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Lifesaver
Book by Voss, Louise
Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 23, 2016
This one was as bad as Are You My Mother for me...once again I am deleting at 30%+ because again I am not enjoying the story or characters and again there are too many mistakes. Once more she keeps missing the apostrophe on Ladies' (which she got right at times so does know how to write it properly) and once again the mental arithmetic lets her down !!
She uses the same word twice in quick succession more than once where she could have written something else-as in "...it felt like negative space; a hungry space defined by my body....", dropped a fullstop from a sentence and nobody spotted it....then more awful English "....any more than Ken had no idea whether his band...."......just awful !! As was "...when he arrived in that night". Why did nobody correct this in editing or proofreading exercises ??
I didn't like the character of Anna which was unfortunate as the book features her more than anybody else. She lies for Britain to everybody she encounters, she's rude and also has some very bonkers ideas too which just irritated me. She mentioned something called castorium used in aftershaves which I Googled only to learn the author managed to spell THAT wrong too-it's castoreum !!
Then we hear her dad died when he was 52 which was 16 years ago and she's wishing she could celebrate his "seventy-whateverth" birthday with him.....well, by my maths he'd only be 68. This is just sloppy.
She loses me completely in this passage-"That's that" he'd said. If he hadn't said it, I'd have told him not to".....makes no sense whatsoever. Nor does the fact she was heading to Reading University and in the next breath mentions someone possibly moving to London with her.
Oh, and you don't pull an Etch-A-Sketch to clear it, you shake it.
I love her books with Mark Edwards but will not bother again with books written by her alone.
She uses the same word twice in quick succession more than once where she could have written something else-as in "...it felt like negative space; a hungry space defined by my body....", dropped a fullstop from a sentence and nobody spotted it....then more awful English "....any more than Ken had no idea whether his band...."......just awful !! As was "...when he arrived in that night". Why did nobody correct this in editing or proofreading exercises ??
I didn't like the character of Anna which was unfortunate as the book features her more than anybody else. She lies for Britain to everybody she encounters, she's rude and also has some very bonkers ideas too which just irritated me. She mentioned something called castorium used in aftershaves which I Googled only to learn the author managed to spell THAT wrong too-it's castoreum !!
Then we hear her dad died when he was 52 which was 16 years ago and she's wishing she could celebrate his "seventy-whateverth" birthday with him.....well, by my maths he'd only be 68. This is just sloppy.
She loses me completely in this passage-"That's that" he'd said. If he hadn't said it, I'd have told him not to".....makes no sense whatsoever. Nor does the fact she was heading to Reading University and in the next breath mentions someone possibly moving to London with her.
Oh, and you don't pull an Etch-A-Sketch to clear it, you shake it.
I love her books with Mark Edwards but will not bother again with books written by her alone.
May 28, 2015
Lifesaver is a beautiful story about a woman who goes on a journey of discovery. Anna, a bit part actress is married to a music exec who travels a lot so Anna has a fair amount of time to herself. When she receives a letter from the father of a young boy who was the recipient of her bone marrow donation, Anna goes undercover to meet the boy and his dad. This decision sets Anna down this path of self discovery that she never expected.
The book is based in the present with brief interludes of Anna's past. Anna's journey takes a while to get going but the letter from Adam (the father) starts a chain reaction of events pushing Anna slowly into unexpected waters.
Anna seems rather sanctimonious. She looked down her nose at the bowling alley children's party, turning her nose up at cola and lemonade, determined to give her goddaughter raisins instead of cake. She's the sort of vegetarian who would annoy me in real life. Though I did feel sorry for her with her miscarriages; a heartbreaking experience for any woman to go through.
The bone marrow donation seemed very out of character. Anna gives the impression of being a very selfish woman, from trying to steal another woman's husband at 17/18 to trying to persuade her best friend not to terminate her pregnancy because she's struggled to give birth to her own child.
I had a great auntie Lil (sadly no longer with us) and I pictured her in her slightly more agile years. I was instantly curious to know what happened between Lil and Anna to cause Anna not to visit in 10 months.
I did enjoy Lifesaver though it's possibly not a book had I not previously read The Venus Trap or Louise's books with Mark Edwards but I'm glad I did. A lovely read from a brilliant writer.
The book is based in the present with brief interludes of Anna's past. Anna's journey takes a while to get going but the letter from Adam (the father) starts a chain reaction of events pushing Anna slowly into unexpected waters.
Anna seems rather sanctimonious. She looked down her nose at the bowling alley children's party, turning her nose up at cola and lemonade, determined to give her goddaughter raisins instead of cake. She's the sort of vegetarian who would annoy me in real life. Though I did feel sorry for her with her miscarriages; a heartbreaking experience for any woman to go through.
The bone marrow donation seemed very out of character. Anna gives the impression of being a very selfish woman, from trying to steal another woman's husband at 17/18 to trying to persuade her best friend not to terminate her pregnancy because she's struggled to give birth to her own child.
I had a great auntie Lil (sadly no longer with us) and I pictured her in her slightly more agile years. I was instantly curious to know what happened between Lil and Anna to cause Anna not to visit in 10 months.
I did enjoy Lifesaver though it's possibly not a book had I not previously read The Venus Trap or Louise's books with Mark Edwards but I'm glad I did. A lovely read from a brilliant writer.
December 2, 2014
Although I'm not from the target audience, I rather enjoyed Lifesaver. At 416 pages, it's rather long but never seems so, always playing out at a brisk pace with welcome light-hearted moments embellishing what is an emotional storyline.
The plot intrigue builds to a crescendo, in such a gentle way that you suddenly realise and sympathise at just what a pickle the main protagonist is in, making the last few chapters compelling reading for anyone with a heart. Being a roughty-toughty sort of bloke, I don't usually feel too emotional reading any book, but Voss shows a deft and realistic touch for some awkward scenes and conversations.
I look forward to reading more from this author. If this genre ordinarily appeals to you, you will surely find Lifesaver a compelling read. 4/5
The plot intrigue builds to a crescendo, in such a gentle way that you suddenly realise and sympathise at just what a pickle the main protagonist is in, making the last few chapters compelling reading for anyone with a heart. Being a roughty-toughty sort of bloke, I don't usually feel too emotional reading any book, but Voss shows a deft and realistic touch for some awkward scenes and conversations.
I look forward to reading more from this author. If this genre ordinarily appeals to you, you will surely find Lifesaver a compelling read. 4/5
July 8, 2023
I hate to be so negative, but I could not give it more than 1 star.
The characters are all dreadful, perhaps the only redeeming one is Vicky who gives some form of grounding re Anna's unbearable desire to have a child. I'm definitely not the target audience here, but it was so dull and repetitive to read how she wouldn't treat a child X way, would never get frustrated if her child did X,etc. I've read too many books where the woman is so fixated on having a child, to the point where they can't see any flaws and apparently crave even the bad times. However, when our protagonist has to handle Max having a temperature she overreacts so much. Of course with everything he's been through it's more serious than your average child. But it didn't exactly scream fit mother to me.
The plot felt very drawn out, it was not enjoyable to read how she kept lying to everyone. It would have been somewhat satisfying if a realistic plot has unfolded as a result of her telling the truth, but the ending made me say "NO" outloud. I also sighed heavily when I figured out the "twist", which honestly how didn't she see that earlier??
Again, I appreciate I'm not the target audience. If you're craving a child maybe this is for you. Or maybe not.
The characters are all dreadful, perhaps the only redeeming one is Vicky who gives some form of grounding re Anna's unbearable desire to have a child. I'm definitely not the target audience here, but it was so dull and repetitive to read how she wouldn't treat a child X way, would never get frustrated if her child did X,etc. I've read too many books where the woman is so fixated on having a child, to the point where they can't see any flaws and apparently crave even the bad times. However, when our protagonist has to handle Max having a temperature she overreacts so much. Of course with everything he's been through it's more serious than your average child. But it didn't exactly scream fit mother to me.
The plot felt very drawn out, it was not enjoyable to read how she kept lying to everyone. It would have been somewhat satisfying if a realistic plot has unfolded as a result of her telling the truth, but the ending made me say "NO" outloud. I also sighed heavily when I figured out the "twist", which honestly how didn't she see that earlier??
Again, I appreciate I'm not the target audience. If you're craving a child maybe this is for you. Or maybe not.
October 20, 2018
Lifesaver
I have been enjoying these boys. However this one is not my favourite at all. I did enjoy it but could second guess what was happening where normally i cant. A happy ending for all.
I have been enjoying these boys. However this one is not my favourite at all. I did enjoy it but could second guess what was happening where normally i cant. A happy ending for all.
November 12, 2016
again anothr back cover to story I did not expect was great
September 4, 2015
This being only a cheap Kindle-deal-of-the-month book I didn’t check it out too carefully and having read Louise Voss’ “From the Cradle” I expected it to be just another mediocre mystery to while away a few hours. Crass error !
When I realized that this wasn’t a thriller at all and that the homely pottery teacher would never turn into a psychopathic axe-murderer I began to dread that this would be an unspeakably drippy romance and so it was.
The secondary characters are believable but the heroine is totally unconvincing. I could empathize with her desperate longing to have a child but for the rest of it her behaviour was just too improbable : an attractive, experienced woman who has been through a lot of pain and upheaval suddenly turns into a flustered, insecure teenager blushing all over the place and behaving like an idiot struck me as just too implausible and the less said about the ending the better. I knew how it would turn out as soon as I realized that this was not a thriller, schmaltzy violins included.
At times I felt quite embarrassed on behalf of the author for writing such soppy drivel.
When I realized that this wasn’t a thriller at all and that the homely pottery teacher would never turn into a psychopathic axe-murderer I began to dread that this would be an unspeakably drippy romance and so it was.
The secondary characters are believable but the heroine is totally unconvincing. I could empathize with her desperate longing to have a child but for the rest of it her behaviour was just too improbable : an attractive, experienced woman who has been through a lot of pain and upheaval suddenly turns into a flustered, insecure teenager blushing all over the place and behaving like an idiot struck me as just too implausible and the less said about the ending the better. I knew how it would turn out as soon as I realized that this was not a thriller, schmaltzy violins included.
At times I felt quite embarrassed on behalf of the author for writing such soppy drivel.
June 1, 2015
Thankyou to Louise Voss and THE Book Club for providing a copy of the updated 'Lifesaver' in return for an honest review.
I'm beginning to think that if it says Voss on the cover, then it's going to be one of those 'can't put it down' books! This was a well-written (as expected!) thought-provoking story about a couple drifting apart, a friendship being tested, guilt, lies, and the potential for one woman to have the one thing she wants most. I could empathise with the main character, and despite her deceit I felt I understood her. Ever the optimist, I hoped for a happy ending, and I was glad that there was one...and not just for the central characters. There were lots of loose ends which were tied up neatly.
Not surprisingly, I would recommend this book without a doubt! If you haven’t yet picked up anything by Louise Voss, do it now!
I'm beginning to think that if it says Voss on the cover, then it's going to be one of those 'can't put it down' books! This was a well-written (as expected!) thought-provoking story about a couple drifting apart, a friendship being tested, guilt, lies, and the potential for one woman to have the one thing she wants most. I could empathise with the main character, and despite her deceit I felt I understood her. Ever the optimist, I hoped for a happy ending, and I was glad that there was one...and not just for the central characters. There were lots of loose ends which were tied up neatly.
Not surprisingly, I would recommend this book without a doubt! If you haven’t yet picked up anything by Louise Voss, do it now!
March 19, 2021
he story is told from Anna's perspective she has suffered a lot of heartache with several miscarriages and a devastating death soon after birth of her last baby Holly. Her husband Ken is distracted by his hobby and work although still obviously grieving. Then Anna received a letter than changes everything! I was initially alarmed by Anna's actions and couldn't really understand what was driving her but great credit to the author is due as quite quickly I came to really feel for Anna and her true heartache.
I did find the book a little slow to start but a few chapters in I was really hooked and devoured it in just a few nights. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who like an unconventional romantic novel.
I did find the book a little slow to start but a few chapters in I was really hooked and devoured it in just a few nights. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who like an unconventional romantic novel.
June 6, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by TBC to give an honest review. A very emotional and poignant story well told.I was drawn into the characters immediately, as they were so well created and whilst I felt enormous empathy for Anna, I also felt slightly uncomfortable with the false life she created for her own gain.The author's observations about the frailties of human nature are refreshing and brutally honest, which I loved. A real emotional roller coaster of a read!
A definite author to follow.
December 16, 2010
In precis the plot of this novel sounds ridiculous - however reading it you're so much a party to Anna's thoughts memories and emotions that it makes glorious sense. I got really wrapped up in this and was in floods of tears for quite a bit of it - so much of what Anna went through rang true for me.
February 15, 2009
Gutes Buch. Hätte nicht gedacht, dass ich es tatsächlich auslesen werde. Aber es hat mich ziemlich begeistert. Das Ende fand ich etwas "undramatisch". Ich denke, da hätte man mehr draus machen können.
October 28, 2016
Mon premier grand livre en Français, et toujours mon préféré.
J'adore l'histoire particulière, la narratrice femme qui transmet es pensées les plus intimes librement à travers le livre.
Un très bon style et un très bon livre.
J'adore l'histoire particulière, la narratrice femme qui transmet es pensées les plus intimes librement à travers le livre.
Un très bon style et un très bon livre.
April 30, 2015
Surprisingly I really enjoyed this book. I expected it to be a typical chit lit, but it had a lot more going for it than just the romance.
June 6, 2015
Really enjoyed this book. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via THE book club. Felt that I was drawn in to the web the main character created and actually wanted her to be ok in the end.
January 6, 2016
gave up half way through bored me way too many good books to read
April 8, 2016
Beautiful book!
This book is thought provoking beautifully written and made me cry....read it! I read it in one go..get your tissues ready!
This book is thought provoking beautifully written and made me cry....read it! I read it in one go..get your tissues ready!
June 24, 2008
Loved this book!
January 9, 2015
I loved this book. It was sad and sweet.
January 14, 2017
It was a good book in general, but I didn't like how the main character kept on lying to everybody because she was afraid, and trying to protect her feelings. I can't understand how can someone live in a huge lie, and a fake life, so I ended up losing interest in this book, and I almost give up finishing it. But since, I was so curious about how all these lies will come to an end I tried to read this book till the en of it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews