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Moving
This is an alternate cover edition for 9780751550955
Edwina Spinner has lived in the same house for over fifty years. It used to be a busy, crowded family home but now Edwina lives alone and it has grown too big for her. She has decided to sell it.
The young estate agent who comes to value the house sees potential. Knock down a few walls, add a wet room. 'People like a project.' But as Edwina takes him from room to room, she is transported back to her old life as a young mother. Back to her first husband Ollie and their twins, James and Rowena. Back to lies and dark secrets and to a stepson whose name Edwina cannot even bear to speak aloud.
As Edwina's story unravels she is revealed as a complex and intriguing person. Not just the 'frail old lady' trapped in her dated house, but a woman who has lived an extraordinary life, full of love and tragedy. Why is she now so alone? What happened to Edwina's family all those years ago?
Edwina Spinner has lived in the same house for over fifty years. It used to be a busy, crowded family home but now Edwina lives alone and it has grown too big for her. She has decided to sell it.
The young estate agent who comes to value the house sees potential. Knock down a few walls, add a wet room. 'People like a project.' But as Edwina takes him from room to room, she is transported back to her old life as a young mother. Back to her first husband Ollie and their twins, James and Rowena. Back to lies and dark secrets and to a stepson whose name Edwina cannot even bear to speak aloud.
As Edwina's story unravels she is revealed as a complex and intriguing person. Not just the 'frail old lady' trapped in her dated house, but a woman who has lived an extraordinary life, full of love and tragedy. Why is she now so alone? What happened to Edwina's family all those years ago?
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2015
1349 people are currently reading
5447 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Eclair
36 books295 followersJenny Eclair is an English comedian, author and actor. She has appeared on numerous tv shows, most notably Grumpy Old Women, and Loose Women, performed on stage and hosted her own radio shows. She continues to tour her one woman stand up shows throughout the UK and was the first female comic to win The Edinburgh Fringe Perrier Award, in 1995.
She has written three novels, as well as contributed to many comedic anthologies.
She has written three novels, as well as contributed to many comedic anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews
July 23, 2015
I have been aware of Jenny Éclair for years as a comedienne but I have never read any of her books before. I think I had a preconceived notion that I would get a light, fluffy chick lit read with a heroine dripping with sarcasm and, in fact, nothing could have been further from the truth. This is a wonderful read with well drawn, interesting and realistic characters who I really fell for, hook line and sinker. The first I met was Edwina. She has lived in the same house for fifty years and it is now getting a bit much for her. She needs to sell and as we follow her through meeting the estate agent and then sorting through a lifetime of clutter we see all her memories of her life in the house and her family come flooding back to her. She has had good times in that house, but also some incredibly sad times and in addition there are subtle hints dropped about a so far unexplained (to the reader) tragedy. What I adored about her was how very real she felt – she thinks thoughts that every woman thinks – even the ones we would not dream of admitting to.
Just when I had fallen totally in love with Edwina however we find ourselves moving onto another perspective. There are three different perspectives in this story that spans from the 1960s to the present day. I am not going to say anything about the two other characters whose eyes we see through, because I don’t want to spoil the read for anybody else.
It is a story about love and family and especially family dynamics. Suffice to say, this is a wonderful read with memorable characters who quickly became part of my literary “family” – Edwina especially. There were happy and sad moments in a compelling story that gets just a little darker the more you read on.
Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
Just when I had fallen totally in love with Edwina however we find ourselves moving onto another perspective. There are three different perspectives in this story that spans from the 1960s to the present day. I am not going to say anything about the two other characters whose eyes we see through, because I don’t want to spoil the read for anybody else.
It is a story about love and family and especially family dynamics. Suffice to say, this is a wonderful read with memorable characters who quickly became part of my literary “family” – Edwina especially. There were happy and sad moments in a compelling story that gets just a little darker the more you read on.
Many thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
January 30, 2023
This book I bought because I really thought I would like the story. It started off as a good story with daydreaming thoughts of a female with maybe early dementia. Then the second part of this book came and it really changed how it was written. I didn't like it and then I decided after a few days of not reading it, to just stop. Too many good books out there, worth my time. Would have been written in the same line as the first part, I would not have given this up.
July 21, 2016
When its tempting to write a one-word review for a book, the word of choice for this one is 'underwhelming.' Despite its high Goodreads rating, I feel much of this is perhaps due to a slight bias by fans of the author. When I purchased the book, I didn't immediately recognise the writer is the same woman who often appears on daytime women's interest talkshows. She also has a notable career in radio. I ordinarily shy away from celebrity authors, but decided to give Moving a shot nonetheless. As it so happens, I doubt I will pick up any other of the authors other novels based upon this one.
It began promising enough, as the reader journey's with Edwina as she attempts to begin the process of selling her huge London home. In doing so, she is reminded of the memories hidden in each room. The first hundred or so pages are devoted to Edwina simply moving through the home with a rather nervous estate agent in tow; chapters are headed by the rooms, which I found a little peculiar.
Very abruptly, the story switches to another protagonist, Fern, and I struggled to see how she fitted into the story. I had somewhat of a soft spot for poor Edwina, who is gradually beginning to lose her marbles, but couldn't empathise with Fern. Maybe its the fact the book is set predominantly in the eighties, maybe its the graphic descriptions of Fern's sex life and drug taking, I'm not sure. Either way, I wasn't keen on Fern's behaviour or her blatant infidelity. The author attempts to paint Fern in a sorrowful light at times, but I wasn't having any of it.
Many of the books supporting characters are very typically middle-class English, but unfortunately this came off as cliched, right from having groceries delivered from Harrods to having high tea at a posh London hotel. Conversely, some of the book is more down-to-earth and set in the slightly less glamorous city of Manchester in grubby student digs.
The author emphasises the changing attitudes typical of the eighties, chiefly attitudes towards homosexuality. I was pleased Fern treated her gay flatmates with indifference at their sexuality, but the author falls into the trap of turning them into sex toy mad lesbians. Sigh.
By the last third of the book, I didn't care much for what happened to any of the lead characters. Having read far past Edwina's story, I had almost forgotten about her. The main storyline is the most underwhelming aspect of the book. I guessed what was happening long before the author made her big reveal.
This is not the worst book I have read this year, but it comes dangerously close.
It began promising enough, as the reader journey's with Edwina as she attempts to begin the process of selling her huge London home. In doing so, she is reminded of the memories hidden in each room. The first hundred or so pages are devoted to Edwina simply moving through the home with a rather nervous estate agent in tow; chapters are headed by the rooms, which I found a little peculiar.
Very abruptly, the story switches to another protagonist, Fern, and I struggled to see how she fitted into the story. I had somewhat of a soft spot for poor Edwina, who is gradually beginning to lose her marbles, but couldn't empathise with Fern. Maybe its the fact the book is set predominantly in the eighties, maybe its the graphic descriptions of Fern's sex life and drug taking, I'm not sure. Either way, I wasn't keen on Fern's behaviour or her blatant infidelity. The author attempts to paint Fern in a sorrowful light at times, but I wasn't having any of it.
Many of the books supporting characters are very typically middle-class English, but unfortunately this came off as cliched, right from having groceries delivered from Harrods to having high tea at a posh London hotel. Conversely, some of the book is more down-to-earth and set in the slightly less glamorous city of Manchester in grubby student digs.
The author emphasises the changing attitudes typical of the eighties, chiefly attitudes towards homosexuality. I was pleased Fern treated her gay flatmates with indifference at their sexuality, but the author falls into the trap of turning them into sex toy mad lesbians. Sigh.
By the last third of the book, I didn't care much for what happened to any of the lead characters. Having read far past Edwina's story, I had almost forgotten about her. The main storyline is the most underwhelming aspect of the book. I guessed what was happening long before the author made her big reveal.
This is not the worst book I have read this year, but it comes dangerously close.
July 23, 2015
Jenny Éclair has a very fresh and interesting writing style and I can’t wait to read more of her books. This one draws you in from the beginning pages.
Edwina decides that her house of the last 50 years is too big for her and calls an estate agent. As he values the house, memories come flooding back for her. Very moving flashbacks from her past are laid out before us. Happy times, moving times, scandalous times. Secrets come pouring out.
We are treated to another couple of points of view- how will the tales be woven together and come round the full circle?
Jenny creates very rounded characters who are not all sweetness and light- but all the more interesting for it.
You will be sad to come to the end of this book- I really wanted it to just carry on and on.
With many thanks to Little Brown Books Uk and Net Galley for a copy of this wonderful book.
Edwina decides that her house of the last 50 years is too big for her and calls an estate agent. As he values the house, memories come flooding back for her. Very moving flashbacks from her past are laid out before us. Happy times, moving times, scandalous times. Secrets come pouring out.
We are treated to another couple of points of view- how will the tales be woven together and come round the full circle?
Jenny creates very rounded characters who are not all sweetness and light- but all the more interesting for it.
You will be sad to come to the end of this book- I really wanted it to just carry on and on.
With many thanks to Little Brown Books Uk and Net Galley for a copy of this wonderful book.
October 25, 2022
3.5 ⭐ = Quite Good.
I was unsure if this was a 3 or 4 stars. Finally deciding on 3.5 as my interest slightly dipped in the middle section.
There is a fair bit of swearing so you might want to be aware of this.
Another intertwined family story that got me thinking about life.
I preferred Life Death And Vanilla Slices but this was very readable.
I was unsure if this was a 3 or 4 stars. Finally deciding on 3.5 as my interest slightly dipped in the middle section.
There is a fair bit of swearing so you might want to be aware of this.
Another intertwined family story that got me thinking about life.
I preferred Life Death And Vanilla Slices but this was very readable.
January 10, 2016
A lovely read.
I particularly enjoyed Edwina's narrative in the first part of the book, how she remembered the stories as she walked through the house.
It was at its simplest a story of a life , of a family and how our choices have consequences.
My heart broke for Edwina for two men she loved completely and lost. I fear there are many more mothers like Edwina who've lost their children and don't fully understand why.
My heart broke for Rowena as she tried so hard to be the good girl and peacemaker .
My heart broke for Dickie and the cost of his happiness.
My heart broke for Lucas and how lost and displaced he felt.
My heart broke for Fern who fell in love with a boy who could never just be hers.
My heart even broke a little for Barbara who was set aside and was so very very empty and lonely.
Most of all my heart broke for Charlie. Sweet, selfish Charlie.
A very very moving and heartfelt story.
I particularly enjoyed Edwina's narrative in the first part of the book, how she remembered the stories as she walked through the house.
It was at its simplest a story of a life , of a family and how our choices have consequences.
My heart broke for Edwina for two men she loved completely and lost. I fear there are many more mothers like Edwina who've lost their children and don't fully understand why.
My heart broke for Rowena as she tried so hard to be the good girl and peacemaker .
My heart broke for Dickie and the cost of his happiness.
My heart broke for Lucas and how lost and displaced he felt.
My heart broke for Fern who fell in love with a boy who could never just be hers.
My heart even broke a little for Barbara who was set aside and was so very very empty and lonely.
Most of all my heart broke for Charlie. Sweet, selfish Charlie.
A very very moving and heartfelt story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2015
Last year I read Jenny's "Life, Death and Vanilla Slices" and I rated this book with 5 stars, I truly loved this story, it was different and yet felt so very close home, and so I kept my eyes opened on any new release by this author. Almost as soon as my review copy of "Moving" arrived, I started reading it - I was incredibly hooked by the synopsis to this book, and having in mind previous novel, I was sure I am for a real treat again.
And yes, I was right. Even though I can't help thinking that this story is much more serious than "Life, Death and Vanilla Slices" (although it was also not only bed of roses and fun, fun, fun), the writing style stayed the same, the storytelling interesting, and the plot, even though I have read books about the same idea previously, was fresh, original and it tackled the story from different to all the others angle. Yes, true, there were moments that the novel felt a little flat and too slow, but altogether, the way it was told, the characters, events and surprises defended themselves and "Moving" was intriguing, hooking read.
What I really liked, was the way the novel was built. At the beginning I thought, OK, it is a story of Edwina, but in fact the book was told in parts, and for me it was incredibly interesting to see how the story in fact came full circle and came back to the starting point (the end was brilliant for me. Just brilliant.), and how all the people involved, even though they didn't know it, they had no idea about it, were connected, how the story intertwined their lives without their knowledge. Moreover, as much as there were some things that I could see coming, mostly the story totally took me by surprise and I couldn't be sure what's coming next.
Also, the strength of this book lies in its characters. They are not absolutely, immediately likeable. On the contrary, they are often very unpleasant, they are people that we wouldn't necessarily like as our friends. But in my eyes this is what makes them real characters - they feel totally realistic, three dimensional, they make a lot of mistakes and often they don't learn from those own mistakes, only continue making them again and again. Young girls fell for unsuitable boys, young boys put their interest in inappropriate things, adults stereotype other people and are not able to forgive - quite so are the people in this story. But this made reading much more interesting and the feelings much more realistic.
It is also incredibly genuine and honest image of family relationships, especially the dynamics of the patchwork family. Jenny Eclair has written how it is, she's written it so honestly that there were moments it really hurt, so brutal it was, but I liked it - there was no beating around the bush; no pulling the wool over the reader's eyes, she has perfectly described feelings of all people involved - I only didn't expect the situation to escalate so much, to go as far as it went, but of course the way the plot went didn't bother me at all. This story is full of secrets and the way the author reveals them all is truly exceptional, and also, there are mostly secrets that I didn't expect - and you know how hard it is to surprise me.
The way Edwina told her story was brilliant, it felt as if every room in the house was telling about its own history. She's selling the house that was a witness to so many events, and we learn about her life - starting when she entered the house as a pregnant newlywed, through losing her first husband, raising her children, having second husband, working... I was so deep into Edwina's story that changing it to Fern's felt very abrupt and felt not as a next part, but as if a new book was starting, but soon this feeling was forgotten and I was back on track. Fern's story is set in the 80's, and it is mostly in this part that we get the bigger picture and see how the lives of the characters interweave, even if they don't know about it. And last part is told from Lucas's point of view, a stepson of Edwina, in the present, and even if it was a short part, it was shocking, as Lucas started to reveal his secrets.
This book is moving (pun intended :) ) and really absorbing. The characters are believable and outstanding and it felt as if they were living their own lives. Jenny Eclair has also an incredible writing style, it is dry but also very emotional, it is humorous, but also full of sadness, and she can create amazing characters that we root for, no matter what they do. It is really impressive, gripping read and I couldn't wait to pick the book again - you know, it is this kind of story that you want to read as quickly as possible to see what's going to happen, but on the other hand you don't want to finish - highly recommended!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
August 10, 2015
A fantastic read, with believable characters, this is an amazing story of family secrets and betrayals, Jenny Eclair had me hooked from the start. This is one one of those books where I couldn't wait to read more to find out what became of the characters, but I didn't want the book to end either!
Moving and completely absorbing, this book is really impressive, I'm glad I had the chance to read it and I highly recommended it.
Jenny Eclair is a new author to me and I will certainly be reading more of her books.
Moving and completely absorbing, this book is really impressive, I'm glad I had the chance to read it and I highly recommended it.
Jenny Eclair is a new author to me and I will certainly be reading more of her books.
March 12, 2016
I don't know what I expected when I chose this to satisfy the category "Written by a celebrity" for my 2016 challenge. I am familiar with JE as a comedienne but not as a novelist.
What a fab fab book told by three people from different perspectives. Edwina, an old lady living alone in a large house where she has raised her family. She realises it is now too large to manage and decides to sell. As she shows the estate agent around the house each room prompts memories of her past and her life in the house with her family. It becomes clear that she has led an interesting and eventful life as a children's illustrator, two husbands, twins, a stepson but why is she alone? Why is there no contact with any of her family? She was a real believable character, a free spirit, arty, and always wore red lipstick! " She always wore a poppy-coloured red, despising the apologetic coral tones of more polite women"
Fern - the vivacious beautiful girlfriend of her son fills in many of the gaps and a bigger picture starts to appear.
Lucas - the bitter, jealous and unhappy overweight stepson completes the picture and finally tries to make amends.
So easy to read with emotion, compassion, some black humour and as might be expected from JE some choice language but it was in context and character. A story of a house, family secrets, growing up, betrayal, loss, highly recommended you won't be disappointed.
What a fab fab book told by three people from different perspectives. Edwina, an old lady living alone in a large house where she has raised her family. She realises it is now too large to manage and decides to sell. As she shows the estate agent around the house each room prompts memories of her past and her life in the house with her family. It becomes clear that she has led an interesting and eventful life as a children's illustrator, two husbands, twins, a stepson but why is she alone? Why is there no contact with any of her family? She was a real believable character, a free spirit, arty, and always wore red lipstick! " She always wore a poppy-coloured red, despising the apologetic coral tones of more polite women"
Fern - the vivacious beautiful girlfriend of her son fills in many of the gaps and a bigger picture starts to appear.
Lucas - the bitter, jealous and unhappy overweight stepson completes the picture and finally tries to make amends.
So easy to read with emotion, compassion, some black humour and as might be expected from JE some choice language but it was in context and character. A story of a house, family secrets, growing up, betrayal, loss, highly recommended you won't be disappointed.
August 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. The characters were almost perfectly drawn and the writing quality made it such an easy read. Not for the faint-hearted though; there are a few moments which will raise eyebrows with the more conservative types.
Not completely sure about the structure: it's one complete story but told from three different perspectives. As such, it's more like three linked novellas.
The 'betrayal' didn't seem that big a deal to me. Just a comment that was acted upon and resulted in consequences. I didn't pick up any premeditation but then maybe that's just me.
Perfectly good stuff and worth a read.
Not completely sure about the structure: it's one complete story but told from three different perspectives. As such, it's more like three linked novellas.
The 'betrayal' didn't seem that big a deal to me. Just a comment that was acted upon and resulted in consequences. I didn't pick up any premeditation but then maybe that's just me.
Perfectly good stuff and worth a read.
March 9, 2018
This is a slow burner. I got to almost half way and thought I wasn’t sure if I’d finish it but I loved it once it picked up pace.
All the characters are very well developed- some you like and some you really don’t like
I think the way it was told from different points of view I just felt Edwinas view at the start was a bit long and could have been shorter!
All the characters are very well developed- some you like and some you really don’t like
I think the way it was told from different points of view I just felt Edwinas view at the start was a bit long and could have been shorter!
October 5, 2025
Loo alguses valmistub eakas Edwina oma maja müümiseks. Ta näitab kinnisvaramaaklerile kõiki tube ning igaüks nest viib ta mõtted möödunud aegadele - oma kaksikutest laste Charlie ja Rowena, varalahkunud esimese abikaasa Ollie, uue mehe ja tolle poja Lucase peale. Aga nagu elus ikka, siis on inimestel ja lugudel neist mitu tahku, ning tonaalsus sõltub jutustajast. Lisaks Edwinale saavad siin sõna veel kolm tegelast, kes tema eluga seotud on olnud.
Mulle väga-väga meeldis kui eluline see raamat oli. Ja just sellist elu valusamat poolt näidati siin rohkelt. Kes otsib rõõmsaid meenutusi, siis neid siin napib. Aga mulle läks see kõik väga hinge.
Mulle väga-väga meeldis kui eluline see raamat oli. Ja just sellist elu valusamat poolt näidati siin rohkelt. Kes otsib rõõmsaid meenutusi, siis neid siin napib. Aga mulle läks see kõik väga hinge.
July 29, 2015
When I got this book I was not sure what to expect. I loved the cover and the synopsis but was also worried that it was written by a comedienne known for her strong, fiesty, opinionated persona. No criticism intended here by the way, I'm a bit like that myself, I just wasn't sure what sort of characters I'd be meeting in the book and how well she writes as opposed to performs. Well for anyone with similar concerns I can say, forget them. The book is very good, the characters all different (though not necessarily likeable) and I soon stopped thinking about Jenny Eclair and got on with enjoying the book.
The first character we meet is Edwina and she is a delight - I warmed to her straight away. Now elderly and living alone she decides to sell the family home and gets in an estate agent to market the house. As he arrives and go through the house for the first time, Edwina starts to reveal snippets of her life, room by room as the different memories and stories resurface. What we never find out from Edwina is why she has lost contact with her family and what happened in the past that clearly resulted in her current situation.
We gradually discover the secrets of the past and how things changed for Edwina and her family through the stories that follow of parties that were either directly or indirectly involved. These are Fern, Edwina's son's (secret) girlfriend whose story is told in the past and Lucas her godson who tells his story in the present looking back at the past. Fern's is the longer section as her story is contemporary to the main incident in the book that is the catalyst for what happens after. She also has links to all the main characters, though not always in a obvious way.
I really enjoyed the way the book was set up, so that the reveal is spread gradually over the book as the characters reveal their story. The use of different voices means that we see the actions of the other participants from different points of view so our perceptions and views are constantly changing. Especially with the characters who never get to directly speak for themselves. On the surface the story is one of hedonistic rich kids, that one has little sympathy for, yet underneath it is one of growing up, of discovering ones self, of love and ultimately loss. As one might expect from Jenny she pulls no punches with her language at times and can be quite hard hitting but everything was in character and in context so I had no problem with that.
This book is emotional, engaging and absorbing - I happily recommend it.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The first character we meet is Edwina and she is a delight - I warmed to her straight away. Now elderly and living alone she decides to sell the family home and gets in an estate agent to market the house. As he arrives and go through the house for the first time, Edwina starts to reveal snippets of her life, room by room as the different memories and stories resurface. What we never find out from Edwina is why she has lost contact with her family and what happened in the past that clearly resulted in her current situation.
We gradually discover the secrets of the past and how things changed for Edwina and her family through the stories that follow of parties that were either directly or indirectly involved. These are Fern, Edwina's son's (secret) girlfriend whose story is told in the past and Lucas her godson who tells his story in the present looking back at the past. Fern's is the longer section as her story is contemporary to the main incident in the book that is the catalyst for what happens after. She also has links to all the main characters, though not always in a obvious way.
I really enjoyed the way the book was set up, so that the reveal is spread gradually over the book as the characters reveal their story. The use of different voices means that we see the actions of the other participants from different points of view so our perceptions and views are constantly changing. Especially with the characters who never get to directly speak for themselves. On the surface the story is one of hedonistic rich kids, that one has little sympathy for, yet underneath it is one of growing up, of discovering ones self, of love and ultimately loss. As one might expect from Jenny she pulls no punches with her language at times and can be quite hard hitting but everything was in character and in context so I had no problem with that.
This book is emotional, engaging and absorbing - I happily recommend it.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 1, 2016
When I read Life, Death and Vanilla Slices I had no idea what to expect from Jenny Eclair and - although I probably should have realised that a comedienne needs a reasonable degree of insight into the way human beings work - her ability to bring people to life on the page caught me by surprise. This time I was more prepared but I am still impressed by the apparently effortless way she manages to combine humour and tragedy in just the right proportions to make her characters and story utterly believable.
For example:
"Cautiously she removes the lid, rolls the lipstick up and paints it onto her old mouth. Checking her reflection, she sees she looks ridiculous, her teeth an ochre shade, the skin around her mouth minutely pleated. A tortoise in lipstick, what a shame."
Without giving away the plot, this novel is essentially the story of a family told from three very different perspectives. It begins with Edwina, an old lady clinging to her good memories and trying to avoid thinking about “What Went Wrong” as she rattles about in a house which is too big for her to manage and which is full of clutter from her family’s past. Then we have Fern, a posh drama student in revolting digs in 1980s Manchester and finally Lucas , fifty six and obese, back from the US to visit his dying mother. All three characters – and their surroundings - are brought vividly to life, flaws and all, each giving their own story while subtly changing our opinion of what we have been told previously.
There is no surprise twist in the tale just a slow build to inevitable calamity as the pieces come together. Nobody behaves impeccably, nobody is entirely to blame and I ended up sympathising with everyone. “Moving” is an accurate description.
For example:
"Cautiously she removes the lid, rolls the lipstick up and paints it onto her old mouth. Checking her reflection, she sees she looks ridiculous, her teeth an ochre shade, the skin around her mouth minutely pleated. A tortoise in lipstick, what a shame."
Without giving away the plot, this novel is essentially the story of a family told from three very different perspectives. It begins with Edwina, an old lady clinging to her good memories and trying to avoid thinking about “What Went Wrong” as she rattles about in a house which is too big for her to manage and which is full of clutter from her family’s past. Then we have Fern, a posh drama student in revolting digs in 1980s Manchester and finally Lucas , fifty six and obese, back from the US to visit his dying mother. All three characters – and their surroundings - are brought vividly to life, flaws and all, each giving their own story while subtly changing our opinion of what we have been told previously.
There is no surprise twist in the tale just a slow build to inevitable calamity as the pieces come together. Nobody behaves impeccably, nobody is entirely to blame and I ended up sympathising with everyone. “Moving” is an accurate description.
May 26, 2017
Edwina now lives alone in a family house, it is now much too big for he, she has decided to sell up, and while sorting out her goods and chattels, old memories are stirred up from the past and her family’s stories come back to haunt her.
Edwina is an artist and illustrator, her first husband and father to her twins dies very young in a freak accident on a family holiday, I warmed to her as a character looking back over an eventful life where nothing works out as planned and everything has to be taken on and managed as best she can. Edwina and Ollie had a normal marriage and Edwina’s life seemed to be set fair for the future, until husband Ollie got struck by a ball and died. Edwina’s second husband Dickie, unlike Ollie who was the ‘golden boy of Goldsmith’s art college’ was a speech writer, and was already married to Barbara, a true sophisticate, who was always seen at the right places with the right people. Between them they had three children, the twins Rowena and Charlie plus Dickie’s son Lucas. On the death of Ollie, Edwina returned to her art work and started illustrating ‘Betsy and Tom’ children books which supported the twins through school and looked after her in later life. The children were very different with Rowena being very bright, Charlie ending up a drug addict and Lucas, the apple of Barbara’s eye, being the stepson who was always outside the artistic family group.
The story was told through the family characters, and from their individual points of view, giving many angles to it – all true in their own way, though all very different in particular.
I liked everything about this book. Loved the story telling and visual description. I also liked the lack of sentimentality in the different versions of ‘how it happened’. Great book! Great read!
Edwina is an artist and illustrator, her first husband and father to her twins dies very young in a freak accident on a family holiday, I warmed to her as a character looking back over an eventful life where nothing works out as planned and everything has to be taken on and managed as best she can. Edwina and Ollie had a normal marriage and Edwina’s life seemed to be set fair for the future, until husband Ollie got struck by a ball and died. Edwina’s second husband Dickie, unlike Ollie who was the ‘golden boy of Goldsmith’s art college’ was a speech writer, and was already married to Barbara, a true sophisticate, who was always seen at the right places with the right people. Between them they had three children, the twins Rowena and Charlie plus Dickie’s son Lucas. On the death of Ollie, Edwina returned to her art work and started illustrating ‘Betsy and Tom’ children books which supported the twins through school and looked after her in later life. The children were very different with Rowena being very bright, Charlie ending up a drug addict and Lucas, the apple of Barbara’s eye, being the stepson who was always outside the artistic family group.
The story was told through the family characters, and from their individual points of view, giving many angles to it – all true in their own way, though all very different in particular.
I liked everything about this book. Loved the story telling and visual description. I also liked the lack of sentimentality in the different versions of ‘how it happened’. Great book! Great read!
October 22, 2015
For me there was so much to love here! Reads a quote on the back cover: ‘This house has our blood, sweat, love, laughter and betrayal seeped into its very bones. I might leave this place, but bits of me will remain here, tears soaked deep into the floorboards.’ A compelling generational saga of sorts, Moving begins with the elderly protagonist, Edwina, guiding a young estate agent on a tour of her family home. ‘The house is telling her to go: her allotted time is up, it’s someone else’s turn. This place needs a firmer hand than the freckled mitt that clings to the banister rail ‘. The rooms in the house, many of which title the early chapters, have borne silent witness over the years. Memories ebb and flow as the circuit continues, while Edwina muses to herself. ‘How strange that she should be the last to go, and for a split second she can hear them, running up and down the stairs, the tumble and laughter, followed by silence.’ Tempered occasionally with brilliant flashes of humor, waves of regret and anguish hover below the surface. Eventually the setting moves back in time and away from the house, as the story is narrated in several voices, each with a unique perspective. The reader is kept slightly off balance, compelled to continue. I wanted to know, and yet I didn’t want it to end! How skillfully the strands are woven together into a hopeful conclusion! The dedication reads ‘To all the houses I have ever lived in and all the people I have ever lived with’. I have always maintained that a house has a soul - I suspect Jenny Éclair would agree!
July 2, 2015
Book provided by Netgalley and publisher for review. Once again another hit from the wonderful Jenny Eclair! She has such a gift for the spoken word, humorous - well that's a given but she also makes you feel empathy too for even the nastiest of her characters and not many people can do that. So we meet Edwina who has come to the conclusion she can no longer live in her huge house now she's on her own. As she shows the estate agent round the rooms we hear about her life - the sad times and the happiest. My only niggle was when the section featuring Fern was introduced and it was almost like having to start another book when all I wanted to do was hear more from the colourful Edwina! I have now read all of Jenny's books and look forward to many more.
July 3, 2019
Fortunately I didn't know Jenny Eclair is something of a celebrity as it might have put me off . As it is I really enjoyed this book and felt very drawn to Edwina, the character who opens the book. She knows she must leave the large, crumbling house in which she has lived with two husbands and her twin son and daughter. As the memories come flooding back we learn about her life, the tragedies, the joys, the achievements and the failures. It is very easy to relate to Edwina, (especially at my age!). The story moves on giving the perspective of two other characters, which is an interesting development and rounds out the narrative. It is a moving story and very sad in some parts but there is redemption and escape from the deeds that haunt us.
February 25, 2016
Book club read, I really loved Edwina and fell into the story easily. I was a little disappointed when the book went into Fern's section it seemed to drag a little so I was pleased when it got to the section on Lucas who we'd already had hints on being the twist in the story. Overall good book but could just as easily read a whole book from Edwina's perspective
January 6, 2016
A really good, absorbing read. Cleverly written and keeps you turning the pages. Overall it has a melancholy feel to it; a journey of wrong roads taken leading to wasted lives. An unlikely hero emerges at the end though. I Enjoyed it - and will look out for other titles by Jenny Elcair.
November 18, 2018
I should leave this review a few days - but I always prefer my instant impression. There will be spoilers.
Firstly, I have given it 4 stars largely because I couldn't wait to get back to the book after each session. Even though I pretty much guessed what was going to happen, mostly and broadly, I really wanted to hear it as soon as possible. I'll discuss why I think the author achieved this for me, later.
Secondly, because I'm a long time fan of Eclair the comedienne. I have not read her other books, and was intrigued to find out how much of her wonderful turn of phrase, was on display here.
I think the reasons behind the first, will give this book broad appeal, but I confess, I think it does also help being a fan. It is very witty and a could see Jenny smile after every wonderful comment. :)
So, why could I barely put it down?
In the first case, it was because her portrayal of Edwina for the first third was wonderful and detailed. It made me think a little of Kate Atkinson's Life After Life series. The story draws you in, the character draws you in and it sell washes over you as a lovely place to be. I think a lot of Eclair's personality comes out in Edwina.
I love that sort of book.
Anyway, near the end of her early part, Edwina reports on a birthday party and tells us, that this was before it all went wrong. At this point the focus switches to Fern. I've read a few reviews of this section and some people didn't like Fern based on her actions. Mainly - spoiler - she has a man at home and a man at uni. That is true but, it really isn't as clear cut as this. It was never her intention and this view paints her asa harlot who planned it all. She's not at all. She's just like many people fir whom events and feelings take over their world and there never seems to be time or the right way to sort everything out. Even if you have a clear idea of what sorting it out actually meant.
For me, this section is representative of what I discovered at university and lacking the tools of maturity, it can all get out if hand. Indeed, it's one of the skills of Eclair's writing, that she shows how age affects our feelings and decision making, since we hear from several key witnesses to events, over a long period.
Also, some people didn't like the switch in view point. Fair enough. But personally I think it's difficult to do something like this, especially when you have worked hard to establish a character like Edwina, and Eclair carries it off brilliantly.
I really only have a few minor possible bones of contention. :)
*** spoilers ***
One: since by the second half of the book we pretty well know where it is headed, I think some of the chapters were overly long. It's a difficult choice to make though, because they mainly involve Lucas as a fifty something, reflecting on his childhood and the lead up to the main event. As such, it provides some insights to his character and we get his side on many thing we know already and have formed a judgement.
For the life of me I'm not sure why. Perhaps some if us will hear his side, understand it, pity him, forgive him etc etc. Perhaps we should.
But I can't. I feel too strongly about Charlie and am still, hours after finishing, upset, not just for the sad things that happen to him, but because of the sheer injustice.
But I also have a confession. I read this on audio and will have to read a whole chapter again because I seem to have missed something crucial - I did fall asleep briefly. Something long anticipated - I am told that it is stated clearly at some point that Lucas admits he lied about Charlie and the drugs.
What I read was his account of the night in question saying - and then I saw Charlie hand Elise a bag and receive money in return. He had already attested to having seen her wallet stuffed with notes. As far as I can tell, in recounting this, in his own head, why would he recount a lie? So either I read it wrongly or I missed something.
At the end of the book, when Edwina and Lucas are talking, this event due doesn't come up. Lucas says on the way over - he can't bring Charlie back, but maybe he can set the record straight on the robbery. This made me think - so Edwina is already clear that Charlie was setup? But that can't be the case?
And once Lucas has left, I was anticipating some remorse from Edwina about Charlie, since she cut him off after the robbery, blaming it on him, and now she knows he was innocent of this too!! She was all he had at this point and she let him down. Yet no remorse.
I have a slight issue with Charlie after he gets out of prison too. I think this can be explained away, but, Charlie saw Fern at the pre trial, as did Lucas, and Lucas said she had a bump. So, Charlie knew she had a bump. He knew the timing, he must have suspected he had a child. Would you not want to find out and see how Fern feels. Surreptitiously even?
Also, the timing is weird. I'll have to reread. I thought on the first run through that it was said that Charlie returned to Fern at midnight on the same night as the party in Oxford. But that's a four hour drive to Manchester? And Fern didn't get to the party til 7/8 or something. So he barely would have had time to meet Elise. If it was the night after the party, where was he all day. I presume he had no idea about Elise - yet it was all over the TV? So, I'm confused. Potentially Fern was an alibi.
Whatever - I'm so upset for Charlie, I feel everyone let him down. And for Edwina to write him off saying - right from the start I felt he wasn't going to be long for this world - is appalling. Especially since she played a part in everything that happened too him.
It's an emotional book. :)
Firstly, I have given it 4 stars largely because I couldn't wait to get back to the book after each session. Even though I pretty much guessed what was going to happen, mostly and broadly, I really wanted to hear it as soon as possible. I'll discuss why I think the author achieved this for me, later.
Secondly, because I'm a long time fan of Eclair the comedienne. I have not read her other books, and was intrigued to find out how much of her wonderful turn of phrase, was on display here.
I think the reasons behind the first, will give this book broad appeal, but I confess, I think it does also help being a fan. It is very witty and a could see Jenny smile after every wonderful comment. :)
So, why could I barely put it down?
In the first case, it was because her portrayal of Edwina for the first third was wonderful and detailed. It made me think a little of Kate Atkinson's Life After Life series. The story draws you in, the character draws you in and it sell washes over you as a lovely place to be. I think a lot of Eclair's personality comes out in Edwina.
I love that sort of book.
Anyway, near the end of her early part, Edwina reports on a birthday party and tells us, that this was before it all went wrong. At this point the focus switches to Fern. I've read a few reviews of this section and some people didn't like Fern based on her actions. Mainly - spoiler - she has a man at home and a man at uni. That is true but, it really isn't as clear cut as this. It was never her intention and this view paints her asa harlot who planned it all. She's not at all. She's just like many people fir whom events and feelings take over their world and there never seems to be time or the right way to sort everything out. Even if you have a clear idea of what sorting it out actually meant.
For me, this section is representative of what I discovered at university and lacking the tools of maturity, it can all get out if hand. Indeed, it's one of the skills of Eclair's writing, that she shows how age affects our feelings and decision making, since we hear from several key witnesses to events, over a long period.
Also, some people didn't like the switch in view point. Fair enough. But personally I think it's difficult to do something like this, especially when you have worked hard to establish a character like Edwina, and Eclair carries it off brilliantly.
I really only have a few minor possible bones of contention. :)
*** spoilers ***
One: since by the second half of the book we pretty well know where it is headed, I think some of the chapters were overly long. It's a difficult choice to make though, because they mainly involve Lucas as a fifty something, reflecting on his childhood and the lead up to the main event. As such, it provides some insights to his character and we get his side on many thing we know already and have formed a judgement.
For the life of me I'm not sure why. Perhaps some if us will hear his side, understand it, pity him, forgive him etc etc. Perhaps we should.
But I can't. I feel too strongly about Charlie and am still, hours after finishing, upset, not just for the sad things that happen to him, but because of the sheer injustice.
But I also have a confession. I read this on audio and will have to read a whole chapter again because I seem to have missed something crucial - I did fall asleep briefly. Something long anticipated - I am told that it is stated clearly at some point that Lucas admits he lied about Charlie and the drugs.
What I read was his account of the night in question saying - and then I saw Charlie hand Elise a bag and receive money in return. He had already attested to having seen her wallet stuffed with notes. As far as I can tell, in recounting this, in his own head, why would he recount a lie? So either I read it wrongly or I missed something.
At the end of the book, when Edwina and Lucas are talking, this event due doesn't come up. Lucas says on the way over - he can't bring Charlie back, but maybe he can set the record straight on the robbery. This made me think - so Edwina is already clear that Charlie was setup? But that can't be the case?
And once Lucas has left, I was anticipating some remorse from Edwina about Charlie, since she cut him off after the robbery, blaming it on him, and now she knows he was innocent of this too!! She was all he had at this point and she let him down. Yet no remorse.
I have a slight issue with Charlie after he gets out of prison too. I think this can be explained away, but, Charlie saw Fern at the pre trial, as did Lucas, and Lucas said she had a bump. So, Charlie knew she had a bump. He knew the timing, he must have suspected he had a child. Would you not want to find out and see how Fern feels. Surreptitiously even?
Also, the timing is weird. I'll have to reread. I thought on the first run through that it was said that Charlie returned to Fern at midnight on the same night as the party in Oxford. But that's a four hour drive to Manchester? And Fern didn't get to the party til 7/8 or something. So he barely would have had time to meet Elise. If it was the night after the party, where was he all day. I presume he had no idea about Elise - yet it was all over the TV? So, I'm confused. Potentially Fern was an alibi.
Whatever - I'm so upset for Charlie, I feel everyone let him down. And for Edwina to write him off saying - right from the start I felt he wasn't going to be long for this world - is appalling. Especially since she played a part in everything that happened too him.
It's an emotional book. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
It was actually a 3.5 ⭐️ for me, but as there's no possibility to give 0.5 stars on Goodreads and as it was rather between 3.5-4 than 3-3.5 for me, then I'm rounding it up to 4 here!
Read my full review here:
https://hannaverse.wordpress.com/2025...
Read my full review here:
https://hannaverse.wordpress.com/2025...
March 23, 2017
È rimasta aggrappata a questa casa fin troppo a lungo. Come l’edera sul retro, è arrivata l’ora di liberarsi. Deve chiudersi per sempre alle spalle la porta del civico 137. Prenderà con sé solo alcuni ricordi, riempirà una borsa di ricordi buoni, non le servono chissà che valigie. Sono tantissime le cose che può lasciare dietro di sé.
Edwina Spinner è una donna ormai anziana e sola. Un giorno tutto si fa più chiaro ai suoi occhi e nella sua mente si fa sempre più reale la decisione di mettere in vendita la casa a cui è tanto legata, così piena di ricordi tremendamente vividi e intensi.
Edwina si rende conto dei tanti disagi della casa, della manutenzione lasciata in sospeso e del disordine ma è sola e ogni giornata si sussegue più velocemente dell’altra.
È come se la casa le stesse dicendo di andarsene; il tempo assegnato a Edwina è scaduto, è il turno di qualcun altro. Questo posto ha bisogno di una mano più ferma di quella piena di macchie di vecchiaia che stringe il corrimano della ringhiera… la mia mano, si rende conto Edwina, la mia piccola, decrepita mano.
Quando accoglie in casa l’agente immobiliare, Edwina lo accompagna tra le stanze e simbolicamente compie un viaggio a ritroso nel tempo tra ricordi felici e tristi. Così, insieme alla protagonista, riviviamo i suoi ricordi, i suoi grandi amori e la sua famiglia tanto bella e unita quanto ora è distrutta.
Edwina si domanda cosa direbbe il giovane agente immobiliare se lei adesso si girasse e gli dicesse: «Ho vissuto in questa casa con un uomo che è morto all’improvviso su una spiaggia. Avevamo due bambini. Ho sposato un altro che aveva una moglie prima di me e un figlio che non sono mai riuscita ad amare. Questa casa è intrisa fino allo scheletro del nostro sangue, del nostro sudore, dell’amore, delle risate, dei tradimenti. Posso anche lasciarla, ma frammenti di me resteranno qui, il pavimento di legno sarà sempre fradicio delle mie lacrime. Potreste passarci l’aspirapolvere, ma non vi libererete mai completamente di noi. C’è il nostro DNA dappertutto..»
Jenny Eclair ha saputo creare un romanzo commovente e così coinvolgente che vi trasporterà lontano nei ricordi.
Ho apprezzato molto il suo stile delicato che sa accogliere e accompagnare il lettore lungo tutta la durata del romanzo.
Il romanzo è diviso in piccole parti anche se inizialmente sembra essere incentrato sulla figura di Edwina, ma poi la voce narrante diventerà Fern e poi Lucas e poi ancora Edwina – permettendo così al lettore di scoprire pagina dopo pagina tutte le verità nascoste.
Inoltre, mi piace come l’autrice abbia saputo adeguare il suo stile ai diversi tipi di narrazione passando da un’anziana signora a una giovane donna e poi ancora a un uomo adulto.
Edwina resta il mio personaggio preferito; è la protagonista indiscussa, la regina della casa e la donna grazie alla quale la famiglia è nata e vissuta. Il suo carattere combattivo, un po’ al vetriolo e allo stesso tempo pieno di amore mi ha conquistata.
Il guaio di essere una moglie e una madre, decide Edwina, è che senti come tuo dovere impedire che accada qualcosa di male alla tua famiglia, ma è un compito improbabile. Il destino è per sua natura capriccioso: nella vita le cose brutte arrivano da sé, e non è che se finisci nella merda una volta significa che non ci finirai più.
“Le stanze dei ricordi” è un romanzo in cui si intrecciano drammi, amore, segreti e ricordi; una storia dolce amara che mi ha trasmesso un po’ di tristezza condita con quell’immancabile e meravigliosa speranza che cambia anche le prospettive più buie.
Il sangue, decide Edwina, è forte e ci trascina come la marea.
Edwina Spinner è una donna ormai anziana e sola. Un giorno tutto si fa più chiaro ai suoi occhi e nella sua mente si fa sempre più reale la decisione di mettere in vendita la casa a cui è tanto legata, così piena di ricordi tremendamente vividi e intensi.
Edwina si rende conto dei tanti disagi della casa, della manutenzione lasciata in sospeso e del disordine ma è sola e ogni giornata si sussegue più velocemente dell’altra.
È come se la casa le stesse dicendo di andarsene; il tempo assegnato a Edwina è scaduto, è il turno di qualcun altro. Questo posto ha bisogno di una mano più ferma di quella piena di macchie di vecchiaia che stringe il corrimano della ringhiera… la mia mano, si rende conto Edwina, la mia piccola, decrepita mano.
Quando accoglie in casa l’agente immobiliare, Edwina lo accompagna tra le stanze e simbolicamente compie un viaggio a ritroso nel tempo tra ricordi felici e tristi. Così, insieme alla protagonista, riviviamo i suoi ricordi, i suoi grandi amori e la sua famiglia tanto bella e unita quanto ora è distrutta.
Edwina si domanda cosa direbbe il giovane agente immobiliare se lei adesso si girasse e gli dicesse: «Ho vissuto in questa casa con un uomo che è morto all’improvviso su una spiaggia. Avevamo due bambini. Ho sposato un altro che aveva una moglie prima di me e un figlio che non sono mai riuscita ad amare. Questa casa è intrisa fino allo scheletro del nostro sangue, del nostro sudore, dell’amore, delle risate, dei tradimenti. Posso anche lasciarla, ma frammenti di me resteranno qui, il pavimento di legno sarà sempre fradicio delle mie lacrime. Potreste passarci l’aspirapolvere, ma non vi libererete mai completamente di noi. C’è il nostro DNA dappertutto..»
Jenny Eclair ha saputo creare un romanzo commovente e così coinvolgente che vi trasporterà lontano nei ricordi.
Ho apprezzato molto il suo stile delicato che sa accogliere e accompagnare il lettore lungo tutta la durata del romanzo.
Il romanzo è diviso in piccole parti anche se inizialmente sembra essere incentrato sulla figura di Edwina, ma poi la voce narrante diventerà Fern e poi Lucas e poi ancora Edwina – permettendo così al lettore di scoprire pagina dopo pagina tutte le verità nascoste.
Inoltre, mi piace come l’autrice abbia saputo adeguare il suo stile ai diversi tipi di narrazione passando da un’anziana signora a una giovane donna e poi ancora a un uomo adulto.
Edwina resta il mio personaggio preferito; è la protagonista indiscussa, la regina della casa e la donna grazie alla quale la famiglia è nata e vissuta. Il suo carattere combattivo, un po’ al vetriolo e allo stesso tempo pieno di amore mi ha conquistata.
Il guaio di essere una moglie e una madre, decide Edwina, è che senti come tuo dovere impedire che accada qualcosa di male alla tua famiglia, ma è un compito improbabile. Il destino è per sua natura capriccioso: nella vita le cose brutte arrivano da sé, e non è che se finisci nella merda una volta significa che non ci finirai più.
“Le stanze dei ricordi” è un romanzo in cui si intrecciano drammi, amore, segreti e ricordi; una storia dolce amara che mi ha trasmesso un po’ di tristezza condita con quell’immancabile e meravigliosa speranza che cambia anche le prospettive più buie.
Il sangue, decide Edwina, è forte e ci trascina come la marea.
February 22, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Jenny Eclair ... I’m interested now in reading more! What started as one story with what I thought was the main character ended up going off on a tangent with another.... I didn’t see that coming... but an intriguing story which weaves together the characters. Only thing I didn’t like was that two of the characters had similar names (doesn’t take much to confuse me!) and I felt there was a few loose ends.
January 2, 2021
Lost in the story
The book tell of the life's of Edwina as she proceed to sell her house, but found i got lost in the story when another character appeared and Edwina was put away in the back ground to appeared again at the sad ending
The book tell of the life's of Edwina as she proceed to sell her house, but found i got lost in the story when another character appeared and Edwina was put away in the back ground to appeared again at the sad ending
September 11, 2017
5 Sterne
Das Familiendrama las ich zusammen mit anderen Lesern in einer Lesejury Leserunde, die mir sehr viel Freude bereitet hat. Die Leserunde war sehr fair, kommunikativ und stimmig. Ich habe "Die Liebe, die uns bleibt" Mitte August begonnen zu lesen und bin - warum auch immer - von einer herzerwärmenden Familiengeschichte ausgegangen. Fehlalarm! Das Buch ist sehr viel mehr. Man sollte sich vom wunderschönen Buchcover nicht ablenken lassen, das zwar sehr gelungen und wunderschön ist, den Leser aber auch durchaus täuschen kann.
Ich stolperte zunächst über den Schreibstil, den ich erst ungewohnt und dann später grandios fand. Der Schreibstil ist, besonders in Edwinas Leseabschnitten, sehr melancholisch, ansonsten aber auch sehr locker und humorvoll. Das hat mich sehr beeindruckt, auch wenn ich denke, dass viele Leute Probleme damit haben werden.
Die Geschichte wird von drei verschiedenen Personen erzählt und offenbart Stück für Stück schreckliche Familiengeheimnisse. Und obwohl man ahnt, dass etwas Schlimmes passiert sein muss, ist man im Nachhinein nicht weniger überrascht. Dementsprechend kann ich sagen, dass ich "Die Liebe, die uns bleibt" keineswegs vorhersehbar fand. Aber da waren die Meinungen innerhalb der Leserunde doch recht unterschiedlich.
Ich war von den ersten Seiten an total begeistert und konnte es immer kaum erwarten, den nächsten Leseabschnitt zu lesen. Und immer, wenn man denkt, dass es schlimmer nicht werden kann, legt die Autorin noch eins drauf! Mit jedem Kapitel wird deutlich, was Edwina geprägt hat und warum sie das Haus, das sie so sehr liebte, verlassen muss.
Ich bin begeistert von dem Buch und unheimlich dankbar, es im Rahmen der Leserunde gelesen haben zu dürfen. Sonst wäre ich wohl nie auf das Buch aufmerksam geworden. Ihr müsst das Buch lesen! Ich habe bisher keine vergleichbare Geschichte gelesen.
Das Familiendrama las ich zusammen mit anderen Lesern in einer Lesejury Leserunde, die mir sehr viel Freude bereitet hat. Die Leserunde war sehr fair, kommunikativ und stimmig. Ich habe "Die Liebe, die uns bleibt" Mitte August begonnen zu lesen und bin - warum auch immer - von einer herzerwärmenden Familiengeschichte ausgegangen. Fehlalarm! Das Buch ist sehr viel mehr. Man sollte sich vom wunderschönen Buchcover nicht ablenken lassen, das zwar sehr gelungen und wunderschön ist, den Leser aber auch durchaus täuschen kann.
Ich stolperte zunächst über den Schreibstil, den ich erst ungewohnt und dann später grandios fand. Der Schreibstil ist, besonders in Edwinas Leseabschnitten, sehr melancholisch, ansonsten aber auch sehr locker und humorvoll. Das hat mich sehr beeindruckt, auch wenn ich denke, dass viele Leute Probleme damit haben werden.
Die Geschichte wird von drei verschiedenen Personen erzählt und offenbart Stück für Stück schreckliche Familiengeheimnisse. Und obwohl man ahnt, dass etwas Schlimmes passiert sein muss, ist man im Nachhinein nicht weniger überrascht. Dementsprechend kann ich sagen, dass ich "Die Liebe, die uns bleibt" keineswegs vorhersehbar fand. Aber da waren die Meinungen innerhalb der Leserunde doch recht unterschiedlich.
Ich war von den ersten Seiten an total begeistert und konnte es immer kaum erwarten, den nächsten Leseabschnitt zu lesen. Und immer, wenn man denkt, dass es schlimmer nicht werden kann, legt die Autorin noch eins drauf! Mit jedem Kapitel wird deutlich, was Edwina geprägt hat und warum sie das Haus, das sie so sehr liebte, verlassen muss.
Ich bin begeistert von dem Buch und unheimlich dankbar, es im Rahmen der Leserunde gelesen haben zu dürfen. Sonst wäre ich wohl nie auf das Buch aufmerksam geworden. Ihr müsst das Buch lesen! Ich habe bisher keine vergleichbare Geschichte gelesen.
November 5, 2025
http://www.hyperebaaktiivne.ee/2025/0...
Jenny Eclair "Mälestuste toad" räägib ühe perekonna käänulisest eluteest, mille tragöödiatele ja helgematele hetkedele heidavad valgust erinevate inimeste mälestused. Raamat ootas riiulis oma korda juba ammu ja tänu raamatuklubile jõudis see hetk mõni aeg tagasi kätte.
1957 - 2015, London/Manchester. Kenningtonis ühes vanas häärberis elab üksi vana naine. Maja on unarusse vajunud ning käib Edwinal ammu üle jõu. Ta on viimaks võtnud vastu raske otsuse kodu maha müüa. Kinnisvaraagendiga tube läbi käies meenutab naine möödunud aegu ja lähedasi, kes kord temaga koos seal elasid - esimene abikaasa, nende kaksikud, teine abikaasa ja kasupoeg. Ent erinevatel inimestel kipuvad olema erinevad mälestused. Nii saab pilt teise tooni, kui maja asunikke meenutavad noor neiu, kes 80-tel ülikooliteed alustas, või Edwina kasupoeg.
"Mälestuste toad" algab täpselt nii nagu pealkiri ja tagakaas reklaamivad - vana naine heietab tubadesse ja esemetesse kätkenud mälestusi. Ühel käel on mustuse vaaba all maja, mille läppunud õhk ja räpased pinnad eredalt kangastuvad, teisal kirkad minevikuhetked, rõõmuküllased või rusuvad. Just siis, kui meenutustest hakkab pilt kokku asetuma ning Edwina lugu täiesti endasse haarab, hüppab raamat järgmisesse vaatepunkti. Kusjuures esiti ei paista seniloetuga ühtki seost.
Paraku kogunenud sümpaatia ei laienenud uutele peategelastele. Nii Fern kui ka Lucas olid ärritavalt selgrootud ning mõni peatükk suisa tülgastav. Ma ei sallinud, kuidas kõrvalrollide täitjad jäid üdini pinnapealseks, näiteks tüdrukul nimega Elise oli ainult üks omadus - pidutsemine. Tõsi, erinevad vaatepunktid andsid värske pilgu, millega esialgset lugu vaadelda, keerasid kive ümber, kaevasid ussikesi välja ja täiendasid omalt poolt hädade nimekirja, mis aastakümnete jooksul õnnetule perekonnale omaks said - ootamatu surm, puudulik kasulapse-vanema dünaamika, diagnoosimata vaimsed probleemid, toitumishäired, uimastisõltuvus, lapse kaotus, seksuaalne ahistamine, sügav lein, kibestumus, üksindus jne.
Kõige muserdava otsa sobis suurepäraselt muinasjutuliselt helge lõppakord, kus võidutsevad armastus ja andestamine. Romaanist jäi mind siiski enim kütkestama algus - ajas rändamine, mööbli kirjeldused, mälestused, mida esemed endas kannavad.
Aitäh, Rahva Raamat, raamatu eest!
Jenny Eclair "Mälestuste toad" räägib ühe perekonna käänulisest eluteest, mille tragöödiatele ja helgematele hetkedele heidavad valgust erinevate inimeste mälestused. Raamat ootas riiulis oma korda juba ammu ja tänu raamatuklubile jõudis see hetk mõni aeg tagasi kätte.
1957 - 2015, London/Manchester. Kenningtonis ühes vanas häärberis elab üksi vana naine. Maja on unarusse vajunud ning käib Edwinal ammu üle jõu. Ta on viimaks võtnud vastu raske otsuse kodu maha müüa. Kinnisvaraagendiga tube läbi käies meenutab naine möödunud aegu ja lähedasi, kes kord temaga koos seal elasid - esimene abikaasa, nende kaksikud, teine abikaasa ja kasupoeg. Ent erinevatel inimestel kipuvad olema erinevad mälestused. Nii saab pilt teise tooni, kui maja asunikke meenutavad noor neiu, kes 80-tel ülikooliteed alustas, või Edwina kasupoeg.
"Mälestuste toad" algab täpselt nii nagu pealkiri ja tagakaas reklaamivad - vana naine heietab tubadesse ja esemetesse kätkenud mälestusi. Ühel käel on mustuse vaaba all maja, mille läppunud õhk ja räpased pinnad eredalt kangastuvad, teisal kirkad minevikuhetked, rõõmuküllased või rusuvad. Just siis, kui meenutustest hakkab pilt kokku asetuma ning Edwina lugu täiesti endasse haarab, hüppab raamat järgmisesse vaatepunkti. Kusjuures esiti ei paista seniloetuga ühtki seost.
Paraku kogunenud sümpaatia ei laienenud uutele peategelastele. Nii Fern kui ka Lucas olid ärritavalt selgrootud ning mõni peatükk suisa tülgastav. Ma ei sallinud, kuidas kõrvalrollide täitjad jäid üdini pinnapealseks, näiteks tüdrukul nimega Elise oli ainult üks omadus - pidutsemine. Tõsi, erinevad vaatepunktid andsid värske pilgu, millega esialgset lugu vaadelda, keerasid kive ümber, kaevasid ussikesi välja ja täiendasid omalt poolt hädade nimekirja, mis aastakümnete jooksul õnnetule perekonnale omaks said - ootamatu surm, puudulik kasulapse-vanema dünaamika, diagnoosimata vaimsed probleemid, toitumishäired, uimastisõltuvus, lapse kaotus, seksuaalne ahistamine, sügav lein, kibestumus, üksindus jne.
Kõige muserdava otsa sobis suurepäraselt muinasjutuliselt helge lõppakord, kus võidutsevad armastus ja andestamine. Romaanist jäi mind siiski enim kütkestama algus - ajas rändamine, mööbli kirjeldused, mälestused, mida esemed endas kannavad.
Aitäh, Rahva Raamat, raamatu eest!
June 23, 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable read, looking back over the twists and turns of a dysfunctional family. The methods used to tell the story were very clever - one part coming together as an elderly lady shows an estate agent around her home with different items and rooms triggering memories and another part doing the same but with the character looking through a photo album - it was surprisingly well structured. I'll definitely read more Jenni Eclair novels after this.
September 23, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this book written by the comedian Jenny Eclair. I expected it to be a bit silly but it's a melancholy novel which starts with Edwina who is selling the house she has lived in for over 50 years. We learn from Edwina's point of view how she became a widower at a young age after having twins and she married again and became a stepmother and the troubles that came from this. The story is then also told from the point of view of the stepchild and an acquaintance of both families.
The events described in the story are sad, but the characters are well written and I felt for them all.
The events described in the story are sad, but the characters are well written and I felt for them all.
February 23, 2025
Amazing!!!!
I had all the emotions - the 1980s were flamboyant and in my face - I felt I was back there - time travelling through the pages.
Ate up all the chapters but also didn’t want it to end!!!!
I had all the emotions - the 1980s were flamboyant and in my face - I felt I was back there - time travelling through the pages.
Ate up all the chapters but also didn’t want it to end!!!!
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