Between the Wars discussion

I'm already really enjoying this, although I'm not far into it yet.

I've just started, but each time I read this book I am struck by how much I enjoy the author's choice of words!

"Contemplation seems to be the only luxury that costs nothing."

Yes, it's delightful, with an endearing narrator!

Jeannette wrote: "I've just started, but each time I read this book I am struck by how much I enjoy the author's choice of words!

"Contemplation seems to be the only luxury that costs nothing.""

I underlined that sentence, and I never underline in books! I let myself read a little bit, although I'm trying to get some others done first, but it really is a captivating book.

Poor Steven... *sigh*

Is this your first read, Paula?

Yes it is. I have already totally identified with the narrator and am only about 20 pages in.

Then I will guard my comments. It is a wonderful story!

I'm behind on rereading this book for the group. This is a re-read for me, but I really love the narrator's voice and it makes me want to drink cocoa and journal which is perfect for a cold February day. I hope everyone else is enjoying as well!

I always enjoy this book. It does have it's cozy moments.

You know how there are some scenes in books that strike such a chord with you that they are forever in your psyche? Well, that's how I feel about the swimming-the-moat-by-moonlight one. Magical!

Exactly so, Jeannette. I think it's going to become my escape book in my life, a refuge from the bitter reality of life lol.

Gabrielle, in agreement w/ you about that scene. Except, as with a lot of this book, parts of the movie are mingled in with my memory of the book. A real shame.

OK, so I really must see the movie soon. Man, I can't remember much about it, but will, of course, as soon as I start watching.

I see the actors in my mind when I read the book, but the book is, in my opinion, better than the movie.

Just got my DVD in the mail! Sooo looking forward to watching it!

Enjoy, Gabriele! :)

It's a great film. Really gets into the spirit of the book. Enjoy!

I really enjoyed the movie, probably more because I had read the book first (i.e. I didn't remember the movie, if I had actually seen it before, which I now doubt). It was quite close to the book, even though the movie couldn't convey the humour from Cassandra's observations. But great fun to have both!

Glad you enjoyed it. It was fairly true to the book, and the changes weren't annoying at least!

They should've made Simon a bit handsomer though (teehee). Sometimes Garai's take on Cassandra was annoying. I like Garai as an actress but her facial expressions get a bit OTT from time to time.

Fiona wrote: "I liked Simon in the film. Although after I found he was Elliot from E.T I felt weirded out. I never really saw Simon as that handsome in the book so he fitted.

I was quite surprised to like old R..."

It was weird to think of him as the little kid from ET. And, he didn't do anything for me in his bath towel (the one really stupid part about the movie). But, I did like the way he portrayed Simon, with his sad restraint. He was a very good counterpoint to Neil.

Who is the Riley you refer to? I've never seen Buffy.

I thought that most of them were well cast - esp. Stephen, as you said, Fiona! - except that I had envisioned Simon differently. Loved Topaz!

And I love Bill Nighy in almost anything!

Yes, Bill Nighy was perfect! I've never heard of "Lilies", Fiona, but it sounds just like the sort of series I get hooked on!