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“Still Life” by Sarah Winman

(18 Posts)
Sarah74 Thu 01-Dec-22 17:41:14

I usually ‘devour’ books, reading them pretty quickly - but this book is one I’m savouring slowly. I love the characters, the descriptions of places (London, Florence), the humour….. A book I never want to end!

Sara1954 Thu 01-Dec-22 18:15:52

I agree, I loved it.
I had read quite a few negative reviews, so I kept putting it off, but honestly, what’s not to like?
Her best yet I think

Lyndylou Thu 01-Dec-22 18:36:13

Yes I really enjoyed it and the characters have stayed with me, which is unusual for me as I read so many books, I can't remember them all.

teabagwoman Thu 01-Dec-22 21:03:10

I’m another one who deliberately slowed down my reading. A book to savour and remember.

NanKate Thu 01-Dec-22 21:44:21

Thanks for the recommendation.

Whilst looking on Fantastic Fiction at the book I came across ‘The Whalebone Theatre’ by Joanna Quinn which got rave reviews as a debut novel. Have any of you book buffs read it please?

Sarah74 Thu 01-Dec-22 21:50:53

NanKate

Thanks for the recommendation.

Whilst looking on Fantastic Fiction at the book I came across ‘The Whalebone Theatre’ by Joanna Quinn which got rave reviews as a debut novel. Have any of you book buffs read it please?

No, haven’t read that one, NanKate - looks interesting. The Guardian gave it as reasonable review - www.theguardian.com/books/2022/jul/13/the-whalebone-theatre-by-joanna-quinn-review-a-grand-debut-of-cosy-delights

CanadianGran Thu 01-Dec-22 22:20:18

Thank you for the recommendation, I will look for it at the library.

dragonfly46 Thu 01-Dec-22 22:25:30

I too loved the book.

SueDonim Fri 02-Dec-22 00:18:13

I read this recently but didn’t feel the love that others have! The characters all seemed wooden and unbelievable and I didn’t much care what happened to them.

Sara1954 Fri 02-Dec-22 07:28:40

Hi Sue
Maybe you left a review on the 50 books a year thread, which put me off.
But I very much enjoyed it, I always find it strange how some people can love a book, and others find it really badly written.
I think there were probably a few too many coincidences, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment.

Sarah74 Fri 02-Dec-22 07:35:44

I’ve just ordered Sarah Winman’s 3 previous books, though I suspect “Still Life” might be her best.

J52 Fri 02-Dec-22 07:57:08

I’m another who enjoyed it . It was probably enhanced if you knew both cities.
I felt there were more stories about the characters, to be told, perhaps a sequel?

Sara1954 Fri 02-Dec-22 08:24:05

Sarah74
I think you will love Tin Man, it’s a really moving and beautifully written book.

SueDonim Fri 02-Dec-22 08:54:03

I maybe did, Sara! I belong to a book group and it’s amazing the different things people pick up from a book. In a recent book (I forget which blush) someone picked up on a theme running through that the rest of us had not noticed one whit. It was obvious when pointed out. grin

Patsy70 Fri 02-Dec-22 09:57:47

I loved this books and its characters.

Rosiebee Wed 01-Mar-23 15:37:38

I listened to this as an audio book, read by the author. She is an actress as well and really brought the characters to life. A lovely, lovely book.

Grandyma Wed 01-Mar-23 15:55:50

I very much enjoyed Still Life but felt it dragged on a bit longer than it needed to. Lovely book though.

Lovetopaint037 Sun 07-May-23 10:13:36

SueDonim

I read this recently but didn’t feel the love that others have! The characters all seemed wooden and unbelievable and I didn’t much care what happened to them.

Exactly, I found the characters were so unreal and I was relieved to put it aside.