25, 2011
What a great title for a book, it most certainly caught my attention and made me look twice, and reading the synopsis convinced me that Her Giant Octopus Moment by Kay Langdale was going to be just my cup of tea. Due to be published in January 2012 by Hodder and Stoughton, this is Kay Langdale's third novel, but the first of hers that I have read.
The story centres around two main characters, Joanie Simpson and her eleven year old daughter Scout. Joanie was never supposed to be a mother, not in the conventional sense anyway. Joanie had made one of her trademark snap decisions and offered to be a surrogate mother, her next snap decision was to decide to keep her baby after all, destroying the dreams of the potential new parents and changing her own life forever. When an eagle-eyed embryologist spots Joanie and Scout in a park eleven years later, their past starts to catch up with them.
Scout Simpson, named after Demi Moore and Bruce Willis' daughter and not taken from Harper Lee's novel as most people would assume, is one of the most wonderful child characters I've ever come across. Despite her gypsy-like lifestyle and Joanie's dubious parenting skills, Scout is a happy, adaptable little girl with an enormous thirst for knowledge who loves nothing better than to teach herself a few words of a new language, or to work out a difficult mathematical problem. When Joanie receives a letter from Social Services, their flight begins. Scout is dragged from place to place, not attending school but learning all the time. From a cold and lonely block of flats in Birmingham to the fruit fields of Norfolk, Scout adapts and learns.
A story about motherhood about survival and about surrogacy. A story about choices and why people make them, and their consequences. Just what makes a good mother? Is it someone who is there when you finish school? Someone who makes sure you are fed and your teeth are brushed? Is is someone who brings adventure into your life, and shows you new places and experiences?
Kay Langdale draws fabulous characters, both Scout and Joanie are lovable and real. Mr Groves, the ex butler who lives in the flats in Birmingham is beautifully described, a gentleman who teaches Scout about the finer things in life, and Mr Mohammed, the shopkeeper who makes sure she is learning something new every day.
Both funny and poignant, warm and witty, with some fabulous characters and a thought provoking plot line - I enjoyed the read immensely.
The story centres around two main characters, Joanie Simpson and her eleven year old daughter Scout. Joanie was never supposed to be a mother, not in the conventional sense anyway. Joanie had made one of her trademark snap decisions and offered to be a surrogate mother, her next snap decision was to decide to keep her baby after all, destroying the dreams of the potential new parents and changing her own life forever. When an eagle-eyed embryologist spots Joanie and Scout in a park eleven years later, their past starts to catch up with them.
Scout Simpson, named after Demi Moore and Bruce Willis' daughter and not taken from Harper Lee's novel as most people would assume, is one of the most wonderful child characters I've ever come across. Despite her gypsy-like lifestyle and Joanie's dubious parenting skills, Scout is a happy, adaptable little girl with an enormous thirst for knowledge who loves nothing better than to teach herself a few words of a new language, or to work out a difficult mathematical problem. When Joanie receives a letter from Social Services, their flight begins. Scout is dragged from place to place, not attending school but learning all the time. From a cold and lonely block of flats in Birmingham to the fruit fields of Norfolk, Scout adapts and learns.
A story about motherhood about survival and about surrogacy. A story about choices and why people make them, and their consequences. Just what makes a good mother? Is it someone who is there when you finish school? Someone who makes sure you are fed and your teeth are brushed? Is is someone who brings adventure into your life, and shows you new places and experiences?
Kay Langdale draws fabulous characters, both Scout and Joanie are lovable and real. Mr Groves, the ex butler who lives in the flats in Birmingham is beautifully described, a gentleman who teaches Scout about the finer things in life, and Mr Mohammed, the shopkeeper who makes sure she is learning something new every day.
Both funny and poignant, warm and witty, with some fabulous characters and a thought provoking plot line - I enjoyed the read immensely.
February 8, 2012
This was a first by this author for me, but having read a couple of reviews, I knew it sounded right up my street, and I wasn't wrong!
The story follows young Scout Simpson, as she is dragged around the country by her mother, for reasons she cannot even begin to comprehend. Scout was conceived when her mother, Joanie, volunteered as a surrogate for Ned and Eliabetta Beecham, however, she decides she wants to keep the child after all, so tells them she has miscarried, and raises Scout herself.
When she is discovered, she takes a now 11 year old Scout from school and goes on the run, dragging Scout around the country through a variety of unsuitable homes.
Scout is by far the best character in the book, she's sweet, conscientious and thoughtful, and her quest for knowledge throughout their travels is a joy to watch unfold! The friendships she strikes up along the way are lovely in their innocent sweetness too, (particularly with Mr Groves, a former butler). She really is one of the best fictional children I've encountered in a long while.
On the flip side, Joanie is so very flawed and you sometimes wonder how on earth this selfish woman managed to raise such a sweet-natured child, but despite her flaws, she has a certain charasmatic charm that prevents you from completely disliking her, and she does redeem herself in the end!
I liked the small insights into the other characters too, from the judge presiding over the case, through to the Beechams, even though they were minor characters I felt we got to know them well, and could feel for them every bit as much as Joanie and Scout.
I felt the book dealt with the, sometimes controversial, issues it contained incredibly well! A surrogate mother taking the child for herself is not an easy subject to tackle, but I felt Langdale did so with great care and sensitvity, and what could have been sensationalist never felt so. There's plenty of room for some great discussions, not only around the surrogacy issues, but also on the broader note of parenting, and also the argument of nature versus nurture.
I shall definitely be looking out for more by this author in future!
The story follows young Scout Simpson, as she is dragged around the country by her mother, for reasons she cannot even begin to comprehend. Scout was conceived when her mother, Joanie, volunteered as a surrogate for Ned and Eliabetta Beecham, however, she decides she wants to keep the child after all, so tells them she has miscarried, and raises Scout herself.
When she is discovered, she takes a now 11 year old Scout from school and goes on the run, dragging Scout around the country through a variety of unsuitable homes.
Scout is by far the best character in the book, she's sweet, conscientious and thoughtful, and her quest for knowledge throughout their travels is a joy to watch unfold! The friendships she strikes up along the way are lovely in their innocent sweetness too, (particularly with Mr Groves, a former butler). She really is one of the best fictional children I've encountered in a long while.
On the flip side, Joanie is so very flawed and you sometimes wonder how on earth this selfish woman managed to raise such a sweet-natured child, but despite her flaws, she has a certain charasmatic charm that prevents you from completely disliking her, and she does redeem herself in the end!
I liked the small insights into the other characters too, from the judge presiding over the case, through to the Beechams, even though they were minor characters I felt we got to know them well, and could feel for them every bit as much as Joanie and Scout.
I felt the book dealt with the, sometimes controversial, issues it contained incredibly well! A surrogate mother taking the child for herself is not an easy subject to tackle, but I felt Langdale did so with great care and sensitvity, and what could have been sensationalist never felt so. There's plenty of room for some great discussions, not only around the surrogacy issues, but also on the broader note of parenting, and also the argument of nature versus nurture.
I shall definitely be looking out for more by this author in future!
February 8, 2012
I wasn't 100% sure going into this book. It sounded interesting but I wasnt sure about it because of the surrogacy subject line.
Being a surrogate is a very important thing and I believe it shouldnt be a decision made on the whim like the character of Joanie did in this book. Couple of weeks later she changes her mind, says the whole thing didn't work and basically decides to keep the child herself....and not because she loved the little life inside her and wanted desperately to be a good mother etc. For 3/4s of the book I found myself really disliking her character and even though she said she loved Scout, I didn't really feel it until the end of the book when she stopped thinking of herself and did the best thing for that little girl.
I loved Scout's character, absolutely adored her. I felt so sorry for her but even though Joanie wasn't an awful mum she was definately a little neglectful, but Scout didn't hold any of this against her and loved her, she is her mum at the end of the day and I understood that. She was very smart and considering how old some 10/11 year olds are now, she seemed young and child like and I really liked that aspect of her character. I liked how she befriended people and how those other characters helped her with the "own learning".
Ned and Elisabetta was a bit different, as we didn't really have a lot from their perspectives in this book, but what was there I did enjoy. I liked how they weren't angry and bitter at what Joanie had effectively stolen from them and they just wanted a chance to know Scout and have any kind of relationship with her.
Whilst the story didn't suck me in straight away, it took me about 100 pages to warm up to it, in the end I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the subject line was handled very well and I enjoyed the characters and the way they were written. I would definately keep an eye out for more of this authors work in the future.
Being a surrogate is a very important thing and I believe it shouldnt be a decision made on the whim like the character of Joanie did in this book. Couple of weeks later she changes her mind, says the whole thing didn't work and basically decides to keep the child herself....and not because she loved the little life inside her and wanted desperately to be a good mother etc. For 3/4s of the book I found myself really disliking her character and even though she said she loved Scout, I didn't really feel it until the end of the book when she stopped thinking of herself and did the best thing for that little girl.
I loved Scout's character, absolutely adored her. I felt so sorry for her but even though Joanie wasn't an awful mum she was definately a little neglectful, but Scout didn't hold any of this against her and loved her, she is her mum at the end of the day and I understood that. She was very smart and considering how old some 10/11 year olds are now, she seemed young and child like and I really liked that aspect of her character. I liked how she befriended people and how those other characters helped her with the "own learning".
Ned and Elisabetta was a bit different, as we didn't really have a lot from their perspectives in this book, but what was there I did enjoy. I liked how they weren't angry and bitter at what Joanie had effectively stolen from them and they just wanted a chance to know Scout and have any kind of relationship with her.
Whilst the story didn't suck me in straight away, it took me about 100 pages to warm up to it, in the end I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think the subject line was handled very well and I enjoyed the characters and the way they were written. I would definately keep an eye out for more of this authors work in the future.
December 1, 2015
An enjoyable, thoughtful read, although I did find it a little dragged out in the endless running of Joanie and Scout, and I don't believe I find Joanie anywhere near as charming as the author does. Little Scout on the other hand was very well done. It's just unfortunate that I was far more interested in (and invested in) her barely explored relationship with her dad than all the time spent on her mother.
Joanie's very underlined irresponsibility did make the ending somewhat obvious, and took away from some of the potential emotional conflict, I think, but it didn't damage the basic readability of the book much.
Joanie's very underlined irresponsibility did make the ending somewhat obvious, and took away from some of the potential emotional conflict, I think, but it didn't damage the basic readability of the book much.
May 4, 2012
I really enjoyed this, a book full of dilemma's and questions about what makes a "good" mother. It took a while for me to get into and wondered should I carry on but was glad that I did. Joanie annoyed me through most of the book until the end when I felt so very sad for her. Scout was just a sweetheart and someone you could not but help love.
Character descriptions were so well done Mrs Eastman irritated me from the start and I fell just a little bit in love with old Mr . Groves. The title of the book was what initially grabbed me and I enjoyed the explanation of where it came from.
Character descriptions were so well done Mrs Eastman irritated me from the start and I fell just a little bit in love with old Mr . Groves. The title of the book was what initially grabbed me and I enjoyed the explanation of where it came from.
May 23, 2018
This book is full of good and complicated questions. Questions that were answered eventually, at the end, for these characters, but that might be answered completely differently in another situation. How to make choices about what is best? And for whom? And who should you think of first? Lots of good questions.
And many good characters, too. I appreciated how every character was written openly, with nothing to hide. The narration kept switching from 3rd person to a different 3rd person, but this technique shed the greatest light on a story that could have been obtuse and confusing.
The question of "good" motherhood is huge and currently a hot topic as modern mothers open up to express previously unallowable views about their lives and their work as mothers. Selfishness, selflessness, self-sacrifice... I don't think anyone can truly deny that parenthood requires putting your children first sometimes. Maybe all of the time. Or most of the time. It was so clear at a few points in the book that Scout had become more like a pet to Joanie--a cat that you don't really have to do anything for or pay much attention to when you don't feel like it but is nice to have around when you come home--and that that is less than ideal. And the contradiction at the very end was poignant. Joanie gives her daughter a better life at last, but this is both terrible (what kind of mother wouldn't fight harder for her child?) and selfless (she finally saw that her lifestyle was not good for Scout) at the same time.
This story ends happily, and it seems that everyone ends up with good things. Maybe this is made possible by the concept of the "modern" family, which does not conform to previous patterns, and maybe this is also sadly naive and rare in real life. Either way, I am happy for what Joanie discovered about herself and the strength she had to do what she needed to do. And I am happy for Scout and the love she gets to have from all directions.
And many good characters, too. I appreciated how every character was written openly, with nothing to hide. The narration kept switching from 3rd person to a different 3rd person, but this technique shed the greatest light on a story that could have been obtuse and confusing.
The question of "good" motherhood is huge and currently a hot topic as modern mothers open up to express previously unallowable views about their lives and their work as mothers. Selfishness, selflessness, self-sacrifice... I don't think anyone can truly deny that parenthood requires putting your children first sometimes. Maybe all of the time. Or most of the time. It was so clear at a few points in the book that Scout had become more like a pet to Joanie--a cat that you don't really have to do anything for or pay much attention to when you don't feel like it but is nice to have around when you come home--and that that is less than ideal. And the contradiction at the very end was poignant. Joanie gives her daughter a better life at last, but this is both terrible (what kind of mother wouldn't fight harder for her child?) and selfless (she finally saw that her lifestyle was not good for Scout) at the same time.
This story ends happily, and it seems that everyone ends up with good things. Maybe this is made possible by the concept of the "modern" family, which does not conform to previous patterns, and maybe this is also sadly naive and rare in real life. Either way, I am happy for what Joanie discovered about herself and the strength she had to do what she needed to do. And I am happy for Scout and the love she gets to have from all directions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2018
Although based on an interesting topic, the book was mediocre. Scout is likable, as are her scenes with her many neighbors throughout the book. I enjoyed being keyed into her thoughts and ways of processing her mother’s ill-formed ideas. I didn’t like Joanie in the least; she seemed to have very few redeemable qualities. I found the ending to be rather predictable after getting through the first twenty odd pages. All in all, Her Giant Octopus Moment was a decent read. At first glance, title and cover intrigued me, but I cannot say the story arch did the same.
August 2, 2020
Definitely an enjoyable read but I found the ending really predictable given the book’s title and the explanation of what the giant octopus does early in the book. I also found the characterisation of the legal team / social services a bit clichéd and not really necessary; would have preferred more pages given up to Ned and Elizabeth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
I loved Scouts character in this, however I felt fairly cold toward Joanie (her mother). It was a great little feel good read with an interesting storyline.
I feel like the author tried to portray Joanie as doing her best, despite the glaringly obvious neglect.
It was easy to read and to pick back up again.
Overall, it was a fairly good book.
I feel like the author tried to portray Joanie as doing her best, despite the glaringly obvious neglect.
It was easy to read and to pick back up again.
Overall, it was a fairly good book.
March 30, 2020
All the charm of A Man Called Ove with richly drawn characters and a pacy storyline. A little neat at the end but actually anything else wouldn’t have left me feeling as happy. Uplifting and a heartwarming - just what I needed at this time.
August 21, 2024
This was a random book I picked up in a charity shop, bought on the basis of the story description. It was really engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll definitely be looking out for other books by the same author.
March 16, 2017
A surrogate mother fakes a miscarriage and keeps the child for herself. More than a decade later the deception comes to light, and they are on the run, to a city tower block, to the south coast, and on to a Norfolk fruit-picking farm. I was given another Kay Langdale novel a year ago and enjoyed it so much that I was keen to read another. I wasn’t disappointed. This was just as good and engrossing as ‘Away from you’ and again the star is the eleven-year-old girl, Scout: long-suffering, resourceful, clever and vulnerable – completely endearing.
December 6, 2011
Joan Simpson decides one day to become a surrogate mother for Ned and Elisabetta Beecham. Then part-way into the pregnancy, she decides she no longer wants to give her baby away. So she lies. 'Maybe if you buried something deep enough it need never come out.' Nearly eleven years later, Joan (now Joanie) and young Scout Simpson are spotted by someone who remembers Joan, and can't quite believe she is seeing Scout. Once Joanie becomes aware that her secret is out, she takes Scout on the run. Their lifestyle may not be 'normal' or stable, but she loves Scout and isn't that what counts?
This is a lovely, touching read, with moments of emotional intensity and humour, and some great characters. Scout is the best by far, she is so lovely, such a great girl; intelligent, inquisitive, caring, and very strong. She is insightful about many things. I really liked Scout straight away, and felt so sad for her sometimes, for all the time she is on her own. She ponders what makes a home, is fascinated by and curious about learning things. One of the most moving scenes for me is when Scout is arranging her dolls house, the minute details she pays attention to. Her mother Joanie is flawed but by no means heartless. She adores Scout, but selfishly she is glad ‘for a child who was resourceful, low-maintenance, and quick on the uptake.’, because this allows Joanie to live the unorthodox lifestyle she does.
The story explores a little beyond the main characters, to touch briefly at times on the thoughts of the peripheral players involved here; the Beechams themselves, with Elisabetta feeling ‘loss was a determined companion. It hunkered down for the long haul.’ The judge who oversees the case, the solicitor representing the Beechams, the social worker who will become involved; their thoughts are all briefly depicted which adds to the tale well. And the lovely creations Mr Mohammed and Mr Groves who, along with the mobile library, become the key parts of Scout's day-to-day life whilst in Birmingham. She forms unusual but touching and innocent friendships with people, and in doing so, she keeps her unusual daily life on an even keel, whilst learning all manner of things in her attempts to compensate herself for missing school.
A moving, thought-provoking, character-led novel by a talented writer.
This is a lovely, touching read, with moments of emotional intensity and humour, and some great characters. Scout is the best by far, she is so lovely, such a great girl; intelligent, inquisitive, caring, and very strong. She is insightful about many things. I really liked Scout straight away, and felt so sad for her sometimes, for all the time she is on her own. She ponders what makes a home, is fascinated by and curious about learning things. One of the most moving scenes for me is when Scout is arranging her dolls house, the minute details she pays attention to. Her mother Joanie is flawed but by no means heartless. She adores Scout, but selfishly she is glad ‘for a child who was resourceful, low-maintenance, and quick on the uptake.’, because this allows Joanie to live the unorthodox lifestyle she does.
The story explores a little beyond the main characters, to touch briefly at times on the thoughts of the peripheral players involved here; the Beechams themselves, with Elisabetta feeling ‘loss was a determined companion. It hunkered down for the long haul.’ The judge who oversees the case, the solicitor representing the Beechams, the social worker who will become involved; their thoughts are all briefly depicted which adds to the tale well. And the lovely creations Mr Mohammed and Mr Groves who, along with the mobile library, become the key parts of Scout's day-to-day life whilst in Birmingham. She forms unusual but touching and innocent friendships with people, and in doing so, she keeps her unusual daily life on an even keel, whilst learning all manner of things in her attempts to compensate herself for missing school.
A moving, thought-provoking, character-led novel by a talented writer.
October 3, 2015
I picked this up from the library on a whim, and was surprised by how invested I became in Scout's story from the opening chapter. It was really hard to put down due to enjoyable nature of the story and the well fleshed-out characters, so I knocked it out in two sittings (broken up by a thoughtful walk home from the station).
‘Her Giant Octopus Moment’ is the story of a mother and daughter on the run, practically living week to week until they are discovered again, and are forced to take flight once more.
Their secret for being constantly on the go is revealed at the start of the novel (and is mentioned in the blurb in alternate editions) is enough to make you question Joanie’s intentions and integrity. Having signed on to be the surrogate mother on behalf of Ned and Elisabetta Beecham, she changed her mind several months into the pregnancy. In order to keep “her” child, Joanie faked a miscarriage, went overseas, pretended to lose her passport, and applied for a new one as “Joanie”, previously having been just Joan. Things become harder for the pair on the run as the couple try to track her down, in order to discover what is really best for Scout.
For a full review, check it out on my blog:
http://www.wallflowerblog.com/inalibr...
‘Her Giant Octopus Moment’ is the story of a mother and daughter on the run, practically living week to week until they are discovered again, and are forced to take flight once more.
Their secret for being constantly on the go is revealed at the start of the novel (and is mentioned in the blurb in alternate editions) is enough to make you question Joanie’s intentions and integrity. Having signed on to be the surrogate mother on behalf of Ned and Elisabetta Beecham, she changed her mind several months into the pregnancy. In order to keep “her” child, Joanie faked a miscarriage, went overseas, pretended to lose her passport, and applied for a new one as “Joanie”, previously having been just Joan. Things become harder for the pair on the run as the couple try to track her down, in order to discover what is really best for Scout.
For a full review, check it out on my blog:
http://www.wallflowerblog.com/inalibr...
November 14, 2022
The controversial subject matter of this book really piqued my interest and I read it within one day as I couldn’t put it down.⠀
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Scout is a sweet, intelligent and loveable girl who was destined to be a surrogate child for another family. However the surrogate mother Joanie faked a miscarriage and kept Scout for herself. When Scout is 11 she gets caught out and they go on the run, moving around the UK.⠀
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I loved Scout as a character she was adorable. But I absolutely hated Joanie. She was a terrible mother and you could tell she wished she didn’t have Scout, which really bothered me.⠀
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Overall I loved this book, the character development was excellent with some interesting minor characters. It was a thought provoking and emotional read but easy to devour in a day.⠀
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Scout is a sweet, intelligent and loveable girl who was destined to be a surrogate child for another family. However the surrogate mother Joanie faked a miscarriage and kept Scout for herself. When Scout is 11 she gets caught out and they go on the run, moving around the UK.⠀
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I loved Scout as a character she was adorable. But I absolutely hated Joanie. She was a terrible mother and you could tell she wished she didn’t have Scout, which really bothered me.⠀
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Overall I loved this book, the character development was excellent with some interesting minor characters. It was a thought provoking and emotional read but easy to devour in a day.⠀
February 26, 2016
I found this little novel in the bargain bin of my local book store. The story line sounded intriguing, so I thought I would give it a go. Well, I was pleasantly surprised with this one! Other reviews might provide you with a general overview of the plot, so I will not re-hash it all here for you, but I will say that this story line was refreshing and ethically appealing. Although, I could not relate with Scout's mother on any level, as I found her to be narcissistic and greatly immature, I was pleased that she had the ability to recognize her limitations and finally become the self-less mother she should have been all along. A very good little read!
July 17, 2013
It started off really well, very likeable characters and enough suspense. However, people that pay a little attention will have figured out the entire plot of the second half about midway through. It is very predictable, and not in the best possible way. Also, some of these likeable characters seem to disappear midway through, only to reappear at the end, completely impersonal and distanced, not what they were set out to be.
If not for Scout, the book is rather a disappointment.
If not for Scout, the book is rather a disappointment.
January 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, I really enjoyed the way there were a lot of questions and the way those questions were answered without you realising it was happening.
I thought the characters were strong and also so realistic. I had an instant love for Scout and her inquisitive nature and also Joanie really just wanting to try and be a good mum.
The book was witty, funny, heart warming and a really great read with a cup of tea and biscuits.
I thought the characters were strong and also so realistic. I had an instant love for Scout and her inquisitive nature and also Joanie really just wanting to try and be a good mum.
The book was witty, funny, heart warming and a really great read with a cup of tea and biscuits.
July 11, 2012
Intriguing title for a book and after seeing a review in a magazine I wanted to read more. Normally read your classic easy read chick lit - so found this a bit hard going. Enjoyed the storyline but did sometimes wander when was the story going to end. Hard going but enjoyable once I decided to preserve!
April 4, 2014
What a superb first novel. It is worth reading for the minor characters alone who are beautifully drawn and exquisitely described. I adored Scout. She is a true survivor. This is an unusual book, different and thoroughly entertaining and interesting. Do not be put off by the cover. My book group thought it was chick-lit and it is anything but! We loved it, without exception.
July 1, 2012
about a little girl who is loved but neglected by her mother as they move around to avoid the truth about how her mother ended up having her. really good to read, liked the way she described the feelings of the little girl but also made me care about all the other characters too.
July 17, 2013
This book has such a unique premise, the character were intriguing and likable (Joanie in a few instances was a little frustrating), and the book was really well written.
I would highly recommend this novel as a read that I think most people would enjoy.
I would highly recommend this novel as a read that I think most people would enjoy.
June 29, 2015
Interesting book with an interesting story. The daughter Scout is very believable. About 2/3s of the way through I started getting antsy for something to happen, but then it did and I was happy with the book in the end.
August 26, 2012
Lot's of complex issues about parenthood and wonderful characters, which some you just fall in love with. Couldn't put the book down.
May 9, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Good, sympathetic, believable characters. I really empathised with the little girl. Could not dcide how I WANTED it to end. Extremely well written.
April 7, 2017
這本正好是皆在偷書賊之後看的，短時間看了兩個愛看書的女孩，這個故事不複雜，代理孕母代到一半就逃之夭夭把小孩據為己有，我很喜歡絲考蒂自學的過程，自己安排社會課、自然課、數學課，跟鄰居學習禮儀，運用移動圖書館看書，自己烤麵包做早餐，很棒的小女孩，雖然母親白目白目的，但是絲考蒂太可愛了，結局也很美滿。
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June 6, 2017dnf at page 16
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