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What Members Thought
This was the first of several novels I read by Penelope Fitzgerald. It was recommended to me by friends who, like me, adored E.F. Benson's Mapp and Lucia series. Indeed, there's more than a passing similarity between Benson's tales of internecine village intrigue and this slim novel, also set in an English village. The central character, Florence Green, has opened a bookshop and must contend with all manner of local prejudices, not the least of which is the self-appointed doyenne of the arts, a
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A delightful short little volume.
Ok, if you want a book to tell you how impossible it is to promote literacy and books -- this is the book for you. I'm depressive enough on my own, I didn't really need Fitzgerald's help.
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3.5 stars? I'm not sure XD
This book is pretty weird, but after reading other people's reviews, those who are already familiar with Penelope Fitzgerald's writing said that this is her unique style. Gloomy, a bit vague, with weak/failed/indecisive main characters, and of course - an unsatisfying ending.
So if you're not fan of those things, I don't think you can enjoy Fitzgerald's book. I have had difficulties in enjoying this book too, actually, because it feels so slow, and full of bad people w ...more
This book is pretty weird, but after reading other people's reviews, those who are already familiar with Penelope Fitzgerald's writing said that this is her unique style. Gloomy, a bit vague, with weak/failed/indecisive main characters, and of course - an unsatisfying ending.
So if you're not fan of those things, I don't think you can enjoy Fitzgerald's book. I have had difficulties in enjoying this book too, actually, because it feels so slow, and full of bad people w ...more
A novella of 10 chapters about a woman who opens a book shop in England near the North Sea. She opens her bookshop in an old haunted house near the sea. Another woman in town, who is connected in higher places wants Florence to turn the old house into an art center and Florence refuses. This is her downfall as this woman is vindictive and controlling and will not rest until she has her way. This novel is not quaint, it is a book about small town life in England, tradition and manners, and about
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May 23, 2008
Ching-In
marked it as to-read
Jan 11, 2010
Tracyene
marked it as to-read
Dec 22, 2010
Gaijinmama
marked it as to-read
Feb 13, 2012
Ginger
marked it as to-read
Apr 03, 2015
Jocelyn
marked it as to-read
Mar 09, 2016
Chantal
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Jun 17, 2017
Polly-Alida
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Sep 10, 2018
alana
marked it as to-read
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