The Dipper

by Marcia Willett

In the depths of Dartmoor, Quentin and Clemmie Halliwell know that the onset of old age threatens their life together at The Grange. Phyllida Makepeace feels secure in her marriage to Alistair, but when a deep sorrow strikes them, she discovers that no one is untouched by human frailty. Claudia and Jeff Maynard seem the perfect couple. But they are hiding from the truth and Claudia is about to realise the shattering effects of denial. Turning to one another in their time of need, these friends and neighbours learn those vital lessons in how to love, forgive and, most importantly, how to trust again.

Genres: Fiction

314 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Marcia Willett began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym "Willa Marsh", and is published in more than sixteen countries.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many examples of the consequences of bad choices, but also many examples of how repentance and forgiveness can be completely healing.
***favorite quotes***
"After all, we all live with the knowledge that, at any moment, by accident, illness, violence, our lives could be cut short. Surely, then, each moment should be precious and lived to the full? Why should it be different simply because one was more aware of how much time was left?"
"One of the terrible things about death, she reflected, was that life carried on so callously regardless of it. Nothing had changed or stopped."

[Helen Dundas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rally enjoyed this tipsy turvy novel. So many interesting characters. All with their own baggage, heartbreak and ability to come to terms eventually with what life ends up throwing their way. The scenery described throughout is wonderful. You found you were right there experiencing the places. I really enjoy Marcia Willett novels. I think I have read them all and will be sad when she stops writing.

[Santhosh Namballa · Rating 4 out of 5]

All your emotions swing up and down through out. Amazing read.

[Katie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed re-reading this. Despite all the dramas and upheavals there is always a peace and tranquility on Marcia Willet's books that calms my soul.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible, fluffy, badly written book

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another relaxing read with an interesting cast of characters.

[Kathy Spann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alistar and Phyllidia have a good marriage, but it will be tested.

[Jane Gregg · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many MW novels to get through.

[Caro (carosbookcase) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘If I see the dipper,' she told herself, 'there will be a letter from him tomorrow.' […] [W]hen the letter arrived in the morning and Clemmie read the words ‘… and I was seized by a sudden need to write to you this afternoon ...' she was certain that it was whilst she had been watching the dipper that he'd felt her own longing to hear from him. From that time forward the bird had become symbolic.” — The Dipper by Marcia Willett

This book follows a theme common to Marcia Willett’s books of friends and neighbours banding together in times of need.

Quentin and Clemmie Halliwell are getting older and they are dreading the fast approaching time when they will need to admit that their remote home in Dartmoor, The Grange, is too much for them.

Phyllida Makepeace’s biggest concern is missing her husband, whose job means he’s away at sea more than he is at home. Then disaster strikes their happy home.

Claudia is one half of a perfect couple, at least that’s how it appears on the outside, but something isn’t right in her marriage.

There are so many things I liked about this book.

I love how Marcia Willett brings unlikely characters together with friendships developing across the generations, and despite initial judgements. I love how she explores all the sides of marriage. How things can go bad, and how two couples can go through similar trials and have completely different results. And I love the world that she creates around Dartmoor, the unexpected connections between people that you find in smaller communities with families that have roots going back generations.

There are a few aspects of this novel that felt very dated, but it was originally published in 1996, which is (somehow) almost 30 years ago.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three main plots and several sub-plots intertwine. An elderly couple, a young couple with a baby, and a rather insecure woman are the main characters. As they meet and interact, viewpoints move around believably. While there is some unhappiness, the whole is encouraging.

I'd pretty much forgotten the plot on second reading, eight years after the first. I found the book it enjoyable and heartwarming, with likeable characters. Nothing very heavy, but pleasant light reading.

[Liz]

Read this in elementary. Thought it was boring then but maybe worth a try again?

[Georgina Gowland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of her best books.

[Valerie]

Enjoyable.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book. I like this author a lot.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another wonderful book. One of my favourites.Makes me cry as well as smile