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The Outside Lands
San Francisco, 1968: Jeannie and Kip are lost and half-orphaned, their mother dead under mysterious circumstances, and their father - a decorated WWII veteran - consumed by guilt and losing sight of his teenage children. Kip, a dreamer and swaggerer prone to small-time trouble, enlists to fight in Vietnam; Jeannie finds a seemingly safe haven in early marriage and motherhood. But when Kip is accused of a terrible military crime, Jeannie is seduced - sexually, emotionally, politically - into joining an ambiguous anti-war organization. As Jeannie attempts to save her brother, her search for the truth leads her into two relationships, with a troubled young woman, and a grievously-wounded veteran, that might threaten her marriage, her child, and perhaps her life.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2016
6 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Kohler
3 books32 followersHannah Kohler was raised on the south coast of England. She studied English and American Literature at Cambridge University and Business Administration at Oxford University. She began The Outside Lands during a Master's in Creative Writing at City University, London. She lives in London with her American husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 7, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway; thank you, Goodreads.
A difficult book, about life, bitter and sweet; and Vietnam, hellish and worse, for all the boys who went and didn't return, and for those who did as well. It's about choices, and making the wrong ones, over and over, and acceptance of what we cannot change. Anyhow...
The story is about three main players, a girl and her brother, and his CO, the man he almost kills in Viet Nam. The writing is lyrical, polished, smooth. No one just 'drives a car,' or 'eats an ice cream.' There's always something else going on - the glint of light on someone's face, the way melted ice cream trickles down a cone. Honestly, this was lovely, but sometimes you just want Hemingway: 'he got up; he walked away; he didn't look back.'
I like good writing and there is utterly, absolutely, positively no way this book isn't good writing. It's perfect writing. It's writing to make a writing teacher stand up and cheer: this is the way to do it! But simplicity also has its place, but maybe that's just me. Yet at some point the writing takes over the story and the story suffers. That's also just me.
So one star off because too often I noticed the way things were said, and not what was said. Still, the story of three suffering characters who never really get what they want was elegantly portrayed. I can see this book winning awards...
And now the tale is told, I read it, and I give it four stars.
A difficult book, about life, bitter and sweet; and Vietnam, hellish and worse, for all the boys who went and didn't return, and for those who did as well. It's about choices, and making the wrong ones, over and over, and acceptance of what we cannot change. Anyhow...
The story is about three main players, a girl and her brother, and his CO, the man he almost kills in Viet Nam. The writing is lyrical, polished, smooth. No one just 'drives a car,' or 'eats an ice cream.' There's always something else going on - the glint of light on someone's face, the way melted ice cream trickles down a cone. Honestly, this was lovely, but sometimes you just want Hemingway: 'he got up; he walked away; he didn't look back.'
I like good writing and there is utterly, absolutely, positively no way this book isn't good writing. It's perfect writing. It's writing to make a writing teacher stand up and cheer: this is the way to do it! But simplicity also has its place, but maybe that's just me. Yet at some point the writing takes over the story and the story suffers. That's also just me.
So one star off because too often I noticed the way things were said, and not what was said. Still, the story of three suffering characters who never really get what they want was elegantly portrayed. I can see this book winning awards...
And now the tale is told, I read it, and I give it four stars.
May 17, 2016
This is such an impressive novel, it is difficult to believe that The Outside Lands is a debut, and also that it is written by a young English woman who was born and brought up here and was born after the Vietnam war ended. This author catapults the reader bang into the heart of 60s California, her writing is powerful and authentic and her portrayal of both the conflict in Vietnam and those left behind is quite glorious.
The day that John F Kennedy was assassinated changed the world for most Americans, but for Jeannie and Kip it was also the day that their mother died when she absently-mindedly stepped into the road and knocked down.
Despite her father's assumption that she would take over the role of mother in the house, Jeannie takes a job as a waitress, and soon finds an admirer in Billy the student doctor. Even though they are from different social circles, this is the 60s and when Jeannie becomes pregnant, they marry. Meanwhile, Jeannie's younger brother Kip has gone off the rails, getting himself deeper and deeper into trouble until the day that the local judge gives him an ultimatum and her finds himself signed up to the Marines.
Kip is immature, he's rash and insensitive and his actions in Vietnam land him in deep trouble. Meanwhile, back in California, Jeannie has become infatuated with a young hippy anti-war protester called Lee and even though she now has a small child as well as a new husband, she too makes decisions that change her world once again.
Almost fifty years later, we all know that the conflict in Vietnam was pointless, a tragedy, a sham and Hannah Kohler has managed to express this into her words. Her writing is sensitive, but provocative and she masterfully conjures up images from that ravaged country that are quite haunting.
Relationships, betrayals, families; The Outside Lands captures all of these and more. I was hooked by the end of the very first chapter. Highly recommended, Hannah Kohler is an author to watch.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
The day that John F Kennedy was assassinated changed the world for most Americans, but for Jeannie and Kip it was also the day that their mother died when she absently-mindedly stepped into the road and knocked down.
Despite her father's assumption that she would take over the role of mother in the house, Jeannie takes a job as a waitress, and soon finds an admirer in Billy the student doctor. Even though they are from different social circles, this is the 60s and when Jeannie becomes pregnant, they marry. Meanwhile, Jeannie's younger brother Kip has gone off the rails, getting himself deeper and deeper into trouble until the day that the local judge gives him an ultimatum and her finds himself signed up to the Marines.
Kip is immature, he's rash and insensitive and his actions in Vietnam land him in deep trouble. Meanwhile, back in California, Jeannie has become infatuated with a young hippy anti-war protester called Lee and even though she now has a small child as well as a new husband, she too makes decisions that change her world once again.
Almost fifty years later, we all know that the conflict in Vietnam was pointless, a tragedy, a sham and Hannah Kohler has managed to express this into her words. Her writing is sensitive, but provocative and she masterfully conjures up images from that ravaged country that are quite haunting.
Relationships, betrayals, families; The Outside Lands captures all of these and more. I was hooked by the end of the very first chapter. Highly recommended, Hannah Kohler is an author to watch.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
May 3, 2016
The Outside Lands is a powerful debut about the human fallout of misguided meddling in faraway lands. It’s about loss and betrayal and attempts at reparation
Full review http://annegoodwin.weebly.com/annecdo...
Full review http://annegoodwin.weebly.com/annecdo...
July 4, 2016
Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature!
**I received a copy of The Outside Lands courtesy of St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.**
The Outside Lands was wholly unexpected and entirely satisfying in a dark, realistic way. Based upon the brief blurbs I read about The Outside Lands, I had no idea that it would become such a bleak, deeply moving book. Kohler writes with an elegant simplicity that will draw you in and wrap you around this story before you even realize what hit you. If I were sum up this book with one singular word, it would be 'haunting.' This book is like a ghost that quietly seeps into your mind and soul, drags out your emotions, and openly displays the darkness that exists within all of us and the within the world around us.
This is an honest, raw book set during the turbulent years of the Vietnam War. We are given a frank view of the experiences of those deployed along with those stuck back at home, left to wonder and wander aimlessly around, unaware of what is occurring elsewhere. Jeannie and Kip are our two protagonists, siblings who lost their mother in a tragic freak accident at a young age and are still fighting to regain normalcy in their lives. The two still have their father, but they never truly seem to recover from this loss, which is entirely understandable. This is a book where everyone seems to lose themselves, no matter whether they are a main character or a minor supporting one, and it is interesting to see how each copes with their fate. There is much imbalance in the atmosphere as each character struggles to come to grips with the changing times and with who they are.
Jeannie is sort of floating in life. She has a set life with Billy and her young son, Charlie, but she doesn't seem to be a part of this life. There is some piece of her that doesn't quite fit with them, that seems to be yearning for something else - something more. Then she meets Lee, and it seems like this could be just what she needed and was looking for, but again, something isn't quite right. She never quite fits. She wants to be a part of the anti-war movement and a life with Lee, but it's not quite her, and she is too limited in her own life to become any more entrenched in the movement. In the final part of the book, she meets yet another person, and I will not say more than that, and once again it just feels right. But, as history often repeats itself, this can't work either, and she is yet again drawn back to her own life with her husband and child. Jeannie is a relatable character. She is quiet, but she has a subtle strength about her. She is meek and follows the rules around her, but she is not afraid to deviate from her own beliefs and ideas.
Kip is much more bullheaded than Jeannie, but he is still somewhat quiet in his own way, much like Jeannie. Kip is the trouble-maker in the family, always ending up getting into things he shouldn't and acting out. Kip does not wait for a draft and instead enlists himself as a Marine. He is sent off to war where a tragic incident sends him to being accused of a horrific war crime. While Kip and Jeannie differ quite a bit, there are many similarities that can be seen in the way in both are a bit reserved, but both are stubborn and will do what they want.
I was completely taken by surprise by The Outside Lands, as I definitely wasn't expecting this book to affect me or reach me in such a strong way. Overall, I can't help but give it four-and-a-half stars because of its sheer will and ability to tell such a disheartening story in such a simplistic, yet moving way. This is a new Vietnam War-era book that is not to be missed, and Kohler is a new author that is not to be overlooked either.
**I received a copy of The Outside Lands courtesy of St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.**
The Outside Lands was wholly unexpected and entirely satisfying in a dark, realistic way. Based upon the brief blurbs I read about The Outside Lands, I had no idea that it would become such a bleak, deeply moving book. Kohler writes with an elegant simplicity that will draw you in and wrap you around this story before you even realize what hit you. If I were sum up this book with one singular word, it would be 'haunting.' This book is like a ghost that quietly seeps into your mind and soul, drags out your emotions, and openly displays the darkness that exists within all of us and the within the world around us.
This is an honest, raw book set during the turbulent years of the Vietnam War. We are given a frank view of the experiences of those deployed along with those stuck back at home, left to wonder and wander aimlessly around, unaware of what is occurring elsewhere. Jeannie and Kip are our two protagonists, siblings who lost their mother in a tragic freak accident at a young age and are still fighting to regain normalcy in their lives. The two still have their father, but they never truly seem to recover from this loss, which is entirely understandable. This is a book where everyone seems to lose themselves, no matter whether they are a main character or a minor supporting one, and it is interesting to see how each copes with their fate. There is much imbalance in the atmosphere as each character struggles to come to grips with the changing times and with who they are.
Jeannie is sort of floating in life. She has a set life with Billy and her young son, Charlie, but she doesn't seem to be a part of this life. There is some piece of her that doesn't quite fit with them, that seems to be yearning for something else - something more. Then she meets Lee, and it seems like this could be just what she needed and was looking for, but again, something isn't quite right. She never quite fits. She wants to be a part of the anti-war movement and a life with Lee, but it's not quite her, and she is too limited in her own life to become any more entrenched in the movement. In the final part of the book, she meets yet another person, and I will not say more than that, and once again it just feels right. But, as history often repeats itself, this can't work either, and she is yet again drawn back to her own life with her husband and child. Jeannie is a relatable character. She is quiet, but she has a subtle strength about her. She is meek and follows the rules around her, but she is not afraid to deviate from her own beliefs and ideas.
Kip is much more bullheaded than Jeannie, but he is still somewhat quiet in his own way, much like Jeannie. Kip is the trouble-maker in the family, always ending up getting into things he shouldn't and acting out. Kip does not wait for a draft and instead enlists himself as a Marine. He is sent off to war where a tragic incident sends him to being accused of a horrific war crime. While Kip and Jeannie differ quite a bit, there are many similarities that can be seen in the way in both are a bit reserved, but both are stubborn and will do what they want.
I was completely taken by surprise by The Outside Lands, as I definitely wasn't expecting this book to affect me or reach me in such a strong way. Overall, I can't help but give it four-and-a-half stars because of its sheer will and ability to tell such a disheartening story in such a simplistic, yet moving way. This is a new Vietnam War-era book that is not to be missed, and Kohler is a new author that is not to be overlooked either.
June 12, 2016
In November 1963, on Kip’s fourteenth birthday, his mother, as she had done for every one of his birthdays since he was eight, took him downtown to Sears Fine Food for his annual treat of a stack of eighteen pancakes. When they left the store she absent-mindedly stepped into the road and was killed by a cable car. Her sudden death left him and his nineteen year old sister Jeannie feeling bereft and rudderless. The fact that on the following day President Kennedy was assassinated made them feel that in many ways their loss was diminished. Feeling adrift in an unimagined world, Jeannie gives up her place at secretarial school and becomes a waitress in a diner. She meets a doctor there and when she becomes pregnant, this being the 1960s, there seems no alternative but to marry, even though his parents feel she isn’t good enough for their son. She finds it hard to adjust to the life she finds herself in and forms relationships which will, ultimately, change her life yet again.
In the meantime Kit gradually goes off the rails and a few years later, following a court appearance, the judge presents him with two options, either finish high-school or enlist. He decides to join the Marines and is soon sent to Vietnam where he finds it difficult to cope, not only with the violence of war but also with the almost daily humiliations which seem to be part of life in the forces. Before long he too has committed an act which has life-changing implications, not only for him but for many others people.
Set in California, against the background of the massive social and political changes of the 1960s and the horrors of the Vietnam War, this story follows the two siblings as they attempt to find meaning in their lives. The narrative is told from alternating perspectives and, because of the skill with which the author handled these shifts in focus, this enabled the story to alternate between events in America and in Vietnam in a way which inexorably added depth to all the characters and to the development of the story. She created flawed, complex and entirely credible characters and set them in the context of an equally believable social and political background – not one of her characters felt superfluous to the developing story. Her exploration of the ongoing consequences of choices made for very powerful and affective reading. She captured so vividly and evocatively the aspirations, the fears, and the disappointments of this turbulent era as well as the effects such rapid change can have, both on society in general and on individuals in particular. I think that her handling of the build up of tension as the story progressed was pitch-perfect; I could hardly bear to put the book down and, throughout my reading, often felt compelled to re-read passages because of the powerful impact of her character development as well as her elegant turns of phrase. Her ability to make her characters and their dilemmas come alive is impressive; I feel I will be haunted by Jeannie and Kit for a long time. Although the story is in many ways quite dark, I never felt that it was devoid of a belief in the resilience of human beings – although must admit that I did appreciate the occasional moments of humour which she introduced!
I think this is an outstanding debut novel, one which should attract literary acclaim and one which is certainly deserving of awards. I am already eagerly anticipating this author’s next book!
In the meantime Kit gradually goes off the rails and a few years later, following a court appearance, the judge presents him with two options, either finish high-school or enlist. He decides to join the Marines and is soon sent to Vietnam where he finds it difficult to cope, not only with the violence of war but also with the almost daily humiliations which seem to be part of life in the forces. Before long he too has committed an act which has life-changing implications, not only for him but for many others people.
Set in California, against the background of the massive social and political changes of the 1960s and the horrors of the Vietnam War, this story follows the two siblings as they attempt to find meaning in their lives. The narrative is told from alternating perspectives and, because of the skill with which the author handled these shifts in focus, this enabled the story to alternate between events in America and in Vietnam in a way which inexorably added depth to all the characters and to the development of the story. She created flawed, complex and entirely credible characters and set them in the context of an equally believable social and political background – not one of her characters felt superfluous to the developing story. Her exploration of the ongoing consequences of choices made for very powerful and affective reading. She captured so vividly and evocatively the aspirations, the fears, and the disappointments of this turbulent era as well as the effects such rapid change can have, both on society in general and on individuals in particular. I think that her handling of the build up of tension as the story progressed was pitch-perfect; I could hardly bear to put the book down and, throughout my reading, often felt compelled to re-read passages because of the powerful impact of her character development as well as her elegant turns of phrase. Her ability to make her characters and their dilemmas come alive is impressive; I feel I will be haunted by Jeannie and Kit for a long time. Although the story is in many ways quite dark, I never felt that it was devoid of a belief in the resilience of human beings – although must admit that I did appreciate the occasional moments of humour which she introduced!
I think this is an outstanding debut novel, one which should attract literary acclaim and one which is certainly deserving of awards. I am already eagerly anticipating this author’s next book!
May 17, 2016
This is such an impressive novel, it is difficult to believe that The Outside Lands is a debut, and also that it is written by a young English woman who was born and brought up here and was born after the Vietnam war ended. This author catapults the reader bang into the heart of 60s California, her writing is powerful and authentic and her portrayal of both the conflict in Vietnam and those left behind is quite glorious.
The day that John F Kennedy was assassinated changed the world for most Americans, but for Jeannie and Kip it was also the day that their mother died when she absently-mindedly stepped into the road and knocked down.
Despite her father's assumption that she would take over the role of mother in the house, Jeannie takes a job as a waitress, and soon finds an admirer in Billy the student doctor. Even though they are from different social circles, this is the 60s and when Jeannie becomes pregnant, they marry. Meanwhile, Jeannie's younger brother Kip has gone off the rails, getting himself deeper and deeper into trouble until the day that the local judge gives him an ultimatum and her finds himself signed up to the Marines.
Kip is immature, he's rash and insensitive and his actions in Vietnam land him in deep trouble. Meanwhile, back in California, Jeannie has become infatuated with a young hippy anti-war protester called Lee and even though she now has a small child as well as a new husband, she too makes decisions that change her world once again.
Almost fifty years later, we all know that the conflict in Vietnam was pointless, a tragedy, a sham and Hannah Kohler has managed to express this into her words. Her writing is sensitive, but provocative and she masterfully conjures up images from that ravaged country that are quite haunting.
Relationships, betrayals, families; The Outside Lands captures all of these and more. I was hooked by the end of the very first chapter. Highly recommended, Hannah Kohler is an author to watch.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
The day that John F Kennedy was assassinated changed the world for most Americans, but for Jeannie and Kip it was also the day that their mother died when she absently-mindedly stepped into the road and knocked down.
Despite her father's assumption that she would take over the role of mother in the house, Jeannie takes a job as a waitress, and soon finds an admirer in Billy the student doctor. Even though they are from different social circles, this is the 60s and when Jeannie becomes pregnant, they marry. Meanwhile, Jeannie's younger brother Kip has gone off the rails, getting himself deeper and deeper into trouble until the day that the local judge gives him an ultimatum and her finds himself signed up to the Marines.
Kip is immature, he's rash and insensitive and his actions in Vietnam land him in deep trouble. Meanwhile, back in California, Jeannie has become infatuated with a young hippy anti-war protester called Lee and even though she now has a small child as well as a new husband, she too makes decisions that change her world once again.
Almost fifty years later, we all know that the conflict in Vietnam was pointless, a tragedy, a sham and Hannah Kohler has managed to express this into her words. Her writing is sensitive, but provocative and she masterfully conjures up images from that ravaged country that are quite haunting.
Relationships, betrayals, families; The Outside Lands captures all of these and more. I was hooked by the end of the very first chapter. Highly recommended, Hannah Kohler is an author to watch.
http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...
February 4, 2016
This is a wonderfully engaging novel about the diverse lives of a brother and sister during the Vietnam War, set in America and Vietnam. After their mother dies, when Jeannie is 17 and Kip 14, Jeannie gets pregnant and married to doctor Billy and settles into suburbia, whereas Kip goes off the rails and gets into trouble with the police, which culminates in him joining the army. That's when the real trouble starts... Meanwhile Jeannie becomes involved with a younger woman, hippy anti-war protester Lee, and is persuaded to help the movement against the draft. It's an engrossing tale, and I was interested by the different perspective on the war Kip's part of the narrative gave. The only negative thing I have to say about it is that it ended rather abruptly, I thought it could have gone on a bit longer.
May 21, 2016
I loved this book and couldn't put it down once I started. Kip and Jeannie were written with such ease I couldn't believe this was a 1st novel. It gave such an unusual and focused view of the impact of loss and war on one family.
But more than that, the writer gives us such fascinating main characters that I felt almost cheated (greedy I know)not having more and more insight into their lives and what may have happened next or what if's.
I was however, completely satisfied at the end of the novel, with the story progressing in a way I hadn't expected yet was a thoroughly perfect conclusion to this stunning story
I can't believe this is 1st novel. She has ( I hope) many more stories to write and I have a suspicion that the subject matter will be as eclectic as Margaret Attwood, Tim Winton or David Mitchell
Encore
But more than that, the writer gives us such fascinating main characters that I felt almost cheated (greedy I know)not having more and more insight into their lives and what may have happened next or what if's.
I was however, completely satisfied at the end of the novel, with the story progressing in a way I hadn't expected yet was a thoroughly perfect conclusion to this stunning story
I can't believe this is 1st novel. She has ( I hope) many more stories to write and I have a suspicion that the subject matter will be as eclectic as Margaret Attwood, Tim Winton or David Mitchell
Encore
October 26, 2016
This was a beautifully written, compelling book with textured, three-dimensional characters. The writing was lyrical but never indulgent. The narrative had many layers -- war, the various types of prisons, honesty, survivor's guilt, family, etc.
It took a while for the book to pick up steam; by the end it seemed like the book I finished was different than the one I started. It grew more complex as it went on.
Bravo to the author! A memorable read.
[I originally gave this four stars, but it's been a month and I'm still thinking about it and recommending it to people, so it deserves five.]
It took a while for the book to pick up steam; by the end it seemed like the book I finished was different than the one I started. It grew more complex as it went on.
Bravo to the author! A memorable read.
[I originally gave this four stars, but it's been a month and I'm still thinking about it and recommending it to people, so it deserves five.]
July 2, 2016
4.5 stars. I wasn't sure about this one because the Vietnam war and the 60's don't usually appeal to me. I am SO glad I attempted this one. There's so much more in here than the war. The multiple storylines and character relationships make this novel difficult to put down. I highly recommend this one! You won't be disappointed!!
April 5, 2017
3.8 stars. Well drawn characters, good story that drew the reader in. The Vietnam scenes were especially well done. My problem with this book was the writing was a bit too precious. Overwritten at times, like the author struggled to make every paragraph fantastic... which was a bit exhausting & distracting at times.
July 27, 2016
I was lucky to get an ARC from a Shelf Awareness Sweepstakes. I've been reading more historical fiction and liking it so I thought I'd give this one a try since I've never read anything that took place during the sixties. I will admit that some of the language used in this book made me cringe but I realize it was a different time back then so that just adds to the realism of the book.
The title got my attention and so did the cover since it is an interesting one that seems to be a contradiction. This book starts off with a tragedy and the family that is affected by the loss of a loved one. There are two perspectives of the two siblings Jeannie and Kip until a little over halfway in when Tom gets added in which was a bit jarring but I get why it needed to pop up at that point.
Life goes on for Jeannie and Kip who lose their mother on of all things Kip's birthday. The two siblings are separated when Kip decides to become a marine and gets sent to Vietnam. I wasn't sure if I'd like this type of book but I did enjoy it. It had a very realistic feel to it and you kind of felt like you were there watching things unfold in front of you. I'm very impressed with this book which just so happens to be a debut for Hannah so I will be keeping an eye out for future books from her. She's off to a great start and once again I realize that I really enjoy historical fiction.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/the-o...
The title got my attention and so did the cover since it is an interesting one that seems to be a contradiction. This book starts off with a tragedy and the family that is affected by the loss of a loved one. There are two perspectives of the two siblings Jeannie and Kip until a little over halfway in when Tom gets added in which was a bit jarring but I get why it needed to pop up at that point.
Life goes on for Jeannie and Kip who lose their mother on of all things Kip's birthday. The two siblings are separated when Kip decides to become a marine and gets sent to Vietnam. I wasn't sure if I'd like this type of book but I did enjoy it. It had a very realistic feel to it and you kind of felt like you were there watching things unfold in front of you. I'm very impressed with this book which just so happens to be a debut for Hannah so I will be keeping an eye out for future books from her. She's off to a great start and once again I realize that I really enjoy historical fiction.
http://www.ficgal.com/book-club/the-o...
October 10, 2016
This is a great period piece for the 1960's/Vietnam War era. I love Historical Fiction, but this is the first book I've read from that particular time and I really enjoyed it. I find it quite amazing that it's a debut because the author's writing style is so polished. I was transported into the story in a way I have rarely been. I really felt like I was there- not just reading a novel. It's a very gritty story with some very coarse language at times but I found that made it all the more realistic and believable. The characters were as real as the settings and it's clear that the author did extensive research on even the most minute details. Simply an amazing book that I would definitely recommend. I do wish the ending hadn't been so abrupt but nothing was left "unresolved." The Outside Lands was an expertly told emotional and dramatic story that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys Historical Fiction or just Literary Fiction in general.
*Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the advance copy for review!*
*Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the advance copy for review!*
August 12, 2016
Excellent, excellent book and from a debut author also I am very impressed.
The Outside Lands is about the Vietnam war and is based around a family for 4. When the mother dies it effects each family member differently. Part of the book is based in Vietnam and part in the states, but focuses more on the mental effect it has on the two main characters and the different sides of the war they are fighting.
Writing style is great and easy to read, characters are well written although none were outstanding for me which is why this book didnt get 5 stars.
I do recommend this book it only being released this year it is a hidden gem. It does contain sex scenes, violence and scenes that could upset some people and this book is not a feel good story. And although this is a war book there is only one action scene so is more contemporary fiction to me.
But again an excellent debut novel and I am looking forward to Hannah Kohler's next book.
The Outside Lands is about the Vietnam war and is based around a family for 4. When the mother dies it effects each family member differently. Part of the book is based in Vietnam and part in the states, but focuses more on the mental effect it has on the two main characters and the different sides of the war they are fighting.
Writing style is great and easy to read, characters are well written although none were outstanding for me which is why this book didnt get 5 stars.
I do recommend this book it only being released this year it is a hidden gem. It does contain sex scenes, violence and scenes that could upset some people and this book is not a feel good story. And although this is a war book there is only one action scene so is more contemporary fiction to me.
But again an excellent debut novel and I am looking forward to Hannah Kohler's next book.
August 24, 2016
I met Hannah Kohler at a book signing and found her a quiet, and quite unassuming person. I found it difficult to believe that the same person actually wrote this novel. The way she unfolds the story is so believable and her knowledge of Vietnam and America is vast. Thoroughly enjoyed this hard hitting novel.
April 17, 2019
Fantastic read
Kohler writes beautifully. She makes it easy to connect with the characters, especially Jeannie. I’d definitely recommend the Audible version of this book.
Kohler writes beautifully. She makes it easy to connect with the characters, especially Jeannie. I’d definitely recommend the Audible version of this book.
July 21, 2019
A powerful portrayal of family and the impact of war on the American way of life. A great first novel.
January 15, 2026
Everyone give it up for women having problems in the 60s, but the ending felt a bit anti climactic, and the occasional briticisms from the American characters were really jarring
October 25, 2016
The Vietnam war is still something of a raw subject in America. The experiences of Kip, who signs up to escape the numbing void left by th death of his mother and the rising tide of his own propensity to get into trouble are visceral and harsh. The fates of his platoon members and his revenge on his commander are quite shocking, but perhaps not unique. No-one wins here.
Jeannie, Kip's sister and the wife of a successful doctor is not destroyed by what Kip does. Actually, it is as if she finally finds herself and steps out from behind a lot of people that she more or less allowed to control her. Her spiteful 'friend', her cypher of a husband, her petulant and spiteful mother-in-law, ambitious within her limited sphere, ruthlessly controlling towards her son and his family. The scenes in the hospital, showing returned veterans and their families are poignant and touching in places. The writing pulls no punches in showing us the harsh realities of living with permanent injuries and disfigurement and the humiliation of seeing yourself as less than you were. Above all the horrors of having anyone reject, or worse still, pity you. I found the character of Tom quite sympathetic in the end; a magnetic character with a strong sense of himself. Lee, on the other hand, came across as malignant and spiteful, rather than troubled, and I didn't feel that her relationship with Jeannie really rang true.
Overall, however, this is a very accomplished book and give a strong and intelligent portrait of a troubled time.
Jeannie, Kip's sister and the wife of a successful doctor is not destroyed by what Kip does. Actually, it is as if she finally finds herself and steps out from behind a lot of people that she more or less allowed to control her. Her spiteful 'friend', her cypher of a husband, her petulant and spiteful mother-in-law, ambitious within her limited sphere, ruthlessly controlling towards her son and his family. The scenes in the hospital, showing returned veterans and their families are poignant and touching in places. The writing pulls no punches in showing us the harsh realities of living with permanent injuries and disfigurement and the humiliation of seeing yourself as less than you were. Above all the horrors of having anyone reject, or worse still, pity you. I found the character of Tom quite sympathetic in the end; a magnetic character with a strong sense of himself. Lee, on the other hand, came across as malignant and spiteful, rather than troubled, and I didn't feel that her relationship with Jeannie really rang true.
Overall, however, this is a very accomplished book and give a strong and intelligent portrait of a troubled time.
September 1, 2016
The four stars are for the beauty of the prose. Kohler knows her way around phrases and descriptions. But I got about halfway through the book and then wound up skimming to the end because my interest waned. I think a lot of it is because the narrative format was uneven. Kip's sections were told in 1st person through his eyes, but Jeannie's sections were told in 3rd person. Then a third character, Tom, was also introduced about midway through and his sections were also in 3rd person. Sometimes that kind of POV switching can work, but most times it doesn't because the 1st person sections draw the reader into the character telling the section, but the 3rd person sections kick readers back out to view the plot from a distance. I would've liked if the narration stayed in 1st person all the way through because the strongest and best-written sections were Kip's sections. He was also the most interesting character...Jeannie seemed a bit flat and wishy-washy and I didn't like Lee's character, she couldn't decide if she wanted to be a rebellious war protestor or an underage vamp intent on seducing Jeannie. Tom's character never came through for me and his sections didn't interest me like Kip's sections did.
January 15, 2017
I am not really sure about this book. I think I feel a little let-down by it.
I was really looking forward to get sucked into this family drama. The synopsis reads:"... Lurking behind the private drama is the nagging question of the cost of sacrifice for a misbegotten war." Even though it is the main thread of the story, the "nagging" got lost at times.
As painful as it may be to read about war and the pain in causes in so many, I feel that the book fell short of its praise. "Gloriously well-written" is in my opinion overly zealous. I was hoping to get more insight into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings. She didn't always make sense to me.
It was not a bad read but not what I expected.
I was really looking forward to get sucked into this family drama. The synopsis reads:"... Lurking behind the private drama is the nagging question of the cost of sacrifice for a misbegotten war." Even though it is the main thread of the story, the "nagging" got lost at times.
As painful as it may be to read about war and the pain in causes in so many, I feel that the book fell short of its praise. "Gloriously well-written" is in my opinion overly zealous. I was hoping to get more insight into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings. She didn't always make sense to me.
It was not a bad read but not what I expected.
October 8, 2016
This is a well written novel. Is about family. Is about war. Is about loyalty and choices. Is about pain. loss and hardship. Is about control and murder. Is Jennie and Kip's story. They are brother and sister whose Mom dies of a suspicious nature. Jeannie is left to hold the family together and no one to hold her together. Really liked the way the author presented the characters and the events. The book shows the weakness and strength in us all. The things that cause us to choose though not always wisely. Thanks to Goodreads and Saint Martins for getting this book to me. Thanks to Ms. Kohler for her descriptive writing.
August 20, 2016
I gave this my best shot, but just could not get into the story. I was looking forward to reading it, as I can recall the time period well, just couldn't get into it. Older baby boomers will most likely enjoy it, as it covers them pretty well. Us younger boomers witnessed events, but they really weren't ours. Any way, the book is well written characters are interesting and the story flows well. Just feel disappointed I couldn't relate to it. Not Hannah Kohler's fault it's a good book, just not for me.
February 24, 2021
This was an unpleasant book to read but that’s not to say it wasn’t good. Extremely vivid writing, especially on the sections set in Vietnam. Kohler writes with such a fast pace and every word means something in her narrative with nothing being taken for granted. The ending wasn’t satisfying but instead was abnormally expected. I think what affected me most was how terrifyingly mundane it was. We see people living in times of war, sexual freedoms and family tensions and it never explodes in the way we expect it to. I don’t know if that’s what makes it unsatisfying?
September 4, 2016
I really liked this book. The narrative was powerful and the characters were so well outlined and complex. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with Jeannie in the end, though. My impression is that after fighting so hard she just caved in to what was normal and safe. But realistically speaking, I suppose it's what most people would have done.
February 4, 2017
This had some powerful points but ultimately while it wasn't bad, there wasn't a sense of satisfaction at the end. I listened to this and sometimes I wonder how the experience would have been different if I'd read instead of listened and vise versa. I'm not sure I would have finished this as a read so there are props to the narrators.
November 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Hannah - a family saga set in 1960s San Francisco/Vietnam. The story and the characters drew me in and it did feel authentic to me which I was surprised by given Kohler is British. I'd be interested to hear if an American reader finds it as credible.
September 14, 2016
Smart writing, emotional themes, but overall unsatisfying story. I kept waiting for a character arc, from anyone, and being disappointed. But worth reading if only for the excellent prose and narration.
November 5, 2017
The initial path of the story, involving the wife of a doctor helping people avoiding the draft is very compelling. But the plot veers of in another direction half way though, which replies on co-incidence to get started, and I didn't find this nearly as interesting. Well written though.
November 22, 2016
gets so many things wrong
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