Between the Wars discussion

General thoughts. No plot spoilers.

I'm getting close to the end of the book and am enjoying it immensely. It's a bit darker than what I expected but I like that the characters all seem like real, flawed people. I must admit I'm hoping for someone to have a happy ending though. I won't say anymore until the rest of you start reading.

Before I started, I thought it had a lot of similar elements to ICTC - an ancient Priory/ Castle, an eccentric father, a stepmother, and two sisters who are very close, so it's really interesting to see the completely different way this book is playing out. I agree, Lee - it is darker than I had expected as well, but sill most enjoyable.

I hadn't thought of that Gabriele. The daughters have a similar innocent and neglected type of character to them.

Is anyone else reading The Priory?

Just you and me eh Gabrielle? Well I thought it was a great read overall.

I'm reading too. Started a while ago but have had too much on my plate. However I'm ready to really get into it now. So you two have both finished? I had hoped more people would be joining in.

Yay Lauren!

Glad you're with us, Lauren!

I'd love to read this, but I haven't been able to find a copy! Still looking.

Hey, Jennie, check out Persephone Books - http://www.persephonebooks.co.uk/. We'd love to have you join our discussion!

Oh. That's downright dangerous -- I especially love to collect old cookery books. Lucky thing my birthday's coming up, right? At any rate, I'll have to order a copy soon so I can join in!

I'm on page 119 - slowly getting through it

I like it well enough but can't shake off a sense of disappointment. Whipple's writing has a flair for the comic but there's an overriding tweeness, y'know? I thought it was going to be a much more grown up book than this.

I also don't feel much connection with the characters. But then, who would? They're all so beastly!

I think I have too much going on these days, because I'm already forgetting this book! It didn't stick with me the way ICTC has.

I have to agree. ICTC is pretty much perfect though, so perhaps a comparison it a bit brutal :D

I just finished Good Behaviour by Molly Keane, and found that something of a hard slog. Talk about unsympathetic characters!

I have that on my to-read list. Look forward to your review :)

With so many characters, I feel there's little development. I feel I don't know any of them, and that's not good some 300 pages in. Nor can I picture any of in my head.

I do like this book though. It's particularly human and Whipple doesn't shy away from uncomfortable topics.