May book club - A Good Catch by Fern Britton

sarah2000h

Many thanks for the book. I am enjoying reading it. I was wondering if it was based on Fern's life?

No, not based on my life but based on the life I know from living in Cornish villages over the last thirty years.

tiggers

Enjoyed "A good catch". It was a good read (and an easy read), just what is called for when sitting outside on a sunny day.

I understood the main 'denouement' Fern but not why 'certain people' moved away (especially as Cornwall was 'in their blood'). Why did you feel their move to be so necessary?

I felt that they needed to put a lot of distance between the pain of what had happened in Trevay and themselves. They found a part of the world not unlike Cornwall where no one knew their story. A new beginning for them all.

changeznameza

I was expecting a light, funny, romantic chick lit sort of style book, based on the cover and blurb, and maybe on what I know of the author, but this turned out to be quite a dark Cornish saga, following the main characters from childhood to middle age. Certainly gave me lots to think about. I liked the fact that Loveday was curvy and all the boys fancied her more than the skinny girl(s). (Can you tell I am on the curvy side!?) I'll definitely try out Fern's other books after this; this was the first one I'd read.

My questions for Fern would be:
1. Do you think Jesse did the right thing?
2. Did you always know what the ending would be - or perhaps you had alternate endings up your sleeve, but decided on this one?
3. And finally - from an aspiring novelist! - how long does it take you to write a novel, and any tips for actually getting one finished? (I am halfway through my first, and floundering...)

Thank you so much GN for the book!

1. I think Jesse had done so many terrible things he couldn’t live with the thought of them any longer. He was a good man at heart but from an early age had been given the message that money and power were more important than personal happiness.

2. Good question! I didn’t know what the ending would be for a long time. I discussed it with my daughter and she was the first person who put the idea into my head. The thought that Jesse could not be allowed to carry on blossomed from there.

3. The best piece of advice I ever had was this; once you’ve started the first sentence don’t stop. If you do you’ll keep rewriting and it’ll never get past the first page. Be like Lot’s wife – never look back!

It takes me about a year to write each book.

Molly10

Thank you for my copy of "A Good Catch". I had not read any of Fern's books but I like Fern so was looking forward to reading it.
I wasn't sure what to expect and it was evident some way in that there was not going to be any great twists and turns to this novel. It was, however, a good wholesome read, well written. A skill in itself! I am looking forward to reading more of Fern's work including her Autobiography.
My question's for Fern, and I have limited these, are:
1/ Would you ever try to manipulate the lives of any of your children like the Behenna/Clovelly parents did?
2/ We were led to believe in many ways that Hal was Jesse's son. At the end you wrote that Hal was as tall and lanky as his Father. Was that the final nod to him being Mickey's son after all?
3/ Would you consider writing a sequel following Mickey and Loveday in New Zealand? Characters that I believe could be built on and could really come into themselves outside of the safety of their Cornish comfort blanket. (please feel free to message me)
4/ What would be your best tip to anyone new to writing in order to get their work published?
5/ Is Goose your daughter Winnie?

Thank you! x

1. I would never attempt to manipulate my children’s lives. Obviously I have encouraged them to enjoy school and all their subjects but I also support them wholeheartedly in their choices. We only want our children to be happy, functioning people don’t we?

2. Even I’m not sure but, yes, I think Hal is Jesse’s son. I’m glad we don’t find out though.

3. What a neat idea! I would have to go to New Zealand to do some research. I most definitely fancy a trip there!

4. Write a synopsis first and then about 5-10 thousand words. Look out for writing competitions in magazines, etc. (Good Housekeeping do a good one each year) as very often the prize is to be published.

5. Goose is my daughter Grace who is 19 now, but she’s always been my little Goose!

granh1

Four friends grow up in a tiny Cornish fishing village. Greer is beautiful, slim and stylish and more interested in interior design than the sea. Her friend, Loveday, is homely and plump with no dress sense. Greer thinks no one would be attracted to her, but both boys, Jessie and Mickey are. Greer has been attracted to Jessie since she was a child and wants to marry him. Her parents, and his want the match to unite two fishing fleets and businesses.

Will Jessie be steamrolled into the marriage with Greer, or will he follow his heart. Love or money?

Add some-one into the equation that knows a secret that could threaten all four of them, and you have a compulsive read.

The descriptions of the Cornish coast are very good - did Fern live by the sea to absorb the seaside atmosphere?

I have lived and worked in Cornwall and holidayed there all my life. I find peace and happiness even on a damp day with the sea roaring up the beach.

GrannyGlyn

I love books set in Cornwall and I enjoyed this book. A good book to pick up, read a bit and get back to the housework. I will be passing it on to my Mother-in-law who is going on holiday next week.

I have to say that Jesse's action at the end was unexpected and I didn't see it coming or could understand why he would do that. It seemed out of character. Or was Fern making the point that people can be battling demons on the inside whilst being seemingly strong and fine to other people?

Thank you xx

Exactly that. Suicide is a courageous act and a heartbreakingly selfish one too. I believe that Jesse could no longer live with the man he had become. His mind was in turmoil and it many ways had shut down. He believed it was his only way out.