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Here and Now
Meet Marigold and Dennis, two happily married empty-nesters in their late sixties. They should be enjoying their golden years in the idyllic English village where they live. But when their two grown daughters, Daisy and Suze, move back into the family home, both mother and father must learn how to deal with the upheaval. Meanwhile, as Daisy and Suze soak in the familiar comforts of home, they soon discover that their mother isn’t quite the same woman she was a few years ago. Sure, she is still kind-hearted and always willing to help, but something about their mom is different, and it’s becoming harder and harder for the family to ignore. For the first time in their lives, Dennis and his daughters find themselves caring for Marigold rather than the other way around.
458 pages, ebook
First published July 9, 2020
372 people are currently reading
2573 people want to read
About the author
Santa Montefiore
88 books2,709 followersSanta Montefiore is the number one bestselling author of over thirty novels and has sold over eight million copies worldwide. Her books have been translated into twenty-five languages and she won an RNA Award for The Temptation of Gracie in 2019, which is currently in development for film. Born in England in 1970, she grew up in Hampshire and now lives in London with her husband, writer Simon Sebag-Montefiore, their daughter, son, and dog Simba.
Shadows in the Moonlight is the first novel of a trilogy following the character Pixie Tate, with Secrets of the Starlit Sea following in summer 2025. Santa loves to hear from readers and you can find her at www.santamontefiore.co.uk.
Shadows in the Moonlight is the first novel of a trilogy following the character Pixie Tate, with Secrets of the Starlit Sea following in summer 2025. Santa loves to hear from readers and you can find her at www.santamontefiore.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 531 reviews
March 14, 2021
It made me cry
It showed me joy|!
It filled me up.
Honestly just,
Wow!
It showed me joy|!
It filled me up.
Honestly just,
Wow!
November 24, 2020
I knew two things when I picked up "Here and Now". First, I knew that it would be beautiful writing, a gorgeous, character rich story that I wouldn't be able to put down until I finished. Second, I knew I would cry. That's a given, considering the subject matter. I was right on both, so prepare to cry.
To find a spark in the darkest of times is hope. To nurture that spark until it grows to a flame, illuminating and warming others who might also be in need, is a gift. The wonderful cast of characters in "Here and Now" are all connected to one very special person. When life throws a very big curve ball into their tightly knit community, they discover that the comfort they need to battle their personal grief can only be found amongst one another. A beautiful story of family, friendship, generosity, and self-discovery.
To find a spark in the darkest of times is hope. To nurture that spark until it grows to a flame, illuminating and warming others who might also be in need, is a gift. The wonderful cast of characters in "Here and Now" are all connected to one very special person. When life throws a very big curve ball into their tightly knit community, they discover that the comfort they need to battle their personal grief can only be found amongst one another. A beautiful story of family, friendship, generosity, and self-discovery.
July 10, 2020
4.5 stars
I’m pleased to share my review for the latest book by Santa Montefiore on my book blog today. Thank you to Simon and Schuster for a digital review copy – my thoughts are my own and and not influenced by the gift.
Occasionally I become so involved in an emotional story that I find myself crying. The last book to do that was The Sight of You by Holly Miller until I read the last few pages of Here and Now and found myself properly crying – this was not just moist eyes, but proper tears. So my first suggestion is when you buy the book (because you should), is to stock up on tissues too.
This is the first book I’ve read by Santa Montefiore and before you ask, I’m not sure why either. I requested the review copy via NetGalley back in March as the UK headed into lockdown and Simon and Schuster kindly approved it.
Marigold is a wonderful character, much loved by her family and neighbours and community. The way the story is written to show how her little episodes of forgetfulness become more serious is a heartbreaking tale uplifted by how her family and friends help her to stay happy. Marigold has been looking after her mum, her husband and daughters for many years, now they need to work together to help her.
The book is beautifully written, full of wonderful characters, some happy and some grumpy (Nan), humour (moles, christmas puddings etc), love (pink roses) and romance. At the time of reading this in July 2020, many of us are currently anxious about the global pandemic, a virus we cannot see whilst we also have an unseen condition which steals the memory of people that we currently cannot protect ourselves from. However, as the title suggests, we need to live in the here and now, to enjoy the small things – the birds singing, the food we eat, time with family and friends.
Thank you to Santa Montefiore for this wonderful story, I look forward to reading more of your books in the future.
I’m pleased to share my review for the latest book by Santa Montefiore on my book blog today. Thank you to Simon and Schuster for a digital review copy – my thoughts are my own and and not influenced by the gift.
Occasionally I become so involved in an emotional story that I find myself crying. The last book to do that was The Sight of You by Holly Miller until I read the last few pages of Here and Now and found myself properly crying – this was not just moist eyes, but proper tears. So my first suggestion is when you buy the book (because you should), is to stock up on tissues too.
This is the first book I’ve read by Santa Montefiore and before you ask, I’m not sure why either. I requested the review copy via NetGalley back in March as the UK headed into lockdown and Simon and Schuster kindly approved it.
Marigold is a wonderful character, much loved by her family and neighbours and community. The way the story is written to show how her little episodes of forgetfulness become more serious is a heartbreaking tale uplifted by how her family and friends help her to stay happy. Marigold has been looking after her mum, her husband and daughters for many years, now they need to work together to help her.
The book is beautifully written, full of wonderful characters, some happy and some grumpy (Nan), humour (moles, christmas puddings etc), love (pink roses) and romance. At the time of reading this in July 2020, many of us are currently anxious about the global pandemic, a virus we cannot see whilst we also have an unseen condition which steals the memory of people that we currently cannot protect ourselves from. However, as the title suggests, we need to live in the here and now, to enjoy the small things – the birds singing, the food we eat, time with family and friends.
Thank you to Santa Montefiore for this wonderful story, I look forward to reading more of your books in the future.
May 24, 2021
I was going to start this review with saying how lovely this book is, however, I do not think ‘lovely’ is the right word to use. So, let us try again, the characters are lovely, the village that the book is set in is lovely, however the subject is not lovely, in fact it is quite harrowing, and this book will send you on an emotional journey. If you are not hard hearted, then be warned this book WILL make you cry.
Dementia can be a sensitive subject and Montefiore writes about it with the elegance and grace exactly like her other ‘happy’ books. I would never normally read a book based on this subject purely because I am quite an emotional person, it does not take much to make me cry, and a book like this would send me in a ‘spin’ for days. The reason I chose to read this one however, is purely that I know Montefiore is such a beautiful writer, I knew it would be a wonderful story albeit a heart-breaking one. I find Dementia so frightful and sad I cannot contemplate how people manage to cope when somebody they love has the disease and Montefiore shows pure strength in her group of characters. The sub-plots in the story are a welcome relief when you feel the tears starting to form and are a welcome distraction when reading this book and I find it is written with such love and tactfulness.
I loved all the characters in this book, especially the villagers with their love for Marigold and who all rally together to support her as she encounters life with the symptoms of the disease. I enjoyed reading this even with the knowledge that it wasn’t going to be the happy ending I was after; however, I applaud Montefiore for bringing to light some of the devastating facts of Dementia in a wonderfully written book. I just hope one day we manage to develop some sort of cure for this dreadful disease.
A ‘lovely’ heart-breaking book from the best author in women’s fiction. Read with a cup of tea and arm yourself with the tissues.
Dementia can be a sensitive subject and Montefiore writes about it with the elegance and grace exactly like her other ‘happy’ books. I would never normally read a book based on this subject purely because I am quite an emotional person, it does not take much to make me cry, and a book like this would send me in a ‘spin’ for days. The reason I chose to read this one however, is purely that I know Montefiore is such a beautiful writer, I knew it would be a wonderful story albeit a heart-breaking one. I find Dementia so frightful and sad I cannot contemplate how people manage to cope when somebody they love has the disease and Montefiore shows pure strength in her group of characters. The sub-plots in the story are a welcome relief when you feel the tears starting to form and are a welcome distraction when reading this book and I find it is written with such love and tactfulness.
I loved all the characters in this book, especially the villagers with their love for Marigold and who all rally together to support her as she encounters life with the symptoms of the disease. I enjoyed reading this even with the knowledge that it wasn’t going to be the happy ending I was after; however, I applaud Montefiore for bringing to light some of the devastating facts of Dementia in a wonderfully written book. I just hope one day we manage to develop some sort of cure for this dreadful disease.
A ‘lovely’ heart-breaking book from the best author in women’s fiction. Read with a cup of tea and arm yourself with the tissues.
February 23, 2023
Poveștile astea funcționează ca un catharsis. Nu poți fi la fel după ele. Deși își ascund mesajele puternice în spatele întâmplărilor sau cuvintelor simple, cărțile astea te ajută să conștientizezi poziția ta, să te schimbi și să te bucuri mai mult de momentul actual. Până la urmă, prezentul rămâne singura certitudine, nu? Și, după cartea asta, prezentul meu este mult mai important.
Santa Montefiore a reușit să adune sub cupola acestei cărți: teme importante, reacții, decizii, temeri, dragoste, speranță și prietenie. Deși par acțiunile unor personaje random, ele nu fac altceva decât să puncteze atitudinea noastră și a celor din jur în fața anumitor situații.
Nu o să vă ascund că am plâns pe durata ultimelor pagini. Nu m-am putut abține. Am plâns pentru Marigold: de ușurare și de tristețe. Am plâns pentru că este extrem de frumos să știi că ai atâția oameni pentru care ai însemnat ceva. Am plâns pentru prietenie, pentru bolile care se întâmplă oamenilor, pentru amintiri pierdute și pentru urmele pe care le lăsăm în sufletele altora.
https://ancasicartile.ro/aici-si-acum...
Santa Montefiore a reușit să adune sub cupola acestei cărți: teme importante, reacții, decizii, temeri, dragoste, speranță și prietenie. Deși par acțiunile unor personaje random, ele nu fac altceva decât să puncteze atitudinea noastră și a celor din jur în fața anumitor situații.
Nu o să vă ascund că am plâns pe durata ultimelor pagini. Nu m-am putut abține. Am plâns pentru Marigold: de ușurare și de tristețe. Am plâns pentru că este extrem de frumos să știi că ai atâția oameni pentru care ai însemnat ceva. Am plâns pentru prietenie, pentru bolile care se întâmplă oamenilor, pentru amintiri pierdute și pentru urmele pe care le lăsăm în sufletele altora.
https://ancasicartile.ro/aici-si-acum...
November 28, 2024
Apie demenciją šiltai ir labai jautriai.
August 20, 2020
This was such a sad book but beautifully written . The characters were so believable with their different viewpoints . A memorable and haunting book on a difficult subject and unlike the author's usual books. I felt that she really wanted to write this book for personal reasons.
January 2, 2021
Marigold lebt mit ihrer Familie in einer englischen Kleinstadt. Sie ist sowas wie die gute Seele ihrer Familie und des ganzen Dorfes. Sie ist immer für alles und jeden da und kommt selbst manchmal etwas kurz. Irgendwann beginnt die Vergesslichkeit. Anfangs noch harmlos. „Das ist das Alter“ denkt sie noch. Auch als es Aussenstehenden auffällt, schieben es alle auf ihr Alter. Das Ganze wird aber immer auffälliger. Marigold versucht ihren Zustand zu verbergen. Anfangs gelingt ihr das auch. Doch irgendwann wird ihr klar, da stimmt was nicht.
Dieses Buch hat mich total überrascht. Ich habe vorher ein paar Rezensionen gelesen, wusste also, was mich erwartet. Anfangs war ich mir nicht sicher, ob es tatsächlich was für mich ist. Dann hat es mich aber regelrecht überrollt.
Die Autorin versteht es das ernste Thema Demenz mit guter Unterhaltung zu kombinieren. Sie schafft es die Ängste und Hilflosigkeit von Marigold selbst, aber auch von Familie und Freunden authentisch darzustellen, ohne kitschig zu werden.
Was die Familie und die Bewohner dieses Dorfes alles tun, um ihre Marigold zu unterstützen, ist unglaublich berührend zu lesen. Das ein oder andere Tränchen habe ich beim lesen vergossen.
Eine berührende Geschichte, sehr sensibel geschrieben. Eine klare Leseempfehlung von mir.
Herzlichen Dank an Netgalley und den Verlag für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionsexemplars!
Dieses Buch hat mich total überrascht. Ich habe vorher ein paar Rezensionen gelesen, wusste also, was mich erwartet. Anfangs war ich mir nicht sicher, ob es tatsächlich was für mich ist. Dann hat es mich aber regelrecht überrollt.
Die Autorin versteht es das ernste Thema Demenz mit guter Unterhaltung zu kombinieren. Sie schafft es die Ängste und Hilflosigkeit von Marigold selbst, aber auch von Familie und Freunden authentisch darzustellen, ohne kitschig zu werden.
Was die Familie und die Bewohner dieses Dorfes alles tun, um ihre Marigold zu unterstützen, ist unglaublich berührend zu lesen. Das ein oder andere Tränchen habe ich beim lesen vergossen.
Eine berührende Geschichte, sehr sensibel geschrieben. Eine klare Leseempfehlung von mir.
Herzlichen Dank an Netgalley und den Verlag für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionsexemplars!
September 8, 2020
Well. This was absolutely devastating. I spent the last 10-15% absolutely sobbing, so if you want to get your heart ripped out, this is the perfect book for you.
So what is this novel about? An aging couple, Marigold and Dennis, and their daughters, Suze and Daisy, living in a quaint, small English village. Suze is an influencer, something her parents can’t quite wrap their heads around—secretly wishing she’ll find a “real job” and move out. Daisy, meanwhile, has recently moved back in after a long-term relationship abroad ends poorly.
As the family learns to manage this upheaval, Marigold finds herself becoming more forgetful. Initially chalking it up to old age, it soon becomes harder for those who know her to ignore the signs that something else might be behind her forgetfulness.
What follows is a very lovely and heartbreaking novel about family and love and memory—what it means when your entire identity is made up of moments you can’t recall, when you can no longer remember those you’ve spent your entire life with. Montefiore expertly crafts complex relationships between the family members and their surrounding village people. This is my second Montefiore novel, and I absolutely adore how she writes her characters—they are all charming and messy and lovely.
If you’re prepared to have your heart broken into a million pieces, I’d suggest you look no further than this.
An ARC was provided to me for free by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So what is this novel about? An aging couple, Marigold and Dennis, and their daughters, Suze and Daisy, living in a quaint, small English village. Suze is an influencer, something her parents can’t quite wrap their heads around—secretly wishing she’ll find a “real job” and move out. Daisy, meanwhile, has recently moved back in after a long-term relationship abroad ends poorly.
As the family learns to manage this upheaval, Marigold finds herself becoming more forgetful. Initially chalking it up to old age, it soon becomes harder for those who know her to ignore the signs that something else might be behind her forgetfulness.
What follows is a very lovely and heartbreaking novel about family and love and memory—what it means when your entire identity is made up of moments you can’t recall, when you can no longer remember those you’ve spent your entire life with. Montefiore expertly crafts complex relationships between the family members and their surrounding village people. This is my second Montefiore novel, and I absolutely adore how she writes her characters—they are all charming and messy and lovely.
If you’re prepared to have your heart broken into a million pieces, I’d suggest you look no further than this.
An ARC was provided to me for free by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2020
Dit is het eerste boek dat ik van deze schrijster lees en dat is me heel goed bevallen. Ze beschrijft in dit boek heel mooi het proces van dementie in een ontroerende roman. De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en het verhaal valt nooit stil. Zeker zijn 4 sterren waard.
May 9, 2020
prachtig boek. heb veel aan mijn vader gedacht die ook dementie had. zo herkenbaar. Ik heb het boek gekregen voor mijn verjaardag van mijn kinderen en schoonzoons en ze hadden me geen beter cadeau kunnen geven.
August 20, 2020
I need a tissue.
November 14, 2022
Ce carte trista dar iti atinge toate corzile sensibile si trezeste in tine emotii nebanuite.
Dementa e una dintre cele mai crunte boli ale mintii, e oribil sa nu mai ai nicio amintire despre tine, despre ce iubesti, sa nu mai recunosti niciun chip, sa traiesti aici si acum...dar ce am inteles eu este ca cel mai important nu este sa stii tu cine esti, ci sa stie ei, cei care te iubesc cine ai fost si ce insemni pentru ei.
Mi-a placut mult povestea lui Marigold, e o poveste sensibila si devii vulnerabil in fata sortii care nu iarta pe nimeni. Mi se pare ca e o poveste care te trezeste la realitate, te face sa realizezi cat de fragil esti si ce turnuri nebanuite poate lua viata ta intr-un timp extrem de scurt. Si ca un indemn, traiti in prezent, aici si acum!
Dementa e una dintre cele mai crunte boli ale mintii, e oribil sa nu mai ai nicio amintire despre tine, despre ce iubesti, sa nu mai recunosti niciun chip, sa traiesti aici si acum...dar ce am inteles eu este ca cel mai important nu este sa stii tu cine esti, ci sa stie ei, cei care te iubesc cine ai fost si ce insemni pentru ei.
Mi-a placut mult povestea lui Marigold, e o poveste sensibila si devii vulnerabil in fata sortii care nu iarta pe nimeni. Mi se pare ca e o poveste care te trezeste la realitate, te face sa realizezi cat de fragil esti si ce turnuri nebanuite poate lua viata ta intr-un timp extrem de scurt. Si ca un indemn, traiti in prezent, aici si acum!
November 1, 2020
Wat een prachtig boek over een onderwerp dat ieder mens angst aanjaagt. Mooi en liefdevol geschreven.
July 14, 2023
Er werd gezegd dat dit boek anders zou zijn dan haar normale stijl ( heel romantisch ) dus ik wou het een kans geven maar het is helaas een dikke ‘no go’ geworden voor mij. Het boek gaat over het onderwerp dementie en dan verwacht ik ook dat als het gaat over zo een zwaar onderwerp dat de zwaarte ook in het boek naar voor komt. Helaas pindakaas.
De personages zijn ronduit egoïstisch en inhoudsloos en ik ergerde me mateloos. Het boek is ook helemaal niet realistisch. Het ligt er vingerdik op dat Marigold aan dementie lijdt en haar gevoelens en gedachten worden aan de lopende band ontkracht met de irritante zin : “We worden allemaal nu eenmaal een dagje ouder.” Zelfs het verdict van de dokter brengt deze zin aan het licht terwijl Marigold vertelde dat ze op een gegeven moment niet meer wist waar ze was en dat ze gevallen was. I mean? Zelfs haar man kent haar blijkbaar niet goed genoeg om te weten hoe abnormaal dit wel niet is.
Naarmate het verhaal vordert wil zelfs een heel dorp samenkomen om gezamenlijk te bespreken hoe ze voor haar kunnen zorgen, welke grote cadeau ze kunnen maken voor haar en hoe daarbij bij te dragen, hoe ze een groot feest voor haar gaan opzetten omdat het zo een goed mens is. No pun intended maar in het echte leven gebeurt zoiets niet en al zeker niet door zo’n inhoudsloze kartonnen karakters.
Daarenboven ergerde ik me mateloos aan de constante langdradige herhalingen ( wat is er mis met u ) en het zeemzoetige kleffe verhaal: landgoed, bloemetjes, veldjes, roze rozen, kerkje, liefde hier liefde daar, vogeltjes, sneeuwvlokjes, theetjes, schilderijtjes, puzzeltjes, hondjes en o ja blauwe luikjes ( gepikt van Ryan Gosling? ) Om het in het Gents te zeggen : Nieje!!!
Ik had gevoel dat ik een aquarel van een stilleven aan het lezen was…
Om er toch nog een positieve noot in te steken: de laatste 20 p… daar zat wat meer actie en schwung en gevoel in maar langs de andere kant was dat dan weer ne TGV die ineens vertrok en op nog geen twee jaar tijd was ineens iedereen getrouwd en waren er koters of meerdere in het spel. Enfin. Oja misschien twee positieve noten : er werd een kat doodgebeten. Naar mijn gevoel het enige actiepunt uit het verhaal.
Not my cup of tea.
February 26, 2023
4.5 rounded down.
I think the topic (a family’s journey with dementia) made this story resonate strongly for me and tug at my emotions, in both heartbreaking and heartwarming ways. The subplots regarding the two daughters’ careers and love lives as well as the local village gossip & happenings provided additional layers of interest and levity. This was the first Santa Montefiore book I read and I’ll certainly check out some of her others now too.
I think the topic (a family’s journey with dementia) made this story resonate strongly for me and tug at my emotions, in both heartbreaking and heartwarming ways. The subplots regarding the two daughters’ careers and love lives as well as the local village gossip & happenings provided additional layers of interest and levity. This was the first Santa Montefiore book I read and I’ll certainly check out some of her others now too.
Read
August 2, 2020gestopt op 20%. Te traag, te onwerkelijk. Dementie is er niet ineens van de een op andere dag... Dat is een jarenlang proces. Marigold is in 2 weken tijd van geheel normaal naar dement gegaan. Totaal geen diepgang. Mierzoet.
June 2, 2020
Een prachtig verhaal, ontroerend en bijzonder. Met een lach en een traan dit boek gelezen. Zeker een aanrader!
August 13, 2023
Das zweite mal gelesen und jetzt kann ich wirklich sagen: Ich hab mein Lieblingsbuch gefunden, welches in mir zehn Millionen Gefühle hervorgebracht hat. 😭
November 15, 2020
Seit 30 Jahren betreibt die 66-jährige Marigold einen Dorfladen mit einem Poststelle. Mit ihrem Mann Dennis lebt sie in einem kleinen Haus. Nun muss die Familie enger zusammenrücken, denn die älteste Tochter Daisy (32) sucht bei ihnen Unterschlupf. Ohnehin ist es schon recht voll, da die jüngere Tochter Suze mit 25 Jahren noch bei ihnen wohnt und vor Kurzem auch Nan, die 86-jährige Mutter von Marigold, eingezogen ist. Aber Goldie wird gerne gebraucht. Dabei übersieht ihre Familie, dass es Marigold immer schlechter geht und sie selbst Hilfe benötigt....
„Marigolds Töchter“ ist ein Roman von Julia Woolf.
Meine Meinung:
Der Roman besteht aus 29 eher kürzeren Kapiteln. Erzählt wird überwiegend aus der Sicht von Marigold, aber auch aus anderen Perspektiven. Der Aufbau funktioniert gut.
Der Schreibstil ist einfach und schnörkellos, jedoch auch anschaulich. Viel wörtliche Rede schafft eine lebhafte Atmosphäre.
Der Fokus der Geschichte liegt vorwiegend auf Marigold, einer sympathischen, aber auch recht gutmütigen, teils sogar etwas naiv anmutenden Protagonistin. Auch weitere interessante Charaktere, allen voran die Töchter Daisy und Suze, tauchen auf. Ihre Gedanken und Gefühle lassen sich sehr gut nachvollziehen.
An dem Roman hat mich gereizt, dass es nicht nur um Liebe und Familie geht, sondern auch um die Demenz-Thematik. Das macht die Lektüre emotional bewegend.
Die Handlung nimmt zu Beginn nur langsam Fahrt auf, wird aber zunehmend abwechslungsreich. Mehrere Wendungen und Komplikationen sorgen dafür, dass der rund 420 Seiten umfassende Roman kurzweilig und unterhaltsam bleibt. Jedoch sind einige Punkte ein wenig klischeehaft und wirken unrealistisch.
Das hübsche Cover hat zwar nur einen indirekten inhaltlichen Bezug, gefällt mir allerdings gut. Der deutsche Titel ist etwas irreführend, da es nicht nur um Marigolds Töchter, sondern auch um sie selbst geht. In diesem Fall ist das englischsprachige Original („Here and Now“) treffender.
Mein Fazit:
„Marigolds Töchter“ von Julia Woolf ist ein unterhaltsamer und berührender Roman, der mir schöne Lesestunden bereitet hat. Ihr Potenzial schöpft die Geschichte jedoch leider nicht ganz aus.
„Marigolds Töchter“ ist ein Roman von Julia Woolf.
Meine Meinung:
Der Roman besteht aus 29 eher kürzeren Kapiteln. Erzählt wird überwiegend aus der Sicht von Marigold, aber auch aus anderen Perspektiven. Der Aufbau funktioniert gut.
Der Schreibstil ist einfach und schnörkellos, jedoch auch anschaulich. Viel wörtliche Rede schafft eine lebhafte Atmosphäre.
Der Fokus der Geschichte liegt vorwiegend auf Marigold, einer sympathischen, aber auch recht gutmütigen, teils sogar etwas naiv anmutenden Protagonistin. Auch weitere interessante Charaktere, allen voran die Töchter Daisy und Suze, tauchen auf. Ihre Gedanken und Gefühle lassen sich sehr gut nachvollziehen.
An dem Roman hat mich gereizt, dass es nicht nur um Liebe und Familie geht, sondern auch um die Demenz-Thematik. Das macht die Lektüre emotional bewegend.
Die Handlung nimmt zu Beginn nur langsam Fahrt auf, wird aber zunehmend abwechslungsreich. Mehrere Wendungen und Komplikationen sorgen dafür, dass der rund 420 Seiten umfassende Roman kurzweilig und unterhaltsam bleibt. Jedoch sind einige Punkte ein wenig klischeehaft und wirken unrealistisch.
Das hübsche Cover hat zwar nur einen indirekten inhaltlichen Bezug, gefällt mir allerdings gut. Der deutsche Titel ist etwas irreführend, da es nicht nur um Marigolds Töchter, sondern auch um sie selbst geht. In diesem Fall ist das englischsprachige Original („Here and Now“) treffender.
Mein Fazit:
„Marigolds Töchter“ von Julia Woolf ist ein unterhaltsamer und berührender Roman, der mir schöne Lesestunden bereitet hat. Ihr Potenzial schöpft die Geschichte jedoch leider nicht ganz aus.
April 17, 2024
מרינגולד היא אישה בסוף שנות השישים שלה, נשואה באהבה רבה לדניס, אמא של סוז ודייזי, בנות בוגרות, והבת של נאן, שגרה איתה ועם דניס. מריגולד מנהלת את המכולת ואת סניף הדואר בכפר הבריטי בו היא גרה, ותמיד הייתה אישה פעילה, שמתנדבת ועוזרת לכולם, מטפלת בכולם ודואגת להם, וכולם היו רגילים לתת לה לטפל בהכל. אבל לפתע מריגולד מתחילה לשים לב שזיכרונה מתערער, שמוחה מעורפל.... בהתחלה היא מנסה להסתיר את זה, וגם סביבתה חושבת שמדובר סתם בסימנים של הזדקנות, אבל מצבה של מריגולד ממשיך להידרדר ומשפחתה ושאר השכנים והחברים בכפר צריך להתחיל להתרגל למציאות שבה מריגולד כבר לא מטפלת בכולם ואחראית על הכל.
זהו עוד ספר מקסים עם הכתיבה היפה של סנטה מונטיפיורי. הנושא שונה מספריה האחרים שקראתי ("מרינה של הים" ו-"הפיתוי של גרייסי"), אבל גם כאן יש תיאורים יפים של טבע, נופים ואנשים.
אני מודה שבתחילה התלבטתי אם אני רוצה לקרוא ספר על מישהי שחולה בדמנציה, אבל אני שמחה שקראתי. ספר מקסים, נוגע ללב ומרגש.
זהו עוד ספר מקסים עם הכתיבה היפה של סנטה מונטיפיורי. הנושא שונה מספריה האחרים שקראתי ("מרינה של הים" ו-"הפיתוי של גרייסי"), אבל גם כאן יש תיאורים יפים של טבע, נופים ואנשים.
אני מודה שבתחילה התלבטתי אם אני רוצה לקרוא ספר על מישהי שחולה בדמנציה, אבל אני שמחה שקראתי. ספר מקסים, נוגע ללב ומרגש.
May 24, 2020
Marigold woont samen met haar man Dennis en dochter Suze in een klein plattelands dorpje waar iedereen elkaar kent. Ook haar negentigjarige moeder, Nana, komt bij hun in huis wonen, thuis alleen red ze niet meer. Wanneer Daisy, de andere dochter van Marigold en Dennis, ook weer thuis komt wonen na een relatie van zes jaar in Milaan wordt het Marigold allemaal teveel. Het lijkt wel of ze al vergeetachtiger wordt, maar iedereen wuift dat weg en zegt dat het bij de leeftijd hoort. Wanneer ze op een gegeven moment echter niet meer in staat is om haar eigen winkel te runnen en de voorbereidingen van Suze haar bruiloft te treffen nemen de zorgen toe. Wat is er toch met haar aan de hand?
Sante Montefiore heeft met Naar de overkant weer een heerlijke roman geschreven. Vanaf het begin af aan zit je meteen goed in het verhaal, je wordt als lezer eigenlijk direct opgenomen in het gezin van Marigold en het plattelandse dorpje waar ze wonen. Marigold staat centraal in het verhaal, maar haar man Dennis en twee dochters Suze en Daisy spelen ook een belangrijke rol. Ze hebben allemaal hun eigen verhaallijn binnen het grotere geheel waardoor het verhaal speels blijft. Marigold maakt echter wel de meeste indruk binnen Naar de overkant. Moeder van twee dochters en eigenaresse van een winkeltje in het dorp wat ze met veel passie runt. Wanneer ze op een gegeven moment dingen begint te vergeten, wordt dit op haar leeftijd gegooid. Het wordt echter al meer, totdat de diagnose Alzheimer vastgesteld wordt. De langzame achteruitgang hierna wordt heel mooi beschreven door Sante Montefiore. Niet alleen het proces wat Marigold zelf meemaakt, maar ook wat dit voor invloed heeft op de rest van het gezin. Op welke manier ze proberen haar te helpen om toch nog zo zelfstandig mogelijk te kunnen zijn. Maar ook het moment dat Marigold niet meer thuis kan wonen en op een gegeven moment haar man niet meer herkent. Dit wordt op een zeer intense manier beschreven. Liefde is dan ook het centrale thema in het verhaal, de onvoorwaardelijke liefde tussen Dennis en Marigold, maar ook de liefde die Suze en Daisy hebben in hun relatie met hun partner.
Sante Montefiore heeft met een Naar de overkant een prachtige roman geschreven waarbij een vlotte schrijfstijl en een pakkend verhaal ervoor zorgen dat je zo door het boek heen vliegt.
Sante Montefiore heeft met Naar de overkant weer een heerlijke roman geschreven. Vanaf het begin af aan zit je meteen goed in het verhaal, je wordt als lezer eigenlijk direct opgenomen in het gezin van Marigold en het plattelandse dorpje waar ze wonen. Marigold staat centraal in het verhaal, maar haar man Dennis en twee dochters Suze en Daisy spelen ook een belangrijke rol. Ze hebben allemaal hun eigen verhaallijn binnen het grotere geheel waardoor het verhaal speels blijft. Marigold maakt echter wel de meeste indruk binnen Naar de overkant. Moeder van twee dochters en eigenaresse van een winkeltje in het dorp wat ze met veel passie runt. Wanneer ze op een gegeven moment dingen begint te vergeten, wordt dit op haar leeftijd gegooid. Het wordt echter al meer, totdat de diagnose Alzheimer vastgesteld wordt. De langzame achteruitgang hierna wordt heel mooi beschreven door Sante Montefiore. Niet alleen het proces wat Marigold zelf meemaakt, maar ook wat dit voor invloed heeft op de rest van het gezin. Op welke manier ze proberen haar te helpen om toch nog zo zelfstandig mogelijk te kunnen zijn. Maar ook het moment dat Marigold niet meer thuis kan wonen en op een gegeven moment haar man niet meer herkent. Dit wordt op een zeer intense manier beschreven. Liefde is dan ook het centrale thema in het verhaal, de onvoorwaardelijke liefde tussen Dennis en Marigold, maar ook de liefde die Suze en Daisy hebben in hun relatie met hun partner.
Sante Montefiore heeft met een Naar de overkant een prachtige roman geschreven waarbij een vlotte schrijfstijl en een pakkend verhaal ervoor zorgen dat je zo door het boek heen vliegt.
June 9, 2020
Aangrijpend boek over Marigold en haar familie. Ze woont met haar man en haar volwassen dochter Suze en haar moeder in een klein plattelandsdorpje in Engeland. Marigold is een zorgzame vrouw die een winkel annex postkantoor beheert. Haar dochter Daisy woont met haar vriend Luca in Italië maar nadat ze een einde aan die relatie heeft gemaakt keert ze terug naar haar ouderlijk huis. Ondertussen gaat het niet goed met Marigold. Ze wordt langzamerhand steeds vergeetachtiger en uiteindelijk kan ze het niet meer verbergen door opschrijfboekjes te gebruiken. Haar familie steunt haar en als uiteindelijk dementie wordt vastgesteld slaat heel het dorp de handen ineen om Marigold zo lang mogelijk thuis te kunnen houden. Er is ook een romance voor Daisy en dat zie je eigenlijk altijd wel aankomen.
December 3, 2020
Linda/Vancouver/Langley/BC/Canada 6 stars for a beauty such as this book. All about life. Please read this book. Could be you or I.
What a gorgeous book and so heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Focus is on Marigold and Dennis who are happily married and their daughters Daisy and Suze. When their 2 adult daughters move home they notice differences in their mother Marigold. Their father Dennis brushes over what the girls are telling him. Marigold is well loved by the people who know her and live in a small English village. Marigold has a shop where she works every day. Marigold uses a journal to mark tasks that she has to do. Also posted notes are out to use. The daughters have established love connections and Suze is the first to get married. Marigold has forgotten certain parts of the wedding plans. She has her notebook but!! Husband Dennis is a wonderful husband and her daughters have stepped up to help. Marigold is such a good person and friends are there to help out. Don't want to tell everything as the way the author writes is so beautiful and perhaps she has seen this herself. It reminds me of "Still Alice". This is a book that I will never forget. A must read for anyone as this can be part of life for any of us. I felt so much reading this book and I had tears at the end. A masterpiece of written word. I did not rush reading this book. Finished this book end of November 2020.
What a gorgeous book and so heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Focus is on Marigold and Dennis who are happily married and their daughters Daisy and Suze. When their 2 adult daughters move home they notice differences in their mother Marigold. Their father Dennis brushes over what the girls are telling him. Marigold is well loved by the people who know her and live in a small English village. Marigold has a shop where she works every day. Marigold uses a journal to mark tasks that she has to do. Also posted notes are out to use. The daughters have established love connections and Suze is the first to get married. Marigold has forgotten certain parts of the wedding plans. She has her notebook but!! Husband Dennis is a wonderful husband and her daughters have stepped up to help. Marigold is such a good person and friends are there to help out. Don't want to tell everything as the way the author writes is so beautiful and perhaps she has seen this herself. It reminds me of "Still Alice". This is a book that I will never forget. A must read for anyone as this can be part of life for any of us. I felt so much reading this book and I had tears at the end. A masterpiece of written word. I did not rush reading this book. Finished this book end of November 2020.
February 14, 2025
I heard the audiobook on Libby and the narration was so beautiful.
This is a story about Marigold and Dennis, along with their two grown up daughters, Suze and Daisy.
Marigold and Dennis, live in an English village, where she runs a shop close to home, while Dennis works in his shed being a village favorite for his Carpentry skills.
Daisy has been in Italy for 6 years, when she breaks up with her boyfriend and decides to return to her parents, while Suze, is busy with her social media content skills, working from home.
Some days after Daisy returns, she observes her mother is not okay, and there have been some instances where she looks sick and pale. She gets forgetful and panics. Soon, this becomes serious, and her friends and family start observing the instances. The doctor diagnoses her symptoms as early stages of dementia.
The author takes us, through these rough times, faced by Marigold, her daughters and friends from the village. Everyone comes together, to help marigold, she being a very good person.
I loved how the author brings the story full circle, by Dennis, saying she may not remember me, but he will always remember her as his Goldie.
Do pick up if you love such family stories. I have already picked up the authors third book.
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This story is close to me, because my friend, told me his father doesn't smile at him anymore, because he doesn't recognize him. His mom has to take care of his dad, just like a child.
That was the saddest thing I heard him say.
This is a story about Marigold and Dennis, along with their two grown up daughters, Suze and Daisy.
Marigold and Dennis, live in an English village, where she runs a shop close to home, while Dennis works in his shed being a village favorite for his Carpentry skills.
Daisy has been in Italy for 6 years, when she breaks up with her boyfriend and decides to return to her parents, while Suze, is busy with her social media content skills, working from home.
Some days after Daisy returns, she observes her mother is not okay, and there have been some instances where she looks sick and pale. She gets forgetful and panics. Soon, this becomes serious, and her friends and family start observing the instances. The doctor diagnoses her symptoms as early stages of dementia.
The author takes us, through these rough times, faced by Marigold, her daughters and friends from the village. Everyone comes together, to help marigold, she being a very good person.
I loved how the author brings the story full circle, by Dennis, saying she may not remember me, but he will always remember her as his Goldie.
Do pick up if you love such family stories. I have already picked up the authors third book.
=====
This story is close to me, because my friend, told me his father doesn't smile at him anymore, because he doesn't recognize him. His mom has to take care of his dad, just like a child.
That was the saddest thing I heard him say.
July 19, 2024
This book is truly amazing. The story is sad, happy, heartbreaking and joyous all at the same time, if that is possible.
It is centred around Marigold, in her 60s she is plodding on with her life when she gradually starts to feel that things with her health may not be quite right. The sense of love from her family, friends and her small village community is overwhelming and so strong it is heart warming to read and feel all of the emotions that this author conveys. A wonderful all round read, definitely recommend and will be looking out for more books written by her.
It is centred around Marigold, in her 60s she is plodding on with her life when she gradually starts to feel that things with her health may not be quite right. The sense of love from her family, friends and her small village community is overwhelming and so strong it is heart warming to read and feel all of the emotions that this author conveys. A wonderful all round read, definitely recommend and will be looking out for more books written by her.
February 10, 2021
Was een tijdje geleden dat ik een boek van Montefiore had gelezen, had toch goede herinneringen aan de vorige. Ook deze valt beslist niet tegen. In de verte doet het verhaal me denken aan The Notebook omdat ook hier dementie het hoofdthema is. Dat proces wordt door Montefiore helder en boeiend beschreven en laat duidelijk de paniek die de hoofdpersoon ervaart voelen. Verder ontbreekt uiteraard de romantiek niet in dit boek van Montefiore, maar dat is niet storend en voor de liefhebber er van zelfs broodnodig.
Kortom, weer een lekker boek om te lezen, had het in een paar dagen uit, dus blijkbaar vond ik het ook boeiend. Bijna 4 sterren, maar helaas in Goodreads kunnen geen halfjes worden gegeven.
Kortom, weer een lekker boek om te lezen, had het in een paar dagen uit, dus blijkbaar vond ik het ook boeiend. Bijna 4 sterren, maar helaas in Goodreads kunnen geen halfjes worden gegeven.
August 6, 2021
4.5 🌟
Audiobook
This pretty much broke my heart in two 💔
Touched very close to home with this one, dementia and the effects it has on family.
Especially at this moment in time, losing my grandad.
But having said that, it was excellent, one of her best.
Audiobook
This pretty much broke my heart in two 💔
Touched very close to home with this one, dementia and the effects it has on family.
Especially at this moment in time, losing my grandad.
But having said that, it was excellent, one of her best.
May 1, 2022
Listened on Audible.
This was a hard book for me to read, as it reminded me of the journey that we went on as a family with my Mum on her pre and post diagnosis of dementia.
But I am glad that I stuck with it, as it is not a sad book and it didn't make make cry.
All the characters feel very real even Luca. Marigold is a joy and her mother, whilst appearing as a grumpy old women is actually scared about what is happening to her daughter.
My favourite is Denis. The love and care that he has for "Goldie" is lovely to see. Reminded me of my own Dad.
This was a hard book for me to read, as it reminded me of the journey that we went on as a family with my Mum on her pre and post diagnosis of dementia.
But I am glad that I stuck with it, as it is not a sad book and it didn't make make cry.
All the characters feel very real even Luca. Marigold is a joy and her mother, whilst appearing as a grumpy old women is actually scared about what is happening to her daughter.
My favourite is Denis. The love and care that he has for "Goldie" is lovely to see. Reminded me of my own Dad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
Nuostabus pasakojimas apie Marigoldės likimą, meilę, ir visas kliutis, kurios įveikiamos su mylimais žmonėmis. Įdomi tema, apie demenciją, kuri paliečia ne tik sergantį, bet ir visus šalia esančius. Apie tėvų ir vaikų ryšį. Rūpestį, kuriuo dalinaisi su visais, o tada atgauni viską šimtų kartų daugiau! Istorija, kuri įtraukė ir nepaleido iki paskutinio puslapio.
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