The Conversations: 66 Reasons to Start Talking

by Olivia Fane

We've all known the heady thrill of a conversation that goes on all night. Once we had opinions on everything but as life becomes more humdrum we often lose that passion. Sometimes we can't remember what we really think at all.This brilliant book encourages us all to think anew. Olivia Fane provides the starting points for 66 conversations to be had with a partner, friend, stranger or simply with ourselves. These thought-provoking and stimulating short discussions on happiness, vanity, infidelity, education and more, ask you the questions that will help you get to know those with whom you share your life.Whether you agree or vehemently disagree, The Conversations provides endless food for thought and a surprising window onto some of the big subjects that define who we are and how we live.

Genres: Nonfiction

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[RocioST · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found the idea of this book fascinating but it lacked research or more thought out opinions- whilst I’m guessing the author intended for this to come out in the conversations it seeks to spark.. I believe it falls short.
The chapter on socialism made me want to jump off my balcony!

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing beats connecting with people on the most obscure of things.  In The Conversations, Olive Fane picks 66 topics that everyone has probably thought about but may have relegated to the back of our minds.  She discusses topics ranging from flirting, cooking, socialism, Plato to having needs in very short chapters. 

Fane's tone reminds of a favourite, eccentric auntie who tells it like it is with a touch of British wit. She borrows heavily from her life experiences and shares her love for ancient Greece and philosophy without bogging down the reader It is quite clear that she has an opinion on the topics but she does not preach to the reader. Instead, she makes her point and leaves the reader to ruminate on the issues with the accompanying discussion questions.  

This would make a great article club read.

[Janine Blowder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I'd hate to have a conversation with this author. She burbles out in an uncontrollable way, falling over herself. Take a hot bath, dear, before you express your opinion. Clumsy and unfocussed writing and all over the place and very, very emotional. I hesitate to use the word hysterical, but just CALM DOWN.

[Emmanuel Omoniyi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good questions but obnoxiously written.

[M-L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia Fane first impressed my with an article she wrote about her fifteen year old self falling on love with her physics teacher. A friend sent it to me (she reminded him of me) and I loved Fane's style ever since.
This is the first if her novels I have read and although I still love her literary style, there were elements of this book that disappointed me. I did enjoy conversations, her topics were good, her opinions insightful, varied and humourous. However, just as I would be beginning to get into the conversation she was having, it would end. I don't know if this was the point of the book, to get the reader to carry on the conversation or indeed just to be that short. I would have preferred if there were less topics but more conversation because the huge part of Fane's appeal is her and her books need more of her.

[Antonia Rolls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Olivia Fane's writing. She is so bright and irreverent, so challenging and so lovely, I feel I have been in the company of a deep thinker that loves life. The Conversations are deeply funny but powerfully real. Olivia argues her case and sometimes you agree with her, sometimes you don't. But it makes you want to tell her what you think, and that is the point. I can imagine her saying, Don't tell me, tell your spouse, friend, lover - talk to them! Conversations is sheer fun. Clever, accurate, entertaining, challenging fun. I love it.

[Flyingbroom · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only a religious woman to write something like this.
After reading the first few chapters, it became obvious that the author is very uncomfortable with her own sexuality, while simultaneously too open-minded to physical violence. Her attitude of masochism and sense of inferiority in her relations with men is also evident to the point of nausea.

Definitely NOT a good read and, much less, an enlightening one.

[Frank Lindt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fane invites the reader to think about some of the fundamentals of life and talk about them with others. The topics are fairly 'homely' as in that they stick very much to the interpersonal relationships people have. Nonetheless, I am positive that anyone can feel at least a little bit inspired by the discussions she proposes us to engage in, and that should already be enough.

[Suzi Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and thought provoking - as it is meant to be. Funny in places and controversial in others, it makes you question yourself and what you thought you believed. Great to read with friends,partners, and would be wonderful for discussions in a book club!

[Sinae Carrotate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her honest and candid thoughts of life is very brilliant. I could find some clues about myself through the questions in each chapter. I really recommend this book to people who love exploring their thought process.

[Yeewei Cheo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unpopular opinions on many topics. Some I agree with almost wholeheartedly, some not so. Light-hearted, inspiring and thought-provoking.

[Wendyjune · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read. Not a book to tell you how to think or talk, but one to expand your mind and know yourself a little better. Really fun, and done with humour.