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A Town Called Solace
by
'I've been trying to tell everybody I know about Mary Lawson... [Each of her novels is] just a marvel' ANNE TYLER
It’s North Ontario in 1972, and seven-year-old Clara’s teenage sister Rose has just run away from home. At the same time, a strange man – Liam – drives up to the house next door, which he has just inherited from Mrs Orchard, a kindly old woman who was friendly t ...more
It’s North Ontario in 1972, and seven-year-old Clara’s teenage sister Rose has just run away from home. At the same time, a strange man – Liam – drives up to the house next door, which he has just inherited from Mrs Orchard, a kindly old woman who was friendly t ...more
Hardcover, 302 pages
Expected publication:
February 18th 2021
by Chatto Windus
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Powerful understated story with very good characters - thoroughly enjoyed it. 4.5/5 Full review nearer publication
I so enjoyed all of Mary Lawson’s earlier books that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one, after what seems like years waiting. The thing that I remember most clearly from my experience of her previous work is how well she writes children. This novel is no exception - Clara is just wonderful in her imperfect understanding of a complicated time in her family’s lives, not least since everyone is trying to protect her from harsh truths. I loved every moment spent in her company.
I confess I ...more
I confess I ...more
Reading a Mary Lawson novel is enjoyable there’s something to make you want to read on, but it’s more than that too; the description and storytelling is so rich that you feel you’re there. But I also felt a little jolted by the ending, which I still think felt abrupt, but also real and hopeful in an unexpected sort of way. Life doesn’t always turn out like you think, but even after you make mistakes or life changes abruptly, you can still find forgiveness, friendship, healing… no matter what sta
...more
A small town with a close-knit community lives up to its name in this delightful novel, where the local police officer is known by his first name, the librarian sells home-made ice cream and the younger residents may try to leave, but feel the pull of home. A little girl finds her world falls apart when her beloved sister goes missing, a man quits his job when his marriage crumbles and he comes for a break to the old house he unexpectedly inherits, and an elderly widow lies in hospital rememberi
...more
I first came across Mary Lawson when Crow Lake was a choice for our Book Club. Having enjoyed that I requested A Town called Solace from NetGalley.
I found this a very readable book that I couldn't put down. Not the gripping thriller sort of book, but one that just made me want to keep reading.
I found the portrayal of Clara very good, you really felt for her, although she was a somewhat odd child.
The ending of the book was well done, so often books end and you are left thinking, what.....
Thank ...more
I found this a very readable book that I couldn't put down. Not the gripping thriller sort of book, but one that just made me want to keep reading.
I found the portrayal of Clara very good, you really felt for her, although she was a somewhat odd child.
The ending of the book was well done, so often books end and you are left thinking, what.....
Thank ...more
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This was beautifully written, but permeated with a muted sadness. I liked the characterization of Liam, who doesn't understand why Mrs Orchard has left him her house, and of Clara, who doesn't understand why her sister doesn't come home. I wasn't entirely sure why this was set in the past, and I am getting tired of books with multiple timelines, but overall this was excellent. Extra marks for having a proper ending where things wer ...more
This was beautifully written, but permeated with a muted sadness. I liked the characterization of Liam, who doesn't understand why Mrs Orchard has left him her house, and of Clara, who doesn't understand why her sister doesn't come home. I wasn't entirely sure why this was set in the past, and I am getting tired of books with multiple timelines, but overall this was excellent. Extra marks for having a proper ending where things wer ...more
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Mary Lawson (born 1946) is a Canadian novelist.
Born in southwestern Ontario, she spent her childhood in Blackwell, Ontario (located between Sarnia and Brights Grove) and is a distant relative of L. M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables.
Lawson moved to England after graduating from McGill University with a psychology degree in 1968. She also married in Ontario, has two grown up sons and now ...more
Born in southwestern Ontario, she spent her childhood in Blackwell, Ontario (located between Sarnia and Brights Grove) and is a distant relative of L. M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables.
Lawson moved to England after graduating from McGill University with a psychology degree in 1968. She also married in Ontario, has two grown up sons and now ...more
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