Afon

by Robert Partridge, Peter Grainger

Peter Grainger, 43 – failed writer, failed teacher, failed husband, failed everything – decides to gamble the last of his money on a final attempt to produce that elusive second novel. He takes a lease on a cottage in a remote Welsh valley, hoping to find the peace and quiet that he thinks he needs. Instead he becomes drawn into the lives of the people that own and work on the Afon estate. As he gets to know Helen Miller, the wife of the owner, and as her story too unfolds, Grainger is forced to confront the true nature of his relationship with Alan and Ann, the married couple who have been his closest friends since their university days. As these two apparently separate worlds converge, Grainger begins to appreciate the wild beauty of the Welsh river valley – and the threat posed to it all by one of the Afon estate’s own employees. Over this one summer, lives take new directions, and Grainger, much to his surprise, plays a leading role in those changes. Through it all runs the lovely river Athi, its changing moods reflecting the experiences of those that inhabit the valley. Lots of readers would consider this to be literary fiction. The author makes no such claim but does suggest that if you like to have action, excitement and drama on every page then you should download something else.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2012

About the author

This author is a pseudonym of Peter Grainger.

Reviews

[Bluejay44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting first novel. Well written descriptions of the Welsh valley and river running through it. Also of the wildlife found there, both the familiar and the rarer seasonal varieties.
The characters are also well written and come to life, both the main ones and those of the village, who play smaller parts. It is easy for the reader to feel they have become a part of it all, rather than just looking in through a window.

I really did not want the story to end when it did and was quite disappointed.

[Virginia B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel by Peter Grainger, with Peter Grainger as the main character, for some reason. As with Peter Grainger’s other books, very good characters, in a very different, very interesting setting, in Wales. Nothing to do with DC Smith, Chris Waters, or the other familiar characters, which I miss, but almost as compelling to read, and almost as good.

[Linda Rowlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my. I just discovered that Peter Grainger has another name and has written several books under that name. In this one, Peter Grainger is the protagonist. The writing is as evocative as the writing in Grainger’s detective novels — perhaps more so.

This novel is an exploration of character. Although much of the action was fairly predictable, the beauty of the writing drew me in. I was going to quibble about a few grammar gaffs, but they are such minor things.

The character of Grainger is the main focus, but all of the characters are well drawn. The descriptions of fly fishing are gorgeous — even to someone like me who has no real interest in fly fishing.

And now I’ve discovered there are two more books by Robert Partridge (aka Peter Grainger). I will be reading those as well.

[Dickensfan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 out of 4 ain't bad

A life affirming book. A man who regards himself as a failure in life takes a risk and quits his job as a substitute teacher and moves to the country in Wales to write. His previous success with a successful novel in his 20's adds to the risk of the decision...is he a flash in the pan? He finds healing for his feelings of failure in nature, satisfaction in writing, and an interest in the lives of others. But the sheer joy of the book is about fishing. I do not have the slightest desire to go fishing, but the descriptions of learning the creek, the bond of shared passion with others, and the challenge answer my question about the meaning of life? The answer is.. why worry about it? Go fishing. So he finds job satisfaction, joy, a sense of community. But no. 4 love...well he has always been in love with his best friend's wife. And the story is unresolved. I feel grateful I found true love. I learned from this book that the way to cope with my husband 's death is to look at the other 3.

[Doug Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned of Peter Grainger via the DC Smith series, and was hooked. The protagonist is so introspective, and at the same time observant of the world. That introspection quickly reveals a depth of character, and leads me to think the author must also have a rich inner life. And despite their flaws I really like these characters, and can relate to them despite have little in common, other than our humanity.

Sometimes I wish I had the literary background to unravel the techniques an author uses to craft so fine a story. I see many layers here, stories in stories, allusions to key events or feelings that are not revealed until some chapters later. Then I realize that, like a magic trick, if I knew the technique I might not enjoy the illusion. So, I don't have the means to explain why these Robert Partridge / Peter Grainger books are so good, but I love them. Please keep them coming!

[Moxie Cosmos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come back in book two, please!

Intelligent, sensitive, carefully paced. Mysterious, compelling, breath-taking. I am reminded of Jane Gardam’s writing style, but this story is much more accessible and beautiful. The characters are flawed in a reassuring way. The bonuses are many, especially in Nature.

[Ray Melville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chose this on the back of the Detective Sergeant DC Smith series. Totally different! Really enjoyed it, a middle aged 'failure ' finds himself, and works out his own, and others, problems. A feel good novel.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry

Beautiful writing, enchanting, dark at times, full of hope and beauty and humanity. Sits softly on the mind. Just read it

[Marie Shirley Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reading

I don't like to give away plots, etc. This is a story of the change of lives for various reasons.

I am passed the age of this kind of change, but I can see what I would have done differently.

My hat's off to the author. I would recommend you read some of his other works, specifically "Ashor" (sp?), brilliant book.

[Debby Hallett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well. It’s not as good as the DC Smith series. But if this was his first novel, then never mind. I was bored at all the descriptive prose, no matter how beautiful. I really wanted something to happen. And I didn’t like the ending either. I’d give it only 2 stars but that seems mean. And I like the author.

[Richard Curdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superior tale

Afon is full of rich language about fishing, Wales and people who care. The tension that develops between Tom and Helen is palpable --will they, won't they. Read it for a wonderful sense of fulfillment.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Very enjoyable read, thoughtful and well written. Nicely paced and the characters were believable and likeable...apart from one in particular!

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Novel

Well written. In depth characters who keep you "hooked" (pun intended). I loved it.
The descriptions of the area are also captivating.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story!!

[Albert Loftus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely setting, interesting characters although a boot to Peter's butt was warranted sometimes.

[Kathy]

like his DC Smith books, but not this