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The Generation Game
'Very powerful writing. Sophie draws her reader in immediately and combines wit and poignancy to very powerful effect... Excellent.' --Katie Fforde 'This is a beautifully written book… The characters are quite simply brilliant.' --Vanity Case Books 'An extraordinary story...A born storyteller with a gift for characterisation, she writes with warmth, lovely earthy detail and a pathos which keeps a lump lodged in the throat...echoes of Victoria Wood.' -- The Daily Mail 'a brave, bold, warm, rich, amusing, engaging novel' -- Hello! Magazine Philippa Smith is in her forties and has a beautiful newborn baby girl. She also has no husband, and nowhere to turn. So she turns to the only place she the beginning. Retracing her life, she confronts the daily obstacles that shaped her very existence. From the tragic events of her childhood abandonment, to the astonishing accomplishments of those close to her, Philippa learns of the sacrifices others chose to make, and the outcome of buried secrets. Philippa discovers a celebration of life, love, and the Golden era of television. A reflection of everyday people, in not so everyday situations.
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
22 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Duffy
9 books15 followers'Eurovision might not be what it once was, when you had to sing in your mother tongue and didn’t vote for your allies, but that’s lie. Life is all about change.' This Holey Life
A child of the 70s, Sophie Duffy grew up on a diet of Blue Peter and the Wombles which has fed her nostalgic outlook on life. But it’s not all been Space Dust and Arctic Roll. Over the years she has curated a catalogue of loss including her father, her womb and part of her right boob following a recent bout of breast cancer. But her sense of the world being a good place shines through the heartache.
Duffy finds the humour in the mundane and the tragic and her novels have an upbeat quality. She is particularly fond of dysfunctional, unconventional families and the complexities of everyday modern life. Her female leads range from dippy to delinquent, but they are brave and authentic. Her settings, described by Laurie Graham as ‘so atmospheric you can almost smell the Brylcreem’, range from a sweetshop in Torquay to a vicarage in Penge, but somehow they always provide the love Duffy’s protagonists crave.
She is the author of four novels. 'The Generation Game' was her debut novel, inspired by her childhood growing up in a sweet shop in Torquay. Her second novel, 'This Holey Life', is about a reluctant curate's wife. Her third, 'Bright Stars', is a modern day Brideshead, her fourth 'Betsy and Lilibet', a story of two women born on the same day - one an undertaker, the other the Queen.
As part of Creative Writing Matters, Sophie appraises manuscripts, runs workshops and mentors novelists. CWM run the Exeter Novel Prize and the Exeter Story Prize as well as other writing competitions.
She lives on the Wirral and also writes under the pseudonym Lizzie Lovell.
http://www.sophieduffy.com
http://www.creativewritingmatters.co.uk
A child of the 70s, Sophie Duffy grew up on a diet of Blue Peter and the Wombles which has fed her nostalgic outlook on life. But it’s not all been Space Dust and Arctic Roll. Over the years she has curated a catalogue of loss including her father, her womb and part of her right boob following a recent bout of breast cancer. But her sense of the world being a good place shines through the heartache.
Duffy finds the humour in the mundane and the tragic and her novels have an upbeat quality. She is particularly fond of dysfunctional, unconventional families and the complexities of everyday modern life. Her female leads range from dippy to delinquent, but they are brave and authentic. Her settings, described by Laurie Graham as ‘so atmospheric you can almost smell the Brylcreem’, range from a sweetshop in Torquay to a vicarage in Penge, but somehow they always provide the love Duffy’s protagonists crave.
She is the author of four novels. 'The Generation Game' was her debut novel, inspired by her childhood growing up in a sweet shop in Torquay. Her second novel, 'This Holey Life', is about a reluctant curate's wife. Her third, 'Bright Stars', is a modern day Brideshead, her fourth 'Betsy and Lilibet', a story of two women born on the same day - one an undertaker, the other the Queen.
As part of Creative Writing Matters, Sophie appraises manuscripts, runs workshops and mentors novelists. CWM run the Exeter Novel Prize and the Exeter Story Prize as well as other writing competitions.
She lives on the Wirral and also writes under the pseudonym Lizzie Lovell.
http://www.sophieduffy.com
http://www.creativewritingmatters.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 4, 2018
What I liked about the story was how Sophie Duffy named the chapters after TV programmes, but to name a few of the heading titles would spoil it for other readers. What I can tell you is that although the chapters are named after TV programmes the chapters actually relate to the story in some way.
September 6, 2012
Ooh, I sit here torn over the rating to give this charming little book, 4 or 5, wanting perhaps to go somewhere in the middle, but then I realise - I stayed up half the night to finish it, I have been in turns laughing out loud and brought to tears, and it has been a wonderful nostalgia trip for me, through the Blue Peter and Generation Game years of my youth. So 5 it is!
The Generation Game was flagged up to me as a recommendation based on previous books I have read, but I have to admit, when it turned up, I wondered whether it would be a little too 'chick lit' for me (perhaps that was the Katie Fforde review on the front cover!) But then I was just in the mood for a light and easy read, and there it was, sitting at the top of my book pile. So I reached for it....
It tells the story of Philippa Smith, a woman in her 40s who has just had a baby and been left by her husband. So she goes back to the beginning and tells her baby the story of her life, how she came to this point, the difficult and unusual childhood she lived through, the childhood abandonment by her mother, and who the baby's father is.
The book is beautifully written, with a unique relaxed style, and Sophie Duffy has created some wonderful and loveable characters. She tells a sad story in a funny and somewhat quirky manner, and it was a book I really lost myself in. It would make a brilliant holiday read, and underneath that light, funny story is a sad little tale, with a couple of twists at the end. I did, in fact, love it!
The Generation Game was flagged up to me as a recommendation based on previous books I have read, but I have to admit, when it turned up, I wondered whether it would be a little too 'chick lit' for me (perhaps that was the Katie Fforde review on the front cover!) But then I was just in the mood for a light and easy read, and there it was, sitting at the top of my book pile. So I reached for it....
It tells the story of Philippa Smith, a woman in her 40s who has just had a baby and been left by her husband. So she goes back to the beginning and tells her baby the story of her life, how she came to this point, the difficult and unusual childhood she lived through, the childhood abandonment by her mother, and who the baby's father is.
The book is beautifully written, with a unique relaxed style, and Sophie Duffy has created some wonderful and loveable characters. She tells a sad story in a funny and somewhat quirky manner, and it was a book I really lost myself in. It would make a brilliant holiday read, and underneath that light, funny story is a sad little tale, with a couple of twists at the end. I did, in fact, love it!
March 15, 2018
It did take me a while to settle into this book, but once I had I found the story of Phillipa, from her birth through to the birth of her own child, quite touching. She has a difficult life, and Duffy manages to portray the hard times well so you really sympathise with Phillipa and the situations she finds herself in. The 1970's and 80's references were an enjoyable trip down the memory lane of my childhood and would certainly be loved by anyone who grew up in these decades.
The moral of the story throughout appeared to be that family is who cares for you and looks out for you, not necessarily blood relations, so the revealed secrets and conclusion disappointed me a bit. Overall though, a nostalgic and engaging read.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The moral of the story throughout appeared to be that family is who cares for you and looks out for you, not necessarily blood relations, so the revealed secrets and conclusion disappointed me a bit. Overall though, a nostalgic and engaging read.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2018
I didn't really know what to expect from The Generation Game and I think, because I had no preconceptions, that it turned out to be a wonderful trip down memory lane and a heart-wrenching story to boot.
Philippa Smith reminisces about her life as she welcomes her new baby into the world in 2006. Philippa is an older mother and refuses to see her husband in the hospital, so I was immediately intrigued. With no other visitors coming to see her, we look back over Philippa's very colourful life with amazing references to tv game shows, both in the chapter titles and hidden within the prose.
You can't help but feel sorry for young Philippa as she is dragged from pillar to post with her mum, Helena. Helena isn't very maternal and is happy to leave Philippa with sweet shop owner, Bob, when she has the opportunity to move to Canada with her new man. As Bob becomes both mother and father to Philippa, he is helped by hilarious neighbour, Wink, who is addicted to game shows in particular The Generation Game. Bob and Wink become more of a family to Philippa than Helena has ever been.
Funny, sad and unbelievably nostalgic, The Generation Game is a love letter to the 1980's; beautifully written, if I wasn't smiling I was struggling to hold back tears whilst reading it. It reminded me that appearances can be deceptive and there is often a reason for people behaving the way they do. Nobody knows what private anguish is going on behind a person's public facade and there are always two sides to every story. You can read Philippa's full story in The Generation Game whilst reminiscing about some of the key moments from the past 40 years.
The Generation Game is like a little British history lesson in a nutshell, with the bonus of also being a superb examination of how complicated family life can sometimes be. A beautifully simple but tremendously clever debut from Sophie Duffy.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Philippa Smith reminisces about her life as she welcomes her new baby into the world in 2006. Philippa is an older mother and refuses to see her husband in the hospital, so I was immediately intrigued. With no other visitors coming to see her, we look back over Philippa's very colourful life with amazing references to tv game shows, both in the chapter titles and hidden within the prose.
You can't help but feel sorry for young Philippa as she is dragged from pillar to post with her mum, Helena. Helena isn't very maternal and is happy to leave Philippa with sweet shop owner, Bob, when she has the opportunity to move to Canada with her new man. As Bob becomes both mother and father to Philippa, he is helped by hilarious neighbour, Wink, who is addicted to game shows in particular The Generation Game. Bob and Wink become more of a family to Philippa than Helena has ever been.
Funny, sad and unbelievably nostalgic, The Generation Game is a love letter to the 1980's; beautifully written, if I wasn't smiling I was struggling to hold back tears whilst reading it. It reminded me that appearances can be deceptive and there is often a reason for people behaving the way they do. Nobody knows what private anguish is going on behind a person's public facade and there are always two sides to every story. You can read Philippa's full story in The Generation Game whilst reminiscing about some of the key moments from the past 40 years.
The Generation Game is like a little British history lesson in a nutshell, with the bonus of also being a superb examination of how complicated family life can sometimes be. A beautifully simple but tremendously clever debut from Sophie Duffy.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 20, 2022
What a lovely book, with lots of familiar, childhood references that I could relate to. Really enjoyed it.
February 26, 2014
Philippa Smith is a first time mother in her early 40s. While the hospital staff seem concerned about her baby, for a reason she can't initially get out of them, she decides to go over her own life story for the baby girl's benefit. As she relives events, she clarifies in her own head which were the most important things and who were the most meaningful people in her life.
As Philippa was born just 5 years before me, I loved the reference to the historical events which helped shape her life. Her story drew me back to my childhood and youth in the 70s and 80s. A prime example was the marriage of Charles and Diana. I clearly remember watching the wedding live on TV, aged about 12, and in the story, we see why it was such a big day for Philippa, on her 16th birthday. The book reinforces how current history, music and events, which seem to be in the background of our lives, really do help to gel our views and attitudes when we are young.
I could relate even more to Philippa as she got older, having also majored in English Lit and then decided not to take it further into teaching. I did lose my cool at her for a dumb decision she made in her 30s, but by then, I already loved her and related to her, so it was impossible not to forgive her.
I'm glad such a large chunk of the story was spent on Philippa's earliest childhood, instead of glossing over these years. Those were some of my favourite parts. Children can be very perceptive, honing in on details which adults either miss or have no idea kids notice. It also shows how things grown-ups may brush off as simple kindnesses, are shown to be significant in the eyes of children. I like that reminder that when we think we're doing simple, pointless things, we're really doing big things. Characters such as Bob and Wink are very memorable and lovable, just for being their unassuming, plain selves. Obviously, the care of one little girl was part of their noble purpose.
I'd be interested to see what other readers think of a massive twist toward the end. It'll be hard to address this without plot spoilers, but there's no way a reviewer can ignore it, so I'll be very careful. The twist was major, and I didn't altogether like it, because we had to suddenly alter our perceptions of several key characters, after about nineteen twentieths of the book. My first perceptions of them were partly what made the prior story so meaningful for me, and suddenly there was a huge paradigm shift. Okay, I can't help it, I'm going to include this hidden plot spoiler.
Overall, a very evocative and well-written book which I didn't want to put down. The natural ebbs and flows of life are well shown. For example, people who do mean the world to us, even those with 'best friend' status, do drift away, for various, honest reasons. The story does a wonderful job of proving that we don't have do brilliant things to live a significant life. Philippa's story is surely quite similar to any one of ours.
I received a copy from NetGalley and Legend Press in return for an honest review.
As Philippa was born just 5 years before me, I loved the reference to the historical events which helped shape her life. Her story drew me back to my childhood and youth in the 70s and 80s. A prime example was the marriage of Charles and Diana. I clearly remember watching the wedding live on TV, aged about 12, and in the story, we see why it was such a big day for Philippa, on her 16th birthday. The book reinforces how current history, music and events, which seem to be in the background of our lives, really do help to gel our views and attitudes when we are young.
I could relate even more to Philippa as she got older, having also majored in English Lit and then decided not to take it further into teaching. I did lose my cool at her for a dumb decision she made in her 30s, but by then, I already loved her and related to her, so it was impossible not to forgive her.
I'm glad such a large chunk of the story was spent on Philippa's earliest childhood, instead of glossing over these years. Those were some of my favourite parts. Children can be very perceptive, honing in on details which adults either miss or have no idea kids notice. It also shows how things grown-ups may brush off as simple kindnesses, are shown to be significant in the eyes of children. I like that reminder that when we think we're doing simple, pointless things, we're really doing big things. Characters such as Bob and Wink are very memorable and lovable, just for being their unassuming, plain selves. Obviously, the care of one little girl was part of their noble purpose.
I'd be interested to see what other readers think of a massive twist toward the end. It'll be hard to address this without plot spoilers, but there's no way a reviewer can ignore it, so I'll be very careful. The twist was major, and I didn't altogether like it, because we had to suddenly alter our perceptions of several key characters, after about nineteen twentieths of the book. My first perceptions of them were partly what made the prior story so meaningful for me, and suddenly there was a huge paradigm shift. Okay, I can't help it, I'm going to include this hidden plot spoiler.
Overall, a very evocative and well-written book which I didn't want to put down. The natural ebbs and flows of life are well shown. For example, people who do mean the world to us, even those with 'best friend' status, do drift away, for various, honest reasons. The story does a wonderful job of proving that we don't have do brilliant things to live a significant life. Philippa's story is surely quite similar to any one of ours.
I received a copy from NetGalley and Legend Press in return for an honest review.
May 14, 2018
I really loved this story with its unexpected twists and turns, peopled with lovely, sometimes flawed but always interesting characters that I'd happily live next door to in real life. It's also a wonderful reminder that love comes in many forms and guises.
It took me a while to finish because I've got so many other things going on at the moment, reading has had to take a back seat no matter how loathe I am to leave Torquay/London behind but I loved that each time I picked it up for a quick read I was straight back into Philippa's life, as if I'd just been away for five minutes (like you do with an old friend you don't see for months on end). That's the mark of a really good storyteller, methinks.
Having also loved Sophie Duffy's earlier novel, Bright Sparks (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...), I can't wait to read This Holey Life (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) and anything else she writes in future, to be honest!
It took me a while to finish because I've got so many other things going on at the moment, reading has had to take a back seat no matter how loathe I am to leave Torquay/London behind but I loved that each time I picked it up for a quick read I was straight back into Philippa's life, as if I'd just been away for five minutes (like you do with an old friend you don't see for months on end). That's the mark of a really good storyteller, methinks.
Having also loved Sophie Duffy's earlier novel, Bright Sparks (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...), I can't wait to read This Holey Life (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) and anything else she writes in future, to be honest!
March 9, 2013
I struggled through this book, the characters where not very well described so that I had to stop and remember who they were, also the ending was a bit `soap opera` for me, I prefer books that are more realistic. However, there were things that touched my emotions and for that I gave it 2 stars.
June 29, 2018
Generation Game by Sophie Duffy is a highly recommended family drama. My review copy is a re-release of the novel originally published in 2011.
The novel opens in 2006 with Philippa Smith, who is in her forties, giving birth to her baby girl. Her husband has left her for someone more exciting and she is alone. She and her daughter are being kept in the hospital a bit longer. She is very concerned about her daughter, but, also deciding that there will be no secrets, she begins to tell her life story, starting from her birth in 1965. At this point the chapters alternate between her childhood and growing up, and her present concerns with her newborn.
Written from Philippa's first person point-of-view, we are introduced to her mother, Helena, and their life together. They leave London after her birth and move to Torquay. Helena is a single parent too, so their life isn't easy. Eventually they live in Bob's Sweet shop where Helena works - until she abandons Philippa to live with Bob. The chapters in the 1960s and on are all giving the names of British TV programs that relate in some way to Philippa's life during those years.
With incredible writing, that is at various times touching, funny, sweet, and sad, Duffy reminds us that family consists of those who care about you, whether you are related by blood or not. The chapters covering Philippa's childhood set in the 1960's and 70's are exceptional. Philippa is well developed as a character in her childhood and after that the time seemed to move a bit more quickly, but perhaps that was done purposefully in order to mirror time passing by faster as you get older. There are also a couple of surprising secrets Philippa reveals or is told at the end of the novel. The secrets do show why Philippa is telling her whole story, beginning to present day, as events happened and with no secrets.
It was engaging for me to recall where I was, my age, and what was happening during those years for me as Philippa discusses the news worthy events during her life. (As I was born before her it was no great stretch to do this unless the pop culture reference was distinctly British.)
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of the Legend Times Group.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2018/0...
The novel opens in 2006 with Philippa Smith, who is in her forties, giving birth to her baby girl. Her husband has left her for someone more exciting and she is alone. She and her daughter are being kept in the hospital a bit longer. She is very concerned about her daughter, but, also deciding that there will be no secrets, she begins to tell her life story, starting from her birth in 1965. At this point the chapters alternate between her childhood and growing up, and her present concerns with her newborn.
Written from Philippa's first person point-of-view, we are introduced to her mother, Helena, and their life together. They leave London after her birth and move to Torquay. Helena is a single parent too, so their life isn't easy. Eventually they live in Bob's Sweet shop where Helena works - until she abandons Philippa to live with Bob. The chapters in the 1960s and on are all giving the names of British TV programs that relate in some way to Philippa's life during those years.
With incredible writing, that is at various times touching, funny, sweet, and sad, Duffy reminds us that family consists of those who care about you, whether you are related by blood or not. The chapters covering Philippa's childhood set in the 1960's and 70's are exceptional. Philippa is well developed as a character in her childhood and after that the time seemed to move a bit more quickly, but perhaps that was done purposefully in order to mirror time passing by faster as you get older. There are also a couple of surprising secrets Philippa reveals or is told at the end of the novel. The secrets do show why Philippa is telling her whole story, beginning to present day, as events happened and with no secrets.
It was engaging for me to recall where I was, my age, and what was happening during those years for me as Philippa discusses the news worthy events during her life. (As I was born before her it was no great stretch to do this unless the pop culture reference was distinctly British.)
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of the Legend Times Group.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2018/0...
April 24, 2018
Heart-warming, funny, poignant and wonderful!
Thank you Sophie Duffy – this is the most enjoyable read I’ve had in months - a gorgeous meandering and heart-warming trip back into the ‘60s and ‘70s and onwards. It’s a fabulous story to follow, and all the issues of each era are wryly brought to life in the rough and tumble of totally believable lives. I'd love to have known the gentle Luke, to have had Bob as a favourite relative of my own. The characters are so well described you can almost touch them, and every scene had me smiling. There’s an oh-so-subtle humour running through even the saddest of events which I absolutely loved.
It is a rare gift to write the most innocuous sentence and have it conjure up a picture which is so realistic you can hear the sound, smell the fragrance, feel the emotion. But this is not super-pretentious clever stuff – it is simple, effortless, in words we use every day. I am so jealous of Sophie Duffy’s craft.
The past is so well evoked that I was expecting the book to take a dip as we follow Philippa into the ‘90s and present day. It's always hard for a novel to fulfil early promise, but this one does (perhaps the last third of the book didn’t have the same magic for me, but that’s probably because of the way I identified with the earlier decades more than the later ones).
The book is written in two time frames, the present-day Philippa in hospital after giving birth – and the childhood of her past. We see Philippa's current situation in a series of vignettes which don't interrupt the flow of the main story so there's no risk of being dragged back to a different time just when you're getting into the book.
I’m recommending this to everyone I bump into. Thank you to Legend Press for an advance copy of a very deserved re-launch. This may be a stupidly gushing review, but it’s an honest one! Read the book!
Thank you Sophie Duffy – this is the most enjoyable read I’ve had in months - a gorgeous meandering and heart-warming trip back into the ‘60s and ‘70s and onwards. It’s a fabulous story to follow, and all the issues of each era are wryly brought to life in the rough and tumble of totally believable lives. I'd love to have known the gentle Luke, to have had Bob as a favourite relative of my own. The characters are so well described you can almost touch them, and every scene had me smiling. There’s an oh-so-subtle humour running through even the saddest of events which I absolutely loved.
It is a rare gift to write the most innocuous sentence and have it conjure up a picture which is so realistic you can hear the sound, smell the fragrance, feel the emotion. But this is not super-pretentious clever stuff – it is simple, effortless, in words we use every day. I am so jealous of Sophie Duffy’s craft.
The past is so well evoked that I was expecting the book to take a dip as we follow Philippa into the ‘90s and present day. It's always hard for a novel to fulfil early promise, but this one does (perhaps the last third of the book didn’t have the same magic for me, but that’s probably because of the way I identified with the earlier decades more than the later ones).
The book is written in two time frames, the present-day Philippa in hospital after giving birth – and the childhood of her past. We see Philippa's current situation in a series of vignettes which don't interrupt the flow of the main story so there's no risk of being dragged back to a different time just when you're getting into the book.
I’m recommending this to everyone I bump into. Thank you to Legend Press for an advance copy of a very deserved re-launch. This may be a stupidly gushing review, but it’s an honest one! Read the book!
May 24, 2024
"Rote Kirschen, schwarze Kirschen" ist ein netter Familienroman und sehr britisch. Immer wieder wird Bezug genommen auf für die Briten wichtige Ereignisse, z.B. das Kronjubiläum der Königin, die Hochzeit von Charles und Diana, Dianas Tod. Auch britischen Fernsehshows spielen eine wichtige Rolle.
Davon abgesehen könnte die Geschichte aber überall spielen, denn es geht um Philippa, die als Kind von ihrer Mutter verlassen wird und stattdessen von einem Freund der Familie (und etlichen anderen skurrilen Charakteren) großgezogen wird. Philippas Geschichte erstreckt sich über mehrere Jahrzehnte bis ins Jahr 2007 und beleuchtet wichtige Ereignisse ihres Lebens.
Zu Beginn hatte ich ein wenig Schwierigkeiten mit Sophie Duffys Schreibstil, da es für mich eigentlich nur "Geplapper" war. Es wurde viel "geplappert" und das auf gewollt komische Art, jedoch hatte die Handlung noch nicht viel Substanz. Das wurde mit der Zeit besser und ich kam besser in die Geschichte rein.
Insgesamt mochte ich auch die liebenswerten Charaktere, die Philippa auf ihrem Weg begleiten, sehr. Nur Philippa selbst mochte ich nicht, weil sie ihr Leben nicht auf die Reihe kriegt und immer wieder sehr egoistische Entscheidungen trifft, die auch anderen verletzen.
Eine leichte, jedoch unterhaltsame Lektüre für zwischendurch.
Davon abgesehen könnte die Geschichte aber überall spielen, denn es geht um Philippa, die als Kind von ihrer Mutter verlassen wird und stattdessen von einem Freund der Familie (und etlichen anderen skurrilen Charakteren) großgezogen wird. Philippas Geschichte erstreckt sich über mehrere Jahrzehnte bis ins Jahr 2007 und beleuchtet wichtige Ereignisse ihres Lebens.
Zu Beginn hatte ich ein wenig Schwierigkeiten mit Sophie Duffys Schreibstil, da es für mich eigentlich nur "Geplapper" war. Es wurde viel "geplappert" und das auf gewollt komische Art, jedoch hatte die Handlung noch nicht viel Substanz. Das wurde mit der Zeit besser und ich kam besser in die Geschichte rein.
Insgesamt mochte ich auch die liebenswerten Charaktere, die Philippa auf ihrem Weg begleiten, sehr. Nur Philippa selbst mochte ich nicht, weil sie ihr Leben nicht auf die Reihe kriegt und immer wieder sehr egoistische Entscheidungen trifft, die auch anderen verletzen.
Eine leichte, jedoch unterhaltsame Lektüre für zwischendurch.
May 1, 2018
The Generation Game brought back lots of memories of long forgotten television programmes. Who remembers Family Fortunes, New Faces, This Is Your Life, Come Dancing and of course The Generation Game? It is a veritable trip down memory lane and indeed that what this novel is all about. It is about looking back, it is about Philippa, aged forty who sits in a hospital with her newborn baby and how she got to where she is today. It is also a novel about family and discovering who your family is and what they mean to you.
Philippa herself is a person defined by her upbringing, abandoned by her mother, Helena, she is brought up by Bob owner of a local Torquay newsagent. Never married and no children of his own they somehow muddle through. He may not be the perfect role model or indeed her Father but he somehow steers Philippa in the right directions, even if at times she resented and was less appreciative of him. There were times when Philippa frustrated me but I think that’s because she herself didn’t know what she wanted or knew how to deal with situations. She was a person always looking for something, her place in the world, who to love, and ultimately a family. I felt the birth of her daughter was her second chance, the epithany where everything finally slotted into place and finally she could be who she wanted to be.
Philippa’s life is full of wonderful characters. None are more poignant than Lucas , who tragically dies young but forever remains in Philippa’s heart. His lasting legacy, a time capsule buried in Bob’s garden, will hold the answers to the many unanswered questions that Philippa carries with her throughout her forty years.
My favourite character had to be Wink, a formidable elderly lady with a parrot for a pet and an obsession with Bruce Forsyth and the Generation Game. She provided much of the humour and was the one of the constants in Philippa’s life. She never doubted Philippa, always believed that she would achieve whatever she wanted to.
What I loved most about Duffy’s novel was her ability to balance the light and the dark. It would have been so easy for Philippa’s story to be bogged down in all the serious issues that she had to face, yet Duffy managed to intersperse the dark times with great humour. One particular highlight had to be the royal wedding of Charles and Diana which I remember so well myself.
I felt a real connection with Philippa and I think it was because I shared so many of the events and TV programmes she remembers. I may not have had the same life issues but it was a connection that I rarely find in the many books that I read.
The Generation Game is a poignant novel, hugely emotive and filled with humour and most importantly full of hope. It is a novel about family and discovering who your family is even if they are not your blood relatives. It is a novel that I enjoyed immensely and I shall be seeking out and reading the Duffy’s other novels.
Thank you to Imogen Harris and Legend Press for inviting mybookishblogspot to participate in the blogtour.
Philippa herself is a person defined by her upbringing, abandoned by her mother, Helena, she is brought up by Bob owner of a local Torquay newsagent. Never married and no children of his own they somehow muddle through. He may not be the perfect role model or indeed her Father but he somehow steers Philippa in the right directions, even if at times she resented and was less appreciative of him. There were times when Philippa frustrated me but I think that’s because she herself didn’t know what she wanted or knew how to deal with situations. She was a person always looking for something, her place in the world, who to love, and ultimately a family. I felt the birth of her daughter was her second chance, the epithany where everything finally slotted into place and finally she could be who she wanted to be.
Philippa’s life is full of wonderful characters. None are more poignant than Lucas , who tragically dies young but forever remains in Philippa’s heart. His lasting legacy, a time capsule buried in Bob’s garden, will hold the answers to the many unanswered questions that Philippa carries with her throughout her forty years.
My favourite character had to be Wink, a formidable elderly lady with a parrot for a pet and an obsession with Bruce Forsyth and the Generation Game. She provided much of the humour and was the one of the constants in Philippa’s life. She never doubted Philippa, always believed that she would achieve whatever she wanted to.
What I loved most about Duffy’s novel was her ability to balance the light and the dark. It would have been so easy for Philippa’s story to be bogged down in all the serious issues that she had to face, yet Duffy managed to intersperse the dark times with great humour. One particular highlight had to be the royal wedding of Charles and Diana which I remember so well myself.
I felt a real connection with Philippa and I think it was because I shared so many of the events and TV programmes she remembers. I may not have had the same life issues but it was a connection that I rarely find in the many books that I read.
The Generation Game is a poignant novel, hugely emotive and filled with humour and most importantly full of hope. It is a novel about family and discovering who your family is even if they are not your blood relatives. It is a novel that I enjoyed immensely and I shall be seeking out and reading the Duffy’s other novels.
Thank you to Imogen Harris and Legend Press for inviting mybookishblogspot to participate in the blogtour.
June 27, 2018
Phillipa is in her 40s and has just had a baby. The book is Phillipa telling the baby her own life story, about all the decisions she's made and people who have influenced her along the way, to get to the point wehre she is now, with a potentially sick newborn and no real relationship or family. I really, really enjoyed this. I loved Phillipa's friends and family through the years, Lucas, Bob, Wink, even Helena. Finding out at the end why Helena behaved the way she did was a surprise and made me really like her so much more. This was a very good book, engaging, at times funny or sad, with a surprise at the end. One of the best books I've read this year. 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.
I received an advance copy of this from NetGalley.
I received an advance copy of this from NetGalley.
April 8, 2018
I love the way a time capsule à la Blue Peter manages to bring together all the different threads and generations, finally giving much-needed answers and closure and allowing Philippa to find her happily-ever-after ending. It's a satisfying, uplifting and heart-warming novel with a cast of endearing characters and numerous throwbacks to my own past that made me smile. As the great Brucie would have said himself, Nice to read you - to read you, nice !
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
March 2, 2019
First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book.
I loved everything about this book! I laughed, I cried, my heart was broken, my faith in human kind was restored!
I love when a story can make me feel all the emotions, feel the salt air blowing in my hair, smell the burning of a house fire, experience the thrill of watching a favorite game show on tv!
Please, if you love feel-good stories that make you feel all the different emotions, read this book!
#TheGenerationGame #NetGalley
I loved everything about this book! I laughed, I cried, my heart was broken, my faith in human kind was restored!
I love when a story can make me feel all the emotions, feel the salt air blowing in my hair, smell the burning of a house fire, experience the thrill of watching a favorite game show on tv!
Please, if you love feel-good stories that make you feel all the different emotions, read this book!
#TheGenerationGame #NetGalley
June 25, 2021
Honestly, in the beginning, I was not that thrilled with the plot of this book. I couldn't make sense of what it was moving toward, and I think I would have had a hard time telling anyone what it was about. But I stayed for the characters....richly drawn, quirky, sad...I loved them, so I hung around. Really glad I did. All of the "where is this going?' became, "Oh my gosh! What?!?" And it all fit perfectly. Well worth the time. Lovely story. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing a digital ARC for review.
April 11, 2018
A very likeable and believable narrator made this book amusing and a breeze to read.
I liked the split timeline and also the cast of characters that ran through them.
I felt a little let down in the last few pages when it get to me like everything was being tied together too neatly.
My only complaint!
I liked the split timeline and also the cast of characters that ran through them.
I felt a little let down in the last few pages when it get to me like everything was being tied together too neatly.
My only complaint!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2019
What a quirky, emotional, fun filled story that was. I laughed out loud sometimes, and felt the heartbreak at others.
This story follows Phillipa (starting at 40 where she has just had a baby), reflecting on her life, starting as a wee bub through to the present. I loved seeing her views on people as a child, then altering as she grew up (making me reflect on my thoughts of people when I was younger). There’s plenty of wonderful characters who weave in and out of Philippa’s life, both family and friends, making you realise that family doesn’t always have to be blood related.
I loved all the 70’s and 80’a references (some of the TV shows and hosts are obviously English so we’re lost on me here in Australia), especially talking about Princess Diana and the impact she had - that’s universal.
I wasn’t that fussed at the twist ending- I didn’t feel like it was necessary and, in fact, made me reassess some characters altogether. Regardless, I enjoyed the story immensely.
This story follows Phillipa (starting at 40 where she has just had a baby), reflecting on her life, starting as a wee bub through to the present. I loved seeing her views on people as a child, then altering as she grew up (making me reflect on my thoughts of people when I was younger). There’s plenty of wonderful characters who weave in and out of Philippa’s life, both family and friends, making you realise that family doesn’t always have to be blood related.
I loved all the 70’s and 80’a references (some of the TV shows and hosts are obviously English so we’re lost on me here in Australia), especially talking about Princess Diana and the impact she had - that’s universal.
I wasn’t that fussed at the twist ending- I didn’t feel like it was necessary and, in fact, made me reassess some characters altogether. Regardless, I enjoyed the story immensely.
December 21, 2018
Great story
Brilliantly written novel, filled with lots of culture references, likeable characters, enjoyable story.
Will be reading more books by this author.
Brilliantly written novel, filled with lots of culture references, likeable characters, enjoyable story.
Will be reading more books by this author.
April 30, 2019
An enjoyable generational novel told across different time periods from 1965 to 2007
March 12, 2023
An unusual story, and surprisingly unpredictable.
May 16, 2023
Some parts were a bit slow, but it really came together well in the end.
February 7, 2024
Süße Geschichte einer jungen Frau mit verblüffender Wendung. :)
May 21, 2015
EIN BUCH WIE EINE WARME UMARMUNG...
Philippa heißt die Heldin dieses Buches. Aber von Heldin kann hier gar keine Rede sein. Mit über 40 Jahren liegt sie gerade im Krankenhaus, ihr neugeborenes Baby im Arm, das, noch namenlos, ihr wie ein Wunder erscheint, ihr ganzes Glück. In diesen Tagen im Krankenhaus erzählt sie ihrem kleinen Baby die ganze Geschichte ihres eigenen Lebens, angefangen von ihrem ersten Atemzug im Jahre 1965.
Wie sie, trotzig mit der wirkungslosen Spirale ihrer blutjungen Mutter in der winzigen Faust, in einem Londoner Krankenhaus zur Welt kam, wie ihre alleinstehende Mutter mit ihr aus London fortzog, floh aus dem Dunstkreis ihres hochangesehenen Vaters, einem Richter, an den einzigen anderen Ort, an dem sie in ihrem Leben bisher war: Torquay, ein palmengesäumter Urlaubsort an der britischen Riviera. Wie ihre Mutter dort versuchte Fuß zu fassen und sich dabei eher hilflos um die kleine Philippa kümmerte. Wie sie schließlich eine winzige Wohnung fanden über Bobs Süßwarenladen, wo die Bonbons in den Gläsern glitzerten wie Versprechen.
"Drinnen ist es wie in Aladins Höhle. Ein Glasgefäß neben dem anderen, gefüllt mit Rubinen und Smaragden, Diamanten und Amethysten, Gold und Silber und Perlen. Zitronenbrausebonbons, saure Drops, Anisstäbchen, Karamelbonbons und all die anderen Sorten, deren Namen ich noch nicht lesen kann, deren Formen und Farben und Düfte ich aber auswendig kenne."
Aufwachsen ist nicht immer leicht - nicht als kleine, dicke Philippa, die in der Schule in der Gruppe der langsamen Leser starten muss, die rasch erkennt, dass ihre Mutter anders ist als die der anderen Kinder - zu jung, nicht verheiratet, mit sich beschäftigt. Doch die Freundschaft zu Lucas gibt ihr Halt, mit ihm ist die Schule erträglich, mit ihm sind die Spiele fantasievoll und voller Abenteuer, mit ihm entdeckt sie das Leben.
"Also gibt es nur dich und mich, mein Baby. Und du riechst himmlisch. Ich könnte deinen Duft ewig einatmen. Der Junge, den ich einmal heiraten wollte, roch nach Rosinenbrötchen."
Philippa muss schon früh im Leben erkennen, dass dieses einem immer wieder gerne einmal ein Schnippchen schlägt. Gerade wenn es einmal halbwegs zu laufen scheint, geschieht etwas, das einem den Boden unter den Füßen wegziehen kann. Lucas ist plötzlich weg. Und kurz darauf auch ihre Mutter. Einfach verschwunden, mit einem jungen attraktiven Kerl auf und davon nach Kanada. Ohne ein Wort, von einem Tag auf den anderen.
Doch Bob, der gutmütige Kioskbesitzer, kümmert sich um Philippa wie um seine eigene Tochter, unterstützt durch eine alte Freundin, Wink, die mit ihrem Papageien bald schon wie eine Großmutter ist für Philippa. Und so wächst Philippa heran, nimmt das Leben, wie es eben ist, entdeckt die wunderschöne Welt der Bücher, betrachtet aber auch die Menschen und die Welt um sie herum mit großen Augen.
"... während ich Bob mit in die Stadt schleife und wir beide Bibliotheksmitglieder werden. Ich bin außer mir vor Begeisterung, so viele Bücher an einem Ort zu sehen, und nun besitze ich den Schlüssel, um sie alle zu lesen. Und wenn ich ihn drehe, könnte ich möglicherweise den Sinn meines Lebens verstehen. Dann könnte es mir vielleicht gelingen herauszufinden, wie ich meine Mutter zurückbekomme."
Philippa erzählt mit ergreifender Ernsthaftigkeit und heiterer Leichtigkeit vom Erwachsenwerden. Es ist ein leises Buch von einer nicht einfachen Kindheit und Jugend, aber zutiefst lebensbejahend. Eine warmherzige Erzählung, bei der Lachen und Weinen manchmal in derselben Zeile liegen.
Eines der Bücher, bei dem die Seiten nur so vorbeifliegen und man doch die Zeit anhalten möchte, um Philippa und die anderen so liebevoll gezeichneten Figuren nicht allzu bald wieder verlassen zu müssen. Bisher mein Highlight des Jahres.
Ein Buch wie eine warme Umarmung...
© Parden
Philippa heißt die Heldin dieses Buches. Aber von Heldin kann hier gar keine Rede sein. Mit über 40 Jahren liegt sie gerade im Krankenhaus, ihr neugeborenes Baby im Arm, das, noch namenlos, ihr wie ein Wunder erscheint, ihr ganzes Glück. In diesen Tagen im Krankenhaus erzählt sie ihrem kleinen Baby die ganze Geschichte ihres eigenen Lebens, angefangen von ihrem ersten Atemzug im Jahre 1965.
Wie sie, trotzig mit der wirkungslosen Spirale ihrer blutjungen Mutter in der winzigen Faust, in einem Londoner Krankenhaus zur Welt kam, wie ihre alleinstehende Mutter mit ihr aus London fortzog, floh aus dem Dunstkreis ihres hochangesehenen Vaters, einem Richter, an den einzigen anderen Ort, an dem sie in ihrem Leben bisher war: Torquay, ein palmengesäumter Urlaubsort an der britischen Riviera. Wie ihre Mutter dort versuchte Fuß zu fassen und sich dabei eher hilflos um die kleine Philippa kümmerte. Wie sie schließlich eine winzige Wohnung fanden über Bobs Süßwarenladen, wo die Bonbons in den Gläsern glitzerten wie Versprechen.
"Drinnen ist es wie in Aladins Höhle. Ein Glasgefäß neben dem anderen, gefüllt mit Rubinen und Smaragden, Diamanten und Amethysten, Gold und Silber und Perlen. Zitronenbrausebonbons, saure Drops, Anisstäbchen, Karamelbonbons und all die anderen Sorten, deren Namen ich noch nicht lesen kann, deren Formen und Farben und Düfte ich aber auswendig kenne."
Aufwachsen ist nicht immer leicht - nicht als kleine, dicke Philippa, die in der Schule in der Gruppe der langsamen Leser starten muss, die rasch erkennt, dass ihre Mutter anders ist als die der anderen Kinder - zu jung, nicht verheiratet, mit sich beschäftigt. Doch die Freundschaft zu Lucas gibt ihr Halt, mit ihm ist die Schule erträglich, mit ihm sind die Spiele fantasievoll und voller Abenteuer, mit ihm entdeckt sie das Leben.
"Also gibt es nur dich und mich, mein Baby. Und du riechst himmlisch. Ich könnte deinen Duft ewig einatmen. Der Junge, den ich einmal heiraten wollte, roch nach Rosinenbrötchen."
Philippa muss schon früh im Leben erkennen, dass dieses einem immer wieder gerne einmal ein Schnippchen schlägt. Gerade wenn es einmal halbwegs zu laufen scheint, geschieht etwas, das einem den Boden unter den Füßen wegziehen kann. Lucas ist plötzlich weg. Und kurz darauf auch ihre Mutter. Einfach verschwunden, mit einem jungen attraktiven Kerl auf und davon nach Kanada. Ohne ein Wort, von einem Tag auf den anderen.
Doch Bob, der gutmütige Kioskbesitzer, kümmert sich um Philippa wie um seine eigene Tochter, unterstützt durch eine alte Freundin, Wink, die mit ihrem Papageien bald schon wie eine Großmutter ist für Philippa. Und so wächst Philippa heran, nimmt das Leben, wie es eben ist, entdeckt die wunderschöne Welt der Bücher, betrachtet aber auch die Menschen und die Welt um sie herum mit großen Augen.
"... während ich Bob mit in die Stadt schleife und wir beide Bibliotheksmitglieder werden. Ich bin außer mir vor Begeisterung, so viele Bücher an einem Ort zu sehen, und nun besitze ich den Schlüssel, um sie alle zu lesen. Und wenn ich ihn drehe, könnte ich möglicherweise den Sinn meines Lebens verstehen. Dann könnte es mir vielleicht gelingen herauszufinden, wie ich meine Mutter zurückbekomme."
Philippa erzählt mit ergreifender Ernsthaftigkeit und heiterer Leichtigkeit vom Erwachsenwerden. Es ist ein leises Buch von einer nicht einfachen Kindheit und Jugend, aber zutiefst lebensbejahend. Eine warmherzige Erzählung, bei der Lachen und Weinen manchmal in derselben Zeile liegen.
Eines der Bücher, bei dem die Seiten nur so vorbeifliegen und man doch die Zeit anhalten möchte, um Philippa und die anderen so liebevoll gezeichneten Figuren nicht allzu bald wieder verlassen zu müssen. Bisher mein Highlight des Jahres.
Ein Buch wie eine warme Umarmung...
© Parden
September 7, 2011
An interesting premise: the book starts with a woman in hospital talking to her newborn baby girl. She starts to tell the story of her life, beginning with her own birth in St Thomas’s Hospital in 1965 and going right up to the present day.
“I’ll tell you my story. Our story. Because there’s nothing worse than wondering. Knowing is always better.”
It works well to begin with the end, and to return to it regularly through the telling of everything that led up to that point. It builds anticipation and has us wondering how Philippa ends up where she is, who the baby’s father is, how Philippa’s life gets to that place.
The early chapters are told very cleverly, using an adult’s voice but a child’s sensibility. Even Philippa’s experiences as a baby and toddler are covered, which I think is a difficult thing to do well, but it really worked here. As we move through Philippa’s childhood, adolescence and finally adulthood, the central interest is from the characters such as her distant, aloof mother and her adoptive father Bob.
The story speeds up quite a bit when Philippa is an adult. I suppose that reflects our way of remembering our lives – early childhood experiences can seem so visceral, whereas later events often merge together. As a child, I remember the summer holidays seeming to last forever, whereas in adulthood I am often shocked at how fast the years go by (I’m still struggling to accept that it really is such a futuristic-sounding year as 2011). For me, the effect in this book was that the childhood years made a stronger impression upon me, whereas the years from 20 to 40 moved too fast for me to get much sense of the characters. I have a much clearer impression of the old woman Wink, for example, than of Philippa’s husband Adrian.
There are a couple of big revelations at the end, one concerning Philippa’s mother and one about her love life. I won’t give away the details, of course, but I’ll just say that I found the one about the mother very satisfying – completely unexpected but completely believable, and answering a lot of questions from the earlier part of the book. The romantic one I was less convinced by, but maybe that’s because, as I said, I wasn’t so wrapped up in the adult part of Philippa’s life. The book for me was about Philippa’s odd relationship with her mother, and that central theme I thought was beautifully explored and very pleasingly concluded.
“I’ll tell you my story. Our story. Because there’s nothing worse than wondering. Knowing is always better.”
It works well to begin with the end, and to return to it regularly through the telling of everything that led up to that point. It builds anticipation and has us wondering how Philippa ends up where she is, who the baby’s father is, how Philippa’s life gets to that place.
The early chapters are told very cleverly, using an adult’s voice but a child’s sensibility. Even Philippa’s experiences as a baby and toddler are covered, which I think is a difficult thing to do well, but it really worked here. As we move through Philippa’s childhood, adolescence and finally adulthood, the central interest is from the characters such as her distant, aloof mother and her adoptive father Bob.
The story speeds up quite a bit when Philippa is an adult. I suppose that reflects our way of remembering our lives – early childhood experiences can seem so visceral, whereas later events often merge together. As a child, I remember the summer holidays seeming to last forever, whereas in adulthood I am often shocked at how fast the years go by (I’m still struggling to accept that it really is such a futuristic-sounding year as 2011). For me, the effect in this book was that the childhood years made a stronger impression upon me, whereas the years from 20 to 40 moved too fast for me to get much sense of the characters. I have a much clearer impression of the old woman Wink, for example, than of Philippa’s husband Adrian.
There are a couple of big revelations at the end, one concerning Philippa’s mother and one about her love life. I won’t give away the details, of course, but I’ll just say that I found the one about the mother very satisfying – completely unexpected but completely believable, and answering a lot of questions from the earlier part of the book. The romantic one I was less convinced by, but maybe that’s because, as I said, I wasn’t so wrapped up in the adult part of Philippa’s life. The book for me was about Philippa’s odd relationship with her mother, and that central theme I thought was beautifully explored and very pleasingly concluded.
September 21, 2013
At the start of The Generation Game, it is 2006 and the central character Philippa has just given birth to her first child. We do not know whether Philippa is married, who the baby’s father is or whether they are still together. We do know, gradually, that the baby is unwell and as Philippa waits to find out whether her child will survive, she tells her own story in flashbacks.
We hear of her birth in a London hospital, to Helena, an unmarried mother who tries her best but is overwhelmed by having to take responsibility for another’s life. We see Helena flee with Philippa to Torquay and later, alone, to Canada. Philippa grows up with a variety of friends, some of whom she loses forever while some she loses and then finds again. There is Bob, who becomes her de facto guardian after Helena leaves. There is Lucas, the little boy who is her best friend even when he is no longer with her. There is the wonderful Wink, with her parrot, her front room that stinks of bird pee, and her addiction to Bruce Forsyth and the eponymous game show which was a part of so many people’s Saturday evenings. And there is Terry or TJ as he prefers to be called, who is always around in the background - and sometimes in the foreground as well.
I loved this book from the first page to the final word. Starting back in1965, it will strike a chord with readers who remember the sort of childhood that was common in the 1950s and 1960s: children present and observing but not fully understanding the goings-on of the adult world. There are some great cultural references: taking Blue Nun to dinner parties in the early 1970s; street parties for the Queen’s silver jubilee; that kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace when Charles married Diana. Each of the flashback chapters is headed with the name of a television programme from the era: This is Your Life; New Faces; Gladiators and so on. While these do not necessarily relate to the content of the chapter, they are additional links back to the period in question.
The Generation Game won Sophie Duffy both the Luke Bitmead Bursary and the Yeovil Literary Prize. It’s not difficult to understand why.
5* review.
We hear of her birth in a London hospital, to Helena, an unmarried mother who tries her best but is overwhelmed by having to take responsibility for another’s life. We see Helena flee with Philippa to Torquay and later, alone, to Canada. Philippa grows up with a variety of friends, some of whom she loses forever while some she loses and then finds again. There is Bob, who becomes her de facto guardian after Helena leaves. There is Lucas, the little boy who is her best friend even when he is no longer with her. There is the wonderful Wink, with her parrot, her front room that stinks of bird pee, and her addiction to Bruce Forsyth and the eponymous game show which was a part of so many people’s Saturday evenings. And there is Terry or TJ as he prefers to be called, who is always around in the background - and sometimes in the foreground as well.
I loved this book from the first page to the final word. Starting back in1965, it will strike a chord with readers who remember the sort of childhood that was common in the 1950s and 1960s: children present and observing but not fully understanding the goings-on of the adult world. There are some great cultural references: taking Blue Nun to dinner parties in the early 1970s; street parties for the Queen’s silver jubilee; that kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace when Charles married Diana. Each of the flashback chapters is headed with the name of a television programme from the era: This is Your Life; New Faces; Gladiators and so on. While these do not necessarily relate to the content of the chapter, they are additional links back to the period in question.
The Generation Game won Sophie Duffy both the Luke Bitmead Bursary and the Yeovil Literary Prize. It’s not difficult to understand why.
5* review.
January 7, 2014
I would like to thank NetGalley and Legend Press for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book.
This book is written in first person, narrated by Philippa, and she is very matter-of-fact. At first I thought she was detached, which made me sad when reading her flashbacks because it showed a world weariness no young child should have; she had already faced adult issues (death, abandonment, etc.) and accepted them as life. But as I read further and realized this is a British novel, I wonder if Philippa just had the stereotypical "stiff upper lip". Either way, there was a lack of emotion that made it seem as if she was telling a story instead of remembering her life.
As I mentioned, this is a British book. There were two references that came up frequently that I had to look up because I had never heard of them before. The first was the Cavalier; it wasn't an essential part of the story but Philippa mentions it in passing in almost every chapter. The second was The Generation Game; it's the title of the book and a major theme, and I had no idea it was a real show. It wasn't a big deal to look them up and I would recommend doing so before reading the book if you aren't familiar with them either.
Overall, the book held my interest but didn't affect me one way or the other. I didn't expect the ending and thought it was a nice (if unrealistic) resolution.
Find all my reviews at:
http://readingatrandom.blogspot.com/2...
This book is written in first person, narrated by Philippa, and she is very matter-of-fact. At first I thought she was detached, which made me sad when reading her flashbacks because it showed a world weariness no young child should have; she had already faced adult issues (death, abandonment, etc.) and accepted them as life. But as I read further and realized this is a British novel, I wonder if Philippa just had the stereotypical "stiff upper lip". Either way, there was a lack of emotion that made it seem as if she was telling a story instead of remembering her life.
As I mentioned, this is a British book. There were two references that came up frequently that I had to look up because I had never heard of them before. The first was the Cavalier; it wasn't an essential part of the story but Philippa mentions it in passing in almost every chapter. The second was The Generation Game; it's the title of the book and a major theme, and I had no idea it was a real show. It wasn't a big deal to look them up and I would recommend doing so before reading the book if you aren't familiar with them either.
Overall, the book held my interest but didn't affect me one way or the other. I didn't expect the ending and thought it was a nice (if unrealistic) resolution.
Find all my reviews at:
http://readingatrandom.blogspot.com/2...
September 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. The author and I have a mutual friend, who promoted the book on Facebook. When I saw that she had been published a second time, I figured I'd try this, her first book. (Besides, it was discounted!) And I really enjoyed it. It is close to "chick lit" - perhaps because there is humour in the writing - but better than that I think. Her voice is light and funny but intelligent (much like our mutual friend), and so is an easy read. Yet there are things to think about here too.
Brief synopsis without - It is the story of a young girl growing up in England in the 60s/70s, so most (but not all) of the pop culture references were recognisable to me. The story goes chronologically through her life, interspersed with references back to her as an adult in a particular situation. There are some charming characters, and you become very attached to the girl, and some of the others as well. The ending rounds things out nicely, but isn't predictable. (Or wasn't to me.)
It would be excellent holiday reading. I recommend it; I will be buying her second novel.
Brief synopsis without - It is the story of a young girl growing up in England in the 60s/70s, so most (but not all) of the pop culture references were recognisable to me. The story goes chronologically through her life, interspersed with references back to her as an adult in a particular situation. There are some charming characters, and you become very attached to the girl, and some of the others as well. The ending rounds things out nicely, but isn't predictable. (Or wasn't to me.)
It would be excellent holiday reading. I recommend it; I will be buying her second novel.
August 29, 2015
The style and tone are reminiscent of Behind the Scenes at the Museum era Kate Atkinson.
I really enjoyed this most of the way through and was thinking 4* but then the ending bugged me so I have downgraded it.
It is a light, jolly read, with nostalgia value for anyone who remembers 70s Britain and its TV.
However, towards the end, the narrator starts doing random things for no apparent reason and I gradually found it less and less realistic. The ending is far too neat. There's a twist which doesn't really stand up to scrutiny. Ultimately, I realised that the characters aren't very believable: they do stupid things without any clear motivation and forgive each other when surely they wouldn't.
I think she's a promising writer but it disappointed its early promise, for me.
I really enjoyed this most of the way through and was thinking 4* but then the ending bugged me so I have downgraded it.
It is a light, jolly read, with nostalgia value for anyone who remembers 70s Britain and its TV.
However, towards the end, the narrator starts doing random things for no apparent reason and I gradually found it less and less realistic. The ending is far too neat. There's a twist which doesn't really stand up to scrutiny. Ultimately, I realised that the characters aren't very believable: they do stupid things without any clear motivation and forgive each other when surely they wouldn't.
I think she's a promising writer but it disappointed its early promise, for me.
July 20, 2014
I bought this on Kindle soon after it was recommended to me and it was a good choice. I already had some idea of the structure, two time lines tied to real events and British television programmes, set in London and Torquay, Devon. But it does not matter if you have not lived in this country or seen the programmes, it is the characters that stand out and particularly the child's eye view of events amusing, confusing and tragic. The two time lines merge, the plot more complex than expected, but a satisfying read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews