Swimming Pool Sunday

by Madeleine Wickham

One shimmeringly hot Sunday in May, the Delaneys open their pool to the whole village for charity. Louise is there with her daughters, and while the children splash and shriek in the cool blue waters, she basks in the sunshine, attempting to ignore her estranged husband and dreaming of the new man in her life, a charismatic lawyer. The day seems perfect.

Then a sudden and shocking accident changes everyone's lives forever. Recriminations start to fly. Whose fault was it? Louise's new lover insists that she sues the Delaneys. Her ex-husband isn't so sure. Opinion in the village is split. Old friendships start to crumble. New ones are formed. Will the repercussions from the accident ever end?

'A fine entertainment' The Times

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Adult, Drama

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Madeleine Wickham (born 12 December 1969) was a bestselling British author under her pseudonym, Sophie Kinsella. Educated at New College, Oxford, she worked as a financial journalist before turning to fiction. She is best known for writing a popular series of chick-lit novels. The Shopaholic novels series focuses on the misadventures of Becky Bloomwood, a financial journalist who cannot manage her own finances. The books follows her life from when her credit card debt first become overwhelming ("The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic") to the latest book on being married and having a child ("Shopaholic & Baby"). Throughout the entire series, her obsession with shopping and the complications that imparts on her life are central themes.

Gemma Townley is her sister.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/madele...

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy sunbed read. I don't think this will prove memorable but the reading experience of it was fine.

Three stars.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not a perfectly constructed story, but is was a surprisingly good read. It's a pre-Shopaholic novel written under her real name, and when I saw it on my e-book library site, I knew I had to read it.

MW beautifully captures the undercurrent of this small village near London. It's the story of two families who are both touched by tragedy. The Delaneys, Ursula and Hugh, have lost their younger son and are still grieving his death. His widow Meredith is living with them and has truly become their daughter. The Kembers, Louise and Barnaby, are a younger couple who are going through a marital crisis. Their younger daughter Katie has an accident at a charity party hosted by their acquaintances, the Delaneys. This sets up the central conflict of the story.

Louise and Barnaby are manipulated into a lawsuit against the Delaneys. This highlights and exacerbates the existing conflicts and miscommunications within their marriage. Fueled by gossip and rumors, the villagers are drawn into this tension and end up taking sides. Cassian, definitely the villain of the piece, has ulterior motives. His relationship with Louise has been noticed by the village, has caused the rupture with Barnaby; and he is now taking advantage of Louise's vulnerability.

It's a very ambitious story. I wish some of the other characters and plot lines were more fully developed. For instance, the Delaneys also have a family friend, Alexis who represents them in the lawsuit, but does not really seem to do much in the case. He is also the object of Meredith's interest but this relationship is never acknowledged. Instead he ends up in a romantic relationship with a young concert pianist with her own issues. Frances Mold, the vicar's wife acts as a kind of counselor and mediator, but again she is left out there. I don't know if their stories are picked up in other books, but the atmosphere created here is nicely done. I will definitely be reading more of these as they become available.

[Heather Porter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Love Sophie Kinsella, hated this book. There was a whole sub-plot that had nothing to do with the book. Some major events were completely glossed over, and I really had no sympathy for the main characters.

[Rea Cobb · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of all books by Sophie Kinsella. I have read every one of her books on more than one occasion. I was getting a little tired and impatient of waiting for her to release another book so I decided to visit her website to see if there was any information as to when she is due to release another book and what I found out to my surprise is that she writes under two names Sophie Kinsella and her real name Madeleine Wickham. I have now slowly started making my way through the books by Madeleine Wickham and I loved Sleeping Arrangements and Wedding Girl and have now picked up Swimming Pool Sunday to read.

The books written under Madeleine Wickham are a completely different style of book compared to Sophie Kinsella books. I think they feel more mature and more of a believable storyline but they do not hold the humour factor which the books by Sophie Kinsella have. Having said this I still have enjoyed both styles of books.

***PLOT***

Louise and Barnaby Kenmber have recently split up. Their two children Katie and Amelia still live at home with mummy Louise and Barnaby comes to see the girls once a week. When he arrives to take the girls fishing the girls do not want to go as it is the same day that Ursula and Hugh Delaney open up their swimming pool for all of the village to come for the day to raise money for charity. Although Barnaby is not happy about this it is what the girls want to do so they all head off to the Delaney's.

As the day begins to draw to an end Barnaby expresses his anger to Louise about not being able to spend enough time with the girls and it is whilst this happens that Katie has an accident and is rushed to hospital in a coma fighting for her life.

The new love of Louise's life is Cassian who works as a lawyer and he insists straight away the best thing to do for Katie's sake is to sue the Delaney's for the accident. Trouble is the Delaney's and the Kenmber's are friends and have had enough tragedy in their lives. Will Katie be ok and will the Kenmber's decide to take their friends to court?

** My Opinion**

As i mentioned this is a different style of writing compared to Sophie Kinsella books. There is no humour in this book at all. Aside from the plot I mentioned above there was also a side storyline about an older man Alexis who is friends with the Delaneys, who begins to have a relationship with 18 year old Daisy who has just moved to the village. I didn't really feel this fit into the book. I would have much preferred if they took the side storyline back into the relationship with Louise and Barnaby before they split so we could get to know their characters a little more.

I don't feel as though we was given enough connection with Louise she came across as quite a cold character so I didn't connect to her and feel the emotion we should feel for this lady who could be losing her daughter.
Before the accident the two sisters Katie and Amelia had such a close bond so Katie's accident must have affected Amelia in a big way this was slightly touched upon and I enjoyed this part of the book but I do think this could have been used a little more.

This book in my opinion is not a challenging read and the storyline slowly paces along. I do feel that this is a book which will be forgotten about in a few weeks as there was nothing shining about this book. Unfortunately this book is not in the same league as the previous Madeleine Wickham books or Sophie Kinsella books. It will not be a book which I shall read again and also not one which I would recommend in a hurry.

Alos on my blog http://reabookreview.blogspot.com/

[Love Fool · Rating 3 out of 5]

If Goodreads would let me I would give this a 3.5 rating.

One shimmeringly hot Sunday in May, the Delaneys open their pool to the whole village for charity. Louise is there with her daughters, and while the children splash and shriek in the cool blue waters, she basks in the sunshine, attempting to ignore her estranged husband and dreaming of the new man in her life, a charismatic lawyer. The day seems perfect.

Then a sudden and shocking accident changes everyone's lives forever.

I had my doubts about this based on the ratings and reviews but being a Sophie Kinsella fan and crazy, no matter what, I was determined to read all of her books.

This was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. It was a story of fear, betrayal, and greed and I liked it.

[Carole Fortenberry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am torn on this book. This book is not like any Madeleine Wickham AKA Sophie Kinsella book I've read. To me it was a hard read, very slow and not her normal fun style. I've read all her books and they have the same feel. This one is different.

[Nataliec7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based around a family - the Kempers. The parents Barnaby and Louise have recently seperated and Louise has started seeing another man - a lawyer- Cassian. The Kempers have 2 children Amelia and Katie who live with their mother.
On a hot Sunday afternoon, the Delaneys host a pool party for the village to raise money for charity. One of the children are injured in the pool and this starts a long complicated story with the Kempers deciding to sue the Delaneys who are actually thier friends.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The story line was easy to follow without being too predictable. It portrays how friends and families are changed when something like this happen. I felt for Louise, who gets caught up with her relationship with Cassian and the legal battle and then feels unable to tell anyone how she really feels about what is happening. Poor Amelia, she gets left out as the family focus mainly on Katie as she is unwell in hospital. This is a slight insight to how a sibling of an unwell child feels and how they can be left out against the parents best intentions. Daisy, a young girl plays a small part in this book and she is a likable character, young and naive. Alexis' role in all of it is also intersting ad grew to like him by the end of the book.
Another great Kinsella book. A good read, insightful and interesting.

[-A · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm conflicted about this book - on one hand I loved it but on the other hand I hated and was irritated by it.

I found myself hating so many of the main characters for being stupid and naive but this is how it happens in life sometimes.
Louise irritated me, Ursula irritated me....

The only character I loved and wanted to know all about was Meredith. She seemed as the only sane and real person.

I love all the other Madeleine Wickham's book as Sophie Kinsella but i wouldn't recommend this one to anyone, unless you want to read a book about how one person by having good looks and pretending to like you can manipulate you and estrange you from your friends (the whole Louise and Cassian story line).

[Britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book...I didn't expect the story line from the summary for some reason. But it was definitely different. The only complaint I would have, is that the writer would glaze over the most anticipated parts. Like she would build up to this moment, and then end the chapter. Then we wouldn't get to be there in the story when it actually happened. We'd hear a bit about it retrospectively or a rumor about it from someone else. Still love this writer though! Her writing keeps me captivated and turning pages even if its a plot that I probably would not choose to read about.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Madeline Wickman, and I found it to be very different from her Sophie Kinsella books. While Sophie Kinsella's books are hilariously entertaining, this one was surprisingly serious. The book is about a pool accident, and poses these questions throughout: In the event of an accident, should you sue? How are the parties' lives be affected by the lawsuit? How would you feel if the parties you're suing were your friends?

[Pari · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was... Meh. I love Sophie, I love her writing as Madeleine, but this book ranks second last, among the four books of hers that I've read. Better than Sleeping Arrangements.
I love Barnaby, Alexis, Meredith. Hated Cassian. Loved his name but hated him.

[Lauren Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The facts of this case, as I understand them, are that your daughter was injured in a swimming pool accident, and you would like to sue the owners of the swimming pool. Is that it?"(225)

I think this book had a great idea, but had way too many plots happening at once. I wish the ending was a lot longer. I enjoyed the character development.

This book was a medium read, as I read it in about 3 days!

I would recommend this book to anyone into dramas!

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me cry but got me out of slump

[Indira Leenaert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het begon goed maar dan was ik even de draad kwijt..
Ik kon geen band opbouwen met de personages..
De andere kant was het ook niet helemaal verkeerd.
Ik hou een dubbel gevoel over aan dit boek

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this retelling of Dickens’ Bleak House Wickham really has it in for lawyers and law suits. Although not as perfectly integrated as say Clueless, Wickham does a nice job with a familiar and classic storyline. In case you doubt the connection:
Jarndice= the Delanays
Esther Summerson = Meredith
Lady Deadlock = Sylvia
Tulkinghorn = Cassion
Richard Carstone = the Kembers
Ada Clare = Daisy
Plus I know there are characters I’m forgetting because I haven’t read Bleak House in a long time.

I’m glad I read this after the disappointment of the last Sophie Kinsella, Surprise Me. I’ve always liked Wickham just as well, although she isn’t as funny. Here she displays some subtle humor and a great deal of warmth. I really liked it, so I’m going up from three stars to four.

[AJ Flamingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

KINSELLA DOES IT AGAIN!

Is there any end to Sophie Kinsella’s storytelling abilities? She weaves subplots and evokes varied emotions with grace and wit. I also get a kick out of her uniquely British language. It brings me back to her every time. I can’t say I’m a big fan of “Women’s Fiction,” or less kindly referred to as Chick Lit but I appreciate a story that takes me out of myself if only for a few hours...

[Debra K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie Kinsella is a firm favourite for me, having loved most of her novels and enjoy both her style of writing and her sense of humour.  I had gone along for many years thinking that I had read most of her novels but then discovered in the past year or two that she had also written some novels, quite some time ago, under a pen name.  I knew that I had to give them a go.

I am not sure why she chose a pen name for this particular novel because it seems similar to her 'main' novels, the only difference I can see is that this has a cast of characters rather than a certain number of them and the sense of humor that I love in her main novels was missing from this. 

I really wanted to like this novel but, honestly, this was an OK story for me.  I enjoyed following the story and seeing what would happen after the accident but I didn't connect with any of the characters, so, honestly, wasn't really bothered one way or another what happened (except for the children, which I did feel sorry for...).   If this novel had a dose of the well known Kinsella sense of humour then maybe I would have enjoyed it more than I did.  

That said, this is not going to stop me from picking up the other novels written under this pen name because I am certainly intrigued to see what I think of them.

 

 

[Sarri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kaksi tähteä ihan luettavalle "aikuisten" romaanille, joka on aivan eri tyyliä kuin Sophie Kinsellan muut romaanit. Tämä on kirjoitettu ennen kuin Kinsella saavutti suuren suosion huumoripitoisilla kirjoillaan. Kirjan perusvire oli hyvin surumielinen ja juonikin oli aika ankea. Eronneen pariskunnan isä käy kerran viikossa katsomassa lapsiaan ja juonen alussa isän piti viedä lapset kalastamaan. Harmiksi kuitenkin naapuri järjestää samana päivänä uima-allastapahtuman, jossa lapset haluaisivat mieluummin hellepäivänä olla. Uima-altaalla tapahtuu kuitenkin onnettomuus, jonka seurauksena lapsi saa vakavan aivovamman, naapurusten suhteet tulehtumvat, tyttöjen äidin uusi lakimiespoikaystävä näkee huimat korvaussummat ja ylenemisen töissä sekä kylän ihmiset joutuvat valitsemaan puolensa.

Ihmissuhteita, lakiasiajuttuja, englantilaista pikkukyläelämää, nyksää ja eksää, kyläjuoruja sekä vanhempien epätoivoa lapsen toipuessa tapaturmasta. Kaikkea tätä, eikä häivähdystäkään mistään slapstickhuumorista. Vähän oli vaikea pureksia, kun en näin vakavaa kirjaa odottanut. Ilman ennakko-odotuksia olisin ehkä antanut yhden tähden enemmän.

[Carla Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book many years ago, and remembered enjoying it very much, though, inexplicably, I didn't seem to own a copy.

It is always interesting to see how well a novel stands up to re-reading, especially years later, when both world and reader have moved on. I was not disappointed. The story is realistic and well-constructed, and inches the reader forward towards a conclusion that can only ever be a relief.
My only possible criticism is that the ending is perhaps a little too happy-ever-after - how would it have ended if Katy had not had a 'miraculous' recovery? What would have happened to Hugh and Ursula then?
But that is the nature of fiction - this was the only ending we could ever have wanted, so I guess we will never know.

[Natalie Seymour · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good book, but completely different from “Sophie Kinsella” in terms of content. I have read almost all of this authors books under her pseudonym Sophie Kinsella and they are very light hearted, fun, easy going and very funny. Under her original name, she takes on a different tack and becomes more serious with her story lines. The reading style is the same, very easy and not to intense, but the content has changed. I really enjoyed the change and the story itself is good. I felt it was a little rushed at the end, and it was very predictable. But I would definitely recommend as a quick and easy read. I will definitely try more of these novels under this name.

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published: 01/05/1997
Author: Madeleine Wickham
Recommended for: fans of chick lit

I really enjoy the series of books by Madeleine Wickham (Sophie Kinsella), these are the kind of books that you can easy get caught up in and loose trck of time. This book features the Delaney's (Hugh and Ursula) and the Kembler's ( Louise, Katie and Amelia) they are really wonderful characters who you will find very likeable and easy to get along with. This is a story full of fear, betrayal and greed. A really really good 'chick lit' book and a must read for fans of Sophie Kinsella.

[Lydia Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love all books by Sophie Kinsella and decided to give her Madeline Wickham series a read. I was really disappointed with the book as a whole. I found it really confusing as it jumped around lots of different characters in the book. I also didn't find the storyline very gripping and actually couldn't wait to finish! (never thought I would say that about any of her books). I just hope that the rest of the series is good as i bought the box set!

[Jemima Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this easy read and finished in just a couple of sittings. It’s quite similar to The Slap; a contrived psychological study of the reactions of a close group of people to an unpleasant situation which developed from an accident. The characters are stereotypical and the familiar happy ending is never far from view but I didn’t expect anything else. Worth picking up for the humour of human interactions.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would give this book 3 and half stars if I could. 3 doesn't seem enough but 4 too many.
This is a story about the effects an accident can have on a family and friends. The story was good but just found that at times some of the characters annoyed me. But having said that it is the sign of a good book when it makes you feel any kind of emotion.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read but enjoyable even though maybe not the most cheerful of stories!

[Mirelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Te langdradig en er gebeurt ontzettend weinig... eenmaal een stuk over de helft overgestapt naar de laatste twee hoofdstukken om te weten hoe het afloopt.

[Pam Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed more than expected and prefer the author writing under this name rather than the shopaholic series.

[Dinushka J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a bit predictable but good for an easy read

[Julie Ambani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: Mr and Mrs Delaney have a long standing tradition of opening their pool to all of the village for charity. On one scorching hot Sunday, Louise Kemper finds herself at the Delaney’s pool with her daughters, Amelia and Katie, as well as her enstranged husband, Barnaby. Barnaby is not happy, given the conditions he has found himself there in. It was supposed to be his day with the girls but it seems Loise got her way once again. As the children have their time of their lives swimming in the cool pool waters, Louise basks in the sun and avoids her neighbors who all secretly judge her for her decisions. With a sudden twist of events, tragedy strikes. Her bliss in the sun is shattered. The consequences of the accident leads to an ongoing series of drama, blame, betrayals, jealousy, power plays, oppositions and recriminations. A dangerous contest of the grown-ups in the village ensues, highlighting how far people can go to defend what they think is right.

What was interesting about this book was the clear portrayal of how people exist within communities. When the Kempers’ household is struck with tragedy, they move to operate emotionally rather than logically. As the saying goes, love can make one do crazy things. And what’s stronger than a mother’s love for her child? Many a times as I read this book, I tried to put myself in Louisa’s shoes. What would I do if my child ended up in a coma? How would I react? Who would I blame? Would I be justified in my reasoning ? Well, to be honest I don’t think Louisa was justified but then again, I don’t have children. I am not sure if my sentiments would remain the same if I was a parent to a young angel who’s life as she knows it is suddenly cut short.

I felt that the book got better towards the end, then left us hanging. This is my one complaint about this book. I would have loved to find out more about what happened to the Kempers and the Delaneys. How did they coexist in the same neighborhood afterwards ? What happened to Daisy’s controversial relationship with Alexis? How did the villagers make up for jumping the gun and going against the Delaneys who have been part of the society for such a long time? The book’s ending leaves a lot of unanswered questions that would have made it more interesting in my opinion.

Nevertheless, I was intrigued with the unfolding drama in this society that I finished this book in one seating. (That and the fact that we did not have power for almost 5 hours that specific Sunday 🤦🏽). With every turn of the page I had to resist the urge of turning to the last page to find out what happens to everyone at the end because the curiosity was well built.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants some light drama to entertain them. I hope you enjoy it.

[Valentina Trimigno · Rating 2 out of 5]

Questo è l'ultimo libro scritto come Madeleine Wickham che mi mancava da leggere e conferma il trend: la narrazione non ha un tono e non accompagna la storia, i personaggi non hanno contesto, spessore, non sono coerenti.
Il rapporto tra Barnaby e Louise è incomprensibile sulle basi date: i motivi per cui si sono lasciati vengono presentati in due pagine e mai più approfonditi, non corrispondendo poi a come si comportano nel momento in cui la storia narrata si svolge. La relazione tra due personaggi secondari occupa uno spazio insensato, non c'entra con la storia principale e coinvolge anche un terzo personaggio senza alcun motivo (personaggio a cui, tra l'altro, è riservato un incomprensibile finale tronco). In generale, ancora una volta sembra che le azioni dei personaggi non abbiano senso, cambiano idea in tre frasi e ci sono momenti esagerati che non hanno senso di esistere (vedi la fervente religiosa che torchia una bambina di 8 anni perché giudica sua madre, boh).
La storia è seria, ma non trovo corrispondenza con il tono e lo stile di scrittura; non è un libro divertente né drammatico, non emoziona né alleggerisce, quindi sono rimasta estremamente confusa. L'unica riflessione suscitata - su come un incidente e un bambino malato influenzi il rapporto tra i genitori e l'altro figlio - è stata un pensiero mio, non spinto dalla narrazione, anche perché non viene mai più ripreso come argomento. I finali sempre improvvisi e senza conseguenze che ho riscontrato nella maggior parte dei libri firmati Wickham contribuiscono al senso generale di irrisolutezza; tutto vago, non intrattiene e non emoziona. Sono riuscita a portare la lettura a conclusione, e anche piuttosto in fretta, solo per la non complessità della scrittura.