Litsy

Whale Fall | ELIZABETH. O'CONNOR

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Debut novel about a small Welsh island community right before World War II. This was one of the books I had predicted would make the booker last year (I was wrong). Quiet novel about island life that is beautifully written. Fairly similar to The Colony. Story follows 18-yo Manood who is conflicted between traditions of her community and desire for modernization on the mainland.

charl08 I loved this one so much. Looking forward to seeing what she writes next. 1w

BarbaraBB I loved The Colony so I guess I should try this one as well? 1w

JenP @BarbaraBB I think you‘ll like it 1w

JenP @charl08 I am too. 1w

37 likes2 stack adds4 comments

Chelsea.Poole

Whale Fall | ELIZABETH. O'CONNOR

pick

Reminiscent of a few books I‘ve enjoyed: The Colony by Audrey Magee and Clear by Carys Davies. It‘s a slim novel, set in 1938 off the coast of Wales on a tiny island with 20 inhabitants. We see the island from Manod‘s perspective, an 18 year old girl living with her father and younger sister, when two English researchers arrive. Seeing her existence through their eyes changes everything. Isolated community, heavy on the nature and scenery.

JenP I‘m reading this now and also liking it. 2w

Cathythoughts Nice photo 👍🏻 2w

squirrelbrain I felt it was very reminiscent of those two books as well, but suffered slightly in comparison. They were so great that this one didn‘t quite compare. 2w

TheKidUpstairs I liked this one, but I think I read it too close to Clear. Like @squirrelbrain I felt it just didn't quite measure up to the Davies, and definitely not to The Colony, which I still think about. I was glad to have borrowed it rather than buying, but a good read nonetheless. I just can't resist and isolated island setting! 1w

Chelsea.Poole @squirrelbrain @TheKidUpstairs I agree with you both—this didn‘t reach the other two in my opinion, but similar vibes to be sure. If I had read this first I may have had a different perspective of it. But still a worthy and quick read for me! 1w

89 likes3 stack adds5 comments

BookmarkTavern

A Child's Christmas in Wales | Dylan Thomas

Reading this book on Christmas Eve has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. My dad would read it to me when I was a kid.

It‘s a beautiful little story, and I love it, and the movie adaptation. 🩵

#SundayFunday Have a wonderful day, and don‘t forget to tag me!

54 likes

charl08

Whale Fall | ELIZABETH. O'CONNOR

pick

Just loved this! One of those books that I had completely the wrong idea about, and was only persuaded by another reader to give it a go.

Cathythoughts Stacking 👍🏻❤️ 2mo

Kitta Loved this too! 2mo

46 likes1 stack add2 comments

charl08

Whale Fall | ELIZABETH. O'CONNOR

'Your English is perfect,' Joan said, watching me thoughtfully. 'Edward was worried we wouldn't find someone.'
'I learnt at school. From Sister Mary and from reading Woman's Own.'
She laughed loudly, again. I laughed too. No one found me funny on the island.
'I see. Well, it's perfect. You could pass for an Englishwoman.'
Joan looked out at the sea.

'Greatest country in the world.'

[Sensing an authorial raised eyebrow here]

32 likes

rachaich

Whale Fall | ELIZABETH. O'CONNOR

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Beautiful writing and a bleak island life. Whilst a little predictable in the romance element, still held its worth. I liked the portrayal of young life and the natural and harsh world. Also a good time of the year to read it.

20 likes

rwmg

Talking to the Dead: A Novel | Harry Bingham

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A former prostitute and drug addict, who seemed to have been turning her life around, is found dead in a squat with the body of her 6 year old daughter. Next to her body is a credit card belonging to a multi-millionaire who had died in a plane crash 6 months earlier.

rwmg Rather grittier than the mysteries I usually read. The only reason I kept going was the intriguing character of DC Fiona Griffiths, the most junior member of the investigating team, and the gradual reveal of part of her back-story. I'm not sure though whether finding out more of it is enough to keep me going. I can recognise the book was very well done, but just not my cup of tea, so I'll still give it a Pick. 3mo

Meshell1313 Caught my eye! Bingham is my maiden name! 😂 related 🤔? (edited) 3mo

23 likes2 comments

rwmg

Talking to the Dead: A Novel | Harry Bingham