What do you think?
Rate this book
Киноклуб на самотните сърца
Не е важно откъде идваш, а къде се намираш сега, накъде отиваш и на кое място принадлежиш.
Джени Ебърт е на деветнайсет и току-що е пристигнала в Моркамб, в Университета в Северен Ланкашър, за да учи филмови изкуства. Измъкнала се от скучния си живот, тя се опитва да си изгради нов – да бъде красавицата на студентските купони и да се превърне във фатална жена като любимата си актриса от 40-те Лорън Бекол. Докато приключи ремонтът в общежитията, Джени се настанява в „Разходка по залез“. Това е един необичаен старчески дом, чиито собственици приемат по европейска програма студенти, за да насърчават общуването между поколенията. В дома пристигат още трима млади хора, един от които е Джон-Пол Джордж, по-известен като Ринго. Той обича „Бийтълс“ и е по-мъдър, отколкото изглежда, но за Джени е просто досаден.
Посрещат ги обитателите на дома – чудати пенсионери, един от друг по-смръщени и един от друг по-самотни. Господин Робинсън е бивш военен – парадира с участието си във войната, но неясно коя. Госпожа Слайтуайт е злобна възрастна дама, която получава наслада единствено от причиняването на страдание. Ибиза Джо е тийнейджър, затворен в тялото на старец. Госпожа Кентъл непрекъснато брои въображаемите си бижута, а красивата и мистериозна Една Грей винаги е с безупречен грим и изискани тоалети.
Първоначално възрастните обитатели разменят хапливи реплики с новодошлите. Според пенсионерите проблемът на младежите е, че не са поживели достатъчно, а според младите проблемът на възрастните е, че си мислят, че знаят всичко.
Когато обаче Джени започва да организира вечери на „Киноклуба на самотните сърца“ с филми ноар, всички един по един свалят преградите. А тя установява, че Ринго не е толкова досаден…
Постепенно и млади, и стари разбират, че ги свързват много повече неща, отколкото са предполагали. Че не е важно откъде идваш, а къде се намираш сега, накъде отиваш и на кое място принадлежиш.
Джени Ебърт е на деветнайсет и току-що е пристигнала в Моркамб, в Университета в Северен Ланкашър, за да учи филмови изкуства. Измъкнала се от скучния си живот, тя се опитва да си изгради нов – да бъде красавицата на студентските купони и да се превърне във фатална жена като любимата си актриса от 40-те Лорън Бекол. Докато приключи ремонтът в общежитията, Джени се настанява в „Разходка по залез“. Това е един необичаен старчески дом, чиито собственици приемат по европейска програма студенти, за да насърчават общуването между поколенията. В дома пристигат още трима млади хора, един от които е Джон-Пол Джордж, по-известен като Ринго. Той обича „Бийтълс“ и е по-мъдър, отколкото изглежда, но за Джени е просто досаден.
Посрещат ги обитателите на дома – чудати пенсионери, един от друг по-смръщени и един от друг по-самотни. Господин Робинсън е бивш военен – парадира с участието си във войната, но неясно коя. Госпожа Слайтуайт е злобна възрастна дама, която получава наслада единствено от причиняването на страдание. Ибиза Джо е тийнейджър, затворен в тялото на старец. Госпожа Кентъл непрекъснато брои въображаемите си бижута, а красивата и мистериозна Една Грей винаги е с безупречен грим и изискани тоалети.
Първоначално възрастните обитатели разменят хапливи реплики с новодошлите. Според пенсионерите проблемът на младежите е, че не са поживели достатъчно, а според младите проблемът на възрастните е, че си мислят, че знаят всичко.
Когато обаче Джени започва да организира вечери на „Киноклуба на самотните сърца“ с филми ноар, всички един по един свалят преградите. А тя установява, че Ринго не е толкова досаден…
Постепенно и млади, и стари разбират, че ги свързват много повече неща, отколкото са предполагали. Че не е важно откъде идваш, а къде се намираш сега, накъде отиваш и на кое място принадлежиш.
328 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2018
44 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 22, 2018
4☆ A Touching and Endearing read.
The Growing Pains of Jennifer Ebert is a wonderfully charming and uplifting read, about different generations, living together, learning together, and helping each other.
The Sunset Retirement home decide that in order to make some extra funds they decide to open their doors to the younger generation. Well when I mean younger, I mean Uni students. They move in whilst their uni apartment is getting fixed up.
When I read the blurb for this book, I was really excited.
I don't think I have read a book that features two generations living in a care home. I thought the idea would certainly be entertaining.
My nan and grandad both lived with us all my life and I wouldn't of changed it.
Not only did it enrich my life i learnt so much more having them there.
So I was intrigued to see just how the interactions between the characters would pan out.
The characters are certainly unique, endearing, a little quirky, they were well thought-out, and believable.
The interactions between the two generations were witty, inspiring, entertaining, and at times comical.
The writing style was engaging and entertaining, i really liked that every chapter is named after a film. Which I thought was a nice touch.
There was certainly plenty of drama, escapades, some laugh out loud moments, some touching moments, a dash of romance and mystery weaved in making this book a Thought Provoking and Compelling read.
The Growing Pains of Jennifer Ebert, is a Touching and Endearing read, it's heart warming and inspiring, a unique book with an engrossing storyline and a witty narrative filled with colourful characters.
An absolute joy to read. I definitely recommend reading this wonderful Book.
Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours and Trapeze Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
The Growing Pains of Jennifer Ebert is a wonderfully charming and uplifting read, about different generations, living together, learning together, and helping each other.
The Sunset Retirement home decide that in order to make some extra funds they decide to open their doors to the younger generation. Well when I mean younger, I mean Uni students. They move in whilst their uni apartment is getting fixed up.
When I read the blurb for this book, I was really excited.
I don't think I have read a book that features two generations living in a care home. I thought the idea would certainly be entertaining.
My nan and grandad both lived with us all my life and I wouldn't of changed it.
Not only did it enrich my life i learnt so much more having them there.
So I was intrigued to see just how the interactions between the characters would pan out.
The characters are certainly unique, endearing, a little quirky, they were well thought-out, and believable.
The interactions between the two generations were witty, inspiring, entertaining, and at times comical.
The writing style was engaging and entertaining, i really liked that every chapter is named after a film. Which I thought was a nice touch.
There was certainly plenty of drama, escapades, some laugh out loud moments, some touching moments, a dash of romance and mystery weaved in making this book a Thought Provoking and Compelling read.
The Growing Pains of Jennifer Ebert, is a Touching and Endearing read, it's heart warming and inspiring, a unique book with an engrossing storyline and a witty narrative filled with colourful characters.
An absolute joy to read. I definitely recommend reading this wonderful Book.
Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours and Trapeze Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
November 15, 2023
The Lonely Hearts Cinema Club started off well at the beginning but petered out about half way through I thought I would enjoy it more than I did , but alas it wasn’t to be.
Jenny Ebert is a 20 year old girl who is studying film Noir in her first year at university, she is struggling to make friends as they are a lot older than her she takes a job at a nursing home holding cinema nights for them sounds nice 😊 but it fizzled out into a boring read… you can’t win them all.
Jenny Ebert is a 20 year old girl who is studying film Noir in her first year at university, she is struggling to make friends as they are a lot older than her she takes a job at a nursing home holding cinema nights for them sounds nice 😊 but it fizzled out into a boring read… you can’t win them all.
October 25, 2022
Nineteen year old Jenny Ebert quickly regrets her decision to move into Sunset Promenade, until accommodation becomes available for her at the uni. Sunset Promenade is a retirement home like no other. Run by brothers Barry and Garry Grange it struggles to keep operating. That’s what prompted the idea of offering accommodation to uni students. Three other uni students have taken up the offer to live with the five elderly people currently at Sunset Promenade. They are John-Paul George known to all a Ringo and the Chinese pair of Ling and Bo Liu.
The elderly residents are a diverse group. There is Mrs Cantle, who is always prattling on about her jewels and her friend Edna Grey. There is the racist and bigoted Mr Robinson and the disagreeable Mrs Slaithwaite. The other resident is Ibiza Joe.
Jenny is studying film at uni after dropping her economics degree her parents wanted her to do, and changing uni. Jenny, in an effort to unite the elderly residents, starts the Lonely Hearts Cinema Club featuring the films made by her grandfather. They are Jenny's most precious possession and the cause of a violent argument with her parents. When treasured possessions at Sunset Promenade start to go missing, it seems someone is echoing events from the films. But who? And why? Jenny plans to find out. It is more complex that she ever dreamt. And what will happen to the residents if the Grange brothers have to sell as looks likely?
This was an amusing read if somewhat over the top especially towards the end. The motivation for events to me seemed bizarre and far fetched. It didn't help that I didn't particularly like Jenny and some of her actions.
This book has its moments. Some incidents are amusing. Some farcical. Some heartwarming. Others made me shake my head and roll my eyes. But it was entertaining enough to keep reading despite some unlikable characters and improbable situations. Enjoyable enough but not memorable. A light read that does contain some wisdom as well as the unlikely aspects of the story.
The elderly residents are a diverse group. There is Mrs Cantle, who is always prattling on about her jewels and her friend Edna Grey. There is the racist and bigoted Mr Robinson and the disagreeable Mrs Slaithwaite. The other resident is Ibiza Joe.
Jenny is studying film at uni after dropping her economics degree her parents wanted her to do, and changing uni. Jenny, in an effort to unite the elderly residents, starts the Lonely Hearts Cinema Club featuring the films made by her grandfather. They are Jenny's most precious possession and the cause of a violent argument with her parents. When treasured possessions at Sunset Promenade start to go missing, it seems someone is echoing events from the films. But who? And why? Jenny plans to find out. It is more complex that she ever dreamt. And what will happen to the residents if the Grange brothers have to sell as looks likely?
This was an amusing read if somewhat over the top especially towards the end. The motivation for events to me seemed bizarre and far fetched. It didn't help that I didn't particularly like Jenny and some of her actions.
This book has its moments. Some incidents are amusing. Some farcical. Some heartwarming. Others made me shake my head and roll my eyes. But it was entertaining enough to keep reading despite some unlikable characters and improbable situations. Enjoyable enough but not memorable. A light read that does contain some wisdom as well as the unlikely aspects of the story.
January 3, 2019
Първата ми книга за 2019-та! Пожелавам си всички след нея да са толкова хубави - много харесвам чувството за хумор на Барнет, обожавам персонажите, с които ме среща, и тайничко си мечтая да можех да се запозная с някого от тях. И както уж сюжетът изглежда лек и забавен, така вмъква и сериозни теми като сблъсъка между поколенията, отношението към възрастните хора, Брекзит, кинокултура. Не мога да преценя коя книга харесвам повече - "Земята вика Майор Том" или "Киноклуб на самотните сърца" - намирам ги за еднакво увлекателни и интересни.
December 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book at the beginning when it introduced us to all the characters in the retirement home. They reminded me so much of my companions here that it made me laugh a lot. It was a book that got weaker as the story went on rather than stronger. I found the last few chapters rather convoluted. And I wish they had made a bigger deal about the Movie Club. I was hoping to be able to recommend it to my grandsons who are movie fanatics but I wouldn't bother now.
October 25, 2020
Чела съм и другата книга на автора, но си помислих, че тази ще ми е по интересна от „Земята вика майор Том“. Всъщност историята не е толкова лоша, но никой герой не ми стана симпатичен, а това обезсмисля всичко. Когато чета си избирам някой любимец и с интерес следя развитието му. Тук не се получи, а самите герои ме дразнеха. Прочетох и я забравих вече.
Джени заминава да учи филмови изкуства заради дядо си, който се е занимавал с това на младини, но се отказва в името на сигурността. Тя отсяда в старчески дом, докато построят университетския кампус. Там са отседнали още трима студенти. Възрастните хора и младите трудно намират общ език, но постепенно успяват да се адаптират към ситуацията. Джени им прожектира старите филми на дядо си и успява да се впише сред тях, намира и любовта. Само че има неразгадана мистерия – някой я преследва и иска да я убие. Тя ще израсне, ще разбере истината за дядо си и ще се научи да бъде себе си.
Много цитати извадих, имаше интересни попадения, но не е моята история.
Джени заминава да учи филмови изкуства заради дядо си, който се е занимавал с това на младини, но се отказва в името на сигурността. Тя отсяда в старчески дом, докато построят университетския кампус. Там са отседнали още трима студенти. Възрастните хора и младите трудно намират общ език, но постепенно успяват да се адаптират към ситуацията. Джени им прожектира старите филми на дядо си и успява да се впише сред тях, намира и любовта. Само че има неразгадана мистерия – някой я преследва и иска да я убие. Тя ще израсне, ще разбере истината за дядо си и ще се научи да бъде себе си.
Много цитати извадих, имаше интересни попадения, но не е моята история.
June 7, 2022
Книжен ситком. Може би чудесен сценарий за сериал с поне пет сезона, но без да е особено успешен - няма достатъчно готини мадами и разни ей такива неща. Жест към класическите филми ноар, все пак.
Има някои симпатични "мъдри мисли" за живота, от които може да ти стане по-добре. Краят можеше да е с повече гръм и трясък, личното ми очакване не беше докрай задоволено. Общо взето е добра книга за моментите, в които не искаш да се чувстваш претоварен с чужда житейска история.
Има някои симпатични "мъдри мисли" за живота, от които може да ти стане по-добре. Краят можеше да е с повече гръм и трясък, личното ми очакване не беше докрай задоволено. Общо взето е добра книга за моментите, в които не искаш да се чувстваш претоварен с чужда житейска история.
January 3, 2019
Много симпатично и с чувство за хумор написана история, наподобяваща ситуационна комедия. Отдавна се канех да прочета нещо от този автор и първо ми попадна тази книга.
Няма разтърсващи страсти и случки, но неусетно те увлича и така до края.
В търсене на себе си,една млада жена се заплита в какви ли не странности.
"Понякога трябва да знаем в какво искаме да се превърнем, за да разберем как да го направим."
Лесно е да се каже.
Няма разтърсващи страсти и случки, но неусетно те увлича и така до края.
В търсене на себе си,една млада жена се заплита в какви ли не странности.
"Понякога трябва да знаем в какво искаме да се превърнем, за да разберем как да го направим."
Лесно е да се каже.
January 22, 2019
It must be awful as an author to be constantly compared to works you have previously written, but I'm going to do it here because Barnett's first book, 'Calling Major Tom', was my main reason for purchasing this one. I loved that book! Sadly though, all the attributes that wonderful story had are missing from this one. I just couldn't warm to the female protagonist here, she wasn't very likeable at all and despite 'finding herself' during the story, I never really felt her character developed. It took me ages to settle into the plot too, as it kind of plodded on, never really landing anywhere interesting. A mystery of sorts was thrown in, which I found rather odd, and for me, added nothing believable to the overall story. A quick read, but sadly not one I'm likely to remember or recommend.
May 2, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed TLHCC. Like a cosy chair enveloping you as you enjoy a lazy afternoon watching an old black and white movie by the fire, TLHCC will leave you feeling nostalgic, uplifted and most definitely wanting more from David M Barnett. I loved every word of this book and would advise people take an afternoon off, find a comfy spot and lose yourself for a few hours in the world of Sunset Promenade.
May 20, 2018
Like it’s predecessor, this book reads almost like a children’s story, with the same sort of structure. The characters are loveable, well developed and relatable - their mix of good and bad makes them seem relatable as well as humorous. I loved the idea of the story, and would like to see a film - it was so compelling that I often ended up reading late into the night, and it was so humorous that I barely noticed. That I finished it in a week in term time is evidence of how much I enjoyed it - this was not a slim book! Can’t wait to read more by this author, who may be my new favourite.
May 30, 2018
Like 'calling major tom' , this is a gentle meander into the lives of elderly residence of a care home intermingled with uni students. As with CMT this will defiantly be made into a film on the line of Marigold exotic hotel. Need I say more.
September 24, 2019
Funny and beautiful
November 15, 2018
A Thought-Provoking Look at Life, Love and Loneliness
David Barnett has managed something quite spectacular with his latest novel, knitting together themes of loneliness, love, regret and mystery into a novel that touches on current affairs and fears held within us all. On turning the last page of the book, I was not sure if I was left feeling hopeful, mournful or simply thoughtful. From the author of Calling Major Tom, The Growing Pains of Jennifer Ebert is a thought-provoking novel that truly taps into the mind of every single reader, no matter their age.
This is one of these occurrences when reading the blurb of a book simply does not do the story justice. Having read Calling Major Tom, I was more than expecting a flair of humour, a touch of sarcastic dialogue and carefully thought out references to popular culture, after all, it is what David Barnett excels at. I was not, however, expecting to find myself so entrenched in a story that it would lead me to question my own preconceived notions towards a generation I always assumed I was at least sensitive to.
What secrets do each of us hold? When the wrinkles set in and the worry lines of adulthood knit together with the crevasses caused by time, what stories do they hide? What secrets do they mask?
When you walk through the doors of a retirement home, what do you see? A once young soldier? a glamorous young starlet? Maybe even a grieving father? Can you look past the wrinkles into the eyes of the aged and see their lives or does fear blur your vision?
"She wonders if he sees shadows of his own mortality in them, if he worries which one he's going to end up like." Isn't this how many of us view retirement homes. Places many of us visit out of obligation rather than love. Tentatively walking the corridors passed doors that keep hidden the fears we all hold, the fears of growing old?
The release date of this latest novel may have played a part in my initial reactions towards the story. You see, I have written before about loneliness in the elderly. The John Lewis Christmas Adverts have long since tackled emotional subjects, but without a doubt, my favourite one was The Man in the Moon (back in 2015) Their thoughtful tackling of shining a spotlight on the aching loneliness of the elderly surrounded by a growing selfish generation was genius. In many ways, David Barnett's book does exactly this. Dissecting the true feelings of those in our ageing population.
Jennifer Ebert, as a character, is deeply broken in many ways but represents so much of what we see in the younger generation today. A tendency towards selfishness, a lack of understanding of the world around her and a complete lack of self-awareness wrapped in self-obsession. Her determination to 'find herself' or show her 'true self' when she moves from her first university to her second shows her immaturity. So busy trying to make her mark by following the crowd, or standing out in the crowd. Dumbing herself down to fit in but determined to be different. It's not difficult to see how David weaves in his opinions on today's cavernous generation gap, and if we took a moment to step back and think about it, it's so blindly obvious to see (...when we are not too busy scrolling through our phones looking for the next 'obsession').
But it's not all bad. Jennifer, as much as she professes to be desperate to be 'Bacall', the femme fatale in her very own noir movie of her life, deep down she knows that is not where her true-self lies. With thanks to a superbly set retirement home, filled to the rafters with odd old people each with their own quirks, it doesn't take long for the outer selfish shell to start to crack, helped a little by the determined pickaxe that is 'Ringo', the leading man sitting just a little out of shot.
The characters in this book make the story. The plot itself and the mystery element plays secondary for me. I was less bothered about the 'who-dunnit' and more fascinated and captured by the emotional dissection of the wonderful characters that make up this odd home on the hill.
But it's not just views on the elderly that Barnett tackles. Current affairs such as racism and Brexit play a key role. Views of the older generation battle against those of the younger who feel the country is ignoring their cries of frustration towards current politics. Not just here, but abroad also.
One of my favourite quotes is from Ling, a Chinese student who battles the views of the elderly who can't wait to be 'free of the clutches of Europe' -
"We are in your country because there is money to be made from your own incredible stupidity." But although David gives a voice to the many young people who feel unheard, he is clever with his subtle but poignant doses of 'reality check' coming from a generation who fought so hard for the freedom of our country.
Mr Robinson, one of the characters in the home is quick to pipe up "Bit of Blitz Spirit, that's what your generation needs. Suck it up and crack on. That's the ticket."
Barnett's attention to detail is superb. His references to the classic noir movies in each and every chapter heading made me smile with recognition. His subtle references to The Beatles had me singing Eleanor Rigby around the house for days. It is a book that followed me around during my daily chores in many different guises.
Favourites parts of the book for me include:
"A minibus full of pensioners and students dressed in Halloween fancy dress wasn't worth the paperwork" - If ever there was a scene I want to see in a movie, this is it!
"We've seen people arrive as strangers and leave as friends" - Barry - In many ways, this is how I felt when I finished the book. I walked through the doors of the home with Jennifer, encased in my own thoughts, simply setting out to read and review a book, and ended feeling as if I had made friends for life, listened to stories that have enriched my life, and changed opinions that I hope will pave a more positive outlook for my 'later' years in life.
I feel I can only end this review with one very poignant quote:
"Jennifer Ebert has only existed properly since she came to Sunset Promenade..." - In many ways, I feel the same.
David Barnett has managed something quite spectacular with his latest novel, knitting together themes of loneliness, love, regret and mystery into a novel that touches on current affairs and fears held within us all. On turning the last page of the book, I was not sure if I was left feeling hopeful, mournful or simply thoughtful. From the author of Calling Major Tom, The Growing Pains of Jennifer Ebert is a thought-provoking novel that truly taps into the mind of every single reader, no matter their age.
This is one of these occurrences when reading the blurb of a book simply does not do the story justice. Having read Calling Major Tom, I was more than expecting a flair of humour, a touch of sarcastic dialogue and carefully thought out references to popular culture, after all, it is what David Barnett excels at. I was not, however, expecting to find myself so entrenched in a story that it would lead me to question my own preconceived notions towards a generation I always assumed I was at least sensitive to.
What secrets do each of us hold? When the wrinkles set in and the worry lines of adulthood knit together with the crevasses caused by time, what stories do they hide? What secrets do they mask?
When you walk through the doors of a retirement home, what do you see? A once young soldier? a glamorous young starlet? Maybe even a grieving father? Can you look past the wrinkles into the eyes of the aged and see their lives or does fear blur your vision?
"She wonders if he sees shadows of his own mortality in them, if he worries which one he's going to end up like." Isn't this how many of us view retirement homes. Places many of us visit out of obligation rather than love. Tentatively walking the corridors passed doors that keep hidden the fears we all hold, the fears of growing old?
The release date of this latest novel may have played a part in my initial reactions towards the story. You see, I have written before about loneliness in the elderly. The John Lewis Christmas Adverts have long since tackled emotional subjects, but without a doubt, my favourite one was The Man in the Moon (back in 2015) Their thoughtful tackling of shining a spotlight on the aching loneliness of the elderly surrounded by a growing selfish generation was genius. In many ways, David Barnett's book does exactly this. Dissecting the true feelings of those in our ageing population.
Jennifer Ebert, as a character, is deeply broken in many ways but represents so much of what we see in the younger generation today. A tendency towards selfishness, a lack of understanding of the world around her and a complete lack of self-awareness wrapped in self-obsession. Her determination to 'find herself' or show her 'true self' when she moves from her first university to her second shows her immaturity. So busy trying to make her mark by following the crowd, or standing out in the crowd. Dumbing herself down to fit in but determined to be different. It's not difficult to see how David weaves in his opinions on today's cavernous generation gap, and if we took a moment to step back and think about it, it's so blindly obvious to see (...when we are not too busy scrolling through our phones looking for the next 'obsession').
But it's not all bad. Jennifer, as much as she professes to be desperate to be 'Bacall', the femme fatale in her very own noir movie of her life, deep down she knows that is not where her true-self lies. With thanks to a superbly set retirement home, filled to the rafters with odd old people each with their own quirks, it doesn't take long for the outer selfish shell to start to crack, helped a little by the determined pickaxe that is 'Ringo', the leading man sitting just a little out of shot.
The characters in this book make the story. The plot itself and the mystery element plays secondary for me. I was less bothered about the 'who-dunnit' and more fascinated and captured by the emotional dissection of the wonderful characters that make up this odd home on the hill.
But it's not just views on the elderly that Barnett tackles. Current affairs such as racism and Brexit play a key role. Views of the older generation battle against those of the younger who feel the country is ignoring their cries of frustration towards current politics. Not just here, but abroad also.
One of my favourite quotes is from Ling, a Chinese student who battles the views of the elderly who can't wait to be 'free of the clutches of Europe' -
"We are in your country because there is money to be made from your own incredible stupidity." But although David gives a voice to the many young people who feel unheard, he is clever with his subtle but poignant doses of 'reality check' coming from a generation who fought so hard for the freedom of our country.
Mr Robinson, one of the characters in the home is quick to pipe up "Bit of Blitz Spirit, that's what your generation needs. Suck it up and crack on. That's the ticket."
Barnett's attention to detail is superb. His references to the classic noir movies in each and every chapter heading made me smile with recognition. His subtle references to The Beatles had me singing Eleanor Rigby around the house for days. It is a book that followed me around during my daily chores in many different guises.
Favourites parts of the book for me include:
"A minibus full of pensioners and students dressed in Halloween fancy dress wasn't worth the paperwork" - If ever there was a scene I want to see in a movie, this is it!
"We've seen people arrive as strangers and leave as friends" - Barry - In many ways, this is how I felt when I finished the book. I walked through the doors of the home with Jennifer, encased in my own thoughts, simply setting out to read and review a book, and ended feeling as if I had made friends for life, listened to stories that have enriched my life, and changed opinions that I hope will pave a more positive outlook for my 'later' years in life.
I feel I can only end this review with one very poignant quote:
"Jennifer Ebert has only existed properly since she came to Sunset Promenade..." - In many ways, I feel the same.
August 20, 2019
Very predictable. Was a bit shocked by the end or better the Jenny storyline. This made her character really go downhill for me.
July 12, 2018
"You can't write stories unless you understand people," says Ringo in this book. The writer shows he does and that is what makes this book a wonderful story
I loved Major Tom so much. And I loved this book too. I found the story line one of modern dilemmas and the characters warm and real. From the opening when Jenny arrives in the rain at Morecambe to the books conclusion I was engaged and engrossed. I love all the film references and the director film chapter headings. When you have empathy for people as this writer does, the characters jump right off the page and into your heart. A book right up my street.
I loved Major Tom so much. And I loved this book too. I found the story line one of modern dilemmas and the characters warm and real. From the opening when Jenny arrives in the rain at Morecambe to the books conclusion I was engaged and engrossed. I love all the film references and the director film chapter headings. When you have empathy for people as this writer does, the characters jump right off the page and into your heart. A book right up my street.
November 2, 2018
What happens if you put university students in with a small group of older people to live? The Sunset retirement home has taken on a european idea (with funding) to try just that. They have 5 “more mature” guests and have now taken on four students- Ling, Bo (both chinese- business studies), Ringo (real name John-paul George) and Jennifer (film studies). All are waiting for rooms in university accommodation that isn’t quite finished and this provides a solution meanwhile. There are wonderful interactive moments when the two generations get together as well as the inevitable rows and generations differences and tolerances.Each chapter is named after a film in the noir era which is Jenny’s speciality. I loved this- it gave me cause to think. There are some wise words from both young and old- sometimes we let the world spin around us without thinking to take a breath. Edna mentions one of my favourite films- the original (David Lean)version of Great Expectations explaining that Pip “even someone with nothing could have greatness thrust upon them”. She also says “ We let things happen to us, rather than allowing ourselves to influence and change the world…. Whether we are going to be the sort of person who life happens to, or the sort of person who happens to life” . A story of hope and past and future, of young and old and somewhere in between. Of treasuring what is now and what perhaps can’t be but also allowing yourself to be you. Not always as easy as it first appears. A brilliant inspiring read. 5**
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
May 5, 2018
A light read - with some lovely characters.
August 24, 2018
Enjoyable quick read
I read calling Major Tom last year by the same author and loved each character involved in this original story that made me laugh a lot and cry a little. TLHCC had a hard act to follow as I couldn't wait to get stuck into another unique story with more quirky characters. To being fair, overall a feel good story with a range of mostly likeable characters but found towards the end Jenny's storyline a little far fetched. But still worth a read. Think I'm biased as I was wanting to lose myself in book heaven as I did last time with Calling Major Tom.
I read calling Major Tom last year by the same author and loved each character involved in this original story that made me laugh a lot and cry a little. TLHCC had a hard act to follow as I couldn't wait to get stuck into another unique story with more quirky characters. To being fair, overall a feel good story with a range of mostly likeable characters but found towards the end Jenny's storyline a little far fetched. But still worth a read. Think I'm biased as I was wanting to lose myself in book heaven as I did last time with Calling Major Tom.
February 11, 2020
Bought this book as the author was a journalist at Jenny's age (the main lead of the book). So, I wanted to know his writing style.
Love how David made a thorough research on living of the young and old residents. Different views and refreshing perspectives.
The plot is a little boring but I truly enjoy reading the emotions of each characters, gives me lots of ideas.
Might want to give Beatles songs a go, and study more on film noir genre.
Love how David made a thorough research on living of the young and old residents. Different views and refreshing perspectives.
The plot is a little boring but I truly enjoy reading the emotions of each characters, gives me lots of ideas.
Might want to give Beatles songs a go, and study more on film noir genre.
March 3, 2019
I enjoyed the mix of quirky characters and their interactions. While this would be classed as a light read it does deal with what has become a serious problem, loneliness and isolation in old age and the cost of residential care. A cosy, feel good read.
January 31, 2020
Dospívání bývá obtížné, bez ohledu na věk.
Příběh začíná tím, že hlavní hrdinka knihy - Jenny Ebertová - chce vypadat jak Lauren Bacallová. Tedy aspoň původně to měla v plánu. Krvavě rudá rtěnka, svůdný pohled a na vlasech prvotřídní lokny, to podlomí nohy každému muži. Ale nakonec Jenny vypadá jako zmoklá myš. Čtyři hodiny v narvaném vlaku a 30 minut stání v intenzivním dešti se na jejím vzhedu femme fatale z čtyřicátých let vyznamně podepsalo. Když v tom konečně dorazí taxikář. Řidič se jí zeptá, jestli se potřebuje dostat k univerzitě. Jenny odpoví, že nebydlí na koleji, tedy aspoň ne teď, protože musí dostavět jeden obytný blok kolejí. A ukáže mu papír s adresou. Domov s pečovatelskou službou známý jako dům U Zapadajícího slunce nacházející se nedaleko Morecambe. Řidič má v knize významnou roli.
Jenny se v hale domu rozhlíží, když ji padne zrak na fotku na novinové stránce, na které je ona před domem. U fotky je napsáno: Domov důchodců na severu hrabství Lancashire se zapojil do průkopnického programu a hodlá ubytovávat studenty společně s penzisty. Reportážní štáb NLN.
Jenže v čem je háček? K čemu je to vlastně dobré? To si budete muset přečíst sami, nechci spoilerovat.
S Jenny se tam nastehují i další tři studenti, dva z Číny a Ringo.
Důchodci mě hrozně bavili, i když se celkem často dohadovali. Ale byli i vtipní.
Jednoho dne hráli bingo, tedy aspoň se o to pokoušeli, a celkem dost to mezi staříky a mladými jiskřilo. Až se to nakonec zvrtlo.....
Jenny uspořádá několik filmových večerů, jenže se začnou dít zvláštní věci, začnou mizet věci a všichni jsou podle Jenny podezřelí, ale nemůže pochopit motiv. Tak začne pátrat po ztracených věcech.......
Nejlepší bylo, když se převlíkli obě generace do halloweenských kostýmů a jeli pařit, já umírala smíchy....
Po celou dobu příběhu každý hrdina prozrazuje svůj životní příběh a to bylo opravdu smutné. Bylo mi jich líto.
Citace Ringa, která mě donutila trochu přemýšlet:
„Všichni lidé kolem nás mají své příběhy. Nejsou pouhé... postavy na pozadí života.“
Kdo tedy stojí za ztracenymi předměty? A jak s tím souvisí filmy, které Jenny pouštěla na filmových večerech? Tohle prostě chcete vědět.
Jenny mě občas svým chováním rozčilovala. A řekla něco, kvůli čemu málem přišla o vztah. Lhát se nemá, právda vždy vyplave na povrch. Jenny občas vzpomíná na minulost, která nebyla dvakrát skvělá. Když chtěla svést učitelé, tak to, co jí učitel oznámil, znám moc dobře a tady jsem s ní celkém i soucítila. Stalo se mi něco podobného, jen to nebyl učitel :D.
Třešničkou knihy jsou názvy kapitol, jsou to staré filmy.
Kniha se mi ale rozhodně líbila. Chtěla jsem ji původně dát 6 hvězd , jako topce. Ale trošku mě mrzí, že tam byly nějaké překlepy a vynechaná písmenka, ale nic hrozného.
Kniha tedy ode mě dostala 5 hvězd . Ale příběh stejně řadím mezi topky. Za sebe doporučuji.
Příběh začíná tím, že hlavní hrdinka knihy - Jenny Ebertová - chce vypadat jak Lauren Bacallová. Tedy aspoň původně to měla v plánu. Krvavě rudá rtěnka, svůdný pohled a na vlasech prvotřídní lokny, to podlomí nohy každému muži. Ale nakonec Jenny vypadá jako zmoklá myš. Čtyři hodiny v narvaném vlaku a 30 minut stání v intenzivním dešti se na jejím vzhedu femme fatale z čtyřicátých let vyznamně podepsalo. Když v tom konečně dorazí taxikář. Řidič se jí zeptá, jestli se potřebuje dostat k univerzitě. Jenny odpoví, že nebydlí na koleji, tedy aspoň ne teď, protože musí dostavět jeden obytný blok kolejí. A ukáže mu papír s adresou. Domov s pečovatelskou službou známý jako dům U Zapadajícího slunce nacházející se nedaleko Morecambe. Řidič má v knize významnou roli.
Jenny se v hale domu rozhlíží, když ji padne zrak na fotku na novinové stránce, na které je ona před domem. U fotky je napsáno: Domov důchodců na severu hrabství Lancashire se zapojil do průkopnického programu a hodlá ubytovávat studenty společně s penzisty. Reportážní štáb NLN.
Jenže v čem je háček? K čemu je to vlastně dobré? To si budete muset přečíst sami, nechci spoilerovat.
S Jenny se tam nastehují i další tři studenti, dva z Číny a Ringo.
Důchodci mě hrozně bavili, i když se celkem často dohadovali. Ale byli i vtipní.
Jednoho dne hráli bingo, tedy aspoň se o to pokoušeli, a celkem dost to mezi staříky a mladými jiskřilo. Až se to nakonec zvrtlo.....
Jenny uspořádá několik filmových večerů, jenže se začnou dít zvláštní věci, začnou mizet věci a všichni jsou podle Jenny podezřelí, ale nemůže pochopit motiv. Tak začne pátrat po ztracených věcech.......
Nejlepší bylo, když se převlíkli obě generace do halloweenských kostýmů a jeli pařit, já umírala smíchy....
Po celou dobu příběhu každý hrdina prozrazuje svůj životní příběh a to bylo opravdu smutné. Bylo mi jich líto.
Citace Ringa, která mě donutila trochu přemýšlet:
„Všichni lidé kolem nás mají své příběhy. Nejsou pouhé... postavy na pozadí života.“
Kdo tedy stojí za ztracenymi předměty? A jak s tím souvisí filmy, které Jenny pouštěla na filmových večerech? Tohle prostě chcete vědět.
Jenny mě občas svým chováním rozčilovala. A řekla něco, kvůli čemu málem přišla o vztah. Lhát se nemá, právda vždy vyplave na povrch. Jenny občas vzpomíná na minulost, která nebyla dvakrát skvělá. Když chtěla svést učitelé, tak to, co jí učitel oznámil, znám moc dobře a tady jsem s ní celkém i soucítila. Stalo se mi něco podobného, jen to nebyl učitel :D.
Třešničkou knihy jsou názvy kapitol, jsou to staré filmy.
Kniha se mi ale rozhodně líbila. Chtěla jsem ji původně dát 6 hvězd , jako topce. Ale trošku mě mrzí, že tam byly nějaké překlepy a vynechaná písmenka, ale nic hrozného.
Kniha tedy ode mě dostala 5 hvězd . Ale příběh stejně řadím mezi topky. Za sebe doporučuji.
December 3, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It had been on the shelf for ages waiting to be read and I impulsively decided to pick it up without reading the blurb or reviews again so I went in blind.
The story takes place in Morecambe, a place I used to live in, so I was immediately interested in and connected to the setting and the local references. It was surprisingly accurate in some cases and was quite comforting for me.
There are four main elements to the book: Love interest, whodunnit, jeopardy and a twist. The love interest is predictable but sweet and charming and not the focus at all. The whodunnit is fun, light-hearted and clues are left for the reader to spot along the way but the breezy nature actually belies a more sinister and sad story. The jeopardy is set up to be solved by the end of the book but the joy is in the how. The twist was genuinely surprising for me and it also comes at a surprising point in the story too.
The whole thing put together is both heart wrenching and warming. It's both witty and melancholy. It asks questions of your hopes and dreams, your life choices and how you would wish to live out your days.
This was my first from Barnett but it won't be my last.
The story takes place in Morecambe, a place I used to live in, so I was immediately interested in and connected to the setting and the local references. It was surprisingly accurate in some cases and was quite comforting for me.
There are four main elements to the book: Love interest, whodunnit, jeopardy and a twist. The love interest is predictable but sweet and charming and not the focus at all. The whodunnit is fun, light-hearted and clues are left for the reader to spot along the way but the breezy nature actually belies a more sinister and sad story. The jeopardy is set up to be solved by the end of the book but the joy is in the how. The twist was genuinely surprising for me and it also comes at a surprising point in the story too.
The whole thing put together is both heart wrenching and warming. It's both witty and melancholy. It asks questions of your hopes and dreams, your life choices and how you would wish to live out your days.
This was my first from Barnett but it won't be my last.
October 20, 2020
Kan jag ha varit på fel humör? Svårt annars att förklara min uppfattning om den här boken, som egentligen är en ganska klassisk feelgood.
Filmstudenten Jenny flyttar in ett rum i ett hus vid universitetet som också fungerar som ett ålderdomshem. Hon lär känna de olika karaktärerna där, samtidigt som ett mysterium pågår. Film, kärlek och knasiga karaktärer.
Det är något med boken som känns krystat, kanske tempot (ibland händer saker för snabbt, ibland för långsamt), kanske att det är lite för mycket på gång: Jennys bakgrundshistoria, stöldmysteriet, hänget med gänget på ålderdomshemmet, hotet mot huset de bor i, osv...
Vid ett tillfälle fick jag samma känsla som i Måndag hela veckan, när Bill Murray har haft ett charmigt snöbollskrig några gånger för mycket med Andie MacDowell, och klämmer fram ett ”hahaha” medan han träffar henne i huvudet lite för hårt med en isboll.
Filmstudenten Jenny flyttar in ett rum i ett hus vid universitetet som också fungerar som ett ålderdomshem. Hon lär känna de olika karaktärerna där, samtidigt som ett mysterium pågår. Film, kärlek och knasiga karaktärer.
Det är något med boken som känns krystat, kanske tempot (ibland händer saker för snabbt, ibland för långsamt), kanske att det är lite för mycket på gång: Jennys bakgrundshistoria, stöldmysteriet, hänget med gänget på ålderdomshemmet, hotet mot huset de bor i, osv...
Vid ett tillfälle fick jag samma känsla som i Måndag hela veckan, när Bill Murray har haft ett charmigt snöbollskrig några gånger för mycket med Andie MacDowell, och klämmer fram ett ”hahaha” medan han träffar henne i huvudet lite för hårt med en isboll.
March 30, 2019
Това е книга, която нямаше да забележа в книжарницатал Корицата ме караше да мисля, че ще чета любовна история с повърхностни герои и придвидима история.
Книгата обаче ми беше подарък, затова не можех да не и дам шанс.
Какво беше учудването ми когато още в самото начало историята ме погълна и установих, че всъщност чакам с нетърпение да разбера повече и повече за мистерията, която се заплита в "Разходка по залез"! Да, в крайна сметка към средата на книгата се бях досетила за повечето неща, но въпреки това книгата вървеше така леко, че си я прочетох с удоволствие и дори съжалявах, че нямам време просто да потъна в нея и всъщност трябва да работя или да спя например.
Книгата обаче ми беше подарък, затова не можех да не и дам шанс.
Какво беше учудването ми когато още в самото начало историята ме погълна и установих, че всъщност чакам с нетърпение да разбера повече и повече за мистерията, която се заплита в "Разходка по залез"! Да, в крайна сметка към средата на книгата се бях досетила за повечето неща, но въпреки това книгата вървеше така леко, че си я прочетох с удоволствие и дори съжалявах, че нямам време просто да потъна в нея и всъщност трябва да работя или да спя например.
October 12, 2019
Започнах с доза скептицизъм. Корица също не работи в полза на книгата. Може би до средата на книга този скептицизъм се оправда, но след това настъпи обрат. Оказа се с дълбок замисъл. Но главната героиня е изключително слаб и дразнещ образ. А финалът е направо разочароващ, по мое мнение. Мога да го сравня с блудкав филм, в който край всичко се нарежда с вълшебна пръчица и всички заживяват щастливо. Предвид, че в сюжетната линия е заложено отмъщението на финала е "ок, размислих, прощавам ти.." !!! Леко се обезсмисля цялото действие. Като изключим главната героиня, всички останали герои са невероятни. А хумора е просто завладяващ.
December 10, 2018
This book would make such a good film. It is full of eccentric characters that would adapt well to the screen. A very good read, the author gets to the very heart of aged care and the balance between cost and quality of that care.
I hope some budding British director will take up the option of turning this into a film and gets David M Barnett to write the screenplay.
I hope some budding British director will take up the option of turning this into a film and gets David M Barnett to write the screenplay.
July 17, 2018
Fairly predictable, slow start but picked up pace once the actual movie nights started. The silly mystery element was very obvious but the oldie characters are likeable enough, although stereotypical. Happy ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews