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Pieces of Happiness
A novel of five lifelong friends who, in their sixties, decide to live together on a cocoa farm in Fiji, where they not only start a chocolate business but strengthen their friendships and rediscover themselves.
"I've planted my feet on Fijian earth and I intend to stay here until the last sunset. Why don't you join me? Leave behind everything that didn't work out!"
When Sina, Maya, Ingrid, and Lisbeth each receive a letter in the mail posing the same question, the answer is obvious. Their old high school friend Kat--Kat the adventurer, Kat who ran away to the South Pacific as soon as they graduated--has extended the invitation of a lifetime: Come live with me on my cocoa farm in Fiji. Come spend the days eating chocolate and gabbing like teenagers once again, free from men, worries, and cold. Come grow old in paradise, together, as sisters. Who could say no?
Now in their sixties, the friends have all but resigned themselves to the cards they've been dealt. There's Sina, a single mom with financial woes; gentle Maya who feels the world slipping away from her; Ingrid, the perennial loner; Lisbeth, a woman with a seemingly picture-perfect life; and then Kat, who is recently widowed. As they adjust to their new lives together, the friends are watched over by Ateca, Kat's longtime housekeeper, who oftentimes knows the women better than they know themselves and recognizes them for what they are: like "a necklace made of shells: from the same beach but all of them different." Surrounded by an azure-blue ocean, cocoa trees, and a local culture that is fascinatingly, joyfully alien, the friends find a new purpose in starting a business making chocolate: bittersweet, succulent pieces of happiness.
A story of love, hope, and chocolate, Pieces Of Happiness will reaffirm your faith in friendship, second chances, and the importance of indulging one's sweet tooth.
"I've planted my feet on Fijian earth and I intend to stay here until the last sunset. Why don't you join me? Leave behind everything that didn't work out!"
When Sina, Maya, Ingrid, and Lisbeth each receive a letter in the mail posing the same question, the answer is obvious. Their old high school friend Kat--Kat the adventurer, Kat who ran away to the South Pacific as soon as they graduated--has extended the invitation of a lifetime: Come live with me on my cocoa farm in Fiji. Come spend the days eating chocolate and gabbing like teenagers once again, free from men, worries, and cold. Come grow old in paradise, together, as sisters. Who could say no?
Now in their sixties, the friends have all but resigned themselves to the cards they've been dealt. There's Sina, a single mom with financial woes; gentle Maya who feels the world slipping away from her; Ingrid, the perennial loner; Lisbeth, a woman with a seemingly picture-perfect life; and then Kat, who is recently widowed. As they adjust to their new lives together, the friends are watched over by Ateca, Kat's longtime housekeeper, who oftentimes knows the women better than they know themselves and recognizes them for what they are: like "a necklace made of shells: from the same beach but all of them different." Surrounded by an azure-blue ocean, cocoa trees, and a local culture that is fascinatingly, joyfully alien, the friends find a new purpose in starting a business making chocolate: bittersweet, succulent pieces of happiness.
A story of love, hope, and chocolate, Pieces Of Happiness will reaffirm your faith in friendship, second chances, and the importance of indulging one's sweet tooth.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
273 people are currently reading
3178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
June 6, 2018
This had all the hallmarks of something I'd love: female friendship, life after 60, living abroad, reinvention, Fiji. But, man, I did not enjoy this at all.
I realize a lot of my problems come from cultural differences; I'm entrenched in American thoughts and know little to nothing of Norwegian ways of thinking. That doesn't make me feel any less critical, though.
It started out ok with the introduction of some trite characters: Five Norwegian friends from high school - Kat, the bold, adventurous one; Lisbeth, the vain, egocentric one; Sina, the impoverished, judgey one; Ingrid, the stable, dependable one; and Maya, the one on the outskirts who has her life all planned out - come together again in their retirement years to live on Kat's Fijian cocoa plantation. Kat's husband has died and she figures she'll bring her friends together to live out their golden years in the sun and sand. Sina, still impoverished and now with a grown son who is a mooch, just goes. She can't afford it, she has no reason to go, but she arrives in Fiji first. Lisbeth is tired of her life and figures a vacation is in order. Ingrid shocks her entire family by doing something so daring and risky, though Ingrid is also the only one of the group who stayed friends with Kat and visited her all across the globe during the intervening years. And Maya has a debilitating disease and is sent by her daughter to enjoy a tropical end of life experience. That's a spoiler but it's not. It takes forever to get to the part in the book that explains Maya's disease but you know from the first conversation about her that she's not returning to Norway alive.
I thought it would be an enjoyable, solid three-star read.
However, I couldn't get a grasp on these characters. Like, who would want to go live with people they haven't seen in 40+ years? I am still close to two friends from high school; other than those two, I would not even spend a weekend in a tropical getaway with my former high school pals. I don't know them at all anymore, despite Facebook's best efforts. Ingrid's visit makes sense. The others? Not so much.
I knew which character was which because I was told but I couldn't always differentiate between them. Like, if someone was fussing over her looks, the character in question was Lisbeth. If someone was being sullen and rude, the character in question was Sina. But if the characters weren't doing their trademark thing, I had no idea who they were. Similarly, I understood the explanations of why they were behaving the way they behaved but I didn't feel their characters were shaped by anything other than stereotypes.
Speaking of, in addition to traveling the story through these characters' points of view, we also get the prayers of Ateca (pronounced, apparently, "Altetha") She's Fijian and her skin color is very carefully never touched upon. She's Kat's housekeeper and she prays for the white ladies of the house all the time. All she thinks about is their well-being or their misconduct and how Lord can lead them back to their rightful paths. Sometimes she worries about her son; he needs to get a job so he can find a wife and have children but he's usually an afterthought. The white women always come first in her prayers.
Also, there's a magical, wise little girl, the "Star from the sea" named Mariah. She appears when needed. She has deep wisdom for her young years. She knows things. And she has coppery brown curls.
Add to that: refusal to acknowledge sexual coercion and rape, vaguely referencing female health issues, romanticizing Pacific Island culture, skirting end-of-life realities.
Everything goes pretty much as you've probably already guessed and the story is wrapped up tidily.
This would be a phenomenal Hallmark Original movie.
I really did not like it at all.
Maybe this would have been better with a different narrator? Jilly Bond is English and while she's a fine reader, in general, I think a native Norwegian-speaker would have added back some of the original nuance of the story that got lost in translation. Similarly, someone from Fiji probably should have read Ateca's prayers. I don't know how close Bond's accent was but someone from that area would have done better.
Recommended for fans of Celine and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel though not for fans of "Calendar Girls" or anything like that.
I realize a lot of my problems come from cultural differences; I'm entrenched in American thoughts and know little to nothing of Norwegian ways of thinking. That doesn't make me feel any less critical, though.
It started out ok with the introduction of some trite characters: Five Norwegian friends from high school - Kat, the bold, adventurous one; Lisbeth, the vain, egocentric one; Sina, the impoverished, judgey one; Ingrid, the stable, dependable one; and Maya, the one on the outskirts who has her life all planned out - come together again in their retirement years to live on Kat's Fijian cocoa plantation. Kat's husband has died and she figures she'll bring her friends together to live out their golden years in the sun and sand. Sina, still impoverished and now with a grown son who is a mooch, just goes. She can't afford it, she has no reason to go, but she arrives in Fiji first. Lisbeth is tired of her life and figures a vacation is in order. Ingrid shocks her entire family by doing something so daring and risky, though Ingrid is also the only one of the group who stayed friends with Kat and visited her all across the globe during the intervening years. And Maya has a debilitating disease and is sent by her daughter to enjoy a tropical end of life experience. That's a spoiler but it's not. It takes forever to get to the part in the book that explains Maya's disease but you know from the first conversation about her that she's not returning to Norway alive.
I thought it would be an enjoyable, solid three-star read.
However, I couldn't get a grasp on these characters. Like, who would want to go live with people they haven't seen in 40+ years? I am still close to two friends from high school; other than those two, I would not even spend a weekend in a tropical getaway with my former high school pals. I don't know them at all anymore, despite Facebook's best efforts. Ingrid's visit makes sense. The others? Not so much.
I knew which character was which because I was told but I couldn't always differentiate between them. Like, if someone was fussing over her looks, the character in question was Lisbeth. If someone was being sullen and rude, the character in question was Sina. But if the characters weren't doing their trademark thing, I had no idea who they were. Similarly, I understood the explanations of why they were behaving the way they behaved but I didn't feel their characters were shaped by anything other than stereotypes.
Speaking of, in addition to traveling the story through these characters' points of view, we also get the prayers of Ateca (pronounced, apparently, "Altetha") She's Fijian and her skin color is very carefully never touched upon. She's Kat's housekeeper and she prays for the white ladies of the house all the time. All she thinks about is their well-being or their misconduct and how Lord can lead them back to their rightful paths. Sometimes she worries about her son; he needs to get a job so he can find a wife and have children but he's usually an afterthought. The white women always come first in her prayers.
Also, there's a magical, wise little girl, the "Star from the sea" named Mariah. She appears when needed. She has deep wisdom for her young years. She knows things. And she has coppery brown curls.
Add to that: refusal to acknowledge sexual coercion and rape, vaguely referencing female health issues, romanticizing Pacific Island culture, skirting end-of-life realities.
Everything goes pretty much as you've probably already guessed and the story is wrapped up tidily.
This would be a phenomenal Hallmark Original movie.
I really did not like it at all.
Maybe this would have been better with a different narrator? Jilly Bond is English and while she's a fine reader, in general, I think a native Norwegian-speaker would have added back some of the original nuance of the story that got lost in translation. Similarly, someone from Fiji probably should have read Ateca's prayers. I don't know how close Bond's accent was but someone from that area would have done better.
Recommended for fans of Celine and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel though not for fans of "Calendar Girls" or anything like that.
September 1, 2017
This is a beachy read of five women from Norway who take their sixth friend up on her offer to join her on her cocoa plantation in Fiji following the death of her husband. Each woman has her own challenges and is looking for a change. It was nice to see women in a post-family role, focusing on self and letting loose a bit. The chapters change point of view between women but also alternate with the prayers of the woman working for Kat, ending with "Emeni." While there is some interaction with the local population, let's be honest, this is a white person novel. Fijians are the helpers, the guides, the people with the connection to the land. I picture a cast starring Helen Mirren, adding to the films of women of a certain age claiming their lives.
Still, the rotating POVs serve to provide a lot of depth into each woman's lives, and I found myself caring for each of them by the end of the novel. And it's hard to hate a novel about chocolate!
Thanks to the publisher for providing access through this title through NetGalley.
Still, the rotating POVs serve to provide a lot of depth into each woman's lives, and I found myself caring for each of them by the end of the novel. And it's hard to hate a novel about chocolate!
Thanks to the publisher for providing access through this title through NetGalley.
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July 26, 2017A rare book featuring old women--in fact, they are all exactly my age. One of them has settled on a cocoa farm in Fiji, and invites her high school besties to dare to drop everything and join her. One's divorced, one was never married, another still married but we find out what kind of marriage it's been; and one has Alzheimer's, something I ordinarily do not want to read about in fiction (cancer is another fictional turnoff for me) but it was so beautifully handled here I read on with scarcely a hitch.
As these women get used to life in Fiji, and to living with one another, the alternating chapters are punctuated by internal prayers by a local woman who is taking care of them, Atheca, one of the best characters in the book.
Old hurts are reviewed, some are uncovered. Understanding, forgiveness, and hope are strong elements here, even though some subjects are thorny ones: disappointing children who are now middle-aged failures, financial desperation, rape. Juxtaposed against these are sudden belly-laughs, many of them described in such poetic terms they almost edge into ridiculousness--which might be the intent.
I especially appreciated the respect paid to Fiji's culture, in particular the locals' tolerant view of these fish-out-of-water Europeans with their odd cultural baggage.
Altogether a generous, warm, loving read.
Copy provided by NetGalley
As these women get used to life in Fiji, and to living with one another, the alternating chapters are punctuated by internal prayers by a local woman who is taking care of them, Atheca, one of the best characters in the book.
Old hurts are reviewed, some are uncovered. Understanding, forgiveness, and hope are strong elements here, even though some subjects are thorny ones: disappointing children who are now middle-aged failures, financial desperation, rape. Juxtaposed against these are sudden belly-laughs, many of them described in such poetic terms they almost edge into ridiculousness--which might be the intent.
I especially appreciated the respect paid to Fiji's culture, in particular the locals' tolerant view of these fish-out-of-water Europeans with their odd cultural baggage.
Altogether a generous, warm, loving read.
Copy provided by NetGalley
July 30, 2017
A lovely story of the long-standing friendship between five elderly women from Norway. Six years ago, Katrine Vale and her husband Niklas bought a cocoa plantation in Fiji but Niklas has recently passed away and Kat invites her four old high school friends to come join her in Fiji, offering each a chance to reinvent their lives in the beautiful island setting--and all four take her up on the offer.
"Five fingers on a hand, five women in a house."
There's Sina Guttormsen, a single mother who has always worked for the Hoie Building Supplies Company. Her son Armand, who is almost fifty, has yet to 'find' himself and sponges off his mother so she's always broke.
And Lisbeth Karlsen Hoie, the wife of the wealthy owner of Hoie Building Supplies, who has gotten everything she has through her good looks which are now fading. How does a woman like that cope with growing older...and with an unfaithful jerk of a husband?
And Ingrid Hagen, the reliable, hard-working chief accountant at the County Bus Service who feels she hasn't loved enough. Can she take a chance and let her wilder alter-ego show herself?
And Maya, a widow and retired teacher who is showing the obvious signs of worsening dementia. Are the other women willing and able to be her caretakers?
After the women settle in a little, they come up with the idea to use the cocoa beans to produce a special line of dark chocolate which they decide to call 'Pieces of Happiness.' There is a lot of trial and error in the learning process but it gives their days purpose. The descriptions are mouth-watering!
The women's stories are told through alternating chapters and their deepest secrets are slowly revealed as the days go by. Another character we meet is the housekeeper Ateca who prays for these five women, asking for God's help in her own life. It is through her words that we see the cultural differences between the island people and the Europeans and the mistakes they make through their ignorance of local customs.
A delightful read you should add to your summer-reading list today! Highly recommend for those who enjoy such books as A Man Called Ove.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an arc of this lovely book.
"Five fingers on a hand, five women in a house."
There's Sina Guttormsen, a single mother who has always worked for the Hoie Building Supplies Company. Her son Armand, who is almost fifty, has yet to 'find' himself and sponges off his mother so she's always broke.
And Lisbeth Karlsen Hoie, the wife of the wealthy owner of Hoie Building Supplies, who has gotten everything she has through her good looks which are now fading. How does a woman like that cope with growing older...and with an unfaithful jerk of a husband?
And Ingrid Hagen, the reliable, hard-working chief accountant at the County Bus Service who feels she hasn't loved enough. Can she take a chance and let her wilder alter-ego show herself?
And Maya, a widow and retired teacher who is showing the obvious signs of worsening dementia. Are the other women willing and able to be her caretakers?
After the women settle in a little, they come up with the idea to use the cocoa beans to produce a special line of dark chocolate which they decide to call 'Pieces of Happiness.' There is a lot of trial and error in the learning process but it gives their days purpose. The descriptions are mouth-watering!
The women's stories are told through alternating chapters and their deepest secrets are slowly revealed as the days go by. Another character we meet is the housekeeper Ateca who prays for these five women, asking for God's help in her own life. It is through her words that we see the cultural differences between the island people and the Europeans and the mistakes they make through their ignorance of local customs.
A delightful read you should add to your summer-reading list today! Highly recommend for those who enjoy such books as A Man Called Ove.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an arc of this lovely book.
October 31, 2017
This takes place in Fiji with an older group of women. They all have their own secrets and decide to give it a go at making chocolate. There's a slower pace here but fits the setting. At times, this was like an emotional rollercoaster for me. The chapters changed to each woman's viewpoint, and the way it's written, I could feel what each one was going through. Definitely tugs at your heartstrings but also shows the bonding and friendship in a lush backdrop. Of course, any book that mentions chocolate has my full attention.
October 20, 2018
It starts with a letter postmarked with stamps with pictures of iguanas and flowers. One woman on Fiji sends four women in Norway an invitation. I want you here with me. Come live on my cocoa farm with me. Let’s live the rest of our lives together. And if it doesn’t work out for you, I will give you a ticket back to Norway.
Five women, five fingers on a hand, five legs on a starfish, living together.
The five women are Kat, Ingrid, Maya, Lisbeth and Sina. All went to high school together. All are in their mid 60’s. They all come to Kat’s Place. There is a sixth lady, Ateca. She is Kat’s housekeeper. As each lady tells her story, Ateca tells stories that bind the other stories together. Ateca is like the glue that keeps the pages of the book of stories intact.
This is a book of characters with stories, partly joy and partly sorrow. It is interesting getting to know these ladies through their stories. They are all QUITE different.
Here are a few words about each:
Kat – a widow, a caregiver, completely misses her husband, Niklas.
Lisbeth – rich, image conscious, but still has self-image problems.
Sina – mother of Armand, who is illegitimate. Poor, but given opportunities by Lisbeth and her husband, Harald.
Ingrid – smart, practical, with two ‘personalities’. She calls her outspoken personality Wildrid.
Maya- has early onset Alzheimer’s; Sina especially takes care of her. Kat too, who at first is the only one who knows she is declining.
I started reading this book thinking it would be a bunch of feel-good ladies living together and making dark, healthful chocolate. Since all have some sadness in their past, the story becomes more than lightness and fairy tales. Some of the ladies have secrets that are eventually revealed.
So in short: Language is beautiful and quotable; there are characters, all of which can elicit empathy; the locale is Fiji, and that, in itself is romantic.
Good and enjoyable read with some surprises. Thank you Doubleday – Keep Turning Pages, for the opportunity to experience it.
Five women, five fingers on a hand, five legs on a starfish, living together.
The five women are Kat, Ingrid, Maya, Lisbeth and Sina. All went to high school together. All are in their mid 60’s. They all come to Kat’s Place. There is a sixth lady, Ateca. She is Kat’s housekeeper. As each lady tells her story, Ateca tells stories that bind the other stories together. Ateca is like the glue that keeps the pages of the book of stories intact.
This is a book of characters with stories, partly joy and partly sorrow. It is interesting getting to know these ladies through their stories. They are all QUITE different.
Here are a few words about each:
Kat – a widow, a caregiver, completely misses her husband, Niklas.
Lisbeth – rich, image conscious, but still has self-image problems.
Sina – mother of Armand, who is illegitimate. Poor, but given opportunities by Lisbeth and her husband, Harald.
Ingrid – smart, practical, with two ‘personalities’. She calls her outspoken personality Wildrid.
Maya- has early onset Alzheimer’s; Sina especially takes care of her. Kat too, who at first is the only one who knows she is declining.
I started reading this book thinking it would be a bunch of feel-good ladies living together and making dark, healthful chocolate. Since all have some sadness in their past, the story becomes more than lightness and fairy tales. Some of the ladies have secrets that are eventually revealed.
So in short: Language is beautiful and quotable; there are characters, all of which can elicit empathy; the locale is Fiji, and that, in itself is romantic.
Good and enjoyable read with some surprises. Thank you Doubleday – Keep Turning Pages, for the opportunity to experience it.
October 4, 2017
A very interesting read about women in later years, 4 of which relocate to a plantation in Fiji to live with the fifth woman. It tells of their health, finance, love, family and loneliness issues. It also tells of being able to fit in, or not, and what future plans each of the women have. In addition, a native Fiji housekeeper brings insight to each of the women, as the group decides to start a chocolate business.
This story has beautiful prose and the novel paints gorgeous landscape pictures in your mind. The women are all very different, having met in high school, and are all seeking their own fulfilled future.
Not a lot of books feature women in their later years, but this one has a done a good job in bringing these 6 women together, showcasing all their variable pasts, and highlighting what the future holds.
This story has beautiful prose and the novel paints gorgeous landscape pictures in your mind. The women are all very different, having met in high school, and are all seeking their own fulfilled future.
Not a lot of books feature women in their later years, but this one has a done a good job in bringing these 6 women together, showcasing all their variable pasts, and highlighting what the future holds.
July 4, 2019
Kind of interesting and a bit messy.
October 18, 2021
delightful novel of over 60's trying to make chocolate in fiji but felt it quite dint work maybe something lost in translation
September 14, 2017
El libro está bien pero creo que al final pincha... vamos leyendo la historia según el punto de vista de las cinco protagonistas (y la asistenta, que para mí lo de ella sobra) pero el último capítulo de Kat para mí no ha terminado de tener sentido y de cerrar su historia como si pasa con las demás.
Es cierto que recuerda al hotel mary gold, por la edad de las protagonistas y por querer empezar una nueva vida en esos momentos.
Si no hubiera sido por ese capítulo final me habría gustado más, estoy segura.
Es cierto que recuerda al hotel mary gold, por la edad de las protagonistas y por querer empezar una nueva vida en esos momentos.
Si no hubiera sido por ese capítulo final me habría gustado más, estoy segura.
September 22, 2018
Heerlijk boek! Supermooi geschreven en echt zo’n verhaal waar je je eindeloos door wilt laten meevoeren. De POV’s zijn erg sterk en ik vond het heel tof om de vrouwen, hun geheimen en geschiedenissen te ontdekken. Deed denken aan De vijfde brief van Nicola Moriarty. Genoten! Uitgebreide recensie volgt.
September 4, 2017
Adventurous Kat is recently widowed and, though her life in Fiji is solid and settled, she wants to feel surrounded by family---or at least "family"---again. She decides to invite four of her old high school friends, all now in their sixties, to live with her on her island cocoa farm. It's a crazy idea, but all four women go for it. Lost and burdened Sina, quiet Ingrid, bored Lisbeth, and troubled Maya all join Kat for, what they hope to be, a life-changing adventure.
* * * * *
I don't know what it is with me lately, but I just haven't been in the mood to tackle these end-of-life-looking-back novels. At thirty-something, I'm younger than the women in this story by over thirty years, but it just depresses me to think that this is my future: dead husbands, cheating husbands, deadbeat kids, disease, loneliness, and a sad, sad slog toward total disintegration. I know I'm supposed to feel happy that these women are there for each other, supporting one another during rough times---and I am---but God it strikes me as so, so depressing.
Still, there are some things about the book I enjoyed. I love the island setting. The descriptions of Fiji are so detailed and realistic. It was easy to imagine being there. I also like how the story is told from the different perspectives of each woman. There is a lot of variety and personality between them. And Ateca, Kat's housekeeper, is a nice addition to the cast. I could tell author Ostby really put thought and time into developing these characters and their backstories.
But in the end...meh. I mean, yes, Pieces of Happiness is a solid book with interesting characters and a good story, and I think certain readers will love it. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
* * * * *
I don't know what it is with me lately, but I just haven't been in the mood to tackle these end-of-life-looking-back novels. At thirty-something, I'm younger than the women in this story by over thirty years, but it just depresses me to think that this is my future: dead husbands, cheating husbands, deadbeat kids, disease, loneliness, and a sad, sad slog toward total disintegration. I know I'm supposed to feel happy that these women are there for each other, supporting one another during rough times---and I am---but God it strikes me as so, so depressing.
Still, there are some things about the book I enjoyed. I love the island setting. The descriptions of Fiji are so detailed and realistic. It was easy to imagine being there. I also like how the story is told from the different perspectives of each woman. There is a lot of variety and personality between them. And Ateca, Kat's housekeeper, is a nice addition to the cast. I could tell author Ostby really put thought and time into developing these characters and their backstories.
But in the end...meh. I mean, yes, Pieces of Happiness is a solid book with interesting characters and a good story, and I think certain readers will love it. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
July 29, 2017
Thank you to Doubleday for providing me with a finished copy of this book for review - all opinions are my own.
PIECES OF HAPPINESS is a gorgeous novel of a fresh start for a group of Norwegian women in their late 60s as they come together again on a cocoa farm in Fiji. The descriptions and settings are incredibly lush and I was captivated by the Fijian culture depicted in the book. The stories of Sina, Lisbeth, Ingrid, Maya, and Kat are achingly realistic and wistful as the women figure out how enter the later stage of their lives together in an island paradise. There is grief and rebirth interwoven with the start of their new business venture creating chocolate for export back to Norway. The Fijian characters, including Ateca (Kat's housekeeper and a main narrator of the book), and their culture in this story add an excellent layer of authenticity and richness.
In addition, I was most astounded by what I learned in the author's note - this book was written originally in Norwegian and translated to English by one of the author's daughters for the American release - I had NO idea that the book was not originally written in English while I was reading because it was done so expertly. Also, I was delighted to find that Ostby (who has traveled and lived in many parts of the world) worked closely with a woman in Fiji to ensure the authenticity of the portrayal of Fiji and its peoples.
Pick this one up if you are looking for a gorgeously written story set in a unique and exotic location + a cast of complex and heartfelt characters in a stage of life often ignored in contemporary fiction. Highly recommend.
PIECES OF HAPPINESS is a gorgeous novel of a fresh start for a group of Norwegian women in their late 60s as they come together again on a cocoa farm in Fiji. The descriptions and settings are incredibly lush and I was captivated by the Fijian culture depicted in the book. The stories of Sina, Lisbeth, Ingrid, Maya, and Kat are achingly realistic and wistful as the women figure out how enter the later stage of their lives together in an island paradise. There is grief and rebirth interwoven with the start of their new business venture creating chocolate for export back to Norway. The Fijian characters, including Ateca (Kat's housekeeper and a main narrator of the book), and their culture in this story add an excellent layer of authenticity and richness.
In addition, I was most astounded by what I learned in the author's note - this book was written originally in Norwegian and translated to English by one of the author's daughters for the American release - I had NO idea that the book was not originally written in English while I was reading because it was done so expertly. Also, I was delighted to find that Ostby (who has traveled and lived in many parts of the world) worked closely with a woman in Fiji to ensure the authenticity of the portrayal of Fiji and its peoples.
Pick this one up if you are looking for a gorgeously written story set in a unique and exotic location + a cast of complex and heartfelt characters in a stage of life often ignored in contemporary fiction. Highly recommend.
July 5, 2017
It’s not just her feet that are experiencing a new spring in Fiji. Her thoughts, her shoulders, her smile- Ingrid can feel everything becoming looser and smoother.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Sina, Maya, Ingrid, and Lisbeth take up the challenge to live with Kat on her cocoa farm in Fiji! Make chocolate in paradise, feel young and free again, shuck the old weight of their frigid lives and live out what time remains together, once again a sisterhood. Kat was always the one they all wanted to be, felt ‘inadequate’ around, were jealous and proud of. In their sixties, it certainly isn’t golden for all the women. Sina is weighted down by her middle aged son Armand whose middle name could be broke, who bleeds her of money and life. She has up and left it all, for once it is she who will be traveling, not her son! Maya is struggling with dementia, but wouldn’t this be just the thing, to get her engaged mind and body, living again and in such a beautiful place? Maya was my favorite character, with the relationship she forms with a sweet little girl named Maraia, whose name means “star of the sea”. The author takes the fragility of dementia and gives voice to it’s sufferers through Maya. “The scary thing isn’t not remembering. It’s when she remembers that she hasn’t remembered that the dizziness turns into terrified nausea.” Ingrid has been indoors too much, her entire life, all the years, swallowed up by work. Ingrid, solid, and wise. The one who saw, all those years ago, the moment Kat’s leaving ruptured their sisterhood, each flying off in separate directions. She is itching now, the inner Ingrid, to free herself, to grab some adventure and life while the grabbing is good no matter that her brother thinks she’s too old. There will be no whiling away the years for her, sitting around waiting for her pension. Lisbeth’s place in life with Harald and the children had been well established, to be a homemaker. Great when the children were young, but once the nest was empty Harald wouldn’t allow her to help in the store, found it laughable. After all, what did she know of running a business? No, she was best at home, or volunteering, the places her ideas went to die. She won’t be held back now, passionate ideas for chocolate is growing in her. Only her older daughter takes her seriously. She must go, will Harald bother to come bring her back? For Kat, the head of the circle, offering paradise, this was a dream both she and her beloved Niklas birthed together after years spent wandering, traveling, helping others. He loved her, this cocoa farm is proof of that. She is lost without her true mate, but this is the time after Niklas. She doesn’t want it to be just an experiment with her friends. She wants them to be family in their final years.
Ateca is such a wonderful character in this novel, watching and praying over the women. She was saved by Kat and Niklas, given a job when she lost her husband long ago. She knows it is time to look after Kat. She sees things, far more clearly than the women. She knows the women need each other desperately. “Sisters aren’t necessarily born of the same mother.” Ateca is the wisdom throughout the novel, the touch of magic. She has had her own struggles, a native to the land. The island is a gorgeous setting, from working the cocoa to feasting on strange sea creatures, it is more than just a story about sisterhood.
Often novels about women in their later years is stuffy, so of course young people scoff at them. This novel isn’t like that, it has so much heart and beauty. I ached for the women and their regrets, illnesses, as much as cheered on their successes. It was genuine, believable. I would’t say it is women’s fiction only for women of a certain age. I enjoyed this as much as I think my own mother would. What a lovely escape, a reality check in how we can be taken for granted and worse, deny our own selves happiness, but it’s never too late.
Publication Date: August 1, 2017
Doubleday Books
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Sina, Maya, Ingrid, and Lisbeth take up the challenge to live with Kat on her cocoa farm in Fiji! Make chocolate in paradise, feel young and free again, shuck the old weight of their frigid lives and live out what time remains together, once again a sisterhood. Kat was always the one they all wanted to be, felt ‘inadequate’ around, were jealous and proud of. In their sixties, it certainly isn’t golden for all the women. Sina is weighted down by her middle aged son Armand whose middle name could be broke, who bleeds her of money and life. She has up and left it all, for once it is she who will be traveling, not her son! Maya is struggling with dementia, but wouldn’t this be just the thing, to get her engaged mind and body, living again and in such a beautiful place? Maya was my favorite character, with the relationship she forms with a sweet little girl named Maraia, whose name means “star of the sea”. The author takes the fragility of dementia and gives voice to it’s sufferers through Maya. “The scary thing isn’t not remembering. It’s when she remembers that she hasn’t remembered that the dizziness turns into terrified nausea.” Ingrid has been indoors too much, her entire life, all the years, swallowed up by work. Ingrid, solid, and wise. The one who saw, all those years ago, the moment Kat’s leaving ruptured their sisterhood, each flying off in separate directions. She is itching now, the inner Ingrid, to free herself, to grab some adventure and life while the grabbing is good no matter that her brother thinks she’s too old. There will be no whiling away the years for her, sitting around waiting for her pension. Lisbeth’s place in life with Harald and the children had been well established, to be a homemaker. Great when the children were young, but once the nest was empty Harald wouldn’t allow her to help in the store, found it laughable. After all, what did she know of running a business? No, she was best at home, or volunteering, the places her ideas went to die. She won’t be held back now, passionate ideas for chocolate is growing in her. Only her older daughter takes her seriously. She must go, will Harald bother to come bring her back? For Kat, the head of the circle, offering paradise, this was a dream both she and her beloved Niklas birthed together after years spent wandering, traveling, helping others. He loved her, this cocoa farm is proof of that. She is lost without her true mate, but this is the time after Niklas. She doesn’t want it to be just an experiment with her friends. She wants them to be family in their final years.
Ateca is such a wonderful character in this novel, watching and praying over the women. She was saved by Kat and Niklas, given a job when she lost her husband long ago. She knows it is time to look after Kat. She sees things, far more clearly than the women. She knows the women need each other desperately. “Sisters aren’t necessarily born of the same mother.” Ateca is the wisdom throughout the novel, the touch of magic. She has had her own struggles, a native to the land. The island is a gorgeous setting, from working the cocoa to feasting on strange sea creatures, it is more than just a story about sisterhood.
Often novels about women in their later years is stuffy, so of course young people scoff at them. This novel isn’t like that, it has so much heart and beauty. I ached for the women and their regrets, illnesses, as much as cheered on their successes. It was genuine, believable. I would’t say it is women’s fiction only for women of a certain age. I enjoyed this as much as I think my own mother would. What a lovely escape, a reality check in how we can be taken for granted and worse, deny our own selves happiness, but it’s never too late.
Publication Date: August 1, 2017
Doubleday Books
July 25, 2017
Title: Pieces of Happiness
Author: Anne Ostby
Publisher: Doubleday
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Pieces of Happiness" by Anne Ostby
My Thoughts ...
This author really give the readers quite one interesting read..."Piece of Happiness." I thought is was really one good read having these six people, five that had been friends since high school in Norway come visit and then live together [after the death of her Niklas, her husband] on a cocoa plantation in Fiji in the South Pacific with each one having there own story that was really intriguing to say the least. Oh, the sixth woman was Kat's housekeeper...Ateca who was so very understanding of each of these ladies. I loved her prayers for God to watch over everyone as the prayers seemed to 'mark the change in the chapters and even the narration from each of the women.'
I loved the invitation that was sent to each one of these ladies who were know in their sixties....
“I’ve planted my feet on Fijian earth and I intend to stay here until the last sunset. Why don’t you join me? Leave behind everything that didn’t work out!”
Will they be able to 'leave their worries, mistakes and problems back in Norway?' No, they hadn't stayed in touch but know would they be willing to start all over and 'come up with plans of a new future in this beautiful cocoa plantation?' How different this would be for these ladies who had difficulties of their own to come to this beautiful place that had much to offer with many highs and well as lows but in the end the readers will give one good story that will give one reason to ponder long after the read. I loved the characters...Kat, Ingrid, Maya, Sina and Lysbeth who all had 'secrets and hopes that had been keep hidden' so will they be able to stop and redefine just what they wanted in their life now? Will they be willing to rediscover their past friendships and even themselves? All while I was reading this novel I keep thinking what would it be like to have friends like these!
This was definitely a wonderful and enjoyable read about a enduring 'friendship and second chances just to be happy' that I would definitely recommend. In the end all that is left to say is that hopefully we can all have this in our lives. This story was very well done by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a pre-publication copy to review.
Author: Anne Ostby
Publisher: Doubleday
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Pieces of Happiness" by Anne Ostby
My Thoughts ...
This author really give the readers quite one interesting read..."Piece of Happiness." I thought is was really one good read having these six people, five that had been friends since high school in Norway come visit and then live together [after the death of her Niklas, her husband] on a cocoa plantation in Fiji in the South Pacific with each one having there own story that was really intriguing to say the least. Oh, the sixth woman was Kat's housekeeper...Ateca who was so very understanding of each of these ladies. I loved her prayers for God to watch over everyone as the prayers seemed to 'mark the change in the chapters and even the narration from each of the women.'
I loved the invitation that was sent to each one of these ladies who were know in their sixties....
“I’ve planted my feet on Fijian earth and I intend to stay here until the last sunset. Why don’t you join me? Leave behind everything that didn’t work out!”
Will they be able to 'leave their worries, mistakes and problems back in Norway?' No, they hadn't stayed in touch but know would they be willing to start all over and 'come up with plans of a new future in this beautiful cocoa plantation?' How different this would be for these ladies who had difficulties of their own to come to this beautiful place that had much to offer with many highs and well as lows but in the end the readers will give one good story that will give one reason to ponder long after the read. I loved the characters...Kat, Ingrid, Maya, Sina and Lysbeth who all had 'secrets and hopes that had been keep hidden' so will they be able to stop and redefine just what they wanted in their life now? Will they be willing to rediscover their past friendships and even themselves? All while I was reading this novel I keep thinking what would it be like to have friends like these!
This was definitely a wonderful and enjoyable read about a enduring 'friendship and second chances just to be happy' that I would definitely recommend. In the end all that is left to say is that hopefully we can all have this in our lives. This story was very well done by this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a pre-publication copy to review.
September 4, 2018
One of my favorite reads! These women are my age, and that makes it quite intriguing for me, and to reunite a group from high school to live together in an exotic tropical locale. What an adventure!!
August 12, 2017
GNab I received an electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Anne Ostby, and Doubleday in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for sharing your hard work with me.
Anne Ostby sets up this novel in the way of many - looking back from middle age to the five or six people who were friends in high school. That is the last of the ordinary in this tale. Their high school is in Norway, at the top of the world. Kat was, then as now, the centering force of the group. She drops all previous life plans to elope into the world with a chance encountered world peace worker and travels with him the hot spots year after year, from global pandemic or environmental crisis to setting up refugee camps, aid stations, digging wells; no time or money for babies until it is too late. And then barely settled into their retirement on Fiji, Niklas dies. Lisbeth is the beauty - not much effort extended to schooling but she knows how to highlight her finer points. And she is willing to trade her finer points for a life of plenty with Harald, not a 'nice' boy at school, but only heir to a building materials fortune. Maya who with her love Hamar enrolls in Teacher's College and follows their planned life together, teaching and raising one daughter, only to lose Hamar to illness and find herself diagnosed with early onset alzheimer's. Sina, sullen, poor, and isolated, raised by a bitter single mother but who inexplicably turns up pregnant senior year and faces a life of single parenthood with limited chances of advancement and a son, Armand, who is still unsuccessfully finding himself at 50. And Ingrid, size 12 feet, solidly single and making no waves, a bookkeeper for the metro bus system in her home town her entire adult life with no changes in sight.
And then the postal letter from Kat, from Korototoka, Fiji, inviting her high school girlfriends to join her on her cocoa plantation in Fiji, see if they can offer each other comfort and support through the last stages of adulthood. Maybe make some chocolate. Can it work? Who will respond?
This is an excellent read, and an author to watch.
pub date Aug 1, 2017
Doubleday
Anne Ostby sets up this novel in the way of many - looking back from middle age to the five or six people who were friends in high school. That is the last of the ordinary in this tale. Their high school is in Norway, at the top of the world. Kat was, then as now, the centering force of the group. She drops all previous life plans to elope into the world with a chance encountered world peace worker and travels with him the hot spots year after year, from global pandemic or environmental crisis to setting up refugee camps, aid stations, digging wells; no time or money for babies until it is too late. And then barely settled into their retirement on Fiji, Niklas dies. Lisbeth is the beauty - not much effort extended to schooling but she knows how to highlight her finer points. And she is willing to trade her finer points for a life of plenty with Harald, not a 'nice' boy at school, but only heir to a building materials fortune. Maya who with her love Hamar enrolls in Teacher's College and follows their planned life together, teaching and raising one daughter, only to lose Hamar to illness and find herself diagnosed with early onset alzheimer's. Sina, sullen, poor, and isolated, raised by a bitter single mother but who inexplicably turns up pregnant senior year and faces a life of single parenthood with limited chances of advancement and a son, Armand, who is still unsuccessfully finding himself at 50. And Ingrid, size 12 feet, solidly single and making no waves, a bookkeeper for the metro bus system in her home town her entire adult life with no changes in sight.
And then the postal letter from Kat, from Korototoka, Fiji, inviting her high school girlfriends to join her on her cocoa plantation in Fiji, see if they can offer each other comfort and support through the last stages of adulthood. Maybe make some chocolate. Can it work? Who will respond?
This is an excellent read, and an author to watch.
pub date Aug 1, 2017
Doubleday
August 31, 2017
Something about this book set my teeth on edge. It could have been, but is not limited to, the native Fijian lady who converses with god, where most of her prayers are for these poor souls from Norway who are so good but so sad. Aargh. Oh, she does have the obligatory prayer for her good unemployed son, but a disproportionate amount of her perspective is spent on these ladies. And there's a girl called Maraia, Star of the Sea, who floats in and out of their lives and the house arbitrarily - she's also knowing and wise. They call her Star of the Sea most of the time, even though she has a lovely name. Then there's a ruffian who steals from one of the ladies, but is very polite about it.
The ladies itself made no impression on me - or rather they made an impression they weren't supposed to make. All of them, except for Sina and Maya got on my nerves. There's Kat, who is supposed to ask forgiveness and she's actually only angry because . Her letters to the other ladies are downright annoying. It's a miracle all of them went. There's Ingrid, an accountant all her life, who has a wild side to her she calls Wildrid - unfortunately I found Wildrid slightly unbalanced. It's the point, but the book finds Wildrid joyous, I found her alarming. There's Lisbeth, who still thinks of her effect on men, even though she's been married to a lying cheating husband for years. She's not as annoying, but she didn't do much in the way of speaking up for herself either.
The chocolate making is only incidental. They do it for like two pages before more of their lives unfold. I actually like this particular type of book, but somehow this one just set me off.
The ladies itself made no impression on me - or rather they made an impression they weren't supposed to make. All of them, except for Sina and Maya got on my nerves. There's Kat, who is supposed to ask forgiveness and she's actually only angry because . Her letters to the other ladies are downright annoying. It's a miracle all of them went. There's Ingrid, an accountant all her life, who has a wild side to her she calls Wildrid - unfortunately I found Wildrid slightly unbalanced. It's the point, but the book finds Wildrid joyous, I found her alarming. There's Lisbeth, who still thinks of her effect on men, even though she's been married to a lying cheating husband for years. She's not as annoying, but she didn't do much in the way of speaking up for herself either.
The chocolate making is only incidental. They do it for like two pages before more of their lives unfold. I actually like this particular type of book, but somehow this one just set me off.
July 4, 2017
One thing that really attracted me to this story, was that it was about a group of old time friends, who are my age, but age does not really matter to make it an interesting and relevant story.
This is a story about re-connections, about feeling useful and wanted, about finding out that life is still something that can be changed, and enjoyed.
Best friends Kat, Ingrid, Sina, Lisbeth and Maya, were school friends many years ago, in Norway but had not really seen each other in a long time. Now in their 60's, and all wishing something was different in their lives receive an invitation from Kat to leave all behind if they wanted and to come and start a new life with her at her home in Fiji. It was a way for them all to start fresh and re-connect for better or worse.
In Fiji, the women learn about themselves and about their past relationships with each other and coming to grips with their past lives and the lives they will soon create.
This has a great story-line and character development. I think that no matter what age you are, you can connect with the characters and the issues that they each are going through, there is a piece of truth for everyone. This story gives a fun view of some of the Fijian customs, which help these ladies see things in a different light; and the Fijian people depicted in the story are wonderful especially Ateca and Maraia both with such open hearts and the know how to care and embrace what is going on. This is a novel that will stay with me.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the ARC of this book.
This is a story about re-connections, about feeling useful and wanted, about finding out that life is still something that can be changed, and enjoyed.
Best friends Kat, Ingrid, Sina, Lisbeth and Maya, were school friends many years ago, in Norway but had not really seen each other in a long time. Now in their 60's, and all wishing something was different in their lives receive an invitation from Kat to leave all behind if they wanted and to come and start a new life with her at her home in Fiji. It was a way for them all to start fresh and re-connect for better or worse.
In Fiji, the women learn about themselves and about their past relationships with each other and coming to grips with their past lives and the lives they will soon create.
This has a great story-line and character development. I think that no matter what age you are, you can connect with the characters and the issues that they each are going through, there is a piece of truth for everyone. This story gives a fun view of some of the Fijian customs, which help these ladies see things in a different light; and the Fijian people depicted in the story are wonderful especially Ateca and Maraia both with such open hearts and the know how to care and embrace what is going on. This is a novel that will stay with me.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Doubleday Books for the ARC of this book.
September 25, 2017
I almost want to frame the cover of this book...it's gorgeous...tropical flowers and fauna, turtles, seashells, cocoa beans, chocolate. And all of those, plus a change in life and friendships, lures 4 Norwegian women to the island of Fiji, where their friend and "leader," from high school, now lives. Kat has invited her 4 friends to come live with her after the death of her husband, and we are invited into the lives of these 5 60+ women who have raised families, sought or formed relationships and marriages, and who now have a considerable amount of baggage they carry to Fiji and a cocoa farm. I loved learning about the lives of Kat, Lisbeth, Sina, Ingrid, and Maya, and I loved learning some of the customs of the Fiji islanders.
June 30, 2020
I received my copy free through Goodreads Giveaways.
This was a fun chick-lit read for older women. Although it made me feel old, but very thankful for my family and support system of friends.
This was a fun chick-lit read for older women. Although it made me feel old, but very thankful for my family and support system of friends.
December 6, 2018
Salve a tutti.
Anche se il periodo non è proprio quello giusto, oggi voglio parlarvi dell'estate e di un libro che contiene il calore di quella stagione. È vero, c'è chi preferisce l'inverno, ma io sono un'inguaribile romantica e amo anche la stagione dei fiori e delle vacanze.
Per chi ha un po' di nostalgia, ora che siamo ormai in inverno, non posso che consigliare di leggere "Frammenti di felicità" di Anne Øtsby, edito da Garzanti.
Se dovessi usare solo tre aggettivi per descriverlo, potrei dire nostalgico, stupendo e intrigante.
Cinque amiche, un'isola alle Fiji e una piantagione di cacao. Questi sono i presupposti iniziali che mi hanno incantato fin dall'inizio. Kat, avventuriera e donna dalla vita movimentata, sempre in giro per il mondo con il suo compagno di vita, a salvare situazioni impossibili, nella vecchiaia decidono di fermarsi alle Fiji a occuparsi di una piantagione di cacao. Ma quando il suo compagno muore, Kat decide di invitare le sue amiche del liceo ad andare a vivere con lei e aprire una fabbrica di cioccolato. La proposta folle viene tuttavia accolta.
C'è Sina, madre single di un ragazzo ormai quarantenne, ancora attaccato alle finanze di lei, incapace di tutto e spendaccione, che l'ha prosciugata dei soldi e della vita. C'è Maya, ex professoressa, malata di Alzheimer, che ogni giorno perde un pezzettino di sé. C'è Ingrid, la solida e noiosa Ingrid, che in realtà ribolle dentro di vita e voglia di scoprire. C'è Lisbeth, ancorata, o meglio, incatenata dalle apparenze e da una vita vissuta per gli altri, mai per se stessa. Queste anziane signore, che poi tanto anziane non sono, ognuna per le sue ragioni, decide di accettare lo strambo invito della loro amica che credevano troppo lontana dalle loro quotidiane realtà. Ma Kat nasconde i suoi demoni, così come Sina, Ingrid, Lisbeth e Maya. Sarà il caldo sole fijiano a sciogliere riserve e paure? O sarà la promessa di un nuovo inizio, in un momento in cui sembra di essere arrivati alla fine? O ancora, il popolo dell'isola, che accoglie e non giudica, che ama la propria terra e sopporta le intemperie con stoicismo?
Leggere questo libro è stato come aprire uno scrigno del tesoro. Pagina dopo pagina, capitolo dopo capitolo, ho scoperto i personaggi, le loro paure, le loro angosce, le loro speranze, i loro amori e i loro desideri. Grazie ai diversi punti di vista e allo stile narrativo dell'autrice, mai ripetitivo o noioso né pesante, bensì scorrevole, nonostante il passaggio della narrazione in alcuni punti dalla terza alla prima persona, questo libro mi ha incantata. È poetico eppure a tratti crudo, perché mette a nudo emozioni primitive sia dei protagonisti che, di riflesso, del lettore. Non potrete staccarvi da queste cinque amiche, dalle loro vicissitudini passate e presenti, ma rimarrete incantati anche dalla maestria della scrittrice nel raccontare delle Fiji e del suo popolo. Tradizioni, piatti tipici, leggende e fantasmi. Tutto contribuirà a farvi immergere sempre più nella storia. Ci sono così tante cose che vorrei ancora raccontare, ma non renderebbero comunque l'idea di questa matrioska narrativa. Alla fine del libro ho dovuto lasciar andare i personaggi con un sospiro soddisfatto, ma pur sempre un po' nostalgica. Ecco, questo è "Frammenti di felicità".
Buona lettura!
Anche se il periodo non è proprio quello giusto, oggi voglio parlarvi dell'estate e di un libro che contiene il calore di quella stagione. È vero, c'è chi preferisce l'inverno, ma io sono un'inguaribile romantica e amo anche la stagione dei fiori e delle vacanze.
Per chi ha un po' di nostalgia, ora che siamo ormai in inverno, non posso che consigliare di leggere "Frammenti di felicità" di Anne Øtsby, edito da Garzanti.
Se dovessi usare solo tre aggettivi per descriverlo, potrei dire nostalgico, stupendo e intrigante.
Cinque amiche, un'isola alle Fiji e una piantagione di cacao. Questi sono i presupposti iniziali che mi hanno incantato fin dall'inizio. Kat, avventuriera e donna dalla vita movimentata, sempre in giro per il mondo con il suo compagno di vita, a salvare situazioni impossibili, nella vecchiaia decidono di fermarsi alle Fiji a occuparsi di una piantagione di cacao. Ma quando il suo compagno muore, Kat decide di invitare le sue amiche del liceo ad andare a vivere con lei e aprire una fabbrica di cioccolato. La proposta folle viene tuttavia accolta.
C'è Sina, madre single di un ragazzo ormai quarantenne, ancora attaccato alle finanze di lei, incapace di tutto e spendaccione, che l'ha prosciugata dei soldi e della vita. C'è Maya, ex professoressa, malata di Alzheimer, che ogni giorno perde un pezzettino di sé. C'è Ingrid, la solida e noiosa Ingrid, che in realtà ribolle dentro di vita e voglia di scoprire. C'è Lisbeth, ancorata, o meglio, incatenata dalle apparenze e da una vita vissuta per gli altri, mai per se stessa. Queste anziane signore, che poi tanto anziane non sono, ognuna per le sue ragioni, decide di accettare lo strambo invito della loro amica che credevano troppo lontana dalle loro quotidiane realtà. Ma Kat nasconde i suoi demoni, così come Sina, Ingrid, Lisbeth e Maya. Sarà il caldo sole fijiano a sciogliere riserve e paure? O sarà la promessa di un nuovo inizio, in un momento in cui sembra di essere arrivati alla fine? O ancora, il popolo dell'isola, che accoglie e non giudica, che ama la propria terra e sopporta le intemperie con stoicismo?
Leggere questo libro è stato come aprire uno scrigno del tesoro. Pagina dopo pagina, capitolo dopo capitolo, ho scoperto i personaggi, le loro paure, le loro angosce, le loro speranze, i loro amori e i loro desideri. Grazie ai diversi punti di vista e allo stile narrativo dell'autrice, mai ripetitivo o noioso né pesante, bensì scorrevole, nonostante il passaggio della narrazione in alcuni punti dalla terza alla prima persona, questo libro mi ha incantata. È poetico eppure a tratti crudo, perché mette a nudo emozioni primitive sia dei protagonisti che, di riflesso, del lettore. Non potrete staccarvi da queste cinque amiche, dalle loro vicissitudini passate e presenti, ma rimarrete incantati anche dalla maestria della scrittrice nel raccontare delle Fiji e del suo popolo. Tradizioni, piatti tipici, leggende e fantasmi. Tutto contribuirà a farvi immergere sempre più nella storia. Ci sono così tante cose che vorrei ancora raccontare, ma non renderebbero comunque l'idea di questa matrioska narrativa. Alla fine del libro ho dovuto lasciar andare i personaggi con un sospiro soddisfatto, ma pur sempre un po' nostalgica. Ecco, questo è "Frammenti di felicità".
Buona lettura!
September 3, 2017
Als ich das erste Mal vom neugegründeten Wunderraum Verlag gehört habe, wurde ich direkt neugierig und habe mir die ersten Neuerscheinungen angeschaut. Hierbei hat mich besonders "Zartbitter ist das Glück" angesprochen und ich habe mich auf eine interessante und unterhaltsame Geschichte gefreut, die ich auch letztendlich bekommen habe.
Der Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm. Man fliegt nur so durch die Seiten, die Geschichte liest sich durchweg flüssig und unterhaltsam und an so mancher Stelle hat mich die Geschichte auch zum Nachdenken anregen können. Die Figuren sind liebevoll ausgearbeitet, besitzen allesamt eine gewisse Tiefe und ich fand die meisten von ihnen sehr sympathisch.
Erzählt wird hierbei die Geschichte von Kat, die seit kurzer Zeit verwitwet ist und alleine auf den Fidschi-Inseln lebt. Da sie in ihrer Einsamkeit in Erinnerungen schwelgt, lädt sie spontan ihre früheren Freundinnen Sina, Maya, Ingrid und Lisbeth ein, zu ihr auf die Insel zu kommen, um dort gemeinsam neu anzufangen. Dabei merkt man, wie sehr sich die Freundinnen doch auseinandergelebt haben und wie verschieden ihre Leben bis dahin verlaufen sind. Interessant ist dabei, wie sie sich neu aufeinander einlassen und wie sie über ihr bisheriges Leben denken.
Obwohl die Geschichte an sich ganz unterhaltsam ist, konnte sie mich auch zum Nachdenken anregen. Fünf Frauen, die sich auseinandergelebt, aber dennoch eine gemeinsame Vergangenheit haben, die sich noch im Alter jenseits der 50 neu sortieren möchten, ist eine tolle Idee, die auch von der Autorin gut umgesetzt wurde. Zwar ist die Geschichte hier und da ein wenig vorhersehbar, allerdings habe ich dies bei dem Genre auch schon fast erwartet.
Das Cover ist wunderschön und besticht mit zarten Farben und vielen Details, sodass es für mich ein absoluter Hingucker ist. Gleiches gilt für die Kurzbeschreibung, die direkt mein Interesse wecken konnte und ich dem Buch sehr gerne eine Chance gegeben habe.
Kurz gesagt: "Zartbitter ist das Glück" ist eine interessante und nachdenklich stimmende Geschichte mit sympathischen Figuren und einem gelungenen Schreibstil, sodass sich die Geschichte im Laufe der Zeit zu einem absoluten Wohlfühlbuch entwickelt hat. Dementsprechend bin ich begeistert und kann das Buch nur wärmstens empfehlen.
Der Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm. Man fliegt nur so durch die Seiten, die Geschichte liest sich durchweg flüssig und unterhaltsam und an so mancher Stelle hat mich die Geschichte auch zum Nachdenken anregen können. Die Figuren sind liebevoll ausgearbeitet, besitzen allesamt eine gewisse Tiefe und ich fand die meisten von ihnen sehr sympathisch.
Erzählt wird hierbei die Geschichte von Kat, die seit kurzer Zeit verwitwet ist und alleine auf den Fidschi-Inseln lebt. Da sie in ihrer Einsamkeit in Erinnerungen schwelgt, lädt sie spontan ihre früheren Freundinnen Sina, Maya, Ingrid und Lisbeth ein, zu ihr auf die Insel zu kommen, um dort gemeinsam neu anzufangen. Dabei merkt man, wie sehr sich die Freundinnen doch auseinandergelebt haben und wie verschieden ihre Leben bis dahin verlaufen sind. Interessant ist dabei, wie sie sich neu aufeinander einlassen und wie sie über ihr bisheriges Leben denken.
Obwohl die Geschichte an sich ganz unterhaltsam ist, konnte sie mich auch zum Nachdenken anregen. Fünf Frauen, die sich auseinandergelebt, aber dennoch eine gemeinsame Vergangenheit haben, die sich noch im Alter jenseits der 50 neu sortieren möchten, ist eine tolle Idee, die auch von der Autorin gut umgesetzt wurde. Zwar ist die Geschichte hier und da ein wenig vorhersehbar, allerdings habe ich dies bei dem Genre auch schon fast erwartet.
Das Cover ist wunderschön und besticht mit zarten Farben und vielen Details, sodass es für mich ein absoluter Hingucker ist. Gleiches gilt für die Kurzbeschreibung, die direkt mein Interesse wecken konnte und ich dem Buch sehr gerne eine Chance gegeben habe.
Kurz gesagt: "Zartbitter ist das Glück" ist eine interessante und nachdenklich stimmende Geschichte mit sympathischen Figuren und einem gelungenen Schreibstil, sodass sich die Geschichte im Laufe der Zeit zu einem absoluten Wohlfühlbuch entwickelt hat. Dementsprechend bin ich begeistert und kann das Buch nur wärmstens empfehlen.
October 4, 2019
לאחר שבן זוגה של קאט, נורווגית לשעבר בגיל העמידה החיה בחוות קקאו בפיג'י, נפטר, היא מזמינה את חברותיה מהתיכון, כולן נשים בגילאי 60 פלוס, לעבור לגור איתה בחווה, בניסיון להקים מעין קומונת נשים שתתפרנס מהקקאו ומייצור שוקולד. לכל אחת מהנשים יש את "החבילה" והבעיות האישיות שלה, שהמעבר לפיג'י אמור לפתור בצורה מסוימת.
אני לא ממש מתלהבת מהסוג הזה של ספרים שמתאר כיצד נטישה של העולם המערבי החומרני והקר ומעבר למדינה אחרת ולחיים פשוטים יותר ו/או לסביבה חקלאית ו/או למזרח הרחוק וכו' וכו' הם הפתרון האולטימטיבי לכל הבעיות. הדמויות בספר חביבות, הכתיבה הייתה קצת פיוטית מידי לטעמי, ובסך הכל זה היה ספר נחמד ותו לא.
אני לא ממש מתלהבת מהסוג הזה של ספרים שמתאר כיצד נטישה של העולם המערבי החומרני והקר ומעבר למדינה אחרת ולחיים פשוטים יותר ו/או לסביבה חקלאית ו/או למזרח הרחוק וכו' וכו' הם הפתרון האולטימטיבי לכל הבעיות. הדמויות בספר חביבות, הכתיבה הייתה קצת פיוטית מידי לטעמי, ובסך הכל זה היה ספר נחמד ותו לא.
October 9, 2017
Thank you Goodreads for sending me this book as a giveaway winner. Such a sweet read about friendship. Loved the characters! ❤️
May 13, 2017
The incredibly beautiful cover is probably first drew this book to me, without it, I would have probably passed it by which would have been a huge shame. The next thing that drew me in was the mention of the South Pacific, an area of the world that conjures up the feeling of being incredibly exotic, and I just couldn't resist knowing more.
Having never read anything set in Fiji, and for that matter Norway, were the characters originate from, this story was a complete surprise to me, and its certainly a book I'm very glad I took the time to read. Without realising it, the story was seeping under my skin until I was thinking about it between reading.
Kat invites her four friends from school to visit and stay in Fiji with her, after the death of her husband. She writes them all such eloquent invitations, that it is hard not to be drawn into the story instantly, while my own desire was to to hop on a plane and fly out myself to join them out there.
The five ladies are all in their sixties, and as the book progresses we learn about their lives, about their families, and how they have barely stayed in touch with each other over the years. They together start to dream and come up with plans of a new future on the cocoa plantation, but it isn't without its difficulties.
There are 6 very distinct perspectives in the book, the five friends, and Ateca, who is Fijian and from her view point you see just how different she views things to the women from Norway. She is continually praying for various things, for for guidance for the women.
I loved learning about the customs of Fiji, and seeing just how different life is in The South Pacific to what I'm used to in England. I found the whole book really fascinating, and it really conjured up a great feel to the islands, the sights and smells, and in general the day to day way of life.
The ladies have their own things going on to, and there is some ill health to be dealt with, plus some secrets to come out. Nothing was overly shocking, just all matter of fact, which was a refreshing feeling to a book, after I read so many stories that are designed to have you gasping!
I really enjoyed Pieces of Happiness, a lot more than I thought I might, and am really glad I took a chance to delve into a book that sounded quite a bit different to my norm. Anne Ostby has crafted a really great story, full of highs and lows, and I liked all the main characters, although some of the family members left a lot to be desired.
Thank you to much to Netgalley and Doubleday for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Having never read anything set in Fiji, and for that matter Norway, were the characters originate from, this story was a complete surprise to me, and its certainly a book I'm very glad I took the time to read. Without realising it, the story was seeping under my skin until I was thinking about it between reading.
Kat invites her four friends from school to visit and stay in Fiji with her, after the death of her husband. She writes them all such eloquent invitations, that it is hard not to be drawn into the story instantly, while my own desire was to to hop on a plane and fly out myself to join them out there.
The five ladies are all in their sixties, and as the book progresses we learn about their lives, about their families, and how they have barely stayed in touch with each other over the years. They together start to dream and come up with plans of a new future on the cocoa plantation, but it isn't without its difficulties.
There are 6 very distinct perspectives in the book, the five friends, and Ateca, who is Fijian and from her view point you see just how different she views things to the women from Norway. She is continually praying for various things, for for guidance for the women.
I loved learning about the customs of Fiji, and seeing just how different life is in The South Pacific to what I'm used to in England. I found the whole book really fascinating, and it really conjured up a great feel to the islands, the sights and smells, and in general the day to day way of life.
The ladies have their own things going on to, and there is some ill health to be dealt with, plus some secrets to come out. Nothing was overly shocking, just all matter of fact, which was a refreshing feeling to a book, after I read so many stories that are designed to have you gasping!
I really enjoyed Pieces of Happiness, a lot more than I thought I might, and am really glad I took a chance to delve into a book that sounded quite a bit different to my norm. Anne Ostby has crafted a really great story, full of highs and lows, and I liked all the main characters, although some of the family members left a lot to be desired.
Thank you to much to Netgalley and Doubleday for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 6, 2017
""I've planted my feet on Fijian earth and I intend to stay here until the last sunset. Why don't you join me? Leave behind everything that didn't work out!"
For Sina, Lisbeth, Ingrid, and Maya the invitation to Kat's cocoa farm couldn't have come at a better time. To leave all of their worries, mistakes, and problems back in Norway! Kat, their best friend, the adventurer who left them behind right after high school graduation all of those years ago. Yes, it would be lovely to leave everything behind and renew their bond of friendship. Kat said no strings attached. They may be in their 60's, but they are up for a new experience, a new life.
Of course, what each woman (including Kat) is hiding or running from rears their head, but they don't have to face what ails themselves by themselves. The five women have each other. A sixth, if you were to count Ateca, Kat's housekeeper, and please do because Ateca seems to know and understand the women better than themselves. Kat, Sina, Maya, Lisbeth, and Ingrid are indeed "a necklace made of shells: from the same beach but all of them different."
Amid the sounds of the native Fijian sights and smells, near the azure sea the women decide to make chocolate and send 'Pieces of Happiness' packaged in bright cellophane back home to Norway.
Norwegian author Anne Ostby debut novel in America is much more about chocolate and cocoa beans; it's about friendship and second chances. It doesn't matter if we are 18 or 66, we can all have new experiences and a second chance to be happy. That is - if we take the opportunity.
And Ms. Ostby's writing is beautiful. She capture's each woman's personality and voice. And the Island nation of Fiji becomes an eighth character. Yes there is another young Fijian that plays an important role in each woman's story, but you'll have to read this delicious piece of happiness to meet her.
My thanks to Anne Otsby, Doubleday, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest and fair review.
For Sina, Lisbeth, Ingrid, and Maya the invitation to Kat's cocoa farm couldn't have come at a better time. To leave all of their worries, mistakes, and problems back in Norway! Kat, their best friend, the adventurer who left them behind right after high school graduation all of those years ago. Yes, it would be lovely to leave everything behind and renew their bond of friendship. Kat said no strings attached. They may be in their 60's, but they are up for a new experience, a new life.
Of course, what each woman (including Kat) is hiding or running from rears their head, but they don't have to face what ails themselves by themselves. The five women have each other. A sixth, if you were to count Ateca, Kat's housekeeper, and please do because Ateca seems to know and understand the women better than themselves. Kat, Sina, Maya, Lisbeth, and Ingrid are indeed "a necklace made of shells: from the same beach but all of them different."
Amid the sounds of the native Fijian sights and smells, near the azure sea the women decide to make chocolate and send 'Pieces of Happiness' packaged in bright cellophane back home to Norway.
Norwegian author Anne Ostby debut novel in America is much more about chocolate and cocoa beans; it's about friendship and second chances. It doesn't matter if we are 18 or 66, we can all have new experiences and a second chance to be happy. That is - if we take the opportunity.
And Ms. Ostby's writing is beautiful. She capture's each woman's personality and voice. And the Island nation of Fiji becomes an eighth character. Yes there is another young Fijian that plays an important role in each woman's story, but you'll have to read this delicious piece of happiness to meet her.
My thanks to Anne Otsby, Doubleday, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest and fair review.
December 19, 2019
Moui. Un livre au résumé alléchant, qui promet de la douceur pour une lecture estivale par exemple, mais qui ne m'a pas passionnée (du tout).
Je ne me suis pas du tout attachée aux personnages, trop stéréotypés et enfermés dans leurs schémas (et pas particulièrement sympathiques de surcroît, en tout cas je trouve), l'intrigue est un peu simpliste sans trop de surprises (et un peu invraisemblable : se retrouver à +60 ans à l'autre bout du monde avec ses amies de lycée qu'on a pas vraiment côtoyé depuis 40 ans, qui fait ça ? Pas moi...) et les "morales" distillées tout le long m'ont paru tomber comme un cheveu sur la soupe, de façon artificielle et faussement spirituelles.
Peut être que la traduction a fait perdre au texte d'origine sa qualité (parce qu'en plus j'ai trouvé ça maladroitement écrit, pas toujours très clair de savoir qui parle 🤔) car le roman pêche de ce côté là aussi, malheureusement.
Je l'ai quand même lu en entier parce que je n'ai pas détesté, et j'ai aimé m'imaginer les plages au Fidji, mais sans nul doute que ce livre sera bien vite oublié... 🙈
Je ne me suis pas du tout attachée aux personnages, trop stéréotypés et enfermés dans leurs schémas (et pas particulièrement sympathiques de surcroît, en tout cas je trouve), l'intrigue est un peu simpliste sans trop de surprises (et un peu invraisemblable : se retrouver à +60 ans à l'autre bout du monde avec ses amies de lycée qu'on a pas vraiment côtoyé depuis 40 ans, qui fait ça ? Pas moi...) et les "morales" distillées tout le long m'ont paru tomber comme un cheveu sur la soupe, de façon artificielle et faussement spirituelles.
Peut être que la traduction a fait perdre au texte d'origine sa qualité (parce qu'en plus j'ai trouvé ça maladroitement écrit, pas toujours très clair de savoir qui parle 🤔) car le roman pêche de ce côté là aussi, malheureusement.
Je l'ai quand même lu en entier parce que je n'ai pas détesté, et j'ai aimé m'imaginer les plages au Fidji, mais sans nul doute que ce livre sera bien vite oublié... 🙈
March 13, 2019
This is a story of five childhood friends from Norway who, after living their lives differently, have now come together to live on a cocoa farm in Fiji. All of them are in their sixties, each with their own heartaches n troubles. It's a story of how they come together to support and help each other in the twilight of their lives.
The book gives you an insight into the life and the culture of Fiji islands. Life on the islands is not just about sunsets on the beach but much more. Each one of the girls find liberation and some meaning to their existence.
I really enjoyed the book. It gave me a glimpse of something new and different.
The book gives you an insight into the life and the culture of Fiji islands. Life on the islands is not just about sunsets on the beach but much more. Each one of the girls find liberation and some meaning to their existence.
I really enjoyed the book. It gave me a glimpse of something new and different.
April 2, 2017
A wonderful novel.A group of women best friends in high school now in their 60s,are sent a letter by one of this group Kat to come join her on her farm in Fiji.Kat has recently lost her life companion &is advised by her housekeeper a dear friend to bring family to surrond her.
As the women arrive each with her own life story as secrets unfold as they adjust to life in Fiji each story will engage you some will shock&oh yes they get involved with farming chocolate.
A perfect book to share with your own family of women perfect for book club discussion,
As the women arrive each with her own life story as secrets unfold as they adjust to life in Fiji each story will engage you some will shock&oh yes they get involved with farming chocolate.
A perfect book to share with your own family of women perfect for book club discussion,
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