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Chadwick Family #2
Trygge rammer
Denne roman fortsætter sagaen om familien Chadwick, der første gang blev præsenteret for det danske publikum i romanen FREMTIDS HÅB.
I TRYGGE RAMMER hører vi igen om bedstemor Frederica (kaldet Freddy) og hendes tre børnebørn, der i 1957 tragisk mistede deres forældre og ældre bror i Kenya.
De tre, Fliss, Mole og Susanna, vokser op i Devon i huset The Keep, hvor Freddy og svogeren Theo sørger for de trygge rammer. Børnene vokser til og får deres eget liv: Fliss må tage til Hong Kong med sin mand, selvom hun slet ikke har lyst til lange rejser - hun er nemlig en sand hjemmeføding. I modsætning til Mole, der uddanner sig i marinen. Og så er der Susanna, som går rundt og forelsker sig...
Freddy vil så gerne skærme sine kære og drømmer om at se den næste generation komme til verden. Det forstår børnene intuitivt, og de træder til og sørger for Freddys trygge alderdom. Så med denne gensidige kærlighed bevæger Chadwick-familien sig ind i den uvisse fremtid.
I TRYGGE RAMMER hører vi igen om bedstemor Frederica (kaldet Freddy) og hendes tre børnebørn, der i 1957 tragisk mistede deres forældre og ældre bror i Kenya.
De tre, Fliss, Mole og Susanna, vokser op i Devon i huset The Keep, hvor Freddy og svogeren Theo sørger for de trygge rammer. Børnene vokser til og får deres eget liv: Fliss må tage til Hong Kong med sin mand, selvom hun slet ikke har lyst til lange rejser - hun er nemlig en sand hjemmeføding. I modsætning til Mole, der uddanner sig i marinen. Og så er der Susanna, som går rundt og forelsker sig...
Freddy vil så gerne skærme sine kære og drømmer om at se den næste generation komme til verden. Det forstår børnene intuitivt, og de træder til og sørger for Freddys trygge alderdom. Så med denne gensidige kærlighed bevæger Chadwick-familien sig ind i den uvisse fremtid.
ebook
First published January 1, 1999
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About the author
Marcia Willett
66 books355 followersMarcia Willett began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym "Willa Marsh", and is published in more than sixteen countries.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 30, 2024
I am loving this series so much and can’t wait to finish it with the third book next month! I found d both Maria and Miles infuriating in this second book but they definitely kept me turning the pages. This book is full of joy and sorrow and the most wonderfully connected family. I wish I could go live with them at The Keep!
I will be so sad when this saga is finished but I know it is one I will revisit again and again.
I will be so sad when this saga is finished but I know it is one I will revisit again and again.
July 28, 2013
I love this kind of book that seems harder and harder to find: gentle, character-driven sagas set in a beautifully described lush countryside in the modern era. That it is in England is even better, and of course is why I seek out these books in the first place. What is it about the romance of old houses, like "the Keep" in this one, picturesque villages, and an old world country life that only England can conjure up for us stateside? Perhaps its roots go back to feudal times that are so antithetical to the American experience, and the rose-tinted glasses of late British Colonialism soften the more modern view. Certainly this story could never be set in America. Though some of the characters live and work in London, and the central character lives for a period in Hong Kong, it is the family home in the Devon countryside that draws them all back for at least extended visits and connects them in a visceral way with their past and each other.
This is second in a series about the Chadwick family (and was only available in England; my copy is a used mass market paperback published there I found on Amazon). They are a family with the tradition of serving in the British Royal Navy, and in volume one we learn how the parents and brother of our main characters were brutally murdered by Kenyan natives in the 1950's (tragic victims of Britain's own brutal campaign to destroy Kenyan nationalism that is not given any reference in this story that ignores politics and the consequences of British imperialism in Africa). The time of this story is the 1970's and 80's, when the orphaned Chadwick children have grown to maturity and set out on their own adult lives, with two of the Chadwick males following the family tradition of naval careers, as well as the spouse of one of the daughters. There is no real plot, just following the romances and married lives of the characters and the decline of the older generation. This probably doesn't sound all that interesting, but fans of Downton Abbey can attest otherwise, though there certainly aren't the kind of shenanigans here as in that family saga (nor is this a grand manor estate anywhere near the level of Downton, but it is decidedly traditionally British in view point). Here, in more modern times, the household servants have become more like beloved members of the family. What makes this book worth four stars? It's the sympathetic characters and the way their personalities emerge and make them so individualistic, and, well, interesting. This book and series reminds me a lot of Elizabeth Goudge's books about the Eliot family published in the 1950's (and still my favorites), and that series is even referenced as one of the character's reading material. For those who like their reading to be an escape from the grittiness and nastiness that seems so prevalent in modern literary tastes, I recommend Marcia Willett's books. Her world is a gentle, beautiful place, populated with people who struggle with their own blindspots, weaknesses, difficult relationships, and inappropriate love and longing. It is the love, though, both familial and romantic, that is at the heart of this series.
This is second in a series about the Chadwick family (and was only available in England; my copy is a used mass market paperback published there I found on Amazon). They are a family with the tradition of serving in the British Royal Navy, and in volume one we learn how the parents and brother of our main characters were brutally murdered by Kenyan natives in the 1950's (tragic victims of Britain's own brutal campaign to destroy Kenyan nationalism that is not given any reference in this story that ignores politics and the consequences of British imperialism in Africa). The time of this story is the 1970's and 80's, when the orphaned Chadwick children have grown to maturity and set out on their own adult lives, with two of the Chadwick males following the family tradition of naval careers, as well as the spouse of one of the daughters. There is no real plot, just following the romances and married lives of the characters and the decline of the older generation. This probably doesn't sound all that interesting, but fans of Downton Abbey can attest otherwise, though there certainly aren't the kind of shenanigans here as in that family saga (nor is this a grand manor estate anywhere near the level of Downton, but it is decidedly traditionally British in view point). Here, in more modern times, the household servants have become more like beloved members of the family. What makes this book worth four stars? It's the sympathetic characters and the way their personalities emerge and make them so individualistic, and, well, interesting. This book and series reminds me a lot of Elizabeth Goudge's books about the Eliot family published in the 1950's (and still my favorites), and that series is even referenced as one of the character's reading material. For those who like their reading to be an escape from the grittiness and nastiness that seems so prevalent in modern literary tastes, I recommend Marcia Willett's books. Her world is a gentle, beautiful place, populated with people who struggle with their own blindspots, weaknesses, difficult relationships, and inappropriate love and longing. It is the love, though, both familial and romantic, that is at the heart of this series.
December 14, 2011
This series is starting to grow on me. I will definitely read the third one. Again, though, just a little too light. Everybody has so much stoic British self-control. I want one of the Chadwicks to get really mad or drunk or something. They are just too nice to be really interesting. When they make mistakes, the most they might do is weep quietly. Otherwise they lie bravely and stoically in the beds that they made. But they are good, gentle company right now, while I am going through a health crisis and maybe not up to something more challenging.
September 1, 2019
Enjoying reading these even more second time around.
January 16, 2024
Whilst I find these books a little slow for my tastes, I am constantly surprised at how much my interest is piqued by the lives of these pleasant (and a few unpleasant, I’m looking at you Maria) characters.
I suppose it is the dramas that captured me most in this the second book of the series. Maria’s jealousy and outrage of the life she chose for herself, but will not admit to choosing. Miles’ inferior treatment of his wife, Fliss, and obvious lack of interest in his own children.
However, I found myself becoming bored when I realised another chapter was centred on the troubles of Kit. Her careless and somewhat ungrateful attitude towards the romantic endeavours in her life merely frustrated me. This was such that I had no sympathy for her when the patient and enduring Jake finally gave up.
My only other trouble is my own lack of knowledge in the flower department. Willett creatively produced lines upon lines of what I’m sure is beautiful imagery, but I simply have no image in my mind of all the different flowers she named. Not a fault on her behalf, just on mine. I had trouble understanding and mentally concocting images due to this, and I found that when she went on for more than a paragraph about the fields, the flowers, the walls and the weather, I became quite impatient to get back to the real storyline.
But perhaps the genre of Willett’s writing is simply not my thing. Still a very enjoyable book .
I suppose it is the dramas that captured me most in this the second book of the series. Maria’s jealousy and outrage of the life she chose for herself, but will not admit to choosing. Miles’ inferior treatment of his wife, Fliss, and obvious lack of interest in his own children.
However, I found myself becoming bored when I realised another chapter was centred on the troubles of Kit. Her careless and somewhat ungrateful attitude towards the romantic endeavours in her life merely frustrated me. This was such that I had no sympathy for her when the patient and enduring Jake finally gave up.
My only other trouble is my own lack of knowledge in the flower department. Willett creatively produced lines upon lines of what I’m sure is beautiful imagery, but I simply have no image in my mind of all the different flowers she named. Not a fault on her behalf, just on mine. I had trouble understanding and mentally concocting images due to this, and I found that when she went on for more than a paragraph about the fields, the flowers, the walls and the weather, I became quite impatient to get back to the real storyline.
But perhaps the genre of Willett’s writing is simply not my thing. Still a very enjoyable book .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
Magnificent
I really love this series and the stories of the Chadwick family, I never want it to end! It puts me in mind of Downton Abbey, but in the 70s and 80s.
Marcia Willet's writing ability is magnificent; not only for the warmth and depth of the characters, but also the wonderful descriptive prose. I can see it all playing out in my mind, like a film or series .... now there's a thought!
I really love this series and the stories of the Chadwick family, I never want it to end! It puts me in mind of Downton Abbey, but in the 70s and 80s.
Marcia Willet's writing ability is magnificent; not only for the warmth and depth of the characters, but also the wonderful descriptive prose. I can see it all playing out in my mind, like a film or series .... now there's a thought!
February 27, 2021
This is the sequel to 'Looking Foward' and has brought the story up to the 1980s. I preferred the first book, this one seems full of angst, Fliss and Hal are not having the best time of it, I would have liked more about Suzanna and perhaps more about the children. I have just started on the next in the series, I hope its a bit happier.
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May 8, 2020Often times sequels are a disappointment... not the case with this lovely book... enjoyed every minute of it... can't wait to start the third book in the trilogy
June 16, 2020
It is so easy to get drawn in to the world of Marcia Willett. Like Rosamunde Pilcher, her characters are so true-to-life, and there is a reassuring comfort in her family stories.
March 1, 2021
As the characters grow older, and some die, the stories seem to get even more interesting. On to the third book in this series.
March 28, 2021
Nice number 2
June 23, 2021
vervolg op " een tijd van verwachting" Prachtig
July 4, 2021
Beautiful family saga
I am loving this series Marcia is such a good author you almost feel part of the family, wishful thinking!
I am loving this series Marcia is such a good author you almost feel part of the family, wishful thinking!
July 30, 2022
Lovely English family novel filled with family secrets and entanglements. Fliss, Mole, and Susan’s are raised by their grandmother.
March 18, 2024
I still love all of the Chadwick family household. Their spouses, not so much. The aging and dying parts are so sad because I feel like they're my own family and friends.
July 4, 2024
Pardon me if I'm not impressed by selfish people having emotional affairs + spouses painted with very broad strokes so we're supposed to cheer the emotional affair on.
August 19, 2024
4.5 stars
March 2, 2017
Nederlandse titel: Een veilig thuis
September 11, 2023
“How strange time was; sometimes the distant past felt closer than yesterday; sometimes events and people merged together in the memory.” — Holding On by Marcia Willett
Holding On is the second book in Marcia Willett's Chadwick Family Chronicles.
This family saga ticked lot of boxes for me. It centres around a generational home and follows the lives of the Chadwick family, their friends, and the people employed to help in the running of the home.
This book covers the summer of 1972, autumn 1976, winter 1980, and spring 1984.
The overwhelming theme is that of holding on to the life you have chosen and the people you have chosen to share your life with and finding out what that looks like when things don’t turn out how you expected them too. Because they never do, do they?
I don’t want to give away too many details. However, in my review of Looking Forward, I said that in Marcia Willett books death happens off the page. Well, that’s not the case with this one. It’s an emotional read, but it’s beautifully handled and in classic Marcia Willett fashion it will leave you with an overall feeling of hope.
Holding On is the second book in Marcia Willett's Chadwick Family Chronicles.
This family saga ticked lot of boxes for me. It centres around a generational home and follows the lives of the Chadwick family, their friends, and the people employed to help in the running of the home.
This book covers the summer of 1972, autumn 1976, winter 1980, and spring 1984.
The overwhelming theme is that of holding on to the life you have chosen and the people you have chosen to share your life with and finding out what that looks like when things don’t turn out how you expected them too. Because they never do, do they?
I don’t want to give away too many details. However, in my review of Looking Forward, I said that in Marcia Willett books death happens off the page. Well, that’s not the case with this one. It’s an emotional read, but it’s beautifully handled and in classic Marcia Willett fashion it will leave you with an overall feeling of hope.
November 13, 2021
Second in the 'Chadwick' series. Freddy's grandchildren are grown up, and adult life is portrayed through their eyes. Realistic and often moving.
I liked this very much the first couple of times I read it, even more on my most recent re-read. The writing is excellent, particularly the characterisation, and I was sad to say goodbye in my mind to the many delightful folk in the extended Chadwick family when I finished it.
Recommended to be read after the first in the series ("Looking Forward").
Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
I liked this very much the first couple of times I read it, even more on my most recent re-read. The writing is excellent, particularly the characterisation, and I was sad to say goodbye in my mind to the many delightful folk in the extended Chadwick family when I finished it.
Recommended to be read after the first in the series ("Looking Forward").
Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
May 6, 2011
Second in a series about the Chadwick family. (Read _Looking Forward_ first.) Fliss, Mole, and Susanna have grown up at The Keep under the loving care of their grandmother, Freddy. But now it is time for the fledglings to leave the nest. Fliss tries to make her marriage work and goes off to Hong Kong with her husband, while cousin Hal, hopelessly in love with Fliss, struggles with his own relationship. Mole joins the Navy, but still suffers from PTSD. Only sunny Susanna and her husband Gus find happiness. The story may be predictable but the characters are real, and the descriptions of the Devonshire setting are wonderful.
July 18, 2016
Romantisch verhaal van een Britse schrijfster. Het speelt zich af in Groot Brittanië met veel aandacht voor beschrijvingen van het familieleven, de inrichting en indeling van charmante huizen, landschappen (Devon), tuinen en de honden van de familie. Zwart wit personages (maar dat maakt het juist leuk. ) Dit alles heel aangenaam en ontspannend om te lezen in de vakantie. Ik kan het niet laten te vermelden dat ( het boek is uit 1999) er door de mond van sommige personages al een hint van een Brexit in zit.(blz 48) Grootmoeder en oom Theo gingen nog steeds te keer tegen de EEG. Grootmoeder voelt zich geen Europeaan heeft ze me laten weten. "We zijn een eilandvolk ..."
July 11, 2011
Part of a three book series, it is an OK family saga. Probably after reading Paris Wife it is hard to retrun to light reading. I still like Marcia Willett's ability to weave a great story and develop characters.
July 12, 2019
See review for Holding On (book 1 in this series). This is book 2 and it’s as wonderful and warm and well written as the rest of Ms Willetts early work. She’s such a gifted writer in this genre - I call it comfort reading or escape reading and I truly crave it at times.
June 13, 2009
Felicity Chadwick, her siblings and cousins, are now adults, dealing with various vicissitudes under the observant eyes of grandmother Freddy and Uncle Theo.
January 18, 2011
Just adore the Chadwick family.
December 8, 2012
Likeable family. I'll miss Freddy.
February 18, 2013
One of the 3 books of the Trilogy- Great!
May 25, 2015
I love these characters...the author has brought them alive.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews