February book club - Three Things About Elsie

So eloquently put, GeminiJen. You've expressed what I was trying to say so much better. ?

The last book I read which was set in a care home was also courtesy of Gransnet: The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 ¼ Years Old. As I had found that to be a quite depressing read, I approached Three Things about Elsie with some trepidation. Within a few pages though, I found that I was captivated by the way in which Joanna Cannon brings her characters to life. The author writes in such a gentle way, with deep insight, real understanding and empathy.
This is one of those stories which is difficult to talk about without spoiling so I’ll simply agree here with those previous posters who have enjoyed this book. Above all, it is the quality of the writing which makes this book exceptional. The way the author constructs the dialogues, the vividness of descriptions and the complex storyline speak for themselves. This is a story about friendship and growing old, together with the gradual unravelling of a mystery which goes back years. It provides a poignant and perceptive account of living with early dementia. Florence’s frustration as she attempts to get her point across at times and her inability to convey her thoughts in a coherent manner are so vividly portrayed.
To quote from the book itself:
1.The fine threads of humanity will connect us all forever.
2.There is so very much more to anyone than the worst thing they have ever done.
3.Even the smallest life can leave the loudest echo.

Verdict: A beautiful read.

My question for Joanna: What was the impetus for wanting to write this book?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is so well written and deals with the horrors of dementia in a sensitive way. As other posters have said, it has moments of humour and nostalgia too, and I, too, felt all the characters were very believable.
Thank you for this book.
I would like to ask Joanna if she has had personal experience of watching someone struggling with dementia, as she shows a good understanding of it in her writing, dealing with it sensitively and compassionately.

Enjoyed this book very much, it was nostalgic, sad, humourus, and scary reading in parts, I could feel the loneliness and confusion seeping through the pages, dementia a place no one wishes to visit.... but Whitby, a frequent haunt of mine and lovely to hear it described so lovingly in this book.

I am only partway through but enjoying it! and wondering if my theory about the third thing about Elsie will prove to be right.

A very moving story but told with a light touch and humour too. I wasn't sure I would enjoy it at first but it became increasingly hard to put down. I must say that didn't guess the third thing about Elsie...oh, and I now really want to visit Whitby!

I was so excited to get my copy of Elsie, but also a little worried that might be disappointed as I so enjoyed ' The trouble with goats and sheep's. However, I need not have worried, because if anything 'Three things about Elsie' is even better. It's the sort of book where you suddenly realise that something you read pages ago has relevance, and you have to jump back and reread that bit. One example of that only occurred to me a couple of hours after finishing the book!(I am being very careful not to mention spoilers)
I found the characters to be most believable, and appreciated the attention paid even to those who only occurred briefly. I would like to ask Joanna if she works out the plot before she starts writing, or just lets it evolve. The clues are so cleverly interwoven that I would expect it to be the former!
Congratulations, Joanna, on another amazing book - I shall look forward to your next novel.

For me, this book was a delight from start to finish. I love Joanna Cannon’s writing. She has a magical way with words, and weaves the most descriptive phrases, and both humour and pathos, easily and naturally into every chapter. Sometimes her writing reminds me of Alan Bennett and every page has gems such as "Elsie's father left for the war and came back as a telegram on the mantelpiece." Her characterisation is spot on; from the main protagonists to the people who just appear briefly, they are all well-rounded and believable and have their parts to play in the story.

The icing on the cake for me was the holiday in Whitby, which I know very well. Joanna really captured its essence and brought it to life. My question was going to be about her relationship with the town, but I read in her acknowledgements that it’s her very favourite place on earth. It’s mine too, and when she mentioned “wandering around Woolworths”, it took me straight back to my schooldays when I had a Saturday and holiday job there. Lovely memories!

I've read that there are already plans for screen versions of Elsie and of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, and for at least two more books. I can’t wait! And my question would be relating to the next novel - can we have a hint as to what the subject's going to be this time?

Thank you again for a great read.

I really enjoyed this book but preferred the build up as I thought the unravelling of the truth was a little rushed at the end.
I found myself hoping for more for Simon and Miss Ambrose and wasn't disappointed.
Yet another GN book that would make a good film.

Thank you very much for my copy, I really enjoyed reading it. Unlike previous posters, I found the portrayal of the main characters and the nature of Elsie very moving, and the intrigue at the centre of the story - and the real truth - very engaging.

Thank you for my book. I found it very tedious and didn't enjoy it.

I was intrigued by this book. I found it rather disturbing as it was a bit close to home (two friends in care homes),but was compelled to carry on reading.
A very thoughtful human story with some shocking revelations at the end!
I now feel the need to read Joanna's first novel.

I’ve just finished. I must say that I wasn’t sure whether I was going to enjoy the subject matter. It is set in a care home and the story is told through the eyes of Florence who is suffering from the early effects of dementia.
The tale of ageing,memory loss and friendship is sympathetically told.There are little gems of humour interspersed with real sadness. Also there is a underlying mystery about another resident .
The book deals with the loneliness of old people, even when they are in care homes and are meeting other people. It asks the philosophical question about whether our presence in the world changes it in any way . ‘ Even the smallest life can leave the loudest echo!”
I loved the bit about Whitby, (a place that I really love). A truly accurate description through Flo’s eyes.
I only realised the significance of the beautiful cover half way through. A battenberg jigsaw! Loved it all. Thankyou

I picked this book up last Saturday at the local library and must say it is such a different kind of story. Not sure if i am enjoying it but it has me hooked and i want to find out what happens in the end. It gives insight as to what may be going on in an older persons head.

Have finished the book. My theories were partially right. A very good read. Not my usual type of book.

I'm halfway through, fascinating read so far. I do have a couple of theories about some of the people, be interesting to know if they are right...or totally wrong.

Loved this book...and what a shock at the end...I couldn't put it down. I really felt part of Flo's life and suffered her frustration dealing with officialdom. Everyone has to go into an official slot ...there is no room still to be an individual!

My copy arrived this morning - thank you. Took a quick peek at the first chapter and am looking forward to getting stuck into it as my new bedtime read.

Mine's here, thank you! I'm not enjoying the very dull and pretentious worthy book I'm ploughing through at the moment, so now have an excellent excuse to abandon it and start reading this one instead.

Thank you for my copy of the book, which arrived this morning.
Looking forward to reading it.

I was thrilled to receive a copy today. Thanks very much. Will start it shortly.

I was so excited to pick up my copy from the Post Office this morning -I had been hoping I would be lucky enough to win a copy, as I so enjoyed her previous novel. I seem to remember that Joanne had hinted that her next novel would have a very different theme when she answered our questions last time.
Thank you very much, I am looking forward to reading the book.

Thanks for the book, which arrived this morning. I'm looking forward to reading it

My copy arrived today too - thank you.

I look forward to reading it.

Thank you for my copy ?