Joanna Quinn (1) (1976–)

Probably closer to a 3.75 star. I enjoyed this book and its characters. The book is broken down in 5 Acts from 1919 - 1945. My problem with the book was that each Act almost read like a whole different book. Yes the characters are the same, but each section has a very different feel, almost like you've just jumped in mid story. In some ways this was interesting. Christa, was the ring leader, imaginative and forceful. Flossie, mousy and meek, Digby like a faithful puppy. As the story progresses, we see how they change. In other ways, I wish there had been a little more development to the progression. After the first two sections, I felt the story line got thinner.… (more)

Three siblings, largely self-raised in a bohemian country house in the 30’s create an outdoor theatre. And then the war intervenes.

The first half was a little slow for me, but absolutely set the scene of freedom-filled days that contrasted so well with the excitement, duties, dangers and horrors of the war to follow.

This felt well researched with a cast of well-drawn characters, and beautifully written.

« I knew EVERYTHING when i was twelve years old, and with each year of my life, I know a little less, and there is freedom in that. You have space for a good deal more ».… (more)

A whale of a book. Tremendous, wonderful, a pleasure to read.
It is an outstanding intricate and complete saga of a dysfunctional wealthy English family, a highly believable tale in an accurate framework of history.
Following the uncared for children with self-centred parents through to their involvement with daring escapades in WWII.
The well painted characters and relationships became alive to me, I shed a tear as one of the children perished near the end.
I was interleaving my reading with 'Between Silk and Cyanide' by Leo Marks, describing the workings of British espionage during WWII. It was pleasing to see how close to history the book was.
JQ has exciting descriptions full of sights and sounds, an amazing way with words. I had to stop and capture many descriptions on the way.
"The crisp displays of October, all its smart oranges and yellows, have been spoilt and scattered about as November rushes in, dragging winter behind it like a trial of rattling cans" p246.… (more)