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My Grandfather's Eyes
Alex Crane loses her beloved grandfather when she is just four years old. As she grows, she shows a disturbing lack of empathy, becoming increasingly detached from her surroundings. When she marries, it is not for love. But her saving grace is that she cares deeply for her best friend, Lizzy.
When she accidentally discovers a piece of family history, Alex becomes obsessed with following a trail which she is convinced will explain the childhood memories that haunt her, and re-define her place in the world.
When she accidentally discovers a piece of family history, Alex becomes obsessed with following a trail which she is convinced will explain the childhood memories that haunt her, and re-define her place in the world.
280 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2012
16 people are currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Spicer
15 books74 followersBev Spicer has been writing full-time for eight years, from her crumbly Charentaise house in France. In a past life she gained a degree in English and French Literature (Keele University) and a PGCE in English methods (Queens' College, Cambridge).
She has lived in Bridgnorth, Cambridge, Rethymnon (Crete), Mahe (Seychelles), and now lives in Charente Maritime with her husband and youngest son. The next place she wants to explore is probably Spain. Her husband is very tolerant, and secretly enjoys chaos.
Bev has been a teacher, blackjack dealer for Playboy, examiner for Cambridge ESOL, secretary (various sorts - most boringly 'legal'), lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, and a Sunday checkout girl for Tesco (who allowed her to deliver surplus bakery products to the homeless – ‘every little helps’).
She loves people, reading, writing, speaking French, astronomy (quantum theory addict), gardening, travelling, and hates housework, cooking, drizzle and honey.
Bev publishes under the name Bev Spicer for her lighter books and B. A. Spicer for more literary work.
She has lived in Bridgnorth, Cambridge, Rethymnon (Crete), Mahe (Seychelles), and now lives in Charente Maritime with her husband and youngest son. The next place she wants to explore is probably Spain. Her husband is very tolerant, and secretly enjoys chaos.
Bev has been a teacher, blackjack dealer for Playboy, examiner for Cambridge ESOL, secretary (various sorts - most boringly 'legal'), lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, and a Sunday checkout girl for Tesco (who allowed her to deliver surplus bakery products to the homeless – ‘every little helps’).
She loves people, reading, writing, speaking French, astronomy (quantum theory addict), gardening, travelling, and hates housework, cooking, drizzle and honey.
Bev publishes under the name Bev Spicer for her lighter books and B. A. Spicer for more literary work.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 27, 2014
I read Bev Spicer’s novel, ‘Bunny on a Bike’ a year ago and enjoyed it enormously. It was light, frothy and funny.
‘My Grandfather’s Eyes’ is none of the above.
This novel is a first person, present tense narrative – difficult at the best of times - dealing with the innermost thoughts and motivations of a woman, Alex, denied her friend Lizzie, whom she desires with an overwhelming passion, and settling instead for a husband she can tolerate and occasionally like. It’s dark, but not in an overtly horrific sense, although it does have its nightmare moments. What is most impressive about this book is the way in which the author effortlessly immerses the reader in Alex’s skewed world with a certain compulsive intensity.
Throughout, there is a brooding sense of unbalance, of madness, in the actions and thoughts of the protagonist, but is she insane? Is passion a form of madness? The shifting patterns of her relationships, the fixity of her obsession with the primary object of her affections is not completely ‘normal’, but her feelings reminded me of the powerful feelings I had about a totally unsuitable girl when I was fourteen. I grew out of those feelings, but our protagonist does not and whether that says her feelings are true love or psychosis is for the reader to decide. One event in the book perhaps points to the latter, but I won’t spoil it.
However, this is not solely a narrative about the relationship between Alex and Lizzie. There are shocking secrets to be uncovered too and I won’t spoil them, either!
‘My Grandfather’s Eyes’ is an adult, psychological suspense story, written in a masterful, unforced style by an author who writes powerfully about the hidden desires human beings may harbour, despite their unattainability. For me, it was difficult to get into initially, probably because I was hung up on the author’s previous work and expecting a few wry sitcom moments, but I’m glad I persisted – it is a wonderful work of readable ‘literature’ and a terrific achievement. It deserves every one of the five stars I have no hesitation in awarding. I hope the author writes more works with the same insights into human nature.
Recommended.
‘My Grandfather’s Eyes’ is none of the above.
This novel is a first person, present tense narrative – difficult at the best of times - dealing with the innermost thoughts and motivations of a woman, Alex, denied her friend Lizzie, whom she desires with an overwhelming passion, and settling instead for a husband she can tolerate and occasionally like. It’s dark, but not in an overtly horrific sense, although it does have its nightmare moments. What is most impressive about this book is the way in which the author effortlessly immerses the reader in Alex’s skewed world with a certain compulsive intensity.
Throughout, there is a brooding sense of unbalance, of madness, in the actions and thoughts of the protagonist, but is she insane? Is passion a form of madness? The shifting patterns of her relationships, the fixity of her obsession with the primary object of her affections is not completely ‘normal’, but her feelings reminded me of the powerful feelings I had about a totally unsuitable girl when I was fourteen. I grew out of those feelings, but our protagonist does not and whether that says her feelings are true love or psychosis is for the reader to decide. One event in the book perhaps points to the latter, but I won’t spoil it.
However, this is not solely a narrative about the relationship between Alex and Lizzie. There are shocking secrets to be uncovered too and I won’t spoil them, either!
‘My Grandfather’s Eyes’ is an adult, psychological suspense story, written in a masterful, unforced style by an author who writes powerfully about the hidden desires human beings may harbour, despite their unattainability. For me, it was difficult to get into initially, probably because I was hung up on the author’s previous work and expecting a few wry sitcom moments, but I’m glad I persisted – it is a wonderful work of readable ‘literature’ and a terrific achievement. It deserves every one of the five stars I have no hesitation in awarding. I hope the author writes more works with the same insights into human nature.
Recommended.
February 27, 2015
4.5 stars
Alex’s story is told, in the first person and present tense and draws the reader into her world of extremely well drawn and distinct, albeit not always likeable, characters that surround her. The narrative begins with the death of Alex’s grandfather, his funeral and the first signs that maybe something about this family is slightly skewed. The heated words Alex overhears exchanged between her mother and father later that night unnerve her although she’s not sure why.
And then, back to the present where Alex’s husband, Richard, is in hospital in a critical condition as Alex waits for news. Thereafter the timeline alternates between past and present giving an insight into Alex’s sometimes irrational thoughts and feelings, or rather the lack of them, since she was a young child.
Alex’s physical appearance, and how it affects herself and others, may have sown the seeds for her heartless, and sometimes callous, behaviour but whatever the reason there are only two people she loves; her grandfather and her best friend since childhood, Lizzy. She selfishly manipulates situations and people, without conscience, to achieve her own desires regardless of any negative effects.
From the beginning of the story it’s apparent Alex has done something appalling but as the story progresses her cold and calculating nature becomes more and more obvious. It’s as though sentiments skim the surface, she does what is expected, and not much actually touches her. She’s always distant and detached and marries Richard with that same mindset, although he loves her deeply. Only her very strong feelings for Lizzy and her grandfather break through the barriers.
It’s an extraordinary novel, given the content, the original take on the main protagonist and making her mostly unlikable and difficult to warm to, as well as the excellent writing leading into ever more complex and multi layered plot lines. The family skeletons are revealed in such a way as to make reading compulsory with the need to know. And, although initially I felt some measure of sympathy for the young Alex, I couldn’t really maintain it. The characters are very well-developed and intertwined in an intensely powerful and dark psychological drama.
Alex’s story is told, in the first person and present tense and draws the reader into her world of extremely well drawn and distinct, albeit not always likeable, characters that surround her. The narrative begins with the death of Alex’s grandfather, his funeral and the first signs that maybe something about this family is slightly skewed. The heated words Alex overhears exchanged between her mother and father later that night unnerve her although she’s not sure why.
And then, back to the present where Alex’s husband, Richard, is in hospital in a critical condition as Alex waits for news. Thereafter the timeline alternates between past and present giving an insight into Alex’s sometimes irrational thoughts and feelings, or rather the lack of them, since she was a young child.
Alex’s physical appearance, and how it affects herself and others, may have sown the seeds for her heartless, and sometimes callous, behaviour but whatever the reason there are only two people she loves; her grandfather and her best friend since childhood, Lizzy. She selfishly manipulates situations and people, without conscience, to achieve her own desires regardless of any negative effects.
From the beginning of the story it’s apparent Alex has done something appalling but as the story progresses her cold and calculating nature becomes more and more obvious. It’s as though sentiments skim the surface, she does what is expected, and not much actually touches her. She’s always distant and detached and marries Richard with that same mindset, although he loves her deeply. Only her very strong feelings for Lizzy and her grandfather break through the barriers.
It’s an extraordinary novel, given the content, the original take on the main protagonist and making her mostly unlikable and difficult to warm to, as well as the excellent writing leading into ever more complex and multi layered plot lines. The family skeletons are revealed in such a way as to make reading compulsory with the need to know. And, although initially I felt some measure of sympathy for the young Alex, I couldn’t really maintain it. The characters are very well-developed and intertwined in an intensely powerful and dark psychological drama.
May 20, 2016
Alex Crane's husband is critically ill in hospital as she waits to talk to the medical staff she recounts her life with him and their loveless marriage, as well as the secrets in her own family. Alex's relationship with her mother is strained, in part due the fact Alex has imperfections on her face in the form of moles, which have been prominent since birth, but she was close to her grandfather who passed away years ago. Her passion for her oldest friend burns brightly from when they were at school together. As Alex recounts her life we learn she has a deadly secret but there seem to be many secrets around her.
This character-driven psychological thriller develops slowly but grips and pulls you in. Alex is a complex character and does what is expected of her by society and her family on the surface, whilst deeper she is in turmoil and greatly unhappy and unfulfilled. The animosity between her mother and her paternal grandmother is overt but the reasons not really known to Alex, which leads to her delving into finding out what happened to cause their rift.
I found the book more interesting after I was half-way through it, the last half picks up the pace a little and we see and understand more about Alex and her family. An entertaining family drama with subtle twists.
This character-driven psychological thriller develops slowly but grips and pulls you in. Alex is a complex character and does what is expected of her by society and her family on the surface, whilst deeper she is in turmoil and greatly unhappy and unfulfilled. The animosity between her mother and her paternal grandmother is overt but the reasons not really known to Alex, which leads to her delving into finding out what happened to cause their rift.
I found the book more interesting after I was half-way through it, the last half picks up the pace a little and we see and understand more about Alex and her family. An entertaining family drama with subtle twists.
October 7, 2014
An unusual book with some very unusual characters. Each person had a range of problems that bring them together while at the same time puts them in conflict with each other.
An excellent psychological read.
An excellent psychological read.
September 29, 2016
While she is waiting for her ill husband in the hospital waiting room, Alex looks like any other woman. Except maybe for the moles on her face that have shaped her relationship to others and the world around her since she was a child. But that face hides feelings a that should not be flooding the mind of a loving wife anxiously waiting for news of her spouse.
Cold and detached, Alex walks down memory lane, from the funeral of the grandfather she was so close to, to this day, allowing her to dive into her mind to get an insight of what is going on in her head and her heart. As the story progresses and the events unfold before you eyes, one memory after the other, leading you back to the hospital, you realize there is more layers to Alex than her calculative mind wants you to know.
Doing what is expected of her, from marrying a nice man to finding a good position, she suffers an internal struggle as her feelings for her childhood friend Lizzy trouble her, having her longing for a freedom she can only achieve by making peace with herself and her family secrets.
My Grandfather’s Eyes is a riveting tale of appearances and secrets, pressure from the society and ourselves, enveloped by a sense of uneasiness and told by a woman with two faces.
The writing skillfully serves Alex’s portrait and her vision about life. I was intrigued from the start. I am not a big fan of slow-paced storylines, but seeing Alex’s life unfold slowly before my eyes, each chapter helping me dig deeper into her memories and the core of her being was captivating. Before long, I began to understand her choices and I caught myself warming to her, imagining what it was like to live her life. I even felt claustrophobic for her, being stuck in a life she doesn’t want to lead.
Emotions are always depicted spot-on, raw and real. There is no hesitation as Alex says it as she feels it. Inviting the reader into her mind through the first person narrative was a brilliant choice. It allowed me to connect with her, and I might not have enjoyed Alex’s story without an insight of her true feelings.
Every secondary character was complex and three-dimensional, creating a full world around Alex. Her husband, her grandmother, Lizzie, her parents, and of course her grandfather. Maybe because of her flaws, she managed to observe and explore her family so well that she unearthed secrets that have been plaguing lives for years. Her grandmother was a character I was drawn to instantly, her attitude and words cutting through the air. I had a feeling Alex had inherited bits of her personality from her. Family stories and secrets are some favorites of mine and I was not disappointed. The animosity between her grandmother and her mother sparked curiosity in me as much as it did for Alex and unravelling the truth turned out to be utterly satisfying!
Her obsession with Lizzie has driven many of her decisions, and even if I didn’t understand them all, I was able to see their relationship grow and Alex grow with it as she learned more about herself. At times I wished she had not been so selfish, and I felt sorry for her husband, the victim of life’s harsh realities and illusions.
Overall, My Grandfather’s eyes is a captivating character-driven psychological thriller filled with family drama and enough twists to keep you reading until you finally get the answers.
Due to the impossibility to give half ratings, my 3,5 appears as a 3 on Goodreads.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, this is my thank you to the author. This review was originally published on my blog https://chocolatenwafflesblog.wordpre...
March 16, 2013
Mature Audiences Only.
This has to be the most disturbing book I’ve ever read. As I said in the title, this is not sit back with a cup of coffee or tea with soothing music in the background. This is book is very disturbing travel through the psyche of one Alexandria Crane and her dysfunctional family. Think Sylvia Plath. We know how that ended.
Alex’s entire life centers around the moles on her face. They are the main focus of the story and how our appearances can have an extremely detrimental effect on our lives if we allow them to consume our everyday activities.
Her mother appears to shun her daughter for them. Her father is very interested in having them removed. Why? Perhaps it’s to deflect poor Alex’s lack of self-confidence and maybe cure his own embarrassment. Her grandmother (from her father’s side) could actually care less. She is too wrapped-up in her own world and is constantly badgering Alex’s mother for her poor treatment of Alex’s father. Her unfair treatment is buried deep in her own betrayal with her deceased husband. Only her grandfather and her best friend (who Alex is desperately in love with) Lizzy could care less about the abnormalities. They unconditionally love her.
The pros
1) The writing style is very fluid.
2) There appears to be an excellent message flowing through all of the depression and poor thoughts Alex carries through her life.
3) The character development is all too real.
The cons
1) I don’t think the cover does the book justice. Much too plain for such an involved work
2) I really didn’t think the story came full circle at the end
3) Extremely depressing.
4) I think the time line could have been more fluid. I’m still not sure why we kept going back and forth with the death of Alex’s husband Richard. When I read of her husband’s death in Chapter 7 (out of 43), I was thrown for a loop. Really broke my concentration. I’m still not sure why it was important to keep falling back to his death.
This book will do well with college English professors, Sociologist and Psychiatric/Psychological classes.
I seldom quantify a review, but in this case, based on the material, I must. This is a reservedly four star work. I don’t see this with a wide appeal to the masses, but for educational purposes and teaching, I believe the Universities will find this an excellent work of fiction detailing how a person’s outward appearance can impact one’s entire life if they so desire.
This has to be the most disturbing book I’ve ever read. As I said in the title, this is not sit back with a cup of coffee or tea with soothing music in the background. This is book is very disturbing travel through the psyche of one Alexandria Crane and her dysfunctional family. Think Sylvia Plath. We know how that ended.
Alex’s entire life centers around the moles on her face. They are the main focus of the story and how our appearances can have an extremely detrimental effect on our lives if we allow them to consume our everyday activities.
Her mother appears to shun her daughter for them. Her father is very interested in having them removed. Why? Perhaps it’s to deflect poor Alex’s lack of self-confidence and maybe cure his own embarrassment. Her grandmother (from her father’s side) could actually care less. She is too wrapped-up in her own world and is constantly badgering Alex’s mother for her poor treatment of Alex’s father. Her unfair treatment is buried deep in her own betrayal with her deceased husband. Only her grandfather and her best friend (who Alex is desperately in love with) Lizzy could care less about the abnormalities. They unconditionally love her.
The pros
1) The writing style is very fluid.
2) There appears to be an excellent message flowing through all of the depression and poor thoughts Alex carries through her life.
3) The character development is all too real.
The cons
1) I don’t think the cover does the book justice. Much too plain for such an involved work
2) I really didn’t think the story came full circle at the end
3) Extremely depressing.
4) I think the time line could have been more fluid. I’m still not sure why we kept going back and forth with the death of Alex’s husband Richard. When I read of her husband’s death in Chapter 7 (out of 43), I was thrown for a loop. Really broke my concentration. I’m still not sure why it was important to keep falling back to his death.
This book will do well with college English professors, Sociologist and Psychiatric/Psychological classes.
I seldom quantify a review, but in this case, based on the material, I must. This is a reservedly four star work. I don’t see this with a wide appeal to the masses, but for educational purposes and teaching, I believe the Universities will find this an excellent work of fiction detailing how a person’s outward appearance can impact one’s entire life if they so desire.
April 14, 2015
Alex Crane is the narrator of this dark, clever and extremely well-written book. This novel is completely different o anything I have read for a long time, disturbing and fascinating, Alex’s story is one that tests your sympathies to the limit.
Alex has moles. This might seem a simple thing but they, in some way, define her. She bears them proudly, refusing to be ashamed, refusing to accept the place in society that they should, in others eyes, confine her to. Her mother’s revulsion shapes her too and she grows up to love with passion, particularly her best friend Lizzie, who remains frustratingly out of reach, and to disdain, or at least discount, those who don’t rouse this passion in her - her weak father, her obliging husband, for example.
She loved her grandfather though and has a sort of grudging respect for her grandmother. It is her grandparent’s history, intertwined with her parent’s past, that becomes a source of fascination for Alex - the mystery at the heart of it revealing aspects of her grandmother that are within Alex too.
The first person narration places you, uncomfortably at times, in Alex’s world, with her skewed ideas of right and wrong. But, despite the things she does and thinks, I don’t hate her. I’m not sure that I like her, but I do, to an extent, understand her. And this is where the talent and the skill of the writer show. It’s hard to have the ‘hero’ of your story someone who should be the villain and even harder to write that character in such a way that your reader isn’t completely turned off. The author has managed to do that and the result is a book that’s hard to put down, beautifully crafted and compelling.
My only complaint? Without giving too much away, I would have liked to have known more about Alex’s grandparents and the effects of the Mexico trip. Although this was touched on, I would have liked more details.
Apart from this very minor point, I totally recommend this.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Alex has moles. This might seem a simple thing but they, in some way, define her. She bears them proudly, refusing to be ashamed, refusing to accept the place in society that they should, in others eyes, confine her to. Her mother’s revulsion shapes her too and she grows up to love with passion, particularly her best friend Lizzie, who remains frustratingly out of reach, and to disdain, or at least discount, those who don’t rouse this passion in her - her weak father, her obliging husband, for example.
She loved her grandfather though and has a sort of grudging respect for her grandmother. It is her grandparent’s history, intertwined with her parent’s past, that becomes a source of fascination for Alex - the mystery at the heart of it revealing aspects of her grandmother that are within Alex too.
The first person narration places you, uncomfortably at times, in Alex’s world, with her skewed ideas of right and wrong. But, despite the things she does and thinks, I don’t hate her. I’m not sure that I like her, but I do, to an extent, understand her. And this is where the talent and the skill of the writer show. It’s hard to have the ‘hero’ of your story someone who should be the villain and even harder to write that character in such a way that your reader isn’t completely turned off. The author has managed to do that and the result is a book that’s hard to put down, beautifully crafted and compelling.
My only complaint? Without giving too much away, I would have liked to have known more about Alex’s grandparents and the effects of the Mexico trip. Although this was touched on, I would have liked more details.
Apart from this very minor point, I totally recommend this.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
January 5, 2014
Alex Crane is not a nice woman. She has an incredibly inflated opinion of herself, and thinks very little of most other people. The only person she has ever really loved is her late grandfather, who died when she was four, and her lifelong best friend Lizzy. Alex is not in love with her husband, who would do anything for her. Her world seems centered on exactly what she cannot have.
So it's a real surprise how much I actually liked Alex. There's something about her arrogance and single-mindedness that's absolutely compelling. She approaches her world with a fascinating mix of contempt and longing. Where she loves, she loves fiercely.
B. A. Spicer surrounds her protagonist with a cast of characters designed to bring out the very worst in her. A loving but ineffectual father. A superficial mother, who, as Alex sees it, did not offer unconditional love when it was needed most. And a grandmother who is by turns haughty and pathetic. Add to this family secrets and personal enmities going back for decades, and you've the makings of a lot of great drama.
When Alex finally sees a chance to fulfill her heart's desire, she doesn't allow anything to stand in her way. Spicer's tight plotting and expert pacing build an amazing amount of tension. And she manages this without sacrificing beautiful language. By the final chapters of the book, I was clicking the "next page" button on my Kindle so fast, I was surprised there wasn't smoke coming from it.
I really loved this book. So much that it's one of the few I can see myself rereading.
So it's a real surprise how much I actually liked Alex. There's something about her arrogance and single-mindedness that's absolutely compelling. She approaches her world with a fascinating mix of contempt and longing. Where she loves, she loves fiercely.
B. A. Spicer surrounds her protagonist with a cast of characters designed to bring out the very worst in her. A loving but ineffectual father. A superficial mother, who, as Alex sees it, did not offer unconditional love when it was needed most. And a grandmother who is by turns haughty and pathetic. Add to this family secrets and personal enmities going back for decades, and you've the makings of a lot of great drama.
When Alex finally sees a chance to fulfill her heart's desire, she doesn't allow anything to stand in her way. Spicer's tight plotting and expert pacing build an amazing amount of tension. And she manages this without sacrificing beautiful language. By the final chapters of the book, I was clicking the "next page" button on my Kindle so fast, I was surprised there wasn't smoke coming from it.
I really loved this book. So much that it's one of the few I can see myself rereading.
March 4, 2013
Congratulations to Bev Spicer for an engaging read.
‘My Grandfather’s Eyes’ is a well written novel which keeps the reader interested in the characters. Told in the first person perspective the narrative draws you along with the main protagonist, a quite shallow Alex Crane, whose personality has been dictated by the blemishes on her face. The world owes her something, so here is a girl who is selfish and prepared to exploit all she comes across for her own ends, picking up people and discarding them without a thought. She has no respect for anyone apart from her friend Lizzie and her late Grandfather.
The story revolves around Alex and her selfish desire to achieve what she wants in life. She marries for convenience but has desires for another, she has everything; wealth, stability, and a husband who loves her; but her family have secrets, and it is those secrets which slowly come to light as the story moves on. But Alex has become bored, her husband an inconvenience, and she desperately wants what she can’t have. As the family secrets are revealed something else happens, and the ruthless Alex sees an opportunity to get what she desires.
I look forward to reading more from this author, the writing style is fluid and descriptive and you feel confident, knowing that you can sit back and enjoy the journey with her.
‘My Grandfather’s Eyes’ is a well written novel which keeps the reader interested in the characters. Told in the first person perspective the narrative draws you along with the main protagonist, a quite shallow Alex Crane, whose personality has been dictated by the blemishes on her face. The world owes her something, so here is a girl who is selfish and prepared to exploit all she comes across for her own ends, picking up people and discarding them without a thought. She has no respect for anyone apart from her friend Lizzie and her late Grandfather.
The story revolves around Alex and her selfish desire to achieve what she wants in life. She marries for convenience but has desires for another, she has everything; wealth, stability, and a husband who loves her; but her family have secrets, and it is those secrets which slowly come to light as the story moves on. But Alex has become bored, her husband an inconvenience, and she desperately wants what she can’t have. As the family secrets are revealed something else happens, and the ruthless Alex sees an opportunity to get what she desires.
I look forward to reading more from this author, the writing style is fluid and descriptive and you feel confident, knowing that you can sit back and enjoy the journey with her.
March 7, 2015
My Grandfather's Eyes is an interesting read, drawing you into the life of an extremely unlikeable protagonist and her equally unlikeable family and friends.
Alex Crane is scheming, uncaring and lacking a conscience. The moles on her face are cited as the reason for her disdain for almost everyone and everything, but her self-centred and calculating nature have a deeper cause. When faced with news of her husband's death, all Alex worries about is what he told the doctors. When faced with the past, all Alex cares about is the elusive Lizzy. And when faced with her family, all Alex cares about is uncovering the family secret that has laid buried, regardless of the consequences.
The book juxtaposes two strands of Alex's life, so that her childhood days are weaved into the story set in the present. The language is rich, the point of view intimate, the characters intriguing and the plot wholesome. The author has managed to create an obnoxious, selfish character that's both believable and engaging. Unfortunately, the pacing of the story was too slow for me, which made my reading experience less enjoyable than I would have hoped and so I can only give it a 3* rating. But if you enjoy slow-burners, please don't let me put you off.
*I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
Alex Crane is scheming, uncaring and lacking a conscience. The moles on her face are cited as the reason for her disdain for almost everyone and everything, but her self-centred and calculating nature have a deeper cause. When faced with news of her husband's death, all Alex worries about is what he told the doctors. When faced with the past, all Alex cares about is the elusive Lizzy. And when faced with her family, all Alex cares about is uncovering the family secret that has laid buried, regardless of the consequences.
The book juxtaposes two strands of Alex's life, so that her childhood days are weaved into the story set in the present. The language is rich, the point of view intimate, the characters intriguing and the plot wholesome. The author has managed to create an obnoxious, selfish character that's both believable and engaging. Unfortunately, the pacing of the story was too slow for me, which made my reading experience less enjoyable than I would have hoped and so I can only give it a 3* rating. But if you enjoy slow-burners, please don't let me put you off.
*I received a free copy from the author in return for an honest review.
February 6, 2013
As Alex’s husband lies dying in hospital, she worries about what he may have told the doctors. How Alex reached this moment in her life is told through scenes from childhood to the present day that jump around in time, and ratchet up the suspense very effectively. The animosity between her mother and her grandmother is just one of many aspects of her family history that puzzles her, and while Alex is determined to uncover the secrets her family has been keeping from her, we readers become equally determined to find out what Alex has been keeping from us.
The characters are off-beat and not particularly likeable, but interesting nonetheless. There is a critical, almost clinical coldness permeating Alex’s relationships with the majority of people she is related to or meets. The main exceptions to this are her school friend Lizzy and her grandfather; her relationships with them are intriguing and complex.
One highlight for me was a scene with Alex and Lizzy on a bus that I guarantee will have you laughing out loud.
If you want a story that keeps you guessing right up to the last page then this will more than satisfy.
The characters are off-beat and not particularly likeable, but interesting nonetheless. There is a critical, almost clinical coldness permeating Alex’s relationships with the majority of people she is related to or meets. The main exceptions to this are her school friend Lizzy and her grandfather; her relationships with them are intriguing and complex.
One highlight for me was a scene with Alex and Lizzy on a bus that I guarantee will have you laughing out loud.
If you want a story that keeps you guessing right up to the last page then this will more than satisfy.
July 2, 2015
3.5 stars.
I first received Bev Spicer's Bunny On A Bike through Goodreads, and she was so nice to ask if I would like to review another of her books. I chose My Grandfather's Eyes because the blurb on Amazon painted it to be so different from the lighthearted fun of Bunny On A Bike, and that's what I got.
This book was dark, and Alexandra as a main character kind of reminded me of a Gillian Flynn character because she was flawed, but also well written. She read as very cold and detached, which at some points made it hard to relate the story in its entirety, but I was still really interested in wanting to know more about Alex and her past.
The story itself switches back and forth from the past to the present, but I preferred the present parts as well as the parts where the past begins to catch up to the present (near the end, of course). There are also some parts that slow down the story, where Alex is doing a job or vacation to pass the time, and while it reveals her character more, some of her teaching jobs still bog down the story.
The end did have a great twist! I really enjoyed seeing fiction from Bev and look forward to reading more!
I first received Bev Spicer's Bunny On A Bike through Goodreads, and she was so nice to ask if I would like to review another of her books. I chose My Grandfather's Eyes because the blurb on Amazon painted it to be so different from the lighthearted fun of Bunny On A Bike, and that's what I got.
This book was dark, and Alexandra as a main character kind of reminded me of a Gillian Flynn character because she was flawed, but also well written. She read as very cold and detached, which at some points made it hard to relate the story in its entirety, but I was still really interested in wanting to know more about Alex and her past.
The story itself switches back and forth from the past to the present, but I preferred the present parts as well as the parts where the past begins to catch up to the present (near the end, of course). There are also some parts that slow down the story, where Alex is doing a job or vacation to pass the time, and while it reveals her character more, some of her teaching jobs still bog down the story.
The end did have a great twist! I really enjoyed seeing fiction from Bev and look forward to reading more!
September 20, 2013
The protagonist in this novel is Alex Crane who must surely be a contender for one of the most selfish, self-centred and egotistical characters of twenty first century fiction so far. Even though she is such an unpleasant character her story is completely riveting and you become totally absorbed in her life. Essentially this is a love story but not of the conventional kind. There is so much in this novel with a variety of sub-plots all of which interlink with the unfolding story of Alex’s life. The twists and turns as the story develops are complex and the author handles time really well. The novel starts at the present and goes back to various times in Alex’s life which she re-lives or rehearses again but the juxtaposition of various parts of her past with other parts of her past and also with the present gives the novel its drive and energy. I thought this novel was really good, well deserving of five stars.
August 4, 2014
Well, I wasn't expecting this! What an unusual book - I've read excerpts from Bev Spicer's humorous memoir series and am impressed that she can turn her hand to something so different, and as powerful as this, too.
I love it when writers dare to create a protagonist who isn't altogether likeable - to me, this makes the parts where you DO feel sympathy for Alex Crane have more effect. I really liked the way it's written in the present tense, a hard thing to carry off as it can come over as a bit contrived or get tedious, but it works very well in this case (unlike in this review, in which the tenses are all over the place, but never mind).
I read the book in two halves, the second after quite a gap as I suddenly found it a bit depressing and wanted to read something lighter, but that's in no way meant as a negative comment as it's very good - if you like dark, intense psychological studies, you will love this.
I love it when writers dare to create a protagonist who isn't altogether likeable - to me, this makes the parts where you DO feel sympathy for Alex Crane have more effect. I really liked the way it's written in the present tense, a hard thing to carry off as it can come over as a bit contrived or get tedious, but it works very well in this case (unlike in this review, in which the tenses are all over the place, but never mind).
I read the book in two halves, the second after quite a gap as I suddenly found it a bit depressing and wanted to read something lighter, but that's in no way meant as a negative comment as it's very good - if you like dark, intense psychological studies, you will love this.
April 17, 2014
I'm sure most readers would put the book down after persevering through the first few chapters with very little to compel you to keep reading, other than the style of prose. I know I almost quit several times, but kept pushing and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed the writing style and the "jump-around" timeline. It kept me in enough suspense that I wanted to see where it was going. Lots of side stories that nicely mesh into a full picture. Many other reviewers used the term "depressing". I wouldn't be that harsh. I found the main character, Alex, to be detached from her surroundings, much like someone with a disorder, such as FAS might cause. She has very little emotion herself, just thoughts, complex thoughts.
A very well constructed story - and with no noticeable flaws.
I am glad I invested the time in seeing it through.
A very well constructed story - and with no noticeable flaws.
I am glad I invested the time in seeing it through.
December 24, 2012
I really enjoyed this well-written and complex novel of human emotions. There were no heroes or heroines in this tale; everyone was flawed in their own peculiar way. At times, the characters' behavior is very disturbing, but we come to understand why they may have acted that way. The prose,although always good, was in parts beautiful and nearly poetic. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a truly complex piece of work. It will have you thinking long after you finish the last page and trying to understand how it is you really feel. It was truly excellent and kept me turning the 296 pages of this wonderful novel, truly engaged and wondering what the next twist would be!
February 21, 2014
The language felt strange but uniquely fitting for the main character. The further I read the more I became involved in her dark and morbid thoughts. I didn't know how I felt about this book but I kept turning the pages as i felt compelled to know more about this woman. The story is told from one main character who has what to many appears to be a physical defect. The consequences of this "flaw" are interwoven through the book and themes of beauty, character, friendship, love and consequences make up a story that at times feels very depressing and dark but contains just enough intrigue and unexpected murderous intents to captivate the reader.
February 25, 2013
My favourite reads are the ones with distinctive characters. I hesitate to describe the characters in My Grandfather's Eyes as flawed, because that might sound as if the author has failed to draw them well. The opposite is true, and Ms Spicer has drawn the characters extremely well, with all their glorious flaws picked out under the delightfully forgiving spotlight of the story.
March 22, 2013
It's unusual to have a main character (Alex) you never really warm to yet are intrigued to know what happens to her and why. The parallels with her 'nan' were subtly drawn and revealed bit by bit throughout the story. In understanding her grandmother, we come to understand the link to Alex's grandfather. A really good read by an independent author.
February 19, 2013
A strange book
February 12, 2013
This book does not let your brain rest until you are done and even then you're saying 'oh wow'. Enjoyed this very much. B.A. Spicer you are to be congragulated.
September 6, 2014
Sad, but good.
This must be what bittersweet must feel like. This is a story that is complex, but good. All the different lives interwoven with so much to gain and/or lose.
This must be what bittersweet must feel like. This is a story that is complex, but good. All the different lives interwoven with so much to gain and/or lose.
October 18, 2020
Very interesting relationships abound
This was at times a difficult book to read. The present and several past tense passages in each chapter kept me on my toes. I wonder if the image that I have of Alex and Lizzie match the authors.
This was at times a difficult book to read. The present and several past tense passages in each chapter kept me on my toes. I wonder if the image that I have of Alex and Lizzie match the authors.
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