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The Grass Memorial
The Grass Memorial Harrison, Sarah
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 26, 2021
Overly wordy which I felt, in many ways detracted from the story. Not a bad read, just a long read!!
November 29, 2017
After initially reading a couple of chapters I put this book aside because it was too confusing with the rapidly changing POVs and timelines, although two of the three main characters were interesting (I could not warm to Stella for a very long time). But I picked it up again later and found it more interesting (except for Stella).
It’s about two wars, the Crimean War and WWII, and as such is disturbing, for it is often graphic. In contrast, it is also tender in describing the love stories. The author seems to love animals also, and there are numerous side stories about them which are touching.
But I could not really figure out the direct links between the past and future characters. Are they meant to be reincarnated or just parallel? I felt this was left unclear. I don’t want to have to reread the book to fill in those details. So I’ll remain in the dark.
To sum up, it was a satisfying read. In the Crimean War you know what’s coming, so you know it will be rough, in WWII, well the protagonist is looking back, so you know he survived, and as for Stella (her again) she’s never in any danger, other than from her self (and we never find out why). And what’s this about Stella ‘s Mom at the end? (Spoiler alert) Who is this other man in her life? Is this supposed to be a reference to the situation of Janet, Spencer’s wartime girlfriend? Also, I have a problem believing Spencer and Rosemary would actually have a fling in the end, and jeopardize the relationships they have. Not to mention all the unexplained loose ends with Stella and Robert (who but a Stella would even want him?).
It’s about two wars, the Crimean War and WWII, and as such is disturbing, for it is often graphic. In contrast, it is also tender in describing the love stories. The author seems to love animals also, and there are numerous side stories about them which are touching.
But I could not really figure out the direct links between the past and future characters. Are they meant to be reincarnated or just parallel? I felt this was left unclear. I don’t want to have to reread the book to fill in those details. So I’ll remain in the dark.
To sum up, it was a satisfying read. In the Crimean War you know what’s coming, so you know it will be rough, in WWII, well the protagonist is looking back, so you know he survived, and as for Stella (her again) she’s never in any danger, other than from her self (and we never find out why). And what’s this about Stella ‘s Mom at the end? (Spoiler alert) Who is this other man in her life? Is this supposed to be a reference to the situation of Janet, Spencer’s wartime girlfriend? Also, I have a problem believing Spencer and Rosemary would actually have a fling in the end, and jeopardize the relationships they have. Not to mention all the unexplained loose ends with Stella and Robert (who but a Stella would even want him?).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2019
Didn’t read it
July 27, 2020
Sometimes hard going
May 28, 2013
niet uitgelezen.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews