LOVE SONGS AND LIES

by Libby Purves

Love Songs and Lies Purves, Libby

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published December 27, 2006

About the author

Libby Purves is a journalist and author who has been writing for The Times since 1982. A previous columnist of the year and author of 12 novels and non-fiction books, she was for 40 years a BBC Radio 4 broadcaster after becoming the Today programme’s first woman and youngest presenter.

Reviews

[Kirstie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt such a hard slog. I hated Sally for being such a door mat and max was a knob.
Not many likeable characters and it just didn’t get going

I liked her style of writing but that’s about all I have positive to say

[Elizabeth King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love is blind they say. Much of this story takes place in 1970s Oxford, focusing on Sally's feelings for Max, her housemate. I liked how she wallowed in her feelings, drowning in poetry and writing love songs even though in real life she'd have driven me mad. I thought this book beautifully illustrated how we deceive ourselves and other people.
Although I couldn't identify with the affluence and student life, I did find it a page turner and was slightly irritated when I had to put it down to do other things. I really admired how the author let the characters develop over time and how Sally sometimes cringed telling her story.

[Kate Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a slow starter, but I persisted with it. I have no idea why the cover and title are so incredibly cheesy, because the author is highly intelligent and the book wonderfully written. It’s a book I wouldn’t usually read, but was well rewarded for doing so.

Although the protagonist is very irritating in her pathetic one-sided romance, she does mature over the years. We see her change, move on, fall back in to previous mistakes, take on new and unexpected challenges. We see her develop and grow to appreciate what she has to offer.

The book is witty, incredibly beautiful in parts, and well-written. Think of it as wine. It develops over time.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this enjoyable read - not heavy but a very pleasant experience

[N R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Trascendent Kingdom, the emotions involved in living with, saving or not being able to save an addict - raw and insightful, Purves writes with subtlety.

"Englishmen. They all drink like that, useless buggers. That's probably why I got on with Marco. Italian men just don't. They'd crease their suits, for one thing."

[Cindy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepping back in time to the 1970’s. I enjoyed reading this book, and will look for more of her books.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written; a novel covering 30 years from young student foolishness to more mature adults... hard to put down once started, though not as moving or hard-hitting as some of this author's books.

It's character-based, following the life of Sally who narrates. She falls hard for someone who treats her like a sister, writes lyrics for a pop singer, and eventually finds the importance of revealing a long-kept secret.

Enjoyed on re-reading after 13 years having entirely forgotten the people and story.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Thorne Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m probably not in a position to evaluate this book objectively, as for me it was primarily a delicious wallow in nostalgia. It’s set in the period when I was at university. I wasn’t anywhere as exclusive and full of spoiled brats as Oxford, but I recognise that deep yearning for cheesecloth. Sally is likeable and it’s easy to sympathise with her obsessive puppy love for Max while she’s a student. Her dogged (or doggy) commitment to him and his appalling family in later years becomes so frustrating that I just want to slap her. Her escape was such a huge relief, I wish the story had ended there. The confusions and complications of the last part went on a bit too long.

[Nidhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written in an interesting way,narrated in style of memoir.After reading few pages you start getting a feeling that you are listening a life story of a very close friend, whom you've met after ages.

It talks about relationships- friendship, love, marriage, single motherhood at the times of 1970's.It takes you back to your college days where every small thing used to matter a lot, and now when we look back it appears petty and silly.Though i could not relate myself fully with any of the characters in the book, but it certainly touched my heart.

A worth reading book , I must say !

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one in spite of itself. Libby Purves is a good and intelligent writer. If she hadn't been, the overwhelming need to give the protagonist "Sally" a slap and tell her to get over herself would have spoilt the book. But it didn't, and I loved the description of being an Oxford student in the 70s. Although the ending was perhaps a bit too easy and rather unbelievable, I had found myself rooting for Sally in spite of her silliness, so was all good in the end.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great deal of this book is set in the 1970s - memories of my own youth.

Beautifully written - would believe it to be autobiographical.

A compulsive read - I wouldn't hesitate to read more of her books

BUT there were too many coincidences at the end and it all felt a bit rushed - hence only 3 stars

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good portrait of 70's student life, and wider society at the time, though I felt irritated at times by Sally and her obsession with Max. The characters were well drawn and the story line advanced slowly, with the outcome predictable.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although some of the happenings in this book are a little unbelievable, it is a really enjoyable read. I particularly liked Marty, despite all his problems.

[Janmary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is just moving. I cried and laughed through it. Purves is a fine writer. I gotta say, this is one of my favorites.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. Wonderful characters intertwined with the social events of the day. Well put together and a hard to put down read.

[Isobel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, good story which was needed after Rushdie! Surprised that Purves made the heroine so gullable for so long. I suppose the end of the plot should have been spotted much sooner!

[Claire Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this, even if I did find myself constantly exasperated by Sally and her pining after Max. I'd recommend it as a fairly light read (even if the subject is a bit dark)..

[Claire Dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little drawn out in places but overall a good read.

[Vicky C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read with good atmosphere of student life in 70's.