Buddy read

[Tania]

Karen and I enjoyed The Village and both felt we would like to read more of Laski's books. We are planning to do a buddy read in mid July of Little Boy Lost if anyone fancies joining in.

[Tania]

I have started this, and have now read the first book, (there are 4).
A strong opening chapter, I'm feeling sorry for Hilary.

[Karen]

Hello Tania, just starting this one

[Karen]

I didn't know Hilary was a man's name too ? !
This threw me at first : o and i didn't know that in France, the colour blue is used for girls when first born and pink for a boy !!
Why do you think Hilary lied to his Mother about John being dead?

[Tania]

I didn't know about blue and pink, either. I wonder if this is still true today.
I was wondering about him lying to his mother, he doesn't seem to have a good relationship with her. I thought perhaps he felt the search was hopeless, and doesn't want to raise hopes.

[Tania]

The visit to the orphanage is just heart-breaking. Imagine being punished for playing with a pine-cone and a marble.

[Karen]

Hi dear Tania, just starting part three
I thought Hilary was quite unfair to Pierre , not letting him visit the orphange with him.Pierre had gone out of his way to help too

[Karen]

So very sad , it does seem a bit too harsh doesn't it : (

[Tania]

Karen wrote: "Hi dear Tania, just starting part three
I thought Hilary was quite unfair to Pierre , not letting him visit the orphange with him.Pierre had gone out of his way to help too"

Yes, and later he regretted it because he realized Pierre would have been useful to him, in making arrangements. After all he had done for Hilary! I felt very sorry for Pierre here. It's not surprising he feels emotionally invested in the outcome at this stage.

[Karen]

This book is breaking my heart : (
Hilary giving little Jean the red gloves in the cafe and they don't fit !
Tears running down my face reading this

[Karen]

Yes, he regrets Pierre being there ,but at the same Hilary is thinking he really needs to do this on his own.
What a situation to be in !

[Karen]

Sorry that should say : Pierre not being there

[Tania]

I found it to be almost unbearably sad at times. Hilary is very self-centred, but I do pity him. It is a defence mechanism. He feels he can't take any more emotional pain.

[Karen]

Wow what a book ! it's so heart-breaking but i loved every minute.
Wish i'd read this one years ago now.
Towards the end i wanted to scream at Hilary and say NO , what are you doing!

[Tania]

Hi Karen. Me too. I absolutely loved it, but Hillary made me want to shake him. The relief I felt on the last page was almost over-whelming.

[Karen]

Thanks for reading this one with me Tania : )

[Tania]

Thanks Karen, So glad we read this.
I was also reading a memoir The Dancing Bear, which was written about Berlin in the aftermath of WW2. When Hillary was in the Orphanage, so shocked that a lot of the children were tubercular, he was told that they were lucky compared to children in Germany and other parts of Europe. Very true, according to this book.Also heartbreaking. Worth a read if you get a chance.

[Carol]

What Book are you reading now? I’m so far behind.

[L Y N N]

You have me enthused about Little Boy Lost! I’m going to order it! 😀

[Tania]

Lynn, I don't think you'll regret it. Wonderful story.
Carol, this month is Vain Shadow, Little Boy Lost was just a buddy read.

[Karen]

Thanks Tania, will add this to my tbr : )

[Karen]

Hi Lynn, it's a great book

[Karen]

Hi Carol, check out the upcoming reads on the home page of the group.Hope you can join in : )