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When I Was Seven
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Lucas is thrilled when his grandmother comes to live with him. She's his best friend after Justin from down the street. But when she starts remembering things from her past, is he the only one who will listen? If no one else believes her, how can he fulfill her dying wish? A compelling story about the complexity and value of family as seen through the eyes of a seven-year-
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A lovely story dealing with family and life issues, told by a charming and authentic 7 year old. Kudos, very well done.
An author takes a big risk when attempting to tell a story through the eyes of a young child, especially when the book is aimed at an adult audience to explore complex, mature issues. There are so many things that could go wrong. The language and knowledge/experience base of the narrator could come off as too grown up. The story itself could be dumbed-down and appear more of a children’s book rather than one geared towards adults. The story could be overly insipid. The relationship between the c
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Family
Such a beautiful story ,hope I can find more like it ! Thank you very much ,loo!omg forward to more !
Such a beautiful story ,hope I can find more like it ! Thank you very much ,loo!omg forward to more !
When I Was Seven is a novel by Mary Bramwell. This novel is absolutely fantastic. It deals with death and dying, misplaced anger, kidnapping, and love. It is very well-written and the characters are extremely realistic. Mary Bramwell has an amazing way of writing about death and dying that keeps you glued to the pages until you are finished. You definitely need a box of Kleenex while you read this book. How can you expect a young boy of seven to accept death?
Lucas is seven when his Grandma come ...more
Lucas is seven when his Grandma come ...more
Affirmation among Loss
When I Was Seven by Mary Bramwell carries a poignant power. The reader finds himself caring deeply about seven-year-old narrator Lucas who embodies a rare combination of innocence and prescience. His compassion for his dying grandmother Josephine is marked by a seemingly bottomless desire to understand. As he is presented with the seemingly quixotic challenge of discovering his grandmother’s long lost past, Lucas must confront deep stresses on his parents’ marriage, the st ...more
When I Was Seven by Mary Bramwell carries a poignant power. The reader finds himself caring deeply about seven-year-old narrator Lucas who embodies a rare combination of innocence and prescience. His compassion for his dying grandmother Josephine is marked by a seemingly bottomless desire to understand. As he is presented with the seemingly quixotic challenge of discovering his grandmother’s long lost past, Lucas must confront deep stresses on his parents’ marriage, the st ...more
Repetitive
The main character, Lucas, is 7 going on 40! He understands , talks and acts unlike any child of his age. The author should have made him 11 or 12. It was partly charming but rather repetitive - there were no sub plots - and the ending was a bit of a let down. The italic chapters in between added nothing to the plot. The grandma died far too peacefully and tidily with apparent lack of pain or other symptoms except tiredness. The other grandma's change of character was not believable. T ...more
The main character, Lucas, is 7 going on 40! He understands , talks and acts unlike any child of his age. The author should have made him 11 or 12. It was partly charming but rather repetitive - there were no sub plots - and the ending was a bit of a let down. The italic chapters in between added nothing to the plot. The grandma died far too peacefully and tidily with apparent lack of pain or other symptoms except tiredness. The other grandma's change of character was not believable. T ...more
A strong and sweet biography, bristling with a generous helping of memory, vivid life, prose, and an unanticipated realism; a realism that rivals the highest things in literature. "When I was Seven" is human - a living story that adores the relationship between the narrator and her grandmother. The moments are truthful and heartfelt, and the wisdom is unforgettable: "Toys break, but Grandmas don’t.” Bramwell is genuine in her treatment of life, death, and family. She speaks to you through the na
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A priceless connection...
...between a child and a grandmother. When Josephine lies dying of cancer, she begins to have bits of her childhood come back to her, things she had long ago forgotten. Only her seven year old grandson believes her when she speaks of a long lost sister, one her daughter says never existed. There are three outstanding characters in this book, Josephine, Lucas, her grandson and Mamie, Lucas’s other grandmother. I read this book in one day, the mystery (read twist) was just ...more
...between a child and a grandmother. When Josephine lies dying of cancer, she begins to have bits of her childhood come back to her, things she had long ago forgotten. Only her seven year old grandson believes her when she speaks of a long lost sister, one her daughter says never existed. There are three outstanding characters in this book, Josephine, Lucas, her grandson and Mamie, Lucas’s other grandmother. I read this book in one day, the mystery (read twist) was just ...more
I loved it
I liked this book from beginning to end and unlike other books, I never felt how many pages I read until I was done. It was a super easy read and I enjoyed every page of it.
I liked this book from beginning to end and unlike other books, I never felt how many pages I read until I was done. It was a super easy read and I enjoyed every page of it.
A
When
I started to read this book I t reminded me of myself and my grandsons always there for me. At times I wanted to cry then I found myself wanted to cry. This is great reading so close to ones heart.
D
When
I started to read this book I t reminded me of myself and my grandsons always there for me. At times I wanted to cry then I found myself wanted to cry. This is great reading so close to ones heart.
D
Great story with a touch of mystery!
I really enjoyed this book! The story of Lucas as he struggles with the death of his grandmother and trying to help her solve one last mystery before she goes. Lots of laughter and definitely lots of tear, but worth every single one!
I really enjoyed this book! The story of Lucas as he struggles with the death of his grandmother and trying to help her solve one last mystery before she goes. Lots of laughter and definitely lots of tear, but worth every single one!
I didn't want to read this book
I started reading and never stopped it kept me til the end,it is a good story about how much a seven year old can do when they have to. ...more
I started reading and never stopped it kept me til the end,it is a good story about how much a seven year old can do when they have to. ...more
I wanted to like this book more. It has a nice premise but went on too long in some circles before advancing the plot.
Reality put into beautiful words.
Well written and a lot of intrigue encompassing the whole family, grandparents neighbours as well as pets. High!y recommended for all adults.
Well written and a lot of intrigue encompassing the whole family, grandparents neighbours as well as pets. High!y recommended for all adults.
Touching, well-written story
When I chose this book, I didn't know what to expect. This was a powerful story of love and listening and faith. Very highly recommended. ...more
When I chose this book, I didn't know what to expect. This was a powerful story of love and listening and faith. Very highly recommended. ...more
Fantastic
Could not stop reading. This is a story I will not soon forget. Checking now for more stories by this author.
Could not stop reading. This is a story I will not soon forget. Checking now for more stories by this author.
Enjoyed this book on the innocence of children and skepticism of adults. I liked how Lucas was willing to risk the wrath of his parents when he reached out to his grandmother.
Poignant
I had tears in my eyes at the end of this story. Beautifully told through the eyes of a seven year old child who was wise beyond his years.
I had tears in my eyes at the end of this story. Beautifully told through the eyes of a seven year old child who was wise beyond his years.
A young boy and his love for his grandmother.
A good story about a seven year old boy and his terminally ill Grandmother. An interesting book - not action packed - plain family dynamics, love and loss. Sometimes it takes a child to find the truth. Hope that you enjoy this book as much as I did. 5 Stars, because I like to be drawn into the book.
A good story about a seven year old boy and his terminally ill Grandmother. An interesting book - not action packed - plain family dynamics, love and loss. Sometimes it takes a child to find the truth. Hope that you enjoy this book as much as I did. 5 Stars, because I like to be drawn into the book.
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Mary Ellen Bramwell, a bestselling and award-winning author, has been writing stories since she was ten years old. After working in other fields and raising five children as a stay-at-home mom, Mary Ellen returned to her first love, writing. She resides in the Mountain West with her husband of over 35 years and her youngest son.
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