Book clubs in Stevenage

I absolutely loved this book! So easy to read, quirky and most importantly for me the characters were wonderful and so vivid in my mind. Quick and simple synopsis - an incompetent bank robber takes a group of people at a house viewing hostage. It's funny, sad and very touching. I'm not the fastest reader by any stretch but was so hooked I read this in just a couple of days. I've since read a few of the authors books and just love his writing style. The translator must have also done an incredible job!

I love how this book tackles quite difficult subject matters with as much honesty and acceptance as possible. Ozeki is able to go so incredibly far to the edge that it feels like there is no hope left, to then save you, trying to bring back some comfort. I especially enjoyed the leaning into some magical realism elements towards the end and how she plays with time and space.

O'Farrell uses the historical facts of Shakespeare's life to compassionately explore themes of grief and the passing of a child. Her writing is so captivating that it easily flows you through the text, even holding your hand and the hardest of times. I recently read her memoir and can see how her own experiences with poor health have massively impacted the way she views human life, this insight really adds to her storytelling.

The characterisation, the inclusion of history and American-Asian families & the LGBTQ+ liberation.

5 Stars - A truly wonderful story

The mystery and descriptions

It has beautiful prose and knits narrative together hauntingly but beautifully.

A brilliantly immersive adventure story which combines historical fiction with a wonderful story of young friendship.

Fast reading, good detective story for the 60’s mind.

I loved the characters and how it’s all in letter format

I loved the characters and how it’s all in letter format