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Glaston Town
Glaston Town, a gritty neighbourhood in a corner of London, is home to a cast of motley characters. Immigrants and old-timers, criminals and constables, clergymen and crack addicts, students and shopkeepers, pimps and politicians all live more or less together. Most compelling is Jack Corbyn, a brilliant teenager who would rather count bricks and screws than chase girls. As he matures he becomes an unlikely Glaston Town hero, but his relationship with childhood mate Bee O’Neall is troubled when a wealthy woman who hires her as a companion plucks her out of poverty. Seeking romantic advice, Jack turns to an unlikely mentor, the local prostitute Leila Pain. Just as things seem to be going better for Jack, a brutal murder shocks the neighbourhood. Newly minted Detective Constable Sharon Tyllor is called in to assist in the investigation, but as an outsider she finds that nobody is talking—and that everyone, it seems, has a motive for this particular crime. What reviewers say about Glaston "Life, Love, and Murder in a Corner of London. A project of Dickensian sweep...in just the way Dickens might do it now." Nate Briggs, Kindle Book Review "You'll find echoes of the author's life and experiences in the words, and you'll find yourself immersed in a compelling mystery that you'll never forget." Rebecca McNutt, author "A complex and rewarding novel...A murder mystery that feels tragically real." Jon Thum, author "A long overdue novel from a master storyteller!" Patricia Sands, author "Glaston Town, the gritty debut novel by Céline La Frenière has many bleak moments of poverty and despair, but the prevailing theme is the sense of community that emerges in the darkest of times." Jane Clinton, Camden New Journal "In La Frenière's debut thriller, the savage murder of a local citizen threatens a close-knit community in a small London village.The novel is split in three separate parts, each in a distinctive genre...A trio of stories that stand out individually but, like the Glaston Town residents, are much stronger as a whole." Kirkus Review
- GenresMystery
526 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2013
6 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Céline La Frenière
1 book9 followersCéline grew up in a crowded tenement in Montreal. Her neighbourhood may have been in a rough area, but the sense of community was very strong. At the age of 16, her life suddenly took an unexpected turn. Her charming but elusive father, a small-time gambler, got into trouble and had to relocate the family to a remote place in the far north of British Columbia in Canada, 3,000 miles away. During the long train ride that took her across the country to her new fate, Céline had plenty of time to reflect. Overnight, her academic ambitions were dashed. After losing her home, her friends, her French language and culture, she had to start all over again. This involved learning a new language, English, and reluctantly adapting to a wholly different way of life. Her sense of isolation first inspired her to write. And yet this was only the start of her travelling experiences and resettlement. She has since lived and worked as a scriptwriter in Vancouver, Los Angeles and London and travelled far and wide. She now resides in North London with her partner, Peter. Glaston Town is her debut novel.
In her youth, Céline had a wonderful time in the film industry, both in Vancouver and Los Angeles. First, working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, then moving to feature films in Hollywood. Among the screenplays she wrote, City on Fire, a so-called disaster movie, which starred Ava Gardner, Henry Fonda, Leslie Nielsen, Shelley Winters and Susan Clark, and an adaptation of Gerold Frank’s novel Judy. The latter brought her to the attention of film director Ronald Neame, who directed Garland in her last picture I could go on singing. Neame and La Frenière formed a production company and developed several screen projects together. Among them, a British romantic comedy entitled Foreign Body, which starred Victor Banerjee, Trevor Howard, Warren Mitchell, Geraldine McEwan, Denis Quilley, Amanda Donohoe, Anna Massey and Stratford John, and which she adapted for the screen. Those were exciting times, travelling from film sets, to premieres and festivals.
Much as she appreciated her years in Hollywood, Céline does not miss the glamour. These days, she takes pleasure in writing at home. Creating Glaston Town was a labour of love. She will continue to write novels as long as people want to read them.
Extract from the pages of Glaston Town:
CHAPTER 41
The loss of innocence
Cynthia Casey has grown from childhood into womanhood overnight. She hasn’t lost her virginity, but she has lost her innocence. Fifteen is a vulnerable age. Sometimes, a girl will act grown-up and flirt with danger, then quickly revert back to being a child who seeks protection from things that are too much to cope with.
At fifteen, such behaviour might be understandable, but some women never grow out of that stage. Take Karen Thibault, the middle-aged seamstress who lives on the top floor of the Radford building, for example. Here is a grown woman who cannot take the heat. Cynthia watches Mrs. Thibault as she drags a trolley full of mending through the corridors of the Radford building with the help of her daughter, Lucy. “I can’t live in this hellhole anymore,” she moans.
“But where would we go, Mother?” asks Lucy.
“There’s got to be somewhere else.”
“Like what? The Dorchester Hotel?”
“What about the rest home?”
“Not again,” says Lucy. “You’ve been there so many times they’ll start wondering whether you might have lost your mind altogether.”
“Oh, my dear Lucy, I am so tired. I just cannot take it anymore.”
“You’ll feel better tomorrow,” Lucy assures her.
“No, I won’t,” says Karen. “One day, I’ll just explode.”
“You have to become more realistic, Mother. We’re not rich people. We cannot just pack up and move away. We simply have to do the best with what we’ve got.”
“And what’s that, then?”
“A nice flat in Glaston Town at an affordable price and yes, it comes with a troublesome neighbour.”
“That wretch is ruining my life!” Karen howls.
“She’s not ruinin
In her youth, Céline had a wonderful time in the film industry, both in Vancouver and Los Angeles. First, working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, then moving to feature films in Hollywood. Among the screenplays she wrote, City on Fire, a so-called disaster movie, which starred Ava Gardner, Henry Fonda, Leslie Nielsen, Shelley Winters and Susan Clark, and an adaptation of Gerold Frank’s novel Judy. The latter brought her to the attention of film director Ronald Neame, who directed Garland in her last picture I could go on singing. Neame and La Frenière formed a production company and developed several screen projects together. Among them, a British romantic comedy entitled Foreign Body, which starred Victor Banerjee, Trevor Howard, Warren Mitchell, Geraldine McEwan, Denis Quilley, Amanda Donohoe, Anna Massey and Stratford John, and which she adapted for the screen. Those were exciting times, travelling from film sets, to premieres and festivals.
Much as she appreciated her years in Hollywood, Céline does not miss the glamour. These days, she takes pleasure in writing at home. Creating Glaston Town was a labour of love. She will continue to write novels as long as people want to read them.
Extract from the pages of Glaston Town:
CHAPTER 41
The loss of innocence
Cynthia Casey has grown from childhood into womanhood overnight. She hasn’t lost her virginity, but she has lost her innocence. Fifteen is a vulnerable age. Sometimes, a girl will act grown-up and flirt with danger, then quickly revert back to being a child who seeks protection from things that are too much to cope with.
At fifteen, such behaviour might be understandable, but some women never grow out of that stage. Take Karen Thibault, the middle-aged seamstress who lives on the top floor of the Radford building, for example. Here is a grown woman who cannot take the heat. Cynthia watches Mrs. Thibault as she drags a trolley full of mending through the corridors of the Radford building with the help of her daughter, Lucy. “I can’t live in this hellhole anymore,” she moans.
“But where would we go, Mother?” asks Lucy.
“There’s got to be somewhere else.”
“Like what? The Dorchester Hotel?”
“What about the rest home?”
“Not again,” says Lucy. “You’ve been there so many times they’ll start wondering whether you might have lost your mind altogether.”
“Oh, my dear Lucy, I am so tired. I just cannot take it anymore.”
“You’ll feel better tomorrow,” Lucy assures her.
“No, I won’t,” says Karen. “One day, I’ll just explode.”
“You have to become more realistic, Mother. We’re not rich people. We cannot just pack up and move away. We simply have to do the best with what we’ve got.”
“And what’s that, then?”
“A nice flat in Glaston Town at an affordable price and yes, it comes with a troublesome neighbour.”
“That wretch is ruining my life!” Karen howls.
“She’s not ruinin
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 16, 2015
A long overdue novel from a master storyteller! LaFrenière
develops characters that draw you to them and insist that
you not miss a moment of their journey ... whether you like
it or not. The fascinating characters of Glaston Town bring
murder, mayhem and marriage into action that does not let
up. LaFrenière's background in screenwriting may
explain how she is able to build such depth into each scene
and place the reader squarely in the middle. I'm looking
forward to more novels from this talented writer and highly
recommend this excellent read.
May 19, 2016
I enjoyed tremendously reading Glaston Town by Celine La Freniere! Her command of the English language is stunning and her prose rich and enticing! She is a keen observer of people, races and customs. I was instantly drawn to her characters and got attached to them, especially the priest who reminded me of Pope Francis, the prostitute and the main protagonist. Her description of the typical Jewish mother is right on and hysterical! I found myself laughing out loud.
I cannot wait to read her next book and hope one day to meet her in the streets of London, if I am lucky enough!
Irene Waller
I cannot wait to read her next book and hope one day to meet her in the streets of London, if I am lucky enough!
Irene Waller
October 13, 2015
What really blew me away about Glaston Town is,how marvelously well it is written.I always loved poetry(Hoelderlin,Goethe and Heine the favourites of my youth), and the use of beautifully, richly crafted written language has always been the most important part of my reading.I enjoyed Glaston Town immensely for the writing itself,next for the characters.Considering the author's background, I find this Novel even more surprising.My goodness. How does a woman from Quebec, who grew up in the far north of British Columbia of all places and spent years in LA create such a slew of authentic London characters with all their idiosyncrasies?How did the author get do deeply into their souls,understand their unique feelings and emotions?
Reviews promised that the characters would come together, and certainly they do, in an entertaining,satisfying plot, and a thorough and educational description of life in a run down London neighbourhood.
Congratulations to Céline La Freniere.
I was given a paperback for my birthday.
Reviews promised that the characters would come together, and certainly they do, in an entertaining,satisfying plot, and a thorough and educational description of life in a run down London neighbourhood.
Congratulations to Céline La Freniere.
I was given a paperback for my birthday.
November 1, 2015
I would mark this very good book as “outside genre” since the murder mystery mentioned in the synopsis does not start to dominate the narrative until the last third.
Before that, we have a very ambitious venture: more or less describing the landscape of a whole working class neighborhood of London. A project of Dickensian sweep (I lost track of the number of characters who appear) in just the way Dickens might do it now: the life and loves of a group of what be termed “marginal” people recorded with persistent fidelity over the course of an entire decade.
Definitely a winter book — made to be read next to a welcoming fire with an ever-present cup of tea — and an astonishing value when you consider how much reading you get for the price.
[Please note: this book was received free of charge in exchange for a fair and honest review — Nate Briggs, Kindle Book Review]
Before that, we have a very ambitious venture: more or less describing the landscape of a whole working class neighborhood of London. A project of Dickensian sweep (I lost track of the number of characters who appear) in just the way Dickens might do it now: the life and loves of a group of what be termed “marginal” people recorded with persistent fidelity over the course of an entire decade.
Definitely a winter book — made to be read next to a welcoming fire with an ever-present cup of tea — and an astonishing value when you consider how much reading you get for the price.
[Please note: this book was received free of charge in exchange for a fair and honest review — Nate Briggs, Kindle Book Review]
February 25, 2016
This book follows the complex lives of the residents of Glaston Town a London Council estate and in such an interesting way. It shows the variety of different personalities and people that exist in such a community that believes that knows everything about everyone but yet still has secrets that even this close knit community could not work out. Friendships are created between the most unlikely of characters, those that we expect to remain close don't and the individuals that we would love to end up together actually do.
The book is split into three parts The Solarity Kingfisher, The Rebels and Unfinished Business, and there is so much crammed into each part (in a good way) that they could have been easily seperated into three seperate books to form part of a series. I could quite as easily have finished reading at the end of Part I thinking that the remaining of the book would not have much else to offer and I am so glad to have read on.
Each Part and Chapter is crammed full of information, twists and turns that kept the interest in the book and it seemed that there was always a new story just around the corner with a new surprise. I would encourage people to read this book and hope that they enjoy it as much as I did.
The book is split into three parts The Solarity Kingfisher, The Rebels and Unfinished Business, and there is so much crammed into each part (in a good way) that they could have been easily seperated into three seperate books to form part of a series. I could quite as easily have finished reading at the end of Part I thinking that the remaining of the book would not have much else to offer and I am so glad to have read on.
Each Part and Chapter is crammed full of information, twists and turns that kept the interest in the book and it seemed that there was always a new story just around the corner with a new surprise. I would encourage people to read this book and hope that they enjoy it as much as I did.
June 6, 2016
I settled in Britain in 2006. On a modest teacher’s salary, I could only afford to rent in the poorer areas. Consequently, the London the author described in Glaston Town was so frighteningly familiar with its characters, local concerns and drama, sense of community and antisocial behaviour. I felt totally compelled to read to the end of the book.
Particularly memorable was the character of Sam, the mysterious, educated American exile, who settled in the area improbably enough as a road sweeper. His objective observations of the goings on in the neighbourhood belied some dark, secret history. I think I related to him because, like me, he was an outsider. Through his eyes I could discover what made Glaston Town so unique.
On a lighter note, but not entirely frivolous, was the character of Leila Pain who raised the temperature whenever she appeared in the story.Altogether, with its decent people and villains, plots and subplots, this book succeeds in exposing what really happens in a tough inner London neighbourhood. From my experience it rings true.
I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes a no-nonsense story with vivid characters and a murder thrown in for good measure.
Szilvia Baranyak
Particularly memorable was the character of Sam, the mysterious, educated American exile, who settled in the area improbably enough as a road sweeper. His objective observations of the goings on in the neighbourhood belied some dark, secret history. I think I related to him because, like me, he was an outsider. Through his eyes I could discover what made Glaston Town so unique.
On a lighter note, but not entirely frivolous, was the character of Leila Pain who raised the temperature whenever she appeared in the story.Altogether, with its decent people and villains, plots and subplots, this book succeeds in exposing what really happens in a tough inner London neighbourhood. From my experience it rings true.
I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes a no-nonsense story with vivid characters and a murder thrown in for good measure.
Szilvia Baranyak
June 8, 2016
La Frenière leads you confidently on a fascinating journey across the gritty streets of Glaston Town in a corner of London. With her, we follow the lives, loves and dark secrets of a close knit community and discover how they cope with everyday trials and tribulations.
Glaston Town is refreshing inasmuch as it does not follow the usual pattern of a run of the mill mystery thriller, which is to reveal up front the identity of a murdered victim and then work its way up to finding out whodunit.
The author develops each character so well that you feel you know them intimately. Consequently, when finally the murder occurs, it’s as though this crisis is happening to a family. Every one is deeply affected one way or another.
La Frenière manages to keep one’s interest from the beginning to the very end.
Glaston Town is refreshing inasmuch as it does not follow the usual pattern of a run of the mill mystery thriller, which is to reveal up front the identity of a murdered victim and then work its way up to finding out whodunit.
The author develops each character so well that you feel you know them intimately. Consequently, when finally the murder occurs, it’s as though this crisis is happening to a family. Every one is deeply affected one way or another.
La Frenière manages to keep one’s interest from the beginning to the very end.
October 9, 2015
With a cast of characters as long as your arm, all of them recognisable to any inner city dweller, this is an intricate story that interweaves the lives of Glaston Town’s diverse and conflicting population. Centred around a town square in North London, the stories have echoes of another famous fictional square - Albert Square - with the same complex interaction and integration of plot strands.
There are many themes here - the confrontation of locals with the displaced, unwanted residents from another area of London; the friction caused by the advance of gentrification; and the administration of justice both from the police and from within the community itself. Like all good stories there are heroes and villains, love that transcends race, religion and class, and the ultimate truth - that we are all more similar than we think, if we choose to dig a little deeper.
Although the novel starts slowly, introducing us to the many residents and sub-plots, this book more than rewards as it reaches its climax, a murder mystery that feels tragically real. If you like your list of characters as long and diverse as a Dickens novel, with an elaborate plot set in a world that’s only too believable, then this novel is for you.
I was given a copy of the author’s book in exchange for an honest review.
There are many themes here - the confrontation of locals with the displaced, unwanted residents from another area of London; the friction caused by the advance of gentrification; and the administration of justice both from the police and from within the community itself. Like all good stories there are heroes and villains, love that transcends race, religion and class, and the ultimate truth - that we are all more similar than we think, if we choose to dig a little deeper.
Although the novel starts slowly, introducing us to the many residents and sub-plots, this book more than rewards as it reaches its climax, a murder mystery that feels tragically real. If you like your list of characters as long and diverse as a Dickens novel, with an elaborate plot set in a world that’s only too believable, then this novel is for you.
I was given a copy of the author’s book in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2015
First of all, I got to thank Céline for the book she gave me even if I didn't win her giveaway. She is a caring and devoted writer. Plus, she's born in Quebec what makes her even a better person (haha kidding).
Story is mainly about a disturbed neighborhood being under investigation following the murder of a well known whore. The community is made of many types of people and mostly everyone agree that the death of Leila is good for the atmosphere of the neighborhood what can mislead the detectives during the investigation.
I got to admit that it took my at least a hundred pages to really get into the book. There is, in my opinion, too many characters and too many plots. The book could have been easier to follow and more interesting if the story had turned around the murder and if not so many characters had been suspected.
The writing style is perfect, the author have shown her talent as a writer and the book is readable.
Story is mainly about a disturbed neighborhood being under investigation following the murder of a well known whore. The community is made of many types of people and mostly everyone agree that the death of Leila is good for the atmosphere of the neighborhood what can mislead the detectives during the investigation.
I got to admit that it took my at least a hundred pages to really get into the book. There is, in my opinion, too many characters and too many plots. The book could have been easier to follow and more interesting if the story had turned around the murder and if not so many characters had been suspected.
The writing style is perfect, the author have shown her talent as a writer and the book is readable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2016
I Love London
I know that the names of the places where this book took place were likely altered a bit, but I couldn't help looking for them on Google maps. Glaston Town was so very real to me, and the aura of a poor, inner city neighborhood was very realistic. I found the number of characters a bit muddling, but realized that was a part of the realism. One would have to live there a long time before the characters would be fixed in one's mind clearly. This book was so much better than , most contemporary mystery novels. I recommend it to anyone who loves realism in the sense that life is always woven of many tales.
I know that the names of the places where this book took place were likely altered a bit, but I couldn't help looking for them on Google maps. Glaston Town was so very real to me, and the aura of a poor, inner city neighborhood was very realistic. I found the number of characters a bit muddling, but realized that was a part of the realism. One would have to live there a long time before the characters would be fixed in one's mind clearly. This book was so much better than , most contemporary mystery novels. I recommend it to anyone who loves realism in the sense that life is always woven of many tales.
June 22, 2016
Glaston Town is a more serious novel than might be expected. Yes, it does contain humour, a grisly murder and some sexy scenes, all of which help make the difficult issues within this story appealing.
The bulk of the story, however, is about people interacting within a complex society and how those characters respond to events and develop over a decade. It is, in my view, an artistic achievement, which is expressed by the beautiful black & white contemporary illustrations as well as the quality of the writing. Certainly, one can judge the novel solely as a piece of entertainment, which it may be for some. For myself there is more to this book than meet the eye.
September 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this story about the lives of the people living in the Glaston area of London. All of the characters were truly interesting. The author wove them seamlessly into a very rich tale that you feel you must keep reading to find out what will happen next. I recommend this to everyone 17 or older.
August 3, 2015
Loved Glaston Town, this book has gripping characters and a story that's very believable. London is one of my favorite cities and I have been to or lived in towns similar to this. Great murder thriller.
Look forward to reading more from Celine La Freniere
Look forward to reading more from Celine La Freniere
June 17, 2016
Oh the tangles webs we weave! An interesting look into several characters in a poor suburb of London, including one displaced American, an ever present fox. Theyare all most definitely characters!
Want to read
August 12, 2022Great book
What a great book, hated for it to end.
I will read it again!! Loved all the characters
A follow up would be great
What a great book, hated for it to end.
I will read it again!! Loved all the characters
A follow up would be great
September 13, 2015
XXX I entered the Goodreads Giveaway for this novel, and though I did not win the physical book, the author generously gifted me a Kindle copy of her work. Thank you so much, Celine La Freniere, for allowing me to read your novel!
This is a fascinating story. Within a couple of chapters, you find yourself caring about the characters of Glaston Town. The cast are colorful, well rounded and well grounded, and the voice is unique. As the community begins to deteriorate you will be right beside them, looking for solutions and salvation.
This is a fascinating story. Within a couple of chapters, you find yourself caring about the characters of Glaston Town. The cast are colorful, well rounded and well grounded, and the voice is unique. As the community begins to deteriorate you will be right beside them, looking for solutions and salvation.
April 3, 2016
The most characters ever in any book I've read so far, 77 as stated at the end. The beginning two-thirds of the book are about the people of Glaston Town in London, good characterization & their roles in the community by the author. The last section of the book is where the mystery of a murder committed on one of their own is solved, all in all a pretty good read... just not a page turner.
October 12, 2015
I won a copy of Glaston Town from First Reads, and I'm glad that I got the chance to read it, since I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise. Celine La Freniere paints a vivid picture of a poor neighborhood in London, and each character, of which there are many, is well thought out and interesting to read about. The relationships between the characters are relatable and realistic, and the struggles that they go through are written about in a very thoughtful and sympathetic way. The story did drag in places, and overall, I felt it was a little bit long, but it was well written and quite interesting.
September 4, 2015
What a great mystery, thriller! I did not like the cover of this book very much. It would not have caught my interest. But the story inside was very good. I cannot judge a book by it's cover but honestly the cover it what makes me want to look. The way the author write this book was great I loved the character and the setting even though I have not been to London. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
May 20, 2016
It was cleverly written with short chapters which allowed me to finish one quickly when my caregiver's duties were called for.
I never felt that the story was dragging on and on. It always kept me interested in the suspense.
I can predict that it could be made into a very popular television series.
I never felt that the story was dragging on and on. It always kept me interested in the suspense.
I can predict that it could be made into a very popular television series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews