Some Other Eden

by Natasha Farrant

In this romantic, sexy saga Bella and her granddaughter Isla reveal startling truths about their lives to each other that will shake their family to its core. As they unravel family mysteries and reveal secret affairs, one question rises to the can you ever really go back and start again?

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Natasha Farrant grew up in the heart of London's French community, and currently combines writing with her career as a Literary Scout. She is the author of two successful novels for adults, Diving Into Light and Some Other Eden, both published by Transworld. She lives in West London with her husband, two daughters and a large tortoiseshell cat.

Reviews

[Anne]

I picked this up from the bookshelf in our accommodation in Corfu, the blurb sounds good, I recognised the author so I thought I'd give it a go.
There does seem to be a glut of 'big house' 'dual narrative' novels around at the moment and although the house in this story - Marshwood is depicted very well, the story does not flow well at all.
I enjoyed the modern tale of Isla, her children and her disaster of a marriage but felt that the war time story of her grandmother Bella somehow just didnt ring true. Then there was Jack, Isla's childhood sweetheart who disappeared years ago and then makes a sudden reappearance during the book.
An easy read, but not a satisfying one really - more like three stories that don't quite gel together

[Elaine]

Very occasionally I do a foray into chic lit. Not intentionally-lead there perhaps by a mysterious cover! Having read this ("skimmed through"), I can understand why I rarely venture into this field-even if I'm tired or struggling to focus, I come away feeling rather short changed by the paucity of the plot and characters-and this offering has done little to change my opinion.

The plot itself sounded as if it had something to recommend it (a la Kate Morton), but sadly didn't come close to such lofty heights. The plot set during the war yeras were it's saving grace-and those chapters were enjoyed. However, the modern day plot was bland and predictable-and nobody could possibly have been surprised at the inevitable outcome! Best stick with my beloved historical fiction for a while!

[Fiona]

Contrary to other reviews I´ve come across, I didn't find this too chicklitty as it did tackle interesting and complicated themes of loss, abandonment, regret and love in its myriad forms.

The one sore point I have with this book is that its author excuses and forgives and seems to expect her readers in turn to excuse and forgive a violent and shocking act of domestic abuse. For that reason the writer seems out of touch with modern female readers and with how to create a modern heroine. Disappointing in an otherwise compelling novel.

[Laura Alderson]

A readable enough but thoroughly predictable and formulaic novel following 2 parallel lives, a grandmother and granddaughter. They both have ( or have had) affairs or loves , triggered by unhappy marriages. What I found particularly annoying was that in 1 of the marriages, domestic violence seems to be excused.

[Nikki]

Marshwood was easily my favorite part of this book. The home was so cozy and described so well that I could really picture it at every stage. I liked following Isla as she started questioning her life and the choices she made, while trying to figure out what really made her happy. Bella’s WWII storyline was probably my favorite of the two timelines, and I sometimes found myself more invested in her chapters. Jack’s return to Marshwood had me more interested in their storyline, even if it was sort of predictable. The story dragged a little in places, and sometimes the two timelines didn’t go together as well as they could have. The ending also felt a bit rushed and I didn’t love the way the story ended but also shows that you can’t always have the ending you want. Overall, I enjoyed this easy read about first love, family, and finding your way back to yourself.

[Ily]

Isla's childhood filled with her time with Grandnana and her Coven 'friends' at Marshwood and of course the boy next door Jack but they went the separated way as they grew older. She married with kids and was an excellent architect but she doesn't feel like herself. When her Grandnana, Bella asked her to do something for her, she meets Jack back at Marshwood, unexpectedly. The past, happiness and betrayal..... I guess you have to lose something in order to understand and realized how much you love someone.

[Soph]

I did enjoy reading this book but felt it could be better in parts. I liked the two generations stories being told in parallel. I enjoyed most of the characters especially Bella and Louis. I didn't much like the ending and the domestic violence. All in all, it was okay.

[Jennifer]

In general, I like this book, but I found that I got a little confused with the characters from time to time. I listen to the audiobook version of this. I think if I was reading the print version this wouldn't have been as much of an issue for me.

[Johnny English]

Adultery is despicable but domestic violence is worse

[Kacey/Kris]

Love when a book has you rooting for one character then towards the end you find yourself rooting for someone totally different. Good storyline. Slow in parts but worth the wait.

[Vicky]

Not one for me

[Megan]

3.5*

Adult contemp

The story follow Isla a married mum of two who is fed up with life. Step forth her childhood home Marshwood and her first love the one who got away, Jack.

I loved getting to know the protangnist Isla and her struggles and I really understood what she did and all the decisions she made.

I loved hearing her grannas story and going back in time to her forbidden love and world war 2.

Natasha Farrant is great at describing the scene and it really felt like I was at Marshwood feeling Islas feelings and seeing Marshwood in all its beauty!

[Kelly]

Not the type of book that I would normally choose but I liked the sound of the big old house bit so thought I would read it. Finished the book and thought 'is that it?', not very exciting at all. It wasn't boring to read, it kept me interested but was surprised at the end, seemed like Isla didn't really get what she wanted and we know the grandmother didn't. Kind of confusing.

[Penelope]

Drawn to the précis of book but disappointed. Good plot but presented in my opinion as disjointed and found myself skimming a lot of Bella's memoirs.
Would have like Isla to continue with Jack but like many books a long build up to a sudden ending that left me feeling flat.
Ok for a lazy read. Read in paperback form

[Nikita Fiji]

i don't think i liked any of the characters that much..but the overall story was not so bad.