Book Club for Introverts discussion

This book has chapter names rather than numbered chapters so look for the chapter names in the topic. I'll be grouping 3-4 chapters together in each topic.

“This was one of the images of his life-time. He simply exposed his retina and let love burn her flickering, shimmering, absorbed face onto his soul.” I love this quote and I love that love won out over fear. Daunt and Rita are the culmination of the story. I am happy there is a logical explanation for the girl’s disappearance and resolution. She’s a gypsy child, not a phantom’s child. It’s fun and fitting, though, that the logical conclusion is rejected by the storytellers. The Quietly version is a better story and maintains the mystery of the river. I loved this book and am happy it was chosen. I probably wouldn’t have read it on my own.

I absolutely loved this book and was holding out hope that the ending wouldn't fall flat or get lazy. It was perfect. I'm also happy that Rita and Daunt found each other and are starting a new life together.

Did anyone read the author's note about Daunt being inspired by a real-life photographer? It's a fascinating story and I always enjoy when authors insert and share real-life inspirations.

Loved this book!! I’m glad Henry and Rita ended up together, and I’m happy that Alice found her way to the Armstrong’s. I actually want to believe that the girl is Quietly’s daughter. I love the mystery around that story and the thought that someone is there making sure that the those who’s time has come are taken but if not they are given back.

Rebecca wrote: "Loved this book!! I’m glad Henry and Rita ended up together, and I’m happy that Alice found her way to the Armstrong’s. I actually want to believe that the girl is Quietly’s daughter. I love the my..."

I'm happy believing that she is Quietly's daughter. It makes the most sense and is the most magical.

I'm so glad you loved this book! I think there have been several of us that were pleasantly surprised. :)

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially as I am familiar with the places in which it is set in rural Oxfordshire. It reminded me of the novels of Thomas Hardy a bit.

I liked the way the author mixed the supernatural and superstitious (the child being Quietly's daughter, pigs with attitude!)) with the newly emerging science of the modern world (photography, psychology, biology). With a love story thrown in. And the writing is superb!

Thanks for choosing!

I'm so glad you liked it!

The magical realism genre was a new discovery for me last year. If you enjoyed this book, Alice Hoffman's books are similar and are very good.

Also, this author has another book, "The Thirteenth Tale" that everyone seems to rave about it. I'm going to read it in February.

Thanks for reading with us! :)

WOW! The ending of this book was absolutely perfect. I have been so pleasantly surprised by this whole book, as frustrating as it was at times to try to piece together things on my own. This author has a true gift, and I'm so glad I was introduced to her. As an avid reader, I tend to stick to the genres I know and love the most, so reading something outside my box has been eye-opening for me. Perhaps I should take a second glance at other genres sometimes instead of sticking to my trusty ol' psychological thrillers!

I also think this book might be one that I go back and re-read some time. I think this book is like those movies that are so superbly done that you notice a different detail here and there each time you go back to it.

Thank you for choosing this book! I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in this group, and look forward to February's pick!

Krystal wrote: "WOW! The ending of this book was absolutely perfect. I have been so pleasantly surprised by this whole book, as frustrating as it was at times to try to piece together things on my own. This author..."

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I have very similar feelings about the author and the story. :)