Fringe Fiction Unlimited discussion
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The Roads Chosen
Crime/Mystery/Thriller Recs
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"How else would you realistically expose such an incredible scheme to an outsider?"
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We're told the network survived the days of Stalin and KGB rule. With regard to being under duress, does that not insist, participants knew only what was absolutely essential?When Sam asks about the pull handles, Leonid could have said, "We put them in to help you."
Would Sam have bought the fibs? Did Leonid recognise there was little point in making up reasons why they were so able to scoop him up and hide him away?Sam has proven he has wit. The family prove they are capable and able to read people.
Kelly, I believe, is asking, "How else would [the author] realistically expose such an incredible scheme to an outsider?"
This story stands out for many reasons: one being that the actions taken, the responses and the consequences all lie within the realm of the plausible.
I'll join with Kelly and ask, "Anyone?"
My husband and I spent the day atop the Brecon Beacons a few months back, and, we did spend a good deal of that time discussing this very subject.With the family history previously offered, Kelly's appetiser, 'catch them at it' would we believe leave a sour taste. We also thought the same of last minute instructions and a mad rush to get out there and rescue a soul (that's not really credible when we consider how the network is set up).
There are a number of giveaways: Sam whilst in hiding finds an article of clothing. Again, not really credible.
Anyone?
You do then have to ask:whilst on his travels, did the author need a helping-hand and work it out for himself?
did the author sit behind a desk crossing off the options that would not hold water until he came up with the option that would?
Vin !!The joint opinion of Vin and his guiding light [Me] is that the author worked it out for himself from his stints on a whole string of rural small holdings. In the book he talks of once the children are tucked in for the night, the elders will talk. That we all know is true. All it takes is a sharp mind and an ability to join the dots. Ohh, and just so you know, our money is on the author studying maths at uni.
'Jan said, 'All it takes is a sharp mind and an ability to join the dots.'"Oh my god!"
"Looks right."
Name the film...
' ...a clandestine scheme that has been running for years upon years, are not likely to be 'caught at it'. Looks right!They're not likely to 'tell all', even to a good egg. Looks right!
Good discussion.Will Heidi's question raise more and more questions?
Hunting for the answer to Cal's teaser may take some time.
These are the first words I have put down in a book discussion.
Does this come across as cryptic?
'.... the author worked it out for himself from his stints on a whole string of rural small holdings'. Looks right!Erin's comment is a tangle. I'm hoping Cal will pledge his life to return with the answer.
I would go as far as to say, Faye's comment suggesting Erin's comment is a tangle, could be seen as dull.
'.... the author worked it out for himself from his stints on a whole string of rural small holdings'. Looks right!Maisie: the word dull does sound a little negative, would it be kinder to say, 'lusterless'?
' ...a clandestine scheme that has been running for years upon years, are not likely to be 'caught at it.' Looks right!'They're not likely to 'tell all', even to a good egg.' Looks right!
'...the author worked it out for himself from his stints on a whole string of rural small holdings.' Looks right!
Mary asked the question that I'm sure the author must have asked whilst he was on his travels: 'Where are the bodies?'
Erin: I think your first words are most fitting!
I can't remember too much about the story, I'm pretty sure I read it in early 2024.I've just read Heidi's review.
Are you guys a group?
Are you all friends outside of Goodreads?
Hi Sara. I met everyone on here from being on GR. It's great. At times what is said is so funny. I've just followed you. I'll friend you before I sign off.
Maya wrote: "Hi Sara. I met everyone on here from being on GR. It's great. At times what is said is so funny. I've just followed you. I'll friend you before I sign off."Hi Sara, please join us, we're mostly full of fun and frolics.
Well put, Erin.
Thanks Mark, for the tip-off: are you a maths genius?
The author hints to how he figured it out. In TRC, Sam thinks of the remarks made by elders once the children are in bed: 'a ghost like people able to spirit away the ill-fated'. I agree, the author asks us to think carefully about what is happening around Sam. We are not given everything on a silver-platter. I do think he gave us what was needed. A great format if you want to put a 'quality book club read' on the shelf. A great group of readers have fortunately come together because of this; it does deserve more and more discussion. The author, I'm convinced, lived most of TRC. The romance: the position held by his lost love, probably not. Living as a vagabond is not easy, it has great reward, but it is not for the faint hearted. I appreciate the story pushing the reader to think hard about all that occurs.
Iain, I'm with you. He did tell us how he figured it. I'll bet at some point he got himself a few days work on a barge that maybe was smuggling gear hidden under the deck.
Thank you one and all for making friends with me. This is so interesting. None of this ever crossed my mind.
Erin said, in reply to Cal's teaser:Good ...
Will ...
Hunting...
Iain, I'm with you... I'm reading the book again... there are so many seeds being sown during the first phase (before Sam hops it).
I'm new. I never taken part in book discussions. Up until now, I read a book and chucked in the corner. You all sound amazing. I love the Good Will Hunting tease: just brilliant. I've posted about me on the 'Introduce Yourself' folder.I row in a four: we aim to compete next year so, we're all hard at it. I gotta eat now, I'm on the water early tomorrow. I'll try and get back on in a bit. I wanted to read some of part-two tonight - not enough hours in a day. Ohh, and Mary, thank you for the invite.
I'm going to bed. I can't put any time into this tonight. I want to read for an hour and then sleep.I have more time Sunday night. I really do want to spend time on here with you.
Debbie,I've sent you my email. Let's chat.
Hi Debbie,I've just read your review; 'so what' - I agree. I should imagine, you'll be flaked out in the armchair by now. I take it the carbs are - good carbs baby, good carbs.
Hi Debbie,I've just read your review; bravo. '... a little clunky in places — but so what — this is his first novel. And I’ve read some pretty clunky stuff written by authors with years behind their craft.'
I read a book a few years back, written by a world renowned teller of spy stories - one of the first names that come to mind - two spies are sat having supper. ??? placed his wine glass on the table and began, "To begin, ......."
If that ain't clunky what is? The more renowned these people become the less attention is paid to what they pen.
More to the point:Is the plot set out in the way it is to achieve one aim: find a plausible excuse to expose what the gang of smugglers are up to on their days off? It can be argued!
There are, I'll admit, other essential ingredients: the tie in with the security services, Sam's past experiences with rural folk, and other things I can't think of just now. But really, couldn't that all have been wrapped up by happening to overhear a conversation in the kitchen.
Mr Carlyle (and I'll refer to him as Mister because of the courage he has shown) wanted a credible (bullet proof - able to withstand the criticisms he foresaw - and those criticisms will come) means by which he could peel the lid off what is happening. It's a great plot, a wonderful story, full of teasers, twists and turns. From the very first page, where were we heading?
Saved from the military!!!
Why do you need saving from an establishment that instills discipline, duty, honour, courage?
Debate me!
I've had my head in part-two since getting in. I took a breath on page 171. Marmite in your spag-bol. I eat spag-bol all the time and I love marmite. It's in the pot, simmering away. Food, wine, bed, read.Goodnight all, and thanks for the friendship and the email addresses.
Nina,Is the kitchen event credible? Overhearing a conversation? Sam's sharp but also worldly-wise. Is he going to venture such a belief to those who have risked all for him off the back of a little bit of eavesdropping? We learn so much about the societal struggles by knowing of what Sam has experienced during his travels.
I tend to agree with: ... 'the plot set out in the way it is to achieve one aim: find a plausible excuse to expose what the gang of smugglers are up to on their days off?'
I like that the story is spiced by the failed relationship and how she comes out of her shell in protection of Sam.
I like the addition of the spies in London - there is so much mileage in that: book-two and three, all of which puts dynamic women in the limelight, which is fantastic.
And, ........ your review is fantastic. '... a little clunky in places — but so what — this is ...'
Sam would have to catch them at it. It is however, as you say, a clandestine scheme that has been running for years upon years, so they're not likely to be 'caught at it'.
Even though the family see Sam as a 'good egg', they're not likely to 'tell all'. The question of how Sam would fair when questioned under duress does come up.
Anyone?