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The Family Holiday
The Chamberlain family - Charlie and Daphne, and their children Laura, Scott and Nick - had fantastic summer holidays when they were young. But then, inevitably, the children grew up, and their own messy lives got in the way.
Since their mum died, it feels to them all as if their family just isn't that close any more. And Charlie fears his kids have all lost their direction.
For his eightieth birthday, all Charlie wants is to bring his family together again - and by some miracle, they've all said yes.
It's only ten days . . . how hard can it be?
Since their mum died, it feels to them all as if their family just isn't that close any more. And Charlie fears his kids have all lost their direction.
For his eightieth birthday, all Charlie wants is to bring his family together again - and by some miracle, they've all said yes.
It's only ten days . . . how hard can it be?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
323 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Noble
63 books477 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)literature & fiction
Elizabeth Noble is the author of several previous Sunday Times bestsellers: The Reading Group, which reached Number One, The Friendship Test (formerly published as The Tenko Club), Alphabet Weekends, Things I Want My Daughters to Know, The Girl Next Door, The Way We Were, Between a Mother and her Child and Love, Iris. Her last two books were also Richard & Judy Book Club selections. The Family Holiday is her ninth novel. She lives in Surrey.
Follow Elizabeth on Facebook and Instagram: @elizabethnoblebooks
(1)literature & fiction
Elizabeth Noble is the author of several previous Sunday Times bestsellers: The Reading Group, which reached Number One, The Friendship Test (formerly published as The Tenko Club), Alphabet Weekends, Things I Want My Daughters to Know, The Girl Next Door, The Way We Were, Between a Mother and her Child and Love, Iris. Her last two books were also Richard & Judy Book Club selections. The Family Holiday is her ninth novel. She lives in Surrey.
Follow Elizabeth on Facebook and Instagram: @elizabethnoblebooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
August 1, 2020
Having enjoyed Elizabeth Noble's Love, Iris, I looked forward to reading this, a character driven multi-generational insightful family drama coming together to spend ten days in the Cotswolds. Elderly Charlie Chamberlain lost his beloved wife, Daphne, ten years ago and still feels her loss and the essential role she played in keeping the family together. Approaching his eightieth birthday he worries about how much more splintered the family has become, and he has concerns about them. He invites his three children and their respective families to the Cotswolds, hoping to bring them closer together again. To his utter relief, they all accept, setting the scene for the conflict, chaos, messiness, troubles, trauma, angst, secrets and pain that tends to comprise the nature of families.
Laura's marriage has fallen apart with her husband leaving her, bringing up sixteen year old Ethan, Nick is a widower, who is still in the process of grieving at the loss of his wife, struggling to bring up three children and Scott has married American divorcee, the seemingly perfect Heather, a professional influencer, he has been thrust into the role of step-dad to her two daughters. Prior to the family holiday, we are introduced to all of them, all experiencing their problems, challenges and issues, all baggage that they bring with them to the Cotswolds. Are the family going to be able to negotiate their way to becoming closer, given all that stands between them? Noble weaves an engaging and entertaining story of the complications of families in the modern world. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph.
Laura's marriage has fallen apart with her husband leaving her, bringing up sixteen year old Ethan, Nick is a widower, who is still in the process of grieving at the loss of his wife, struggling to bring up three children and Scott has married American divorcee, the seemingly perfect Heather, a professional influencer, he has been thrust into the role of step-dad to her two daughters. Prior to the family holiday, we are introduced to all of them, all experiencing their problems, challenges and issues, all baggage that they bring with them to the Cotswolds. Are the family going to be able to negotiate their way to becoming closer, given all that stands between them? Noble weaves an engaging and entertaining story of the complications of families in the modern world. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph.
November 23, 2020
Four and a half stars
With his 80th birthday coming up Charlie Chamberlain wants to make it a special time. Since his wife Daphne’s death, the family seems to have drifted apart. So he rents a manor house and invites his children, Laura, Scott and Nick and their respective families together for a family holiday of ten days. Despite some misgivings, each of them opts to go for their father’s sake on this holiday hoping for the best. Laura, Nick and Scott all have situations they are dealing with or trying to. Before the holiday starts the reader gets to meet Laura and her teenage son Ethan, Nick who is struggling to cope with three small children after the sudden death of his wife Carrie in a car accident, and Scott has married Heather an American divorcee with two older girls. The family has only met Heather briefly twice at family occasions of wedding and a funeral. Ten days together as a family in close proximity, will it be a time of memories and happiness? Or will it turn disastrous?
This is a story driven by the characters. I liked the way as a reader I was introduced first to each of the characters and their situation before the holiday started. All of the characters are likeable. The setting in the Cotswolds is lovely. Emergencies and unexpected issues that threaten members of this family and even their future come up. The way people react to such issues is well handled. These characters feel so real in their responses.
From the start I was right there with each of these characters in their tears, their fears and their joys. This is a warm family story that more than once brought a few tears, as well as some lighter moments. I have read several books by this author and she really deals with family situations and family dynamics well. A highly recommended read,that despite the issues has a feel good air about it.
With his 80th birthday coming up Charlie Chamberlain wants to make it a special time. Since his wife Daphne’s death, the family seems to have drifted apart. So he rents a manor house and invites his children, Laura, Scott and Nick and their respective families together for a family holiday of ten days. Despite some misgivings, each of them opts to go for their father’s sake on this holiday hoping for the best. Laura, Nick and Scott all have situations they are dealing with or trying to. Before the holiday starts the reader gets to meet Laura and her teenage son Ethan, Nick who is struggling to cope with three small children after the sudden death of his wife Carrie in a car accident, and Scott has married Heather an American divorcee with two older girls. The family has only met Heather briefly twice at family occasions of wedding and a funeral. Ten days together as a family in close proximity, will it be a time of memories and happiness? Or will it turn disastrous?
This is a story driven by the characters. I liked the way as a reader I was introduced first to each of the characters and their situation before the holiday started. All of the characters are likeable. The setting in the Cotswolds is lovely. Emergencies and unexpected issues that threaten members of this family and even their future come up. The way people react to such issues is well handled. These characters feel so real in their responses.
From the start I was right there with each of these characters in their tears, their fears and their joys. This is a warm family story that more than once brought a few tears, as well as some lighter moments. I have read several books by this author and she really deals with family situations and family dynamics well. A highly recommended read,that despite the issues has a feel good air about it.
June 24, 2020
Charlie's 80th birthday is approaching and he decides to rent a large house and invite all his family. There's Nick and his three children, his wife had passed away. Scott who's married to Heatherand her two daughters. Laura who is still traumatised after her divorce and her son Ethan. Charlie misses his late wife. He Hope's that this will be a holiday the family will remember for the right reasons. They all used to be close when Daphne was alive but they've all veered off in different directions now.
We are introduced to the family before they venture on their 10mday holiday. Everyone has their own demons to deal with. The characters are well developed and likeable. This is an easy book to read but it will play with your emotions. The story is beautifully written.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Elizabeth Noble for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We are introduced to the family before they venture on their 10mday holiday. Everyone has their own demons to deal with. The characters are well developed and likeable. This is an easy book to read but it will play with your emotions. The story is beautifully written.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Elizabeth Noble for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2020
Elizabeth Noble writes character-driven family stories in a similar style to Anne Tyler's novels, with not much in the way of exiting plot, but with lots of homespun wisdom and emotional insight. The actual family holiday of the title doesn't get going until well over a quarter of the novel as we learn the back stories of each family member, which makes their ensuing interactions rather predictable - though none the less convincingly portrayed. It is the sort of traditional, undemanding novel often described as 'heartwarming', which would usually put me off, but it would suit anyone looking for an ultimately rewarding read which won't over-challenge their comfort zone in these difficult times!
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley
October 20, 2022
An excellent, excellent book. I love Elizabeth Noble, she is definitely up there on top for me.
September 7, 2020
A wonderfully heartwarming read.
Charlie rents a huge house in the countryside for his 80th birthday and invites his grown children and their families to help him celebrate.
I could picture the setting, as we recently had a holiday in a similar complex (albeit we were staying in the converted stables, rather then the 'manor house'!).
It was lovely to feel the sense of distant family through circumstance coming together and each dealing with life's problems, grief, family dynamics. They ease into living together , with the surprise that Scotts wife, who they've only met twice being the glue that brings them all together and organises things.
The holiday has it's own shocks, surprises and family moments and Charlie loves having his family around him. Family brings the support they've all needed in various ways and making the future look brighter for them all
I'd love to book a similar holiday.
Charlie rents a huge house in the countryside for his 80th birthday and invites his grown children and their families to help him celebrate.
I could picture the setting, as we recently had a holiday in a similar complex (albeit we were staying in the converted stables, rather then the 'manor house'!).
It was lovely to feel the sense of distant family through circumstance coming together and each dealing with life's problems, grief, family dynamics. They ease into living together , with the surprise that Scotts wife, who they've only met twice being the glue that brings them all together and organises things.
The holiday has it's own shocks, surprises and family moments and Charlie loves having his family around him. Family brings the support they've all needed in various ways and making the future look brighter for them all
I'd love to book a similar holiday.
April 28, 2020
This book bored me.
Some old bloke is about to turn 80 and feels that he and the rest of his family are not as close as they used to be - when his wife and their mother was alive.
So he books a luxurious getaway to the Cotswolds for all of them to spend 10 days getting to relax, get to know each other again and to celebrate Charlie's 80th.
The family comes together. The people that we expect to be shallow, aren't. The woman whose husband has just left her, finds something to make her smile. The recently widowed man, left with 3 small children realises that he might have to ask for help.
Very predictable.
Some old bloke is about to turn 80 and feels that he and the rest of his family are not as close as they used to be - when his wife and their mother was alive.
So he books a luxurious getaway to the Cotswolds for all of them to spend 10 days getting to relax, get to know each other again and to celebrate Charlie's 80th.
The family comes together. The people that we expect to be shallow, aren't. The woman whose husband has just left her, finds something to make her smile. The recently widowed man, left with 3 small children realises that he might have to ask for help.
Very predictable.
July 1, 2024
4⭐️.
The Family Holiday is about a multi-generational family finally getting together again. The readers follow slices of their lives, both highs and lows. Some parts of the lows gets really deep and sad but these lows are still very important themes that many people will unfortunately have to face in their own lives. In the beginning there were times it was hard to tell the characters apart and understand which character that we start to follow in each chapter. After getting to know the characters it became natural to understand whether we were following Charlie, Nick, Laura, Ethan, Scott or Heather and I as a reader routed for the best outcome possible for all of them.
The Family Holiday is about a multi-generational family finally getting together again. The readers follow slices of their lives, both highs and lows. Some parts of the lows gets really deep and sad but these lows are still very important themes that many people will unfortunately have to face in their own lives. In the beginning there were times it was hard to tell the characters apart and understand which character that we start to follow in each chapter. After getting to know the characters it became natural to understand whether we were following Charlie, Nick, Laura, Ethan, Scott or Heather and I as a reader routed for the best outcome possible for all of them.
September 13, 2020
Loved reading this story centred on Charlie,his three children and extended family. A feel good,literary comfort blanket,a perfect antidote for the times we’re living in.
June 28, 2020
Charlie Chamberlain will soon be turning eighty. Widowed for ten years, he still misses his wife Daphne and frets that because of her death the family has drifted apart. In an attempt to get the whole family together, he arranges a holiday, renting a large house called Candlewood Farm in the Cotswolds, and invites everybody to celebrate his birthday. The reader meets his daughter Laura, recently separated from her husband, and her teenage son Ethan. His son Nick, widowed less than a year ago, is also invited with his three small children, and other son Scott, his new American wife, Heather and her two daughters from her previous marriage. But with the clan all having their respective axes to grind and problems will it be a celebratory event and holiday to remember or forget?
This is my second book by Elizabeth Noble, having previously read The Reading Group. Although The Family Holiday was an easy, light-hearted read it also had depth as many of the characters faced huge challenges.
In this character-driven story, even though there were many people to get to know, I never felt overwhelmed, and as the story progressed I got to know everyone quite well. The pace was relaxed and comfortable, and I appreciated that the reader was fully introduced to the characters before the holiday started so I knew something of their backstories and bit about their attitudes and beliefs. Many events in their lives were heart-breakingly sad but they were convincingly written and felt realistic. Everyone was well portrayed; I was irritated by some, angry at others, felt empathy, and one or two were downright unbearable or bland, but all had a part to play.
The Family Holiday is filled with insight and wisdom, it closely resembles life and incorporates some wonderful moments. Elizabeth Noble can certainly write about family dynamics, in a fun, humorous and engaging way, that isn't sickly sweet. With large dollops of grief, love, trust issues, marriage breakdown and regular family troubles, this was a compelling and winsome read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
This is my second book by Elizabeth Noble, having previously read The Reading Group. Although The Family Holiday was an easy, light-hearted read it also had depth as many of the characters faced huge challenges.
In this character-driven story, even though there were many people to get to know, I never felt overwhelmed, and as the story progressed I got to know everyone quite well. The pace was relaxed and comfortable, and I appreciated that the reader was fully introduced to the characters before the holiday started so I knew something of their backstories and bit about their attitudes and beliefs. Many events in their lives were heart-breakingly sad but they were convincingly written and felt realistic. Everyone was well portrayed; I was irritated by some, angry at others, felt empathy, and one or two were downright unbearable or bland, but all had a part to play.
The Family Holiday is filled with insight and wisdom, it closely resembles life and incorporates some wonderful moments. Elizabeth Noble can certainly write about family dynamics, in a fun, humorous and engaging way, that isn't sickly sweet. With large dollops of grief, love, trust issues, marriage breakdown and regular family troubles, this was a compelling and winsome read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
May 31, 2020
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
The Family Holiday was a good story full of quite realistic characters you might even get attached to in the end (which I did!), and it had a good amount of well-rounded stories in one book. We follow family holiday, arranged by the grandfather, actually planned years ago by his wife, who is long since gone. It is Charlie’s last attempt to get all of his family together and grasp that fleeting feeling of belonging that hasn’t quite been there since he lost his wife.
Everyone else in the family seem to have their troubles too. Nick has lost his wife a year ago and is now scrambling with grief, loss and three young children. Laura is going through a divorce and is dealing with some other quite serious family stuff as well. Scott has only recently got married and his Instagram influencer wife is basically perfect – but he worries his family thinks she’s not genuine. Who knows how they’ll all do, when put together in a country house for 10 days?
The Family Holiday was marketed as “the feel-good book of this year” or something of the like, and while I did enjoy it, I wouldn’t say it was “feel good”. Yes, each family branch has their own story which was very well written and I have to say, incredibly well rounded-up in the end. But they weren’t very “feel-good” – in fact, a lot of the material left me anxious and stressed out, because there were some serious problems they were solving and there was drama involved. The story is heavily family oriented, and the characters are written well, it all makes sense – I truly did enjoy the story, but I also wanted to mention that it was quite a bit more stressful to read than I expected it to. But definitely worth a read nonetheless!
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
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The Family Holiday was a good story full of quite realistic characters you might even get attached to in the end (which I did!), and it had a good amount of well-rounded stories in one book. We follow family holiday, arranged by the grandfather, actually planned years ago by his wife, who is long since gone. It is Charlie’s last attempt to get all of his family together and grasp that fleeting feeling of belonging that hasn’t quite been there since he lost his wife.
Everyone else in the family seem to have their troubles too. Nick has lost his wife a year ago and is now scrambling with grief, loss and three young children. Laura is going through a divorce and is dealing with some other quite serious family stuff as well. Scott has only recently got married and his Instagram influencer wife is basically perfect – but he worries his family thinks she’s not genuine. Who knows how they’ll all do, when put together in a country house for 10 days?
The Family Holiday was marketed as “the feel-good book of this year” or something of the like, and while I did enjoy it, I wouldn’t say it was “feel good”. Yes, each family branch has their own story which was very well written and I have to say, incredibly well rounded-up in the end. But they weren’t very “feel-good” – in fact, a lot of the material left me anxious and stressed out, because there were some serious problems they were solving and there was drama involved. The story is heavily family oriented, and the characters are written well, it all makes sense – I truly did enjoy the story, but I also wanted to mention that it was quite a bit more stressful to read than I expected it to. But definitely worth a read nonetheless!
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
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July 23, 2021How refreshing! This tale of an extended family on vacation together for ten days was rich in so many ways! As in life, everyone had tender spots, private insecurities. However, the patriarch had masterminded the getaway to celebrate his 8oth birthday, and his three children loved him enough to set aside -misgivings and plans already in place to proceed with the endeavor. It was an intriguing idea, and one which would strike a familiar chord with many readers! The three generations found common ground, managing despite uncertainties and personal anguish. The characters are believable, depicted warmly and with compassion. Elizabeth Noble displays a rare sensitivity toward aging and the passage of time, which in some cases has left a yawning emptiness. In the following quote one sees her quiet, yet powerful understatement.
‘Nick had to put out his arm to help his father sit on the edge (of the pool), Nick’s legs were tanned and muscular, while Charlie’s had a blueish-white hue, and gnarled varicose veins. His father’s legs made him sad, marking his age more clearly than his animated, familiar face ever had.’
The author’s keen appreciation for the seasons and natural surroundings added dimension to the story. For instance, as Nick embraces a wintry morning:
‘Winter mornings like this, the infrequent, fiercely cold and dazzlingly bright kind – were his favorite. Carrie had always been a summer woman. His golden girl, a glorious thing of freckles and coconut oil and stargazing. He was a winter man. Log fires, Irish whiskey, white trees.’
I really loved this unassuming book! It had a real plot, and defined characters you came to care about. The writing was comfortably adequate, and I will be reading more by this author. I thought was reminded of Maeve Binchy. What fun to learn that Elizabeth Noble is a distant relative of L.M. Montgomery!
Five Stars. 2/1/2021
‘Nick had to put out his arm to help his father sit on the edge (of the pool), Nick’s legs were tanned and muscular, while Charlie’s had a blueish-white hue, and gnarled varicose veins. His father’s legs made him sad, marking his age more clearly than his animated, familiar face ever had.’
The author’s keen appreciation for the seasons and natural surroundings added dimension to the story. For instance, as Nick embraces a wintry morning:
‘Winter mornings like this, the infrequent, fiercely cold and dazzlingly bright kind – were his favorite. Carrie had always been a summer woman. His golden girl, a glorious thing of freckles and coconut oil and stargazing. He was a winter man. Log fires, Irish whiskey, white trees.’
I really loved this unassuming book! It had a real plot, and defined characters you came to care about. The writing was comfortably adequate, and I will be reading more by this author. I thought was reminded of Maeve Binchy. What fun to learn that Elizabeth Noble is a distant relative of L.M. Montgomery!
Five Stars. 2/1/2021
August 25, 2024
Vsaka družina ima svoje skrivnosti in tudi družina Chamberlain ni izjema. Ko oče Charlie za osemdesetletnico povabi svoje otroke na počitnice, si ne more misliti, da bo to spremenilo njihova življenja. Njihove zgodbe so ganljive, žalostne in tragične, vendar jim družinski oddih ponuja priložnost za pogovore in spoznanja o življenju.
July 21, 2021
Fun lighthearted read
September 10, 2023
Wonderful
March 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this family drama.
October 9, 2022
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I just wanted an audiobook to fill the time and it was surprisingly quite enjoyable. If I could have I would probably rate it a 3.5.
June 23, 2020
Charlie is approaching his 80th birthday. Widowed for already ten years, he still misses his wife Daphne and worries that, together with her death, the family has drifted apart. Daphne has always known what to do and what to say to help and Charlie doesn't have this gift. In his attempt to get the whole family together, he arranges a holiday, renting a large house in Cotswolds, and invites everybody to celebrate his birthday together. We meet Laura, recently separated from her husband and with her teenage son Ethan, Nick, widowed less than a year ago and his three small children, and Scott and his new American wife Heather and her two daughters from her previous marriage. It turns out that all of them have secrets and problems, and what with them not being as close as they used to be, is this holiday a good idea?
This is my first book by Elizabeth Noble so I didn't know what to expect, to be honest, although well, maybe I thought that it's going to be an easy, light - hearted read. I was, however, confronted with a story with much more depth to it that I have thought, and characters facing overwhelmingly huge challenges, yet despite them being so stressed and anxious, there is still warmth and hope in the writing.
It is a character - driven story, where not much happens in the way of exploiting the plot but those are the characters that are moving it forward. I liked the fact that we actually explore one family only, a closed group of characters - there were a few of them but I had a feeling that I know them really well, thanks to the author's wise descriptions and development and the above mentioned fact that everything happens between the same characters. However, I must admit that Daphne as a central character, even though already gone, didn't work for me so much. I am really truly done with such characters, being put on pedestal, keeping everything together, and while maybe she was really a lovely and über - wise person, I was told about it, I didn't have a chance to form my own opinion because it was forced upon me.
The pace is slow and relaxed, and the holiday mentioned happens only then when we were introduced to all the characters, got to know all their background and what makes them tick. The events in their lives are mostly heart - breakingly sad but they are convincingly written and they feel realistic. Their stories are well - rounded and the characters are well portrayed. I got annoyed with them, frustrated and I sympathised with them, and it is always a good sign.
"The Family Holiday" is a book filled with emotional insights and wisdom, gentle and easy to read. It's close to life and relatable with some great moments and for sure it won't be last by this author for me. The author can for sure write about family dynamics, capturing the more humorous moments but also those that end in tears, pointing out that families are hard work and that there are always secrets hidden and lies told but with the support of each other you can overcome even the darkest moments. The author tells things how they are, without sugar - coating them, going through the beginning and breaking of the marriage, grief, becoming children and daily troubles. The writing is lovingly engaging and descriptive but without overwhelming you. Recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 17, 2020
I love stories which involve families and this beautiful story centres on Charlie who is about to celebrate his 80th birthday ,he decides to rent out a holiday home and invite his three children and their families to celebrate with him, as he has so many fond memories of previous holidays they shared.
Charlie’s beloved wife Daphne was the glue which held the family together, but with her death several years previously, each member has been drifting further apart. Will this shared time away bring them closer together..? Or will ten days together spell disaster?
Each of Charlie’s children have their own problems and struggles to deal with . Laura is struggling with recent problems in her marriage, Nick has lost his soulmate and is trying to bring up his children singlehanded and Scott has just married and has inherited two stepdaughters.
Elizabeth Noble has a fantastic insight into human relationships. The characters and events portrayed in this book is so true to life. Every family struggles to remain close when children grow up and have their own lives and families to contend with.
This book engaged me from page one it pulled at my heartstrings in places but left me with an overall warm happy feeling.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this beautifully written tender book.
Charlie’s beloved wife Daphne was the glue which held the family together, but with her death several years previously, each member has been drifting further apart. Will this shared time away bring them closer together..? Or will ten days together spell disaster?
Each of Charlie’s children have their own problems and struggles to deal with . Laura is struggling with recent problems in her marriage, Nick has lost his soulmate and is trying to bring up his children singlehanded and Scott has just married and has inherited two stepdaughters.
Elizabeth Noble has a fantastic insight into human relationships. The characters and events portrayed in this book is so true to life. Every family struggles to remain close when children grow up and have their own lives and families to contend with.
This book engaged me from page one it pulled at my heartstrings in places but left me with an overall warm happy feeling.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this beautifully written tender book.
February 14, 2022
I DNF The Family Holiday at 15%.
Narrators weren’t my favourite. I hate criticising someone’s voice but anyone who listens to audiobooks knows how important a good narrator is and I found these ones almost irritating 😅 That aside, my question now is: where’s the story? The synopsis made it sound like I’d be in for an emotional family reunion, uncovering history and reconnecting after so long, but I felt like I was reading a recount of the Chamberlain family. Who is who, who is married or dating who, who has children, and when those children were born. There seemed to be a new character introduced every chapter. I was expecting the main focus to be on Charlie, Laura, Scott and Nick (Charlie especially) but nope, there are a bazillion other children, grandchildren and partners to keep track of and most of them were completely unnecessary. Long story short, I’m not sure what the actual point of this book was. I certainly wasn’t reading about an 80 year old father/grandfather and his adult children and their ten day getaway.
Narrators weren’t my favourite. I hate criticising someone’s voice but anyone who listens to audiobooks knows how important a good narrator is and I found these ones almost irritating 😅 That aside, my question now is: where’s the story? The synopsis made it sound like I’d be in for an emotional family reunion, uncovering history and reconnecting after so long, but I felt like I was reading a recount of the Chamberlain family. Who is who, who is married or dating who, who has children, and when those children were born. There seemed to be a new character introduced every chapter. I was expecting the main focus to be on Charlie, Laura, Scott and Nick (Charlie especially) but nope, there are a bazillion other children, grandchildren and partners to keep track of and most of them were completely unnecessary. Long story short, I’m not sure what the actual point of this book was. I certainly wasn’t reading about an 80 year old father/grandfather and his adult children and their ten day getaway.
June 6, 2020
I wanted to love The Family Holiday. It’s a novel full of family values, joy, hope, sadness and heartbreak . It was a pleasant enough tale with some likeable characters however I just found the story didn’t really grip me. I’m sure others will love it but it just wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.
July 14, 2020
I loved this book so much. A beautiful story of a dad turning 80 and taking his grown up children and grandchildren on holiday. It was the first time they’d all been together in years. Brought together through tragedy and challenges it was simply wonderful. X
November 12, 2020
Oh what a boring, boring book. True Hallmark movie material. And 1000 pages!! My OCD wouldn't allow me to quit in the middle, and I hoped it would get better to explain the high ratings. It stays exactly the same. Those 4+ reviews where definitely bought.
July 24, 2022
https://www.dominicamat.gr/2022/07/28...
https://vivliovamon.blogspot.com/2022...
Μετά το αγαπημένο βιβλίο ''Γράμματα στην Άιρις'',η συγγραφέας Ελίζαμπεθ Νομπλ έρχεται καί μας προσφέρει ένα ακόμη καλογραμμένο καί γλυκό κοινωνικό μυθιστόρημα,με τίτλο ''Οικογενειακές διακοπές",που κυκλοφόρησε πρόσφατα στην χώρα μας από τις εκδόσεις Μίνωας,σε μετάφραση της κυρίας Βιολέττας Ζεύκη. Δεν μπορείτε να πείτε! Ένα βιβλίο που δεν θα μπορούσε να υπάρξει πιο ταιριαστό για την περίοδο των καλοκαιρινών διακοπών καί όχι μόνο. Ένα βιβλίο που σίγουρα θα ξυπνήσει αναμνήσεις σε πολλούς/ες,ενώ παράλληλα θα μας κρατήσει πολύ καλή συντροφιά. Ένα βιβλίο που από την στιγμή που έφτασε στα χέρια μου,περίμενε καρτερικά την σειρά του για να το διαβάσω. Κι όταν ξεκίνησα την ανάγνωση,δεν το αποχωρίστηκα στιγμή μέχρι να φτάσω στο τέλος.
Αλλά ας τα πιάσω καλύτερα από την αρχή. Λένε πως η πρώτη εικόνα καί η εντύπωση που θα μας αφήσει κάτι,όχι μόνο είναι η πιο σωστή,αλλά θα μας προκαταβάλλει θετικά,ή,αρνητικά προς εκείνο. Αυτό ισχύει καί για τα βιβλία που διαβάζουμε. Επεξεργαζόμενη το παρόν βιβλίο,η αλήθεια είναι πως μου εξέπεμπε μία οικειότητα καί ηρεμία που οδήγησε συνειρμικά την σκέψη μου σε άλλα μονοπάτια. Εικόνες χαράς καί ξεγνοιασιάς ξεπήδησαν στο μυαλό μου παρασύροντάς με σε αυτόν τον ξέφρενο καλοκαιρινό χορό,όπου τα γλυκίσματα,τα παγωτά,τα μπάνια καί τα δροσερά ροφήματα προσφέρουν ευφορία στον ουρανίσκο καί στην ψυχή μας...
Μα πέρα απ'αυτά,είναι καί ο τίτλος ''Οικογενειακές διακοπές",-που όχι άδικα κατ'εμέ-,η ιστορία του βιβλίου έχει ως θέμα αυτές. Δεν χρειάζεται πολλή σκέψη για να αντιληφθεί κάποιος/α πως η οικογένεια είναι η ρίζα καί η πρώτη σταθερά στην ζωή όλων μας. Είτε αποτελείται από λίγα,είτε από πολλά μέλη είναι πάντα εκεί για εμάς. ΄Η τουλάχιστον για την πλειοψηφία. Άλλοτε πιο ήσυχοι/ες,άλλοτε πιο εύθυμοι,ζωηροί καί φωνακλάδες στέκουν δίπλα μας στα εύκολα καί στα δύσκολα. Όχι,δεν είναι πάντα όλα ρόδινα. Θα υπάρξουν καί οι προστριβές καί οι τσακωμοί,μα στο τέλος όλα θα διορθώνονται με επιμονή,υπομονή,συγχώρεση καί αγάπη. Οι διακοπές,λοιπόν,είναι μία πολύ καλή αφορμή για να μαζευτούν μαζί όλα τα μέλη μίας οικογένειας. Έτσι,θα λυθούν τυχόν παρεξηγήσεις,θα βρεθούν λύσεις σε προβλήματα που τους/τις απασχολούν,θα αποκατασταθούν οι σχέσεις τους,μα πάνω απ'όλα όλοι κι όλες θα βρουν μία ζεστή αγκαλιά καί φροντίδα που τόσο πολύ την έχουν ανάγκη...
"Ο Τσάρλι είναι αποφασισμένος να γιορτάσει τα ογδοηκοστά του γενέθλια με την οικογένειά του. Το πρόβλημα όμως είναι ότι από τότε που έχασε τη σύζυγό του, τον πραγματικό σύνδεσμο της οικογένειας Τσάμπερλεν, οι ζωές των παιδιών του έχουν διαμορφωθεί κατά τέτοιον τρόπο, που ακόμα και μια ολιγοήμερη επανένωση φαντάζει με θαύμα. Η κόρη του Λόρα είναι χωρισμένη και την ίδια στιγμή ο έφηβος γιος της αντιμετωπίζει μια πολύ σοβαρή κατηγορία. Αλλά και οι γιοι του Τσάρλι δεν βρίσκονται σε καλύτερη θέση: ο Σκοτ παντρεύτηκε πρόσφατα, απέκτησε δύο θετές κόρες και εργάζεται πυρετωδώς στη Νέα Υόρκη όπου πηγαινοέρχεται, ενώ ο Νικ εξακολουθεί να ταλαιπωρείται από τον τραγικό χαμό της γυναίκας του. Τώρα προσπαθεί με νύχια και με δόντια να τα βγάλει πέρα μόνος με τα τρία μικρά παιδιά τους. Η οικογένεια Τσάμπερλεν καλείται να ανακαλύψει επιτέλους τι είναι αυτό που τους ενώνει όλους… σε δέκα μόνο μέρες. Πόσο δύσκολο μπορεί να είναι;" (Περίληψη οπισθοφύλλου)
Η Νομπλ,ή,πιο σωστά η γραφή της έχει μία τρυφερότητα που,αν καί καταπιάνεται με σοβαρά κοινωνικά ζητήματα που μας απασχολούν καθημερινά,μπορεί καί τα απαλλάσσει από το αυστηρό καί σκληρό ύφος,χωρίς όμως να τα καθιστά σαχλά καί επιπόλαια. Μιλάει για αλήθειες με τις οποίες όλοι κι όλες κάποια στιγμή θα βρεθούμε αντιμέτωποι/ες στην διάρκεια της ζωής μας. Παράλληλα μέσα από την αληθοφάνεια των χαρακτήρων καί τα ρεαλιστικά παραδείγματα μας προσφέρει ψυχαγωγία καί τροφή για σκέψη. Μέσα από την παρούσα ιστορία αποδίδει έναν φόρο τιμής στον θεσμό της οικογένειας καί τις προσωπικές σχέσεις. Τους δεσμούς ανάμεσα στα αδέλφια,στα ξαδέλφια,αλλά καί στους γονείς με τα παιδιά τους. Σε όλα αυτά αν προσθέσουμε την γρήγορη,συνεχόμενη πλοκή,τις χαριτωμένες μα καί στενάχωρες στιγμές,αλλά καί την δύναμη της οικογένειας,μιλάμε για ένα καλογραμμένο καί όμορφο απ'όλες τις απόψεις βιβλίο,που αξίζει να αναζητήσετε.
Καλή ανάγνωση!
https://vivliovamon.blogspot.com/2022...
Μετά το αγαπημένο βιβλίο ''Γράμματα στην Άιρις'',η συγγραφέας Ελίζαμπεθ Νομπλ έρχεται καί μας προσφέρει ένα ακόμη καλογραμμένο καί γλυκό κοινωνικό μυθιστόρημα,με τίτλο ''Οικογενειακές διακοπές",που κυκλοφόρησε πρόσφατα στην χώρα μας από τις εκδόσεις Μίνωας,σε μετάφραση της κυρίας Βιολέττας Ζεύκη. Δεν μπορείτε να πείτε! Ένα βιβλίο που δεν θα μπορούσε να υπάρξει πιο ταιριαστό για την περίοδο των καλοκαιρινών διακοπών καί όχι μόνο. Ένα βιβλίο που σίγουρα θα ξυπνήσει αναμνήσεις σε πολλούς/ες,ενώ παράλληλα θα μας κρατήσει πολύ καλή συντροφιά. Ένα βιβλίο που από την στιγμή που έφτασε στα χέρια μου,περίμενε καρτερικά την σειρά του για να το διαβάσω. Κι όταν ξεκίνησα την ανάγνωση,δεν το αποχωρίστηκα στιγμή μέχρι να φτάσω στο τέλος.
Αλλά ας τα πιάσω καλύτερα από την αρχή. Λένε πως η πρώτη εικόνα καί η εντύπωση που θα μας αφήσει κάτι,όχι μόνο είναι η πιο σωστή,αλλά θα μας προκαταβάλλει θετικά,ή,αρνητικά προς εκείνο. Αυτό ισχύει καί για τα βιβλία που διαβάζουμε. Επεξεργαζόμενη το παρόν βιβλίο,η αλήθεια είναι πως μου εξέπεμπε μία οικειότητα καί ηρεμία που οδήγησε συνειρμικά την σκέψη μου σε άλλα μονοπάτια. Εικόνες χαράς καί ξεγνοιασιάς ξεπήδησαν στο μυαλό μου παρασύροντάς με σε αυτόν τον ξέφρενο καλοκαιρινό χορό,όπου τα γλυκίσματα,τα παγωτά,τα μπάνια καί τα δροσερά ροφήματα προσφέρουν ευφορία στον ουρανίσκο καί στην ψυχή μας...
Μα πέρα απ'αυτά,είναι καί ο τίτλος ''Οικογενειακές διακοπές",-που όχι άδικα κατ'εμέ-,η ιστορία του βιβλίου έχει ως θέμα αυτές. Δεν χρειάζεται πολλή σκέψη για να αντιληφθεί κάποιος/α πως η οικογένεια είναι η ρίζα καί η πρώτη σταθερά στην ζωή όλων μας. Είτε αποτελείται από λίγα,είτε από πολλά μέλη είναι πάντα εκεί για εμάς. ΄Η τουλάχιστον για την πλειοψηφία. Άλλοτε πιο ήσυχοι/ες,άλλοτε πιο εύθυμοι,ζωηροί καί φωνακλάδες στέκουν δίπλα μας στα εύκολα καί στα δύσκολα. Όχι,δεν είναι πάντα όλα ρόδινα. Θα υπάρξουν καί οι προστριβές καί οι τσακωμοί,μα στο τέλος όλα θα διορθώνονται με επιμονή,υπομονή,συγχώρεση καί αγάπη. Οι διακοπές,λοιπόν,είναι μία πολύ καλή αφορμή για να μαζευτούν μαζί όλα τα μέλη μίας οικογένειας. Έτσι,θα λυθούν τυχόν παρεξηγήσεις,θα βρεθούν λύσεις σε προβλήματα που τους/τις απασχολούν,θα αποκατασταθούν οι σχέσεις τους,μα πάνω απ'όλα όλοι κι όλες θα βρουν μία ζεστή αγκαλιά καί φροντίδα που τόσο πολύ την έχουν ανάγκη...
"Ο Τσάρλι είναι αποφασισμένος να γιορτάσει τα ογδοηκοστά του γενέθλια με την οικογένειά του. Το πρόβλημα όμως είναι ότι από τότε που έχασε τη σύζυγό του, τον πραγματικό σύνδεσμο της οικογένειας Τσάμπερλεν, οι ζωές των παιδιών του έχουν διαμορφωθεί κατά τέτοιον τρόπο, που ακόμα και μια ολιγοήμερη επανένωση φαντάζει με θαύμα. Η κόρη του Λόρα είναι χωρισμένη και την ίδια στιγμή ο έφηβος γιος της αντιμετωπίζει μια πολύ σοβαρή κατηγορία. Αλλά και οι γιοι του Τσάρλι δεν βρίσκονται σε καλύτερη θέση: ο Σκοτ παντρεύτηκε πρόσφατα, απέκτησε δύο θετές κόρες και εργάζεται πυρετωδώς στη Νέα Υόρκη όπου πηγαινοέρχεται, ενώ ο Νικ εξακολουθεί να ταλαιπωρείται από τον τραγικό χαμό της γυναίκας του. Τώρα προσπαθεί με νύχια και με δόντια να τα βγάλει πέρα μόνος με τα τρία μικρά παιδιά τους. Η οικογένεια Τσάμπερλεν καλείται να ανακαλύψει επιτέλους τι είναι αυτό που τους ενώνει όλους… σε δέκα μόνο μέρες. Πόσο δύσκολο μπορεί να είναι;" (Περίληψη οπισθοφύλλου)
Η Νομπλ,ή,πιο σωστά η γραφή της έχει μία τρυφερότητα που,αν καί καταπιάνεται με σοβαρά κοινωνικά ζητήματα που μας απασχολούν καθημερινά,μπορεί καί τα απαλλάσσει από το αυστηρό καί σκληρό ύφος,χωρίς όμως να τα καθιστά σαχλά καί επιπόλαια. Μιλάει για αλήθειες με τις οποίες όλοι κι όλες κάποια στιγμή θα βρεθούμε αντιμέτωποι/ες στην διάρκεια της ζωής μας. Παράλληλα μέσα από την αληθοφάνεια των χαρακτήρων καί τα ρεαλιστικά παραδείγματα μας προσφέρει ψυχαγωγία καί τροφή για σκέψη. Μέσα από την παρούσα ιστορία αποδίδει έναν φόρο τιμής στον θεσμό της οικογένειας καί τις προσωπικές σχέσεις. Τους δεσμούς ανάμεσα στα αδέλφια,στα ξαδέλφια,αλλά καί στους γονείς με τα παιδιά τους. Σε όλα αυτά αν προσθέσουμε την γρήγορη,συνεχόμενη πλοκή,τις χαριτωμένες μα καί στενάχωρες στιγμές,αλλά καί την δύναμη της οικογένειας,μιλάμε για ένα καλογραμμένο καί όμορφο απ'όλες τις απόψεις βιβλίο,που αξίζει να αναζητήσετε.
Καλή ανάγνωση!
December 31, 2021
It has been forever since I last read a new book from Elizabeth Noble, so was delighted to see The Family Holiday had been released.
And even after a considerable gap between releases (unless I've missed some, somewhere), her writing is still fabulous, and the family and its strands in this story really got under my skin.
I loved all three siblings and their stories, Laura, now single mum to teen Evan, who himself is having a rather nightmarish time of things at the moment. Scott who is happily married to Heather and his two step daughters who seem lovely. And then there is Nick, who is a widower with 3 young children, 5 and under, and is just trying to make it from day to day.
And patriarch of the family Charlie who has summoned them all to the Cotswolds for a summer family holiday and to celebrate his 80th birthday.
I enjoyed seeing how all the various kids got on together, as well as the dynamics between the siblings who don't seem overly close as adults.
At times I wanted to reach out and hug Evan, and Nick, and the little kids. They were all so much in need of some extra special love!
Really enjoyable story that I'm glad I finally sat down to read.
Thank you to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And even after a considerable gap between releases (unless I've missed some, somewhere), her writing is still fabulous, and the family and its strands in this story really got under my skin.
I loved all three siblings and their stories, Laura, now single mum to teen Evan, who himself is having a rather nightmarish time of things at the moment. Scott who is happily married to Heather and his two step daughters who seem lovely. And then there is Nick, who is a widower with 3 young children, 5 and under, and is just trying to make it from day to day.
And patriarch of the family Charlie who has summoned them all to the Cotswolds for a summer family holiday and to celebrate his 80th birthday.
I enjoyed seeing how all the various kids got on together, as well as the dynamics between the siblings who don't seem overly close as adults.
At times I wanted to reach out and hug Evan, and Nick, and the little kids. They were all so much in need of some extra special love!
Really enjoyable story that I'm glad I finally sat down to read.
Thank you to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 31, 2020
This was my first Elizabeth Noble book but I will definitely be reading her again! The Family Holiday is about the Chamberlain family: Charlie is turning 80 and since his wife died he can't help but feel that his family has drifted apart. Their children Laura, Scott and Nick all have families of their own but not all is as rosy as could be on their parts either. Charlie decides to bring the whole family together for a holiday for his 80th birthday, hoping to reconnect them all and bring them closer.
I absolutely loved the characters in this book, they were all so real and I was completely drawn into their lives. There was something so raw and honest about them and their storylines were so believable. The book was slow paced but I thought that it was perfect for the familial vibe of the story, and although it was slow paced it definitely wasn't dull. I loved that I could dip in and out of it, knowing that when I picked it up I'd want to read a good chunk of it. Ultimately I just wanted happiness for all of the family and I felt super invested in their lives! I'd definitely recommend this to those who love a good story about families, life and love.
Thanks to Michael Joseph for a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I absolutely loved the characters in this book, they were all so real and I was completely drawn into their lives. There was something so raw and honest about them and their storylines were so believable. The book was slow paced but I thought that it was perfect for the familial vibe of the story, and although it was slow paced it definitely wasn't dull. I loved that I could dip in and out of it, knowing that when I picked it up I'd want to read a good chunk of it. Ultimately I just wanted happiness for all of the family and I felt super invested in their lives! I'd definitely recommend this to those who love a good story about families, life and love.
Thanks to Michael Joseph for a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
October 7, 2020
When Charlie turns 80 he celebrates by taking his children and grandchildren to the Cotswolds on holiday. As you would expect, they all have baggage of various kinds, but things tend to work out in the end. This was a lovely read, nothing too demanding but well written and happy or sad in all the right places. I really enjoyed it.
June 5, 2025
Told in multiple POV, this character driven novel explores each adult member of a family as they get ready to holiday together.
This was an interesting dynamic, each character had different issues and their were explored fully. I enjoyed reading how their holiday changed each of them and how each of the characters grew.
This was an interesting dynamic, each character had different issues and their were explored fully. I enjoyed reading how their holiday changed each of them and how each of the characters grew.
Read
July 26, 2020Loved it,nice easy read.
January 25, 2023
Charlie, approaches his 80th birthday. Widowed for 10 years. Misses his wife and wishes he spoke more with his children.
Driven story, not too much happens. We get into each character (including his children and their partners, and their children) so it is very slow paced.
We learn the background of each character, at times I found this annoying because it was so slow and there was so many characters.
Eventually there is the holiday if you make it that far. And it was interesting to see the clash of personalities coming together.
However, this was lovingly written, engaging and very descriptive.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/02/03/book-re...
Driven story, not too much happens. We get into each character (including his children and their partners, and their children) so it is very slow paced.
We learn the background of each character, at times I found this annoying because it was so slow and there was so many characters.
Eventually there is the holiday if you make it that far. And it was interesting to see the clash of personalities coming together.
However, this was lovingly written, engaging and very descriptive.
Review: https://clife.blog/2023/02/03/book-re...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews