Monika Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 I have just read "Two Steps Backward" by Susie Kelly, and found it such a good read. Does anybody know Susie Kelly, if yes, could you encourage her to write another book please. She is a very talented writer, she has got it just right, the amount of humour and sadness. Monika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letrangere Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 Monika, could you tell us more, what's it about? Many of us are always interested in new reads. In fact, I was thinking earlier today that we haven't had a good book discussion in a long time. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRT17 Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 "Diary of an Ordinary Woman" by Margaret ForsterNot really about France although France does get some mention WW1 and WW2.An excellent read.WARNING: DO NOT READ THE END before you have read the whole story.Gill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChezShells Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 We were with Susie a couple of weeks ago, think she was in the process of writing another, she has another book available - Best foot forwardShe is a regular on the total france forum name 'Susie' Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted April 29, 2005 Author Share Posted April 29, 2005 Thank you for that Lee, I have just written on the Total France Forum and hope that Susie will read it and I will try and get "Best Foot Forward". M: It is about a couple moving to France having lost all of their money, but the owners of a very old Farmhouse in need of restoring. They move there with all their animals, dogs, cats, old horses and parrot. The husband has got to go back to England to try and support them. It is a very funny book but also very sad (you might need Kleenex Tissues). But it reminds me of the Chinese proverb: There are only three things you need for happiness: Something to love, something to do and something to hope for. Thank you Gill for your suggestion, I will try and get it from the Library or otherwise from Amazon. Monika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRT17 Posted April 29, 2005 Share Posted April 29, 2005 I will look out for Two Steps Forward and the other one. Thanks for recommending them. I have recently read and enjoyed "A Year in the M*rde" which was a "fun" read. I remember one chapter where the writer referred to switching into " emergency, grammar free French" LOL, that one I really identified with! Gill (17 / 99) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letrangere Posted April 30, 2005 Share Posted April 30, 2005 But it reminds me of the Chinese proverb: There are only three things you need for happiness: Something to love, something to do and something to hope for. So true, which reminds me of the line in Charlotte Gray where she's asked what is the most important thing to have and she says, quite rightly, hope. (I would quote the line but the study's still in the process of being re-decorated and all our books are in boxes. Not having access to my books is a nightmare and making me very irritable. In fact, it's en par with having PMT for weeks on end!)Thanks for background on the book, sounds a very good read.M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tourangelle Posted April 30, 2005 Share Posted April 30, 2005 Charlotte Gray I just loved that book, but I've looked through and I can't find the quote! I didn't like the one that comes before so much though, the Girl at the Lion D'Or, but I love the way he brings the characters back in everytime from Birdsong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted April 30, 2005 Author Share Posted April 30, 2005 I love those three books written by Sebastian Faulks, I read Birdsong first and I had never really thought much about the First World War, but that brings it really home, all the men who died in that war and what terrible conditions they fought in. The scene after one of the battles was horrendous, I can't remember the exact words, but when the whole battleground was moaning in agony. On a lighter note: I quite liked the book "The Virgin blue" by Tracy Chevallier (especially interesting if you have French or Swiss connection) I think she wrote another book, which was much more famous, but can't think which one?Monika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tourangelle Posted May 1, 2005 Share Posted May 1, 2005 Are you thinking of The Girl with Pearl Earrings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted May 1, 2005 Author Share Posted May 1, 2005 [quote]Are you thinking of The Girl with Pearl Earrings?[/quote]Yes, thanks, that is it!Monika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryansmith Posted May 1, 2005 Share Posted May 1, 2005 I have been reading one of the most enjoyable books about France I have ever found. It is called 'The Ripening Sun' by Patricia Atkinson. It is a true story of overcoming huge problems to settle in France and create something very special against all odds. It is by degrees amusing, informative and moving. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted May 2, 2005 Author Share Posted May 2, 2005 This is amazing Gill, I just found the book you recommended "Diary of an Ordinary Woman" on a Market stall in Blandford for 50 pence. I was so pleased. Brian I will try and order "The Ripening Sun" ond FPN, Living France or failing that on Amazon. Thanks for your recommendation.Monika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bryansmith Posted May 3, 2005 Share Posted May 3, 2005 Hi Monikaplease let me know if you enjoy he book. I know that one person's taste is not always for everyone, but I was very moved by Patricia's book (to the extent of Kleenex needed!!)I don't know if it is just co-incidence, but someone has started a thread in Food and Drink about Patricia's wines. I haven't had chance to try any yet but I will be visiting her vineyard when we move to 47 in September. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lautrec Posted May 5, 2005 Share Posted May 5, 2005 My wife bought both of Susie Kelly's books. I was urged to read them by her and much to my amazement I was really taken. Many of us have had some setbacks when moving to France, but what she went through when she first arrived with her husband and many pets, has to be read to be believed. It was an inspiration to us both. They came across as such lovely caring people. Much better I think than 'A year in Provence'!It is good news indeed if it is a fact that she is writing another tome and we shall be first in the queue to purchase it. I have seen her web site on Total France where she has book writing consultancy to help aspiring writers. I was tempted to submit my own novel to her, but do not think that it is good enough!We are living in the Charente and I think that she lives not far from us in Confolens and although not wishing to impinge on her privacy, would really like to meet her personally. She is a very brave woman and an inspiration to all those who are fortunate to have read her books!Lautrec Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted May 17, 2005 Author Share Posted May 17, 2005 [quote]Hi Monika please let me know if you enjoy he book. I know that one person's taste is not always for everyone, but I was very moved by Patricia's book (to the extent of Kleenex needed!!) I don't know...[/quote]Bryan, the book was fantastique, I could hardly read the end, first, because it was so sad (you were right: lots of tissues needed), secondly I was also sad to finish it (although I still am reading "Diary of an Ordinary Woman", which is very good too). Did Patricia write a second book and what is the title? Tell us please about your visit in due course to her vineyard and the sampling?Monika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted May 24, 2005 Author Share Posted May 24, 2005 [quote]"Diary of an Ordinary Woman" by Margaret Forster Not really about France although France does get some mention WW1 and WW2. An excellent read. WARNING: DO NOT READ THE END before you have read th...[/quote]Gill, I have just finished "Diary of an Ordinary Woman, and yes, what a surprise at the end (I even felt a bit cheated somehow!). But it was a brilliant book. Thanks for recommending it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRT17 Posted May 26, 2005 Share Posted May 26, 2005 MonikaI am glad you enjoyed it, I think I share your view about the ending but on reflection, it was an excellent read.Gill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letrangere Posted May 27, 2005 Share Posted May 27, 2005 Did Patricia write a second book and what is the title? Tell us please about your visit in due course to her vineyard and the sampling?Monika, I'm responsible for the posting on her wines in the Food & Drink section. Having come across so many references to them in recent months by international wine critics in all sorts of publications I was rather curious. Forum member Ian Hoare knows them well and makes some very interesting comments. Someone else mentions that when they were last at her place she was in the middle of writing a sequel. Sounds as though she's got an interesting set up there with a couple of gites too. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letrangere Posted May 27, 2005 Share Posted May 27, 2005 I was tempted to submit my own novel to her, but do not think that it is good enough!You know there are people who will read your work for a smallish fee (around £200/£300) and give you professional advice? We are living in the Charente and I think that she lives not far from us in Confolens and although not wishing to impinge on her privacy, would really like to meet her personally. Isn't this a dilemma. Admirers knocking on the front door and having picnics on the lawn is supposedly what drove Peter Mayle to move after the initial success of a Year in Provence. Even worse, Under a Tuscan Sun author Frances Mayes's home in Cortona is actually included in formal tours for American groups visiting the region. Such is the price of fame, I guess.M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letrangere Posted May 29, 2005 Share Posted May 29, 2005 Half asleep this morning whilst placing an order at Amazon, on reflection not the best time to do it. Was just about to click "add to shopping basket" when I noticed that the book I was about to buy was "One Step Backwards, Two Steps Forwards: Soviet Society & Politics in the New Economic Policy". You can imagine how disappointed I'd have been to unwrap that... M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letrangere Posted June 17, 2005 Share Posted June 17, 2005 Right book finally ordered, received and now read and what an enjoyable read it was too. Something for everyone, laughter, tears, a real page turner. May I be so bold as to suggest one of the best in this genre? M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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