The Middlesteins

Got mine today too - thanks, will read soon and let you know what I think.

Thanks for my copy which arrived today. I've read the first two pages and think I'm going to enjoy reading the rest of the book.

Many thanks for my copy - looking forward to a cosy Saturday afternoon with it.

Thank you for my copy of the 'Middlestiens'. Looking forward to starting it this weekend.

I was thrilled to see a brown paper package lying on my mat when I got home from work last night. Opening it revealed a copy of Middlesteins and I can't wait to get started on it this weekend. Thank you very much Gransnet.

Oh shoot. Mine's arrived. Which means I've got to read it. And find a sensible question to ask. #itshallbedone

Thank you btw.

Thank you for my copy which arrived yesterday.

I was mystified when my book was delivered on Thursday, but then remembered that I tend to put my name down for everything on Gransnet, and this time I had been lucky.
Many thanks!

Thank you for my book which arrived yesterday, I have an e-reader but I still enjoy the feel of a book in my hands so will enjoy this one xx

Don't do what I do, grannysanny and keep tapping the page expecting it to turn over.

Read it now! I have to admit that it is well constructed and well written; the frenetic, tense atmosphere is extremely tightly created and the characters are, in the main, believable.

I couldn't get my head round the relationships, though, and in the end did not enjoy it. But, intellectually, admire it as a literary exercise.

And I hated the ending.

Thanks, Ariadne - don't think I'll bother!

ana but that is only my opinion! There are some types of books which just don't appeal to me - you know how it is. I can't stand "Wuthering Heights" either, but do accept that it is a great favourite of many.

I know - sorry!

Ariadne
I also have trouble with the relationships -need a cast list.
Also don't like the way it moves back and forward in time.I'm struggling on but not really enjoying.

I'm struggling as well, Maniac At first I thought I would enjoy the quirkiness but now it's getting tiresome.

"tiresome" Yes - that's it, merlot!

I am about half way through and am not enjoying it though I think it is very cleverly written. I can't really see the point of it all and I have no real sympathy with any of the characters especially Robin. She annoys me intensely although I don't really know why.

Goog job I haven't got to give it back when I've finished. Got jam on a couple of pages.

Quite appropriate really.

Read the first couple of chapters and will reserve judgement for a wee while.

I am thoroughly enjoying this book so far. I am about half way through (The Golden Unicorn) and looking forward to reading the next instalment. I can only read a chapter ( or two) a day but loving it all so far. Poor Edie was destined to be a fat adult wasn't she? From the very beginning when she wouldn't walk up the stairs I had her worked out..... Bless her.

I am half way through like others, and struggling, but am determined to finish it.
I wonder where the idea for the book came from.

I have so enjoyed reading this novel - it completely sucked me in and engrossed me. I think her writing is wonderfully witty and accurate - the scenes where she is describing Richard's sorties into internet dating had me rolling about laughing, especially her division of the women into widowed, divorced and single, and the pros and cons of each. She seems to have the gift of describing characters in a way that is accurate and honest, yet still retaining sympathy for them. She is so good at bringing relationships to life - I loved the scene at the Trevi fountain when poor Richard is in agony and Edie is furious with him for not enjoying himself and then, to top it all, a tourist offers to take their photo as if they were the happiest couple in the world.

I would like to ask Jami what she is currently working on and if she has another novel in the pipeline. I would also like to invite her to meet my book group (in the pub) if ever she is in Manchester! (Tonight we are being joined by James Higgerson, who has just published The Almost Lizard.)

Isn't that interesting, vegasmags - that two of us can read a book and love it or hate it?! One of the joys of literature; when I taught English, and indeed, when I studied it, is that it twas ever thus. And it doesn't't matter, does it? Think me and ** "Wuthering heights" et al. [ smile]