The Rink

by Robert Partridge, Peter Grainger

Since the death of her husband, Ruth Chapman has lived an increasingly lonely life, despite her job in the university. Her son lives away, she has just one person she might call a friend and certainly no lover, not after what she has learned about Frank since he died. But the arrival of a temporary ice-skating rink outside her window one November morning begins to change her life in ways that she could never have guessed. A literally accidental meeting with Jean, its enigmatic French owner, leads her to question her ideas about the meaning of her twenty five years of marriage, about men and about relationships in the future. By the time the rink leaves The Close, the ancient square of green outside her city centre flat, her life could be heading in an entirely new direction. This novel is an exploration of one character's thoughts and feelings - sensation-seekers should download elsewhere.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

This author is a pseudonym of Peter Grainger.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a study of loneliness presented in overhead shot slow motion, adding to the detached feeling of watching a woman sleep walking through her life...a very distinctive, unique read. It takes a bit to get into it as initially it seems to be a boring tale going nowhere but worth sticking it through to conclusion.


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[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, gentle read

Such a simple story but well written and nicely told. The story slowly unfolded, drew me in, and kept my interested the whole book. I just really loved it.

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rink…

Writing as Robert Partridge, this author has generated a few books that I don’t believe are his usual police procedural. This is an interesting example of a woman’s introspection on her late husband and marriage. First, she isn’t actually very old in spite of the fact she initially thought she was. She’s still under fifty, and was married for 25 years. Her late husband, Frank, turned out to be a piece of work…

Her journey and growth are really interesting. I found some of the internal musings to be fascinating. I know I gave this high marks but honestly, I need more of this story… especially about Gilbert…

Fascinating portrait of a widow’s journey.

[Jo Notary]

210p Since the death of her husband, Ruth Chapman has lived an increasingly lonely life, despite her job in the university. Her son lives away, she has just one person she might call a friend and certainly no lover, not after what she has learned about Frank since he died. But the arrival of a temporary ice-skating rink outside her window one November morning begins to change her life in ways that she could never have guessed. A literally accidental meeting with Jean, its enigmatic French owner, leads her to question her ideas about the meaning of her twenty five years of marriage, about men and about relationships in the future. By the time the rink leaves The Close, the ancient square of green outside her city centre flat, her life could be heading in an entirely new direction. This novel is an exploration of one character's thoughts and feelings - sensation-seekers should download elsewhere.

[Linda Rowlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so pleased to have found the books by the writer whose mysteries were written under the name Peter Grainger.

The Rink was a character driven story of a widow whose life was circumcised by her husband’s infidelity, at least in part. Ruth lives a quiet life. I saw her as someone who had no faith in herself as a person. Her situation resonated with me.

The author shows us Ruth at a time when she is starting to reach out and share herself with others, when she is looking at others and seeing them and caring. Ruth finally recognizes some power in herself.

This is not a novel of action. It is replete with introspection. I found myself reading until the wee hours of the morning, not wanting to put the story aside.

I have listened to each new Peter Grainger as it was released. I am going to read every Robert Partridge work I can find.

[Laurie Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely story well told

Intimate and understated. Fine writing, nice detail, engaging characters. Remarkable for an early novel by an author who has written such an engaging police procedural series.

[Gbieker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pages and pages of detailed pornography were unnecessary to plot IMO.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful story.

Mr. Partridge writes with a clear and descriptive hand and with heart. I enjoyed the differences in relationships while tying them together.