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Despite Losing It on Finkle Street
Rachel Murdoch is living a lonely village life in the Lake District in the shadow of the memory of her grandparents. When she finds a young man who connects with her, she wonders if she may have at last found the new start she is looking for, despite the opposition she faces from his family.But is Will hiding a secret, or is it just that the emotional holes in his life go to a depth that will stretch her beyond her limits? It is up to Rachel to put together the pieces of his past, and to decide whether she is still committed enough to stand by him.
Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
39 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Priestley
10 books58 followersSamantha is a UK based writer, with short stories published in various magazines and anthologies both at home and abroad, including the new Edit Red anthology, Late Night River Lights.
Samantha’s first novel, Despite Losing it on Finkle Street, was chosen as the launch title for the new imprint, Pioneer Readers, at Fygleaves Publishing, where the first chapter can be read online. The book is available to order from all bookshops and websites. ISBN 9780955078057.
Samantha’s first novel, Despite Losing it on Finkle Street, was chosen as the launch title for the new imprint, Pioneer Readers, at Fygleaves Publishing, where the first chapter can be read online. The book is available to order from all bookshops and websites. ISBN 9780955078057.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 10, 2008
Reviewed by Claire Connolly
After reading a sample chapter and ordering the whole book, I've been waiting (impatiently) for my copy. I finally got my hands on it Tuesday, promptly read half of it - had to stop because of a spectacularly weak stomach - then finished it yesterday. Slept on it and now I'm here, saying what I thought of it.
Despite Losing it on Finkle Street by Samantha Priestley is part of the Pioneer Readers series. I will be posting about that crowd at some stage because I'm really interested in how they work and love the idea that they promote unknown writers and help them achieve their goals.
So back to the point.
Despite Losing it on Finkle Street is Samantha Priestley's first novel. It is about an extremely lonely woman named Rachel, who is desperate for some love and companionship. Her past and her relationship with family members have dictated her behaviour - namely the mistakes she made in the search for something to fill the emptiness she felt. Her life is like an endless black void full of nothing to look forward to until she meets Will. She finally connects with someone, someone who by all accounts shouldn't be the one. She needs someone who won't abandon her but a big age gap puts pressure on both of them.
Will has his own problems. His own emptiness. A loveless family and a past he can't remember. His story is dark but Rachel's isn't exactly sunshine and light either. The book revolves around their fledgeling relationship, the obstacles they must overcome and past demons that must be faced. Two separate souls looking for answers and a way to move on. Without giving too much away, this is the bare outline for the story (in my words).
I enjoyed this book. I'm glad I bought it. In a way I was sorry it wasn't longer but in hindsight, any more suspense about Will's past would have killed me :) The characters themselves were sometimes depressing but that made them real. Most of us are haunted by something and most of the characters bore more than a passing resemblance to many people I've come across in my life. It's a true depiction of history repeating itself in Rachel's case and jealousy and lies of the worst kind in Will's.
We can all recognise some of the significant issues in this book, unwanted children, age differences, loss, abandonment, seemingly over protective mothers and ulterior motives. I think the writer portrays the sly, manipulative and black nature of one of the characters particularly well. It's a slow burning story but I felt it moved along fluidly as tidbits of the truth are carefully revealed along the way. It really got into the mindset of the characters and I have no clue as to why the author found the book difficult to publish. It was well written, easy to read and most importantly - original. Sam Priestley knows her characters completely and writes an authenticly modern day love story well suited for today's troubled times. In short - brilliant.
If you're looking for chirpy chick lit or fast moving all out action, maaaaybe this book isn't for you. But if you want something interesting, different and fascinatingly dark then go for it. If you are particularly partial to finding out why people behave the way they do, read this book. And...if you like to be moved, buy this book, bag yourself some quiet time and enjoy.
After reading a sample chapter and ordering the whole book, I've been waiting (impatiently) for my copy. I finally got my hands on it Tuesday, promptly read half of it - had to stop because of a spectacularly weak stomach - then finished it yesterday. Slept on it and now I'm here, saying what I thought of it.
Despite Losing it on Finkle Street by Samantha Priestley is part of the Pioneer Readers series. I will be posting about that crowd at some stage because I'm really interested in how they work and love the idea that they promote unknown writers and help them achieve their goals.
So back to the point.
Despite Losing it on Finkle Street is Samantha Priestley's first novel. It is about an extremely lonely woman named Rachel, who is desperate for some love and companionship. Her past and her relationship with family members have dictated her behaviour - namely the mistakes she made in the search for something to fill the emptiness she felt. Her life is like an endless black void full of nothing to look forward to until she meets Will. She finally connects with someone, someone who by all accounts shouldn't be the one. She needs someone who won't abandon her but a big age gap puts pressure on both of them.
Will has his own problems. His own emptiness. A loveless family and a past he can't remember. His story is dark but Rachel's isn't exactly sunshine and light either. The book revolves around their fledgeling relationship, the obstacles they must overcome and past demons that must be faced. Two separate souls looking for answers and a way to move on. Without giving too much away, this is the bare outline for the story (in my words).
I enjoyed this book. I'm glad I bought it. In a way I was sorry it wasn't longer but in hindsight, any more suspense about Will's past would have killed me :) The characters themselves were sometimes depressing but that made them real. Most of us are haunted by something and most of the characters bore more than a passing resemblance to many people I've come across in my life. It's a true depiction of history repeating itself in Rachel's case and jealousy and lies of the worst kind in Will's.
We can all recognise some of the significant issues in this book, unwanted children, age differences, loss, abandonment, seemingly over protective mothers and ulterior motives. I think the writer portrays the sly, manipulative and black nature of one of the characters particularly well. It's a slow burning story but I felt it moved along fluidly as tidbits of the truth are carefully revealed along the way. It really got into the mindset of the characters and I have no clue as to why the author found the book difficult to publish. It was well written, easy to read and most importantly - original. Sam Priestley knows her characters completely and writes an authenticly modern day love story well suited for today's troubled times. In short - brilliant.
If you're looking for chirpy chick lit or fast moving all out action, maaaaybe this book isn't for you. But if you want something interesting, different and fascinatingly dark then go for it. If you are particularly partial to finding out why people behave the way they do, read this book. And...if you like to be moved, buy this book, bag yourself some quiet time and enjoy.
November 2, 2016
This is an incredible piece of writing .
At first this book seems to be very heavy and slow going but as you read on pieces quickly begin to register and drop into place which, in turn, builds a hunger and thirst to know more...a need to have the truth.
The initial story line appears to be a timeless tale of foolish social repetition throughout a family history-lust being mistaken for love with the natural consequences of 'unwanted' pregnancies and necessary marriage as a result. As this cycle is repeated for a third generation of women in one family another truth slowly becomes apparent - a much more sinister and deadly family secret hidden by the fathers family of this latest child to be conceived outside of marriage...
The characters in this story are incredibly realistic and the reader often feels the need to shout aloud in frustration at the simplicity that seems to govern them in places. We sit back in horror as twist after turn slowly reveals the secrets that are slowly teased out...secrets that explode in a climax that is as shocking as it is unexpected.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller
At first this book seems to be very heavy and slow going but as you read on pieces quickly begin to register and drop into place which, in turn, builds a hunger and thirst to know more...a need to have the truth.
The initial story line appears to be a timeless tale of foolish social repetition throughout a family history-lust being mistaken for love with the natural consequences of 'unwanted' pregnancies and necessary marriage as a result. As this cycle is repeated for a third generation of women in one family another truth slowly becomes apparent - a much more sinister and deadly family secret hidden by the fathers family of this latest child to be conceived outside of marriage...
The characters in this story are incredibly realistic and the reader often feels the need to shout aloud in frustration at the simplicity that seems to govern them in places. We sit back in horror as twist after turn slowly reveals the secrets that are slowly teased out...secrets that explode in a climax that is as shocking as it is unexpected.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller
December 15, 2015
This book is an utter gem from start to finish! I loved the pace; throughout the book, darkness and peacefulness go hand in hand. Set in the glorious surroundings of the Lake District, Finkle Street is steeped in beauty and calm but sitting right next to those two is mystery and suspense. The plot twists and turns a few times and adds to the richness and depth to the story. It will have you, just like it did me, I'm the palm of its hand and it won't let you go until the very last syllable. Absolutely beautifully written.
April 2, 2012
Definitely not the usual fare; nice change of pace with an interesting story that makes you think.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews