Man at the Helm - July book club

Half way through and struggling.I will finish this book!!!

chloe1984, the language was one of the reasons I gave up on the book. The language was not really a true representation of the way people spoke in the 70s, I don't think the author was even born then.

After the first few chapters I felt like giving up as I wasn't enjoying it. However I did continue and after a while I sort of got into it a bit more, I struggled to find anything remotely amusing and really didn't find the four letter words necessary. I wonder if a younger person may find it more amusing and is perhaps able to relate to it a little more. I am passing it on to my DD and will await her feedback.

Thank you for the free book. What a treat.

I'm enjoying the book very much, I'm half way through now. The funny parts sometimes make me laugh out loud. I can forgive the characters their middle class comforts, their lack of money worries, chauffeurs, ponies etc because I like them and hope they have a happier future.

Enjoying the whimsical attempts to get mum a man. The Manlist appeals to me. A gentle, ambling look at life. Thanks for the book.

I'm looking forward to starting Man at the Helm, I will do my very best to finish it before I fly off on holiday next week as I may not be able to post a review from Greece! It looks like an easy read so fingers crossed x

I am over half way through now and I am really enjoying it. I have laughed out loud a couple of times and I do find it funny, but also rather sad. I'm tempted to read the last page, but won't spoil it for myself. ☺

Yes I agree bookmad. I didn't win a free copy this time but bought it on my kindle and was not disappointed. I found some bits laugh out loud funny and read it very quickly. I would like to ask how Nina Stibbe found writing it compared to her first book which was a memoir?

It's funny isn't it how different people see the same book in different ways? I have often thought "so what" about books people have raved about. However back to Man at the Helm - I thought it was a wonderful read. Charming and funny and reminiscent of a period I remember so well myself. I found it original and thoroughly enjoyed it and would like to ask the author whether it's based at all on her won experience?

Thanks for the book-not got far yet but seems ok.

I'm sure it is, granh1 - it's your book. The only condition attached to the free book club book is that you write a bit of a review of it or put up a question for the author webchat near the end of the month. My family like reading my Gransnet books after me, as they're always new releases.

Oh, don't mince your words, harrigran! Can't wait to start reading it now.

I have given up on Man at the Helm. I have read some poor books but this one has to be the worst. My question to the author would be who told you that you could write novels ?

Received the book, and am enjoying reading it. I often tell my friends and daughters about the gransnet books. Is it ok to lend the books, I'm not sure about the terms of receiving them?

Thanks for my book! If the first chapter is anything to go it looks to be an amusing casual read. :-)

Received my book Thursday and read the first half dozen chapters in a waiting room yesterday. Not the place to laugh out loud but thankfully the comedy is more of a "makes you smile" variety to date.
An interesting viewpoint to take and I think Nina Stibbs has the tone quite right for a child of the age.
Now I've finished reading my last book I can give this my full attention an comment later when I have finished.

Have read up to chapter 6 feel that I may be missing something as I am really struggling to continue. I will keep reading and hope I 'get it' .

Thank you very much for my copy. I've only read page 1 and it's already made me laugh. Got a couple of gory murder mysteries to finish off this weekend and then I'll be on it.

Thank you for my copy. Looking forward to reading it.

Mine arrived yesterday. See how I go!

I have started and agree with harrigran. Haven't found the promised comedy yet. I will persevere.

I started reading this book as soon as it arrived, I am struggling, not sure I will finish it.

My copy arrived this morning. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks, Gransnet.

Many thanks for the copy of the latest Nina Stibbe book, I read her last one, and I'm looking forward to starting this one at the weekend.