I have now read Frances Garrood's three novels: all on Kindle. Usually I would write separate reviews (usually being a rather loose term given that I haven't written any book reviews for several years) on Eagleton Book Notes but this is one post and it isn't a review. Why? Several reasons: I follow Frances's blog and feel that I know her (to the extent that I am more acquainted with her than with any other published novelist) and although quite different there is a commonality shared by the three books.
Any book that starts off "Nobody expected Ernest to die. Least of all Ernest." had to be worth some further exploration. So I explored and found a source of enjoyment, pathos and a whole gamut of emotions. One of the things that all three books have in common is that they are about ordinary (well, fairly ordinary) people doing what fairly ordinary people do. Another is that I can't help the feeling when I read some of the interpersonal relationships that the author is speaking with a great deal of personal experience. I know that there is a theme that recurs in the books of which I have some experience and I don't see that anyone could just imagine the emotions that go with being in that situation. But then I'm not an author and I don't have a very vivid imagination.
Getting back to Dead Ernest this is not, in many ways, a comfortable book. Leastways I found parts of it very uncomfortable indeed. Unfortunately without giving far too much away I can't really say more.
I enjoyed the books. If you are a person who is very uncomfortable with emotional issues then you may, just may, be able to enjoy these on another level but you will miss out. I'd suggest you give them a try anyway. The order doesn't really matter.
I do know that Meike who blogs at From My Mental Library has written reviews of all three books. I wanted to write the opening to this post without re-reading her reviews but I shall now go and do that and I would also suggest that you read her posts at Dead Ernest, Basic Theology For Fallen Women and The Birds, Bees and Other Secrets.
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I've got Basic Theology on the Kindle - might have a go at it soon.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested to see what you think CJ. In some ways Basic Theology is a good place to start because of its interesting characters.
DeleteI suspect I would struggle here. Will see if Amazon drop one to twenty pence then give it a whirl.
ReplyDeleteI'm now well into The Blackhouse Adrian. It's looking really good so far (as everyone I know who has read it said it would be). I think you might find parts of Frances's novels entertaining but somehow I can't see them really being your type of read. It would be interesting to find out though. After all in her own way Frances can be as controversial on her blog as you can.
DeleteThank you for mentioning my reviews and linking to them, Graham! I feel very much honoured!
ReplyDeleteYou already know that I enjoyed all three books, therefore I do not need to repeat that. They are each unique and yet, as you say, they have things in common - one of them being Frances' typical humour, which is obvious from her blog, too.
Yes, Meike, I didn't really mention the humour but there is a lot of subtle humour in the books as well as all the other emotions.
DeleteGB I feel as you do that I "know" Frances from her books and blog and you are so right, she can be controversial, but I like that about her. It is fun to feel a friend to a published author.
ReplyDeleteIt is fun, Jill, as is commenting on some of her more controversial posts in an equally controversial way - so long as it's all kept in good humour.
DeleteI've not read any of them and I can't really say that this review gives me much clue - your next to last paragraph rather reminds me of an old-fashioned riddle. ;) (enjoyable but uncomfortable but still enjoyable but...)
ReplyDeleteThe post won't give much clue, Monica, 'cos I didn't really intend it to be a proper review although Meike's does.
DeleteYes dear GB - THAT I get! ;)
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