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The Snow and the Works on the Northern Line
Hidden within the confines of The Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies, Sybil is happy enough with her work - and her love life. Then to her dismay, her old adversary, assertive and glamorous Helen Hansen, is appointed Head of Trustees. To add insult, Helen promptly seduces Sybil's boyfriend. Betrayed and broken-hearted, Sybil becomes obsessed with exposing Helen as a fraud, no matter the cost.
262 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2021
23 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Thomas
51 books4 followersLibrarian note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Ruth Thomas is an English writer of novels and short stories.
Ruth Thomas is an English writer of novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 7, 2020
Sybil Wiseman goes skating with boyfriend Simon when she hits her head. Also at the skating rink, quite by chance, is Sybil’s old tutor – Helen Hansen – the successful, confident and attractive academic. While Sybil finds herself being patched up, Simon goes home with Helen which, to be honest, made me feel he wasn’t much worth all the anguish that seems to be caused later when it appears that Helen has discovered her new soul mate.
This is a gentle and humorous story. I liked Sybil and her colleagues at the Royal Institute of Pre-historical Studies. I think many of us would sympathise with Sybil, as Helen, an old nemesis, suddenly reappears to cause chaos in her personal, and work, life. Author Ruth Thomas sets the scene well, with Sybil recalling how she first met her old tutor, “Call me, Helen,” who was more popular with the male students than the female. Of how she tried to dampen her academic results and is always unpleasant with a smile…
Although a little out of my comfort zone, this is an enjoyable story. I sympathised with Sybil and thought the work setting worked well. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review. Overall, I would give this 3.5 stars.
This is a gentle and humorous story. I liked Sybil and her colleagues at the Royal Institute of Pre-historical Studies. I think many of us would sympathise with Sybil, as Helen, an old nemesis, suddenly reappears to cause chaos in her personal, and work, life. Author Ruth Thomas sets the scene well, with Sybil recalling how she first met her old tutor, “Call me, Helen,” who was more popular with the male students than the female. Of how she tried to dampen her academic results and is always unpleasant with a smile…
Although a little out of my comfort zone, this is an enjoyable story. I sympathised with Sybil and thought the work setting worked well. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review. Overall, I would give this 3.5 stars.
December 3, 2020
This book is exactly what I expected - a light and amusing read. Not challenging, but not so lightweight that you can skim through it without missing anything.
Perfect for cold, dark evenings, curl up on the sofa by the fire (or the radiator!) with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy this book.
Perfect for cold, dark evenings, curl up on the sofa by the fire (or the radiator!) with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy this book.
February 20, 2021
I was a little worried about this at first - was it going to turn into one of those worthy woman loses philandering boyfriend to someone she knows and is left bereft...
But no it wasn’t and Sybil ,with her poetry night class - beautifully capturing the angst of attempting poetry when not poetical and having to listen to the poems of people desperate to be heard...interminably, Sybil is a lovely heroine . I’ve chosen that word carefully as she is a little Fanny Price like, but with a twist - and Helen is equally a perfect anti hero. Even their names , with a nod to mythology , are darkly suitable. For me the archaeology with its Norse and Celtic myths , the insight into the life of a museum worker who really knows their subject, the honourable boss with a secret , the flowers - the wonder of the world in fact - make this unfolding of a story really interesting. I also liked the dreadful Helen’s frightful merchandising and the fact that, in a way, she’s hoist with her own petard in the form of a canvas bag. The past is indeed the future.
A lovely read.
But no it wasn’t and Sybil ,with her poetry night class - beautifully capturing the angst of attempting poetry when not poetical and having to listen to the poems of people desperate to be heard...interminably, Sybil is a lovely heroine . I’ve chosen that word carefully as she is a little Fanny Price like, but with a twist - and Helen is equally a perfect anti hero. Even their names , with a nod to mythology , are darkly suitable. For me the archaeology with its Norse and Celtic myths , the insight into the life of a museum worker who really knows their subject, the honourable boss with a secret , the flowers - the wonder of the world in fact - make this unfolding of a story really interesting. I also liked the dreadful Helen’s frightful merchandising and the fact that, in a way, she’s hoist with her own petard in the form of a canvas bag. The past is indeed the future.
A lovely read.
February 15, 2021
Not usually my thing but listened to it on BBC sounds and really enjoyed the somewhat manic mind of sybil
January 17, 2021
Review is based on an ARC provided by the publisher.
The story is about Sybil, who works at an institute in Greenwich. After an accident at the ice-rink her life isn't the same. Her boyfriend leaves the hospital where she is still patched up with her old nemesis from university who also turns out to be connected to her work from now on, too. So, Sybil has to go through a break-up while also having to work with the woman who stole her boyfriend from time to time. Not to mention that this nemesis is a fraud and Sybil plans to uncover her come what may.
This rather short book took me longer to read that I initially thought. It's mainly because I had trouble connecting with the MC, as well as the writing which wasn't often clear whether it was progressing with the main story or whether I was reading a flashback to a time before the accident. This latter is supposed to be a feature as the accident left Sybil with a head injury, but it took me while to understand this.
The story is about Sybil, who works at an institute in Greenwich. After an accident at the ice-rink her life isn't the same. Her boyfriend leaves the hospital where she is still patched up with her old nemesis from university who also turns out to be connected to her work from now on, too. So, Sybil has to go through a break-up while also having to work with the woman who stole her boyfriend from time to time. Not to mention that this nemesis is a fraud and Sybil plans to uncover her come what may.
This rather short book took me longer to read that I initially thought. It's mainly because I had trouble connecting with the MC, as well as the writing which wasn't often clear whether it was progressing with the main story or whether I was reading a flashback to a time before the accident. This latter is supposed to be a feature as the accident left Sybil with a head injury, but it took me while to understand this.
February 6, 2021
Попытка написать про Бриджет Джонс в научном сеттинге провалилась по всем фронтам -- скучная героиня ведет скучную жизнь ни о чем, окруженная картонными героями, которые почему-то хлопочут о собственных жизнях, а не о ее мелких обидах. Плюс у нее медленно едет крыша на почве травмы. Такое.
January 4, 2021
Thank you to the author, Sandstone Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a short read, but sadly it didn't live up to the intriguing title. The characters are very one-dimensional and lack depth, and I found it very difficult to get at all invested in the story. Most of the book consists of the protagonist stumbling from one awkward situation to the next, without any redeeming qualities of moving forward, learning from her experiences or any other plot development. Sorry, but this was not for me.
This was a short read, but sadly it didn't live up to the intriguing title. The characters are very one-dimensional and lack depth, and I found it very difficult to get at all invested in the story. Most of the book consists of the protagonist stumbling from one awkward situation to the next, without any redeeming qualities of moving forward, learning from her experiences or any other plot development. Sorry, but this was not for me.
November 1, 2020
A disappointing read that failed to connect with me in any way. Sybil works in the Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies in Greenwich. She seeks to expose her nemesis, the glamorous and successful Trustee, Helen Hansen, after she seduces her boyfriend. Ho hum. I’m sure this book will appeal to many fans of the Eleanor Oliphant genre for example, but it failed to resonate with me in any way. Not caring whether Sybil succeeded or not in her mission to thwart Helen, I abandoned the story half way through 1🌟
Many thanks to @netgalley and @sandstonepress. for this ARC in return for my honest review.
Many thanks to @netgalley and @sandstonepress. for this ARC in return for my honest review.
March 1, 2023
Setting: London, UK; present day.
Sybil Wiseman has a 2:1 degree and is happily working in The Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies and living with her boyfriend, Simon - until her former university tutor, Helen Hansen (who tried unsuccessfully to only award Sybil a 3rd for her degree) is appointed as a Trustee at her workplace, which is struggling for funding in the face of Government austerity measures. Not only that, but Helen also seduces her boyfriend, Simon. Sybil is totally bereft, both at work and personally, as Helen swaggers around the place, making wholesale changes to what Sybil previously regarded as her safe space. How will Sybil cope?....
Not well, to be honest! I found Sybil to be quite an annoying character, who created many of her own problems in the aftermath of Helen's arrival - largely by dragging her heels on indexing work she has been assigned to do, only because it is necessary due to Helen's intervention. This only adds to Sybil's stress levels, causing her to make some irrational decisions - 'Wiseman' is perhaps an inappropriate surname for this character! The suggestion in the blurb that Sybil 'becomes obsessed with exposing Helen as a fraud, no matter the cost' is pretty laughable - all she seems to do is try to avoid doing her work and so put her own job in jeopardy! Only an OK read for me - 6.5/10.
Sybil Wiseman has a 2:1 degree and is happily working in The Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies and living with her boyfriend, Simon - until her former university tutor, Helen Hansen (who tried unsuccessfully to only award Sybil a 3rd for her degree) is appointed as a Trustee at her workplace, which is struggling for funding in the face of Government austerity measures. Not only that, but Helen also seduces her boyfriend, Simon. Sybil is totally bereft, both at work and personally, as Helen swaggers around the place, making wholesale changes to what Sybil previously regarded as her safe space. How will Sybil cope?....
Not well, to be honest! I found Sybil to be quite an annoying character, who created many of her own problems in the aftermath of Helen's arrival - largely by dragging her heels on indexing work she has been assigned to do, only because it is necessary due to Helen's intervention. This only adds to Sybil's stress levels, causing her to make some irrational decisions - 'Wiseman' is perhaps an inappropriate surname for this character! The suggestion in the blurb that Sybil 'becomes obsessed with exposing Helen as a fraud, no matter the cost' is pretty laughable - all she seems to do is try to avoid doing her work and so put her own job in jeopardy! Only an OK read for me - 6.5/10.
February 14, 2021
I did like the look of this book just from the title! We meet Sybil, who works at The Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies. She has a boyfriend, Simon, but following an accident at an ice-skating rink, Simon ends up going home with Sybil’s old tutor, Helen Hansen. Unfortunately for Sybil, she finds herself working with Helen which turns her nice, stable life into chaos.
I liked Sybil’s character, and thought she was far more worthy without Simon in her life, or even Helen for that matter. I disliked Helen with a passion, and waited eagerly for her comeuppance at some point in the story! Whilst it sounded an interesting storyline, it was too slow for my liking, and I felt there was a lot of talking about something happening, instead of it actually happening! Apart from Sybil, I struggled to connect with any of the characters and the plot jumping around a lot confused me to the point where I lost interest. Although it was only a fairly short book, it took a lot longer to read than it should have done. It had some redeeming parts – the title, Sybil and the poetry mentioned – but sadly failed to hold my attention the whole way through.
I liked Sybil’s character, and thought she was far more worthy without Simon in her life, or even Helen for that matter. I disliked Helen with a passion, and waited eagerly for her comeuppance at some point in the story! Whilst it sounded an interesting storyline, it was too slow for my liking, and I felt there was a lot of talking about something happening, instead of it actually happening! Apart from Sybil, I struggled to connect with any of the characters and the plot jumping around a lot confused me to the point where I lost interest. Although it was only a fairly short book, it took a lot longer to read than it should have done. It had some redeeming parts – the title, Sybil and the poetry mentioned – but sadly failed to hold my attention the whole way through.
January 2, 2021
I read this in a few hours which is a testament to how much I enjoyed it.
It isn’t chick-lit dramatic, you couldn’t predict the ending or write the plot and yet it was familiar and reassuring. Poetic.
The main character Sybil is reunited in an accident on an ice rink with her ‘nemesis’ and old university lecturer who ’steals’ Sybil’s boyfriend and the story is essentially about Sybil putting herself back together again emotionally and physically.
I loved how the writer evoked Sybil’s increasing lack of grasp on things; how you could sense her mind wasn’t quite ‘right’ after the accident. I also loved the backstory wasnt over explained or laboured on. Sybil was complex and interesting, flawed and beguiling all at once.
I really enjoyed the hours I spent reading this,
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of the book which I received in exchange for my honest review.
4 stars recommend.
It isn’t chick-lit dramatic, you couldn’t predict the ending or write the plot and yet it was familiar and reassuring. Poetic.
The main character Sybil is reunited in an accident on an ice rink with her ‘nemesis’ and old university lecturer who ’steals’ Sybil’s boyfriend and the story is essentially about Sybil putting herself back together again emotionally and physically.
I loved how the writer evoked Sybil’s increasing lack of grasp on things; how you could sense her mind wasn’t quite ‘right’ after the accident. I also loved the backstory wasnt over explained or laboured on. Sybil was complex and interesting, flawed and beguiling all at once.
I really enjoyed the hours I spent reading this,
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of the book which I received in exchange for my honest review.
4 stars recommend.
February 1, 2024
This was an unusual book. It took a bit to get into it but once I did I truly enjoyed it. If you’re looking for an action packed plot just pass on this. But it’s fine writing with a view into academia.
December 20, 2020
This was a nice book. Nice is a good thing but it also isn’t high praise for a new novel. I will preface this review by saying that I am a huge Barbara Pym fan and it was the comparison with her mentioned on the book’s Netgalley page that made me want to read it. Sadly for me it lacked Pym’s humour which carries a book where nothing really happens along nicely. The author of this book tried to inject humour into it but it didn’t really work for me.
That said, I enjoyed it, I stayed up late to finish it and loved Sybil. I was disappointed that there wasn’t a great public denouncing of Helen but perhaps Sybil’s more subtle revenge is the cold serving we are told is best!
I felt there were very promising characters and situations that weren’t quite explored enough. I’d have loved more fleshing out of the time when Sybil finds herself out in the snow after the party for example and also a deeper understanding of her relationship with Raglan and his with Peter.
Thomas captured the atmosphere of the museum and offices in old buildings with all their quirks beautifully and the secret unpleasantness and petty jealousies of academic life perfectly.
This is a good read, a nice read and I’m glad that I have read it. But if you want plot driven high drama then this isn’t the book for you.
That said, I enjoyed it, I stayed up late to finish it and loved Sybil. I was disappointed that there wasn’t a great public denouncing of Helen but perhaps Sybil’s more subtle revenge is the cold serving we are told is best!
I felt there were very promising characters and situations that weren’t quite explored enough. I’d have loved more fleshing out of the time when Sybil finds herself out in the snow after the party for example and also a deeper understanding of her relationship with Raglan and his with Peter.
Thomas captured the atmosphere of the museum and offices in old buildings with all their quirks beautifully and the secret unpleasantness and petty jealousies of academic life perfectly.
This is a good read, a nice read and I’m glad that I have read it. But if you want plot driven high drama then this isn’t the book for you.
January 18, 2021
Best thing about this book is the title. Unlike a railway line it goes very steeply downhill from there.
December 4, 2024
3.5 for Bookclub
January 11, 2021
Tedious
December 26, 2020
I was drawn to this book by the title. It seemed intriguing and unusual and also I do love a book set in my favourite city but sadly it just didn't live up to anything really. It is a fairly dull story and not much happens apart from Sybil behaving a bit oddly and lurching from one uncomfortable moment to another. I actually started speed reading it about half way through just to get to the end to see if anything actually happens. The answer is sadly it does not.
It's one redeeming feature was it made me want to write poetry especially Haikus so for that I give a little nod of thanks.
It's one redeeming feature was it made me want to write poetry especially Haikus so for that I give a little nod of thanks.
July 21, 2021
I was surprised to find myself really enjoying this book. As others have said, this book is for readers who enjoy the Eleanor Oliphant genre so it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it is certainly mine.
I love Sybil as a character; she is unique, different to everyone around her, she interprets the world on a different wavelength to most of the people she meets - which resonates deeply with me. Yet she is unapologetically herself and she does not change herself just to 'fit in', no matter how many weird looks she gets when she makes a social faux pas.
After her break-up with her boyfriend, Simon, Sybil struggles to move on with her life. Simon was stolen from her by her long-term enemy and newly-dubbed 'nemesis', Helen Hanson. This woman tutored her at university and tried to fail her for petty reasons, but these reasons got under Sybil's skin and Sybil never thought her dissertation was worth the grade another professor ended up giving it. Helen has been rooting for Sybil to fail from the start, and so when Helen spots the chance to steal Sybil's boyfriend, and thus her happiness, she takes it.
Helen happens to be working at the same institute Sybil got a job at a few months before, so the two end up running into each other much more frequently than Sybil would have liked. After the break-up, rather than focus on self-improvement or self-reflection or any of the other bullshit people tell you to do after a break-up, Sybil decides she needs to get revenge on Helen. This woman has ruined her life multiple times, and seems to be able to do everything better than Sybil - but Sybil realises something no-one else is able to see: Helen is a fraud. The problem is, Sybil doesn't know how to prove it, or how she can go about taking her revenge.
Though she doesn't believe in all that self-improvement stuff, Sybil does end up paying for poetry classes on a whim. It's something she's never done before, and it starts to occupy a lot more of her time than she had ever thought. The story is sprinkled with little haikus and lines of poetry throughout, which give it a beautiful and poignant feel. These little snippets of poetry reveal a lot about Sybil's mood and character which she does not feel comfortable exploring within herself.
The end of the book has a twist which is incredibly satisfying, and I almost cried happy tears for this woman who has been through so much, and managed to come out better for it.
Overall, this book is about a woman whose personality goes against the grain as she navigates life and tries to find purpose through all of the hardships and curveballs life seems determined to throw at her. It is lyrically-written with powerful images and moving scenes scattered throughout. I loved every page, and I'm sure I will come back to re-read it in the future.
I love Sybil as a character; she is unique, different to everyone around her, she interprets the world on a different wavelength to most of the people she meets - which resonates deeply with me. Yet she is unapologetically herself and she does not change herself just to 'fit in', no matter how many weird looks she gets when she makes a social faux pas.
After her break-up with her boyfriend, Simon, Sybil struggles to move on with her life. Simon was stolen from her by her long-term enemy and newly-dubbed 'nemesis', Helen Hanson. This woman tutored her at university and tried to fail her for petty reasons, but these reasons got under Sybil's skin and Sybil never thought her dissertation was worth the grade another professor ended up giving it. Helen has been rooting for Sybil to fail from the start, and so when Helen spots the chance to steal Sybil's boyfriend, and thus her happiness, she takes it.
Helen happens to be working at the same institute Sybil got a job at a few months before, so the two end up running into each other much more frequently than Sybil would have liked. After the break-up, rather than focus on self-improvement or self-reflection or any of the other bullshit people tell you to do after a break-up, Sybil decides she needs to get revenge on Helen. This woman has ruined her life multiple times, and seems to be able to do everything better than Sybil - but Sybil realises something no-one else is able to see: Helen is a fraud. The problem is, Sybil doesn't know how to prove it, or how she can go about taking her revenge.
Though she doesn't believe in all that self-improvement stuff, Sybil does end up paying for poetry classes on a whim. It's something she's never done before, and it starts to occupy a lot more of her time than she had ever thought. The story is sprinkled with little haikus and lines of poetry throughout, which give it a beautiful and poignant feel. These little snippets of poetry reveal a lot about Sybil's mood and character which she does not feel comfortable exploring within herself.
The end of the book has a twist which is incredibly satisfying, and I almost cried happy tears for this woman who has been through so much, and managed to come out better for it.
Overall, this book is about a woman whose personality goes against the grain as she navigates life and tries to find purpose through all of the hardships and curveballs life seems determined to throw at her. It is lyrically-written with powerful images and moving scenes scattered throughout. I loved every page, and I'm sure I will come back to re-read it in the future.
December 5, 2020
The Snow and the Works on the Northern Line
Sybil works at the Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies in Greenwich and is living a quietly content life until her former university tutor Helen Hansen is appointed a trustee and proceeds to inveigle herself into Sybil's work and personal life. There follows the story of Sybil suffering at first but ultimately exposing Helen for the fraud she is. I loved this quiet story which completely draws you in. I agree with the comparison with Barbara Pym - sometimes a story doesn't need to be dramatic and shouty to be totally engrossing! Highly recommended and I look forward to seeing what the author does next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Sybil works at the Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies in Greenwich and is living a quietly content life until her former university tutor Helen Hansen is appointed a trustee and proceeds to inveigle herself into Sybil's work and personal life. There follows the story of Sybil suffering at first but ultimately exposing Helen for the fraud she is. I loved this quiet story which completely draws you in. I agree with the comparison with Barbara Pym - sometimes a story doesn't need to be dramatic and shouty to be totally engrossing! Highly recommended and I look forward to seeing what the author does next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
March 21, 2021
Having read the blurb, you would have thought Sybil and indeed the contents of the novel to be quite nasty, as Sybil thought up ways to exact her revenge, I can report that actually it wasn’t. Instead The Snow and The Works On The Northern Line was a quiet contemplative novel, the story of a young women who didn’t quite know how to deal with what life had dealt her.
Sybil herself, seemed older than what she actually was, no night clubs or crazy friends, a quieter life with her then boyfriend Simon and a job steeped in academia at the Royal Institute of Prehistoric Studies. A chance meeting with a past university tutor, Helen, lit the flame for change, a break up and the prospect of Helen’s shadow hovering over her every move at work. I loved how Thomas made us instantly dislike Helen, not merely for stealing Sybil’s boyfriend but her complete lack of empathy, her selfish pursuit of academic fame. Thomas gave us that overriding feeling that her prominent discovery concerning the Beaker People wasn’t quite right, a feeling we shared with Sybil. I liked the quiet way Sybil thought of ways to discredit Helen, never knowing quite what to do, confusion reigning in her mind, perhaps reflective of her mental state. It was a mental state that lived in the doldrums, that saw no joy in the world around her. Thomas made her more and more insular, as she internalised her feelings, her thoughts, withdrew from friends and in some respects her colleagues.
As time progressed small events gradually snowballed within Sybil’s mind, her ability to process and reason, to see clearly slowly overtook before one last tumultuous interaction with Helen. It was an ending that you perhaps didn’t expect but made sense, answered questions and gave Sybil some much needed clarity.
It was the understated, calm manner of the narrative that so impressed, Thomas’s ability to engage and hold your interest, to have no need for sharp, shouty interactions but to let the actions of the characters speak for themselves.
It was a brilliant examination of a young woman’s mental state, of a need to make sense and discover the direction her life needed to take, a novel I enjoyed immensely.
Sybil herself, seemed older than what she actually was, no night clubs or crazy friends, a quieter life with her then boyfriend Simon and a job steeped in academia at the Royal Institute of Prehistoric Studies. A chance meeting with a past university tutor, Helen, lit the flame for change, a break up and the prospect of Helen’s shadow hovering over her every move at work. I loved how Thomas made us instantly dislike Helen, not merely for stealing Sybil’s boyfriend but her complete lack of empathy, her selfish pursuit of academic fame. Thomas gave us that overriding feeling that her prominent discovery concerning the Beaker People wasn’t quite right, a feeling we shared with Sybil. I liked the quiet way Sybil thought of ways to discredit Helen, never knowing quite what to do, confusion reigning in her mind, perhaps reflective of her mental state. It was a mental state that lived in the doldrums, that saw no joy in the world around her. Thomas made her more and more insular, as she internalised her feelings, her thoughts, withdrew from friends and in some respects her colleagues.
As time progressed small events gradually snowballed within Sybil’s mind, her ability to process and reason, to see clearly slowly overtook before one last tumultuous interaction with Helen. It was an ending that you perhaps didn’t expect but made sense, answered questions and gave Sybil some much needed clarity.
It was the understated, calm manner of the narrative that so impressed, Thomas’s ability to engage and hold your interest, to have no need for sharp, shouty interactions but to let the actions of the characters speak for themselves.
It was a brilliant examination of a young woman’s mental state, of a need to make sense and discover the direction her life needed to take, a novel I enjoyed immensely.
August 13, 2020
If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, I'd definitely recommend keeping an eye out for The Snow and the Works on the Northern Line!
January 7, 2021
Snow and works on the Northern line make for difficult conditions and life is most definitely difficult for Sybil. Sybil is a woman scorned and we all know about women scorned! Her boyfriend Simon has recently left her for another woman and not just any other woman. Sybil has known Helen since she was one of her lecturers at university and it's fair to say, they didn't get on well there either, with Helen almost ruining Sybil's chances of a good degree pass. Sybil is less than happy when Helen becomes one of the Trustees at the Prehistoric Studies Institute where she works. So losing Simon to Helen seems like the ultimate betrayal.
It took me a while to warm to Sybil I must admit. Although clearly she was going to be hurt by this break-up she just seemed to become obsessed with Helen and all the perceived wrongs she has done. At times she got into quite awkward situations that almost made me squirm to read them. She seemed to have very few social skills. However, as the story went on, I could see that she was hurting, a bit broken by the end of her relationship and just not really sure how to cope. There was also something else going on which was a real surprise and a clever touch by the author. It's not the kind of book I expected to take a very unpredictable turn but there you go. I must say that I thought that Sybil's revenge was very clever and again not what I expected. I do hope what she did served its purpose - something we are left to decide for ourselves.
One thing I rather liked about the book was the poetry and haiku scattered throughout, stemming from Sybil's participation in a poetry class. While Sybil thought she wasn't very good at poetry, I thought they were actually quite perceptive and revealing. The kindness of strangers is apparent at times with support for Sybil coming from people you might not expect. She is an interesting character who definitely has her flaws but is someone who grew on me as she navigated the difficulties in her life. The Snow and The Works on the Northern Line is a gentle, well written novel.
It took me a while to warm to Sybil I must admit. Although clearly she was going to be hurt by this break-up she just seemed to become obsessed with Helen and all the perceived wrongs she has done. At times she got into quite awkward situations that almost made me squirm to read them. She seemed to have very few social skills. However, as the story went on, I could see that she was hurting, a bit broken by the end of her relationship and just not really sure how to cope. There was also something else going on which was a real surprise and a clever touch by the author. It's not the kind of book I expected to take a very unpredictable turn but there you go. I must say that I thought that Sybil's revenge was very clever and again not what I expected. I do hope what she did served its purpose - something we are left to decide for ourselves.
One thing I rather liked about the book was the poetry and haiku scattered throughout, stemming from Sybil's participation in a poetry class. While Sybil thought she wasn't very good at poetry, I thought they were actually quite perceptive and revealing. The kindness of strangers is apparent at times with support for Sybil coming from people you might not expect. She is an interesting character who definitely has her flaws but is someone who grew on me as she navigated the difficulties in her life. The Snow and The Works on the Northern Line is a gentle, well written novel.
January 18, 2021
There is something rather wonderful about finding a book at a time when it will resonate the most with you, I absolutely feel this way about The Snow and the Works on the Northern Line. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, as I thought maybe this would be very fast-paced and dramatic, and instead it’s like a meander through this snippet of Sybil’s life, but actually that really worked for me.
I definitely connected with Sybil and I think there will be plenty of people who will have been in a similar situation to her, with the sudden breakdown of her relationship or having a colleague that there is some resentment toward, and there is something vindicating (for me at least) about getting to experience her journey and see it come to a conclusion. I have been in that space that Sybil finds herself in where it becomes a little obsessive, where the hurt and the shock manifests itself in a way that other people are not so considerate of but I could also feel myself cringing at points when she started to become a bit more erratic, I enjoyed understanding the emotions from both sides.
There is a kind of underlying tension throughout the book in the form of a task that Sybil is struggling to complete and that starts to amp up as the deadline approaches, I enjoyed as it came to a head and there were a few surprising events that I would not have expected that added a bit more clarity to the story. I also really liked the poetry and haiku’s that were scattered throughout the book and the random words that Sybil writes in her notebook and the found teacup, that made me smile.
This is a lovely subtle character driven book, it captures all the emotion you would expect whilst still remaining fairly light and often humorous, I really appreciated Sybil’s story and some of the quirky characters that came along with it.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
I definitely connected with Sybil and I think there will be plenty of people who will have been in a similar situation to her, with the sudden breakdown of her relationship or having a colleague that there is some resentment toward, and there is something vindicating (for me at least) about getting to experience her journey and see it come to a conclusion. I have been in that space that Sybil finds herself in where it becomes a little obsessive, where the hurt and the shock manifests itself in a way that other people are not so considerate of but I could also feel myself cringing at points when she started to become a bit more erratic, I enjoyed understanding the emotions from both sides.
There is a kind of underlying tension throughout the book in the form of a task that Sybil is struggling to complete and that starts to amp up as the deadline approaches, I enjoyed as it came to a head and there were a few surprising events that I would not have expected that added a bit more clarity to the story. I also really liked the poetry and haiku’s that were scattered throughout the book and the random words that Sybil writes in her notebook and the found teacup, that made me smile.
This is a lovely subtle character driven book, it captures all the emotion you would expect whilst still remaining fairly light and often humorous, I really appreciated Sybil’s story and some of the quirky characters that came along with it.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
February 1, 2025
I was initially drawn to this book because of the unusual title and the blurb. For some reason, I thought this was going to be some sort of psychological thriller, but it turned out to be a much more literary slice of life story.
This book was a complete departure from usual reads, which I don't mind as it's nice to change things up now and again.
The novel follows Sybil, who is navigating her way through her twenties. She has a job which doesn't tax her too much and a loving boyfriend until her old university tutor, Helen Hansen, turns up. Disaster after disaster follows her. She has an accident, then finds out that her boyfriend has dumped her for Helen. Worst of all, Helen has weaselled her way to the head of trustees at the institute she works for and Sybil thinks she's trying to get rid of her.
Sybil was a character who I wanted to give a good shake to, other times I wanted to give her a great big hug and tell her things were going to be okay.
The story is interspersed with what I think was meant to be Sybil's attempts at poetry. They ranged from introspective to oddly profound to downright bonkers.
I've heard in a few other reviews that the story contains gentle humour, I'm going to be honest, most of it must have bypassed me. What I will say was there were plenty of unconventional and eccentric characters who surround Sybil, adding entertainment to the story.
If you're looking for a gentle, quiet story, with plenty of quirky characters, then I'd highly recommend this book to you.
This book was a complete departure from usual reads, which I don't mind as it's nice to change things up now and again.
The novel follows Sybil, who is navigating her way through her twenties. She has a job which doesn't tax her too much and a loving boyfriend until her old university tutor, Helen Hansen, turns up. Disaster after disaster follows her. She has an accident, then finds out that her boyfriend has dumped her for Helen. Worst of all, Helen has weaselled her way to the head of trustees at the institute she works for and Sybil thinks she's trying to get rid of her.
Sybil was a character who I wanted to give a good shake to, other times I wanted to give her a great big hug and tell her things were going to be okay.
The story is interspersed with what I think was meant to be Sybil's attempts at poetry. They ranged from introspective to oddly profound to downright bonkers.
I've heard in a few other reviews that the story contains gentle humour, I'm going to be honest, most of it must have bypassed me. What I will say was there were plenty of unconventional and eccentric characters who surround Sybil, adding entertainment to the story.
If you're looking for a gentle, quiet story, with plenty of quirky characters, then I'd highly recommend this book to you.
January 16, 2021
I'm not quite sure what I expected this book to be, but what I got was something quite different.
Sybil, a woman younger than her old-fashioned name would suggest, works at the Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies in Greenwich and is living a quietly content life until her former university tutor Helen Hansen is appointed as a museum trustee and proceeds to interfere with Sybil's work and personal life. Helen claims part of Sybil's university research as her own and even steals Sybil's boyfriend, only to soon discard him because she'd got what she wanted - to hurt Sybil. Sybil suffers silently at first, resigned to Helen being the shining star, but soon starts to fight back & ultimately exposes Helen for the fraud she is.
The book is in 3 parts, "the snow", "the works", "the northern line" but you'll have to read it to find out what they mean!
Overall, this is an unusual, fairly quick read that reads more like a memoir than a fiction story & doesn't go quite where you would expect it to. It's full of little details that make you want to head to Greenwich to visit the Royal Institute of Prehistoric Studies (it doesn't exist but the Cutty Sark & Greenwich Park are worth visiting!).
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#TheSnowandtheWorksontheNorthernLine #NetGalley
Sybil, a woman younger than her old-fashioned name would suggest, works at the Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies in Greenwich and is living a quietly content life until her former university tutor Helen Hansen is appointed as a museum trustee and proceeds to interfere with Sybil's work and personal life. Helen claims part of Sybil's university research as her own and even steals Sybil's boyfriend, only to soon discard him because she'd got what she wanted - to hurt Sybil. Sybil suffers silently at first, resigned to Helen being the shining star, but soon starts to fight back & ultimately exposes Helen for the fraud she is.
The book is in 3 parts, "the snow", "the works", "the northern line" but you'll have to read it to find out what they mean!
Overall, this is an unusual, fairly quick read that reads more like a memoir than a fiction story & doesn't go quite where you would expect it to. It's full of little details that make you want to head to Greenwich to visit the Royal Institute of Prehistoric Studies (it doesn't exist but the Cutty Sark & Greenwich Park are worth visiting!).
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#TheSnowandtheWorksontheNorthernLine #NetGalley
March 12, 2021
This is my third Ruth Thomas this year and, I think, her best. Her central characters are usually women who feel isolated and who are acute observers of people whilst being awkward and self conscious in social situations. They are often being affected by a condition or situation which is making life difficult for them, but which they fail to fully acknowledge or just don't realise is there. In this one, Sybil has a cosy life with her chef boyfriend, Simon and a pleasant enough job at the The Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies, until her old nemesis and PhD tutor, the glamorous Helen Hansen pops back into her life to patronise her and take off with Simon, intending to make him the face of her beaker ware promotion. Helen is intent on geeing up the fusty Institute of Prehistorical Studies with marketing and promotions, as well as muscling in on the research of Raglan Beveridge, one of the Institute's foremost academics. Sybil then has to plod through life with her heart breaking feeling quietly furious with Helen Hansen who proceeds to pop up everywhere.
Although there is little in the way of drama, there are beautifully wry descriptions of hellish work events and awkward encounters with bores, eccentrics, would-be poets and library workers. The ending is satisfying without being cloying.
Although there is little in the way of drama, there are beautifully wry descriptions of hellish work events and awkward encounters with bores, eccentrics, would-be poets and library workers. The ending is satisfying without being cloying.
January 13, 2021
This book was sent to me digitally by Netgalley for review. Thank you to them and @sandstonepress.
This is a light and amusing read and whoever thinks that books should be dramatic and loud to have an effect is wrong. A quiet book can draw you in just as easily and this one does.
The story follows Sybil who works at the Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies (RIPS). She enjoys her job and her life, being in a relationship with Simon. However, an incident at the skating rink brings back into her life, her tutor from her university days - Helen - her nemesis. Sybil finds that not only is Helen appointed Head of Trustees at RIPS, but she also seduces her boyfriend, Simon, and so is left broken-hearted.
Without giving any spoilers away, you find yourself rooting for Sybil as she tries to find a way to revenge herself on Helen, both personally and professionally. Helen is a character who is so beautifully drawn that any female reader will immediately dislike her. From her introduction, when Sybil recounts her very first tutorial with her when she told her tutees to 'call me Helen', we can see that this is a woman who will always be more popular with men than women and doesn't she know it. The author also describes the other members of the Museum so that we understand all their quirks and their little academic jealousies. She brings us into a world peopled by those whose domain is the darkened corridors of the museum.
We walk side by side with Sybil as she puts herself together emotionally and physically and at the end of the book, we let her go, pleased with what she has achieved because as the old saying goes, 'revenge is a dish best served cold.'
This is a light and amusing read and whoever thinks that books should be dramatic and loud to have an effect is wrong. A quiet book can draw you in just as easily and this one does.
The story follows Sybil who works at the Royal Institute of Prehistorical Studies (RIPS). She enjoys her job and her life, being in a relationship with Simon. However, an incident at the skating rink brings back into her life, her tutor from her university days - Helen - her nemesis. Sybil finds that not only is Helen appointed Head of Trustees at RIPS, but she also seduces her boyfriend, Simon, and so is left broken-hearted.
Without giving any spoilers away, you find yourself rooting for Sybil as she tries to find a way to revenge herself on Helen, both personally and professionally. Helen is a character who is so beautifully drawn that any female reader will immediately dislike her. From her introduction, when Sybil recounts her very first tutorial with her when she told her tutees to 'call me Helen', we can see that this is a woman who will always be more popular with men than women and doesn't she know it. The author also describes the other members of the Museum so that we understand all their quirks and their little academic jealousies. She brings us into a world peopled by those whose domain is the darkened corridors of the museum.
We walk side by side with Sybil as she puts herself together emotionally and physically and at the end of the book, we let her go, pleased with what she has achieved because as the old saying goes, 'revenge is a dish best served cold.'
January 19, 2021
This was definitely one of the most original and quirky stories I’ve read in a long time - it’s difficult to compare it to anything else because Sybil has such a unique voice, but I think this would be a perfect read for fans of Eleanor Oliphant.
There’s nothing dramatic or loud about this story - even the moment where Sybil finds out about the affair is calm and quiet, because that is exactly the style of this story. The setting, the characters, and the interactions all lend themselves to a gentle and poignant story which leaves you with that lovely warm feeling throughout.
Sybil is a wonderful character - quiet, kind, and very matter of fact. I found myself laughing regularly at the sharp and witty way her story is told.
This is a wonderfully subtle and gentle story which you may find yourself rather invested in by the end - I certainly did. One of those stories that leaves you feeling peaceful and satisfied - I’d highly recommend as an antidote to all the drama going on out in the world today!
Actual rating 3.5.
January 13, 2021
Touching on themes such as love and its agonies, grief, betrayal, revenge, coping mechanisms, and lost and found things, Thomas’s beautifully crafted novel offers the readers a great insight into the main character’s life. The more I followed Sybil around London, to her workplace, her poetry classes, and her work socials, the more engrossed I became in her and her story.
Sybil is lovely, charming, flawed, funny, strong, and so relatable. She’s a character that I still think about, and I really missed her after I finished the book.
This was a quick read, very amusing, and utterly absorbing. It’s not packed with action, but that’s the beauty of it. I loved the way the story unfolds, with all its turns, subtlety, humour, honesty, and delicate details.
This book has its own poetry, and it’s a perfect book for a cosy reading evening! This lovely story is also available as an audiobook on BBC Radio 4.
Sybil is lovely, charming, flawed, funny, strong, and so relatable. She’s a character that I still think about, and I really missed her after I finished the book.
This was a quick read, very amusing, and utterly absorbing. It’s not packed with action, but that’s the beauty of it. I loved the way the story unfolds, with all its turns, subtlety, humour, honesty, and delicate details.
This book has its own poetry, and it’s a perfect book for a cosy reading evening! This lovely story is also available as an audiobook on BBC Radio 4.
January 16, 2021
Plot: Sybil is happy enough with her work and her love life, until her old adversary Helen returns, and her life as she knows it begins to unravel.
This story is marvelously different from others I've read. A keenly observed tale of love, betrayal & grief, sprinkled with haiku and ancient history.
People: Sybil is a charming, flawed, and funny character I'm sure we can all relate to. I was rooting for her from the outset. Brilliantly written, I was absorbed in Sybil's world and I am already missing her. She will stay with me for a long time to come I'm sure.
The rest of the cast are fabulously unique with their own little quirks and mannerisms. Helen in particular is such a well-drawn character I instantly took a dislike to her.
Pace: It's a slow-paced story but that is the beauty of this novel. It is subtle, witty & honest.
Disclaimer: A huge thanks to Sandstone Press for sending me this title. All opinions are my own.
This story is marvelously different from others I've read. A keenly observed tale of love, betrayal & grief, sprinkled with haiku and ancient history.
People: Sybil is a charming, flawed, and funny character I'm sure we can all relate to. I was rooting for her from the outset. Brilliantly written, I was absorbed in Sybil's world and I am already missing her. She will stay with me for a long time to come I'm sure.
The rest of the cast are fabulously unique with their own little quirks and mannerisms. Helen in particular is such a well-drawn character I instantly took a dislike to her.
Pace: It's a slow-paced story but that is the beauty of this novel. It is subtle, witty & honest.
Disclaimer: A huge thanks to Sandstone Press for sending me this title. All opinions are my own.
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