Poignant, thoughtful & beautifully crafted

I loved this gentle, compassionate story with a heart-stopping end which I won't spoil. Clare Chambers has done careful research on the late 1950s when the novel is set with details of relationships, the lives of women, the food, jobs, trains, clothes etc meticulously woven into a completely successful re-creation of that time which she herself is too young to have experienced as an adult. It's a great achievement.

The stories are cleverly woven together. Jean is near enough 40, living with her tiresome, dependent, querulous mother who dominates her daughter's life. Jean works for a newspaper mainly churning out recipes and household economy hints but is asked to investigate the story of a woman called Gretchen who claims that her 10year-old daughter Margaret was the result of a virgin birth. Jean and Gretchen become unlikely friends, along with little Margaret for whom Jean buys a rabbit. Gretchen's husband Harold, a quiet modest man, accepts Margaret as a daughter, and he too becomes a significant friend and Jean learns the true state of his marriage.

As time passes. Jean and Harold are in love and it seems that life could blossom for them both even if there are obstacles to overcome. This love is detailed with infinite tenderness and compassion as the plot become increasingly complex and we never know quite what will happen - and certainly never guess what does happen. Jean untangles many stories and finds the truth about the virgin birth...

I can't give more away for fear of spoiling one of the most enjoyable, highly original, heart-warming and heart-breaking new novels I've read (or listened to) for a long while. It's also read with exactly the right tone which enriches the story.

Just download it and bury all your worries as you listen, entranced!

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31 people found this helpful

intricate and beguiling story betrayed by ending

Such a relief to find a well written book with an intriguing story. I was all set to read more books by this author, but felt really let down by the ending. The ending meant that the issues to be faced could never be resolved. It would have been interesting to see how the three main characters coped with their situation in the longer term.

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5 people found this helpful

Worst narration ever!

It took me 3 attempts to complete this book as the narrator was just so bad and off putting. Her intonation is so very weird, I can’t even explain what she does but it’s horrible to listen to, which is such a shame. I really enjoyed the story and the way it’s written and the characters but it was very hard to get past the narration. What a terrible shame

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4 people found this helpful

A huge pleasure

Writing like this is hard to pull off and takes real skill. No bells and whistles, no grand plots but sharp and beautifully realised character development which had me in years of both joy and sorrow. The ending left me bereft of someone I’d grown to love.

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Wonderfully rich and imaginative

I loved this. there were several moments that pulled at my emotions. Full of real feel good factor writing and that all important love story.

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Good story with interesting twists

A story about life in the 1950/60s with characters you grow to like. An interesting book for those looking after the older generation!

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Memoirs of a dutiful daughter

I had already read the book and listened to this as my group are doing it. Excellent narration and I was quite tearful this time round. I am a fan of Clare chambers and think is one of her best, even though her other novels have made me happier. I have lesbian friends who feel a bit let down by the plot but the ending is ambiguous.

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Such a great story

Loved this story. Description was excellent the plot was great and the characters believable.
Narration was not the best but I got used to it and forgot it after a while.

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Easy listen

Good narration, slightly predictable story but still interesting enough to keep my interest until the end. Enjoyed overall.

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wonderful

I found this book to be such a warm hearted story and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The narrator was perfectly suited to the dry wit of the author and did a fantastic job. I'm looking forward to trying more titles by this author.

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