"Sink or swim."

I so enjoy Mantel's writing, the way her words slice together, the visual pictures she creates. Vacant Possession is a follow on piece to Every Day is Mother's Day, which, sadly, I have not read: sad!y as there must be so much background which would have enhanced the fuller understanding of this story despite the relevant essentials being carefully written in. This is a story of obsessions and the cyclical nature of lives and attempts to break the cycle and create a fresh start. The story is told from various points of view and it becomes increasingly difficult to hold on to who, or what, is happening as the pace grows more frenetic as the end approaches. Um - I think I need to read that last chapter again.
A good narrator is essential for this book: with so much told in conversation, the ability to give a different voice to all of the protagonists is also essential. And Sandra Duncan's performance is superb, each character differentiated, the text clearly articulated and fast paced without being rushed, just the right amount of emotion injected into the sentences without a sense of sickly domesticity. A very fine left and a pleasure to hear.

This is not my usual reading genre but what a delight this book turned out to be and one I'd not hesitate to recommend.

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Highly enjoyable

If you could sum up Vacant Possession in three words, what would they be?

Black macabre amusing

Any additional comments?

Very enjoyable sequal - to every day is Mother's Day - digging deep into the horrors of suburbia
Sandra Duncan adds depth to the characters really helping to visualise their characters - excellent pace and tone

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2 people found this helpful

Black but humorous

A rather bleak tale but moments of laugh out loud dialogue saves this from being merely macabre. Hillary Mantel is such a good writer - the book keeps you on your toes.

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant!

A brilliant sequel to the equally entertaining 'Every Day is Mother's Day'. Sharp, funny and poignant. Mantel is a wonderful writer who creates unforgettable characters. I did not want it to end.

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant/ exiting/

Really exiting, funny family thriller. Excellent for anyone who loves great stories perfectly written. Got through this in less than a week

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Great story

The best book I have read in a very long time. Very unsettling. Very interesting characters.

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Stunning

Hilarious Mantel was a brilliant writer, and the appreciation of her use of language adds another large layer to the plot.
I had been eager to find out what happened to Muriel and the Sidneys after Mother's Day, and there they were, all in her former home where the 'accumulated misery bounced off the walls'.
I never had any idea where the plot was going, but it was a rollicking ride with it!

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Fantastic book

Thoroughly weird but compelling stories. I’m glad I read Everyday is Mothers Day first because Vacant Possession follows on.
One thing I will say the last 2 Chapter’s lost me somewhat I probably need to go over them again.

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1 person found this helpful

A black comical sequel to peculiar opener

If you could sum up Vacant Possession in three words, what would they be?

I disagree with the previous review which suggested the ending ruined the whole tale: the ending leaves the dangling threads exactly where they should be - outrageously weird - it's the denouement of a layered and blackly hilarious sequel.Complex. Witty. Clever.A wonderful turn of phrase - I wish I had it in print so that I could more easily reread & savour some of those pithy, crafted sentences.Bravo.A gem.

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8 people found this helpful

Depressing and sad

Very well read despite the dreadful story with no joy in it at any point

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