The Woman Next Door

I have just finished this book and sadly found it not to my liking. I found the story disjointed and slow. It was not so much a novel as lists of observations. A book has to draw me in from the first chapter and this book did not. I am at a loss as to understand why the author thought this would be entertaining. I think she would be better concentrating on architecture as she seems to know more about that subject.

I must admit I found this book very slow to get going. I perserved and did read it right through to completion and although I liked the characters i kept expecting more to happen. When they finally moved in together the book did take a different turn and I enjoyed the final section . If I wasn't reviewing though I probably would have given up.
Thanks for the opportunity to read though

Thank you for the copy of this book. (Spoiler alert)
I didn't think I'd like the subject matter when I read the synopsis but this well written story soon sucked me in.The two main characters are not really likeable, as they are so caught up in their disagreements with each other, but as you get to know their stories you get to know the characters and the reasons for their behaviour.
They have both been strong career women, ( of different race)Hortensia was a designer and Marion an archtect. They have both now retired and are both widowed. Hortensia has no children, a fact that really affects her. Her husband was unfaithful and had a child (whom she did not discover until after his death.) Marian has children but never sees them.After a series of unfortunate accidents the two women are thrown together and discover an unwilling affinity.
I loved the wry humour of Hortensia's observations. Marion's uncomfortable dealing with the race issue, which makes her face up to her ingrained racial prejudice. She is ashamed and embarrassed by her up bringing and tries to atone.Hortensia is bitter and stubborn. She realises that her whole attitude to Marion and her life is based on her own prejudices and her husband's infidelity.
I would certainly recommend this to any one who likes a character led book.

This story is set in Cape Town and is a tale about two neighbours, both in their eighties. At the start one is a widow and the other soon will be. They have been bickering for years, ever since they became neighbours.

As the story develops the reader learns about the lives of these two ladies and discover what lead them to have the attitudes and difficulties they now have.

I enjoyed this book, it was lighthearted and gave an insight into life in South Africa. The two ladies confided in each other and in the end became friends. I would recommend this book to other Gransnetters.

Thankyou so much for my copy of The Woman Next Door can't wait to start reading it

Received my book this morning, thank you.