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The Narrows
It's the Swinging Sixties and in colourful London, everthing's changing. Traditional boundaries between men and women, love and marriage, work and home, are in flux - and when a love triangle involves four people, the distance between all of them narrows.
260 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
4 people want to read
About the author
Nene Davies
9 books40 followersBorn in England to Welsh parents, Nene was raised in beautiful Pembrokeshire, West Wales. In 2002 Nene, her husband and three children emigrated to Australia and now live at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. Nene's debut novel, Distance, was published in 2013 and she has gone on to complete the trilogy with Further and Surfacing.
Redhanded was published in November, 2016 and Whitethorne in 2018. The Narrows was published in 2020. Nene has a coffee shop,Chapter, and a bookstore, Hannah Jones. She is the founding director of the Capricorn Coast Writers Festival.
http://www.nenedavies.com
@nene_davies
@nenedavieswrites
Redhanded was published in November, 2016 and Whitethorne in 2018. The Narrows was published in 2020. Nene has a coffee shop,Chapter, and a bookstore, Hannah Jones. She is the founding director of the Capricorn Coast Writers Festival.
http://www.nenedavies.com
@nene_davies
@nenedavieswrites
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 17, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
Tangled hearts, impossible choices, heartache, morality, fate and the human condition all have a role to play in The Narrows by Nene Davies. This is the second novel I have read by Australian author Nene Davies, which follows 2018 release Whitethorne. With an open style of storytelling, matched with a strong focus on characters, The Narrows offers an engaging read for fans of general fiction.
The Narrows is a tale that takes the reader back to the heart of the swinging sixties. In this stroll back to times past, we are confronted with an age where everything and everyone is in a state change. In The Narrows, two couples will encounter a noteworthy shift in their lives. In this ultimate test to personal desire, longing, marriage, gender roles, work and relationships, the focal character set of The Narrows will learn how to adjust to these new situations. What impact will these revolutionary times have on the future generations to come?
The Narrows is a book that crosses the 1960s and the present day. It is a tale that will most likely appeal to women’s fiction fans. With a strong focus on characters, emotions and drama, The Narrows builds a picture of a time of transformation, as gender roles and moral boundaries began to be contested, with surprising results.
Nene Davies is able to successfully transport the reader to a time in our not-too-distant past. Although I have heard many tales about the swinging sixties in London from family members, it is a time period that still very much fascinates me. The opportunity to glean more about this revolutionary time period was very much welcomed and I was keen to see how Davies would tackle her 1960s based storyline. Davies devotes a significant portion of the novel to setting the scene. The reader is immersed in the location, general practices, social expectations, attitudes and morals of this era. I appreciated taking a visit to the exclusive Narrows location, it was clearly realised on the pages of this novel.
We are presented with quite the moral dilemma in this novel and I’m going to skirt around the specifics of the situation to avoid any spoilers. What I will say is that initially it was a little shocking, surprising and confusing emotionally. It didn’t sit too well with me as I mulled over both sides of this moral conundrum. As I began to work through the novel and better understand the actions of the characters, I opened my mind to the central issue. While we do remain in the 1960s for a significant portion of the novel, we are also taken to the present. I think it was important for The Narrows to follow this route as we witness how decisions made in the past can have a direct impact on the lives of future generations. This area of the novel allows Davies to draw in elements of mystery, family secrets and personal intrigue. Ultimately, I felt that the parting message of The Narrows was about personal resilience and difficult choices.
The Narrows is a poignant story that looks at the strength of the individual to cope with heartbreaking choices and personal desires. With themes of relationships, personal sacrifice, childlessness, domestic issues, heartbreak and morality leading the way, The Narrows is a thought-provoking title from Nene Davies.
*I wish to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Narrows is book #135 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
3.5 stars
Tangled hearts, impossible choices, heartache, morality, fate and the human condition all have a role to play in The Narrows by Nene Davies. This is the second novel I have read by Australian author Nene Davies, which follows 2018 release Whitethorne. With an open style of storytelling, matched with a strong focus on characters, The Narrows offers an engaging read for fans of general fiction.
The Narrows is a tale that takes the reader back to the heart of the swinging sixties. In this stroll back to times past, we are confronted with an age where everything and everyone is in a state change. In The Narrows, two couples will encounter a noteworthy shift in their lives. In this ultimate test to personal desire, longing, marriage, gender roles, work and relationships, the focal character set of The Narrows will learn how to adjust to these new situations. What impact will these revolutionary times have on the future generations to come?
The Narrows is a book that crosses the 1960s and the present day. It is a tale that will most likely appeal to women’s fiction fans. With a strong focus on characters, emotions and drama, The Narrows builds a picture of a time of transformation, as gender roles and moral boundaries began to be contested, with surprising results.
Nene Davies is able to successfully transport the reader to a time in our not-too-distant past. Although I have heard many tales about the swinging sixties in London from family members, it is a time period that still very much fascinates me. The opportunity to glean more about this revolutionary time period was very much welcomed and I was keen to see how Davies would tackle her 1960s based storyline. Davies devotes a significant portion of the novel to setting the scene. The reader is immersed in the location, general practices, social expectations, attitudes and morals of this era. I appreciated taking a visit to the exclusive Narrows location, it was clearly realised on the pages of this novel.
We are presented with quite the moral dilemma in this novel and I’m going to skirt around the specifics of the situation to avoid any spoilers. What I will say is that initially it was a little shocking, surprising and confusing emotionally. It didn’t sit too well with me as I mulled over both sides of this moral conundrum. As I began to work through the novel and better understand the actions of the characters, I opened my mind to the central issue. While we do remain in the 1960s for a significant portion of the novel, we are also taken to the present. I think it was important for The Narrows to follow this route as we witness how decisions made in the past can have a direct impact on the lives of future generations. This area of the novel allows Davies to draw in elements of mystery, family secrets and personal intrigue. Ultimately, I felt that the parting message of The Narrows was about personal resilience and difficult choices.
The Narrows is a poignant story that looks at the strength of the individual to cope with heartbreaking choices and personal desires. With themes of relationships, personal sacrifice, childlessness, domestic issues, heartbreak and morality leading the way, The Narrows is a thought-provoking title from Nene Davies.
*I wish to thank the author for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Narrows is book #135 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
September 14, 2020
When I was asked to read this one I jumped at the chance, I loved the sound of it, but life got in the way and I couldn’t get to it as soon as I wanted, although when I did pick it up, it was a book I didn’t want to put down, this is the first book of Nene Davies that I have read but it won’t be the last. I hope that you pick this one up and journey back to the 1960’s and London there were the Beatles miniskirts and all sorts of things going on.
The Narrows is a story about twin brothers and their wives Edward and Eric and Vera and Karen, it is the 1960’s and there are lots of changes happening, these four are the best of friends Edward and Eric work together and they live close in The Narrows. Edward and Vera have 6 year old twin boys and Eric and Karen remain childless. Karen is desperate to have children and Vera is her best friend and they decide with some help to make Karen a mother never realizing what changes this decision would make.
Later in the book we turn to present day London and we meet Cathy and Andrew, they are cousins, Cathy is daughter to Edward and Andrew son to Eric, Cathy has been living in America since she was a young girl and is now asked to return to London for the reading of a will. This leads to uncovering secrets from the 1960’s and there is a lot to uncover.
This is a beautifully written story, fast paced, a real page turner. It is emotional and heart wrenching at times as well, as we get to know all of the characters and why they do the things they do, I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it Nene has taken on a lot of issues about woman living in the 1960’s and done it with heartfelt emotion, yes there were tears and lots of different emotions from me as I read this one, a really great story.
Thank you MS Davies for my copy to read I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Narrows is a story about twin brothers and their wives Edward and Eric and Vera and Karen, it is the 1960’s and there are lots of changes happening, these four are the best of friends Edward and Eric work together and they live close in The Narrows. Edward and Vera have 6 year old twin boys and Eric and Karen remain childless. Karen is desperate to have children and Vera is her best friend and they decide with some help to make Karen a mother never realizing what changes this decision would make.
Later in the book we turn to present day London and we meet Cathy and Andrew, they are cousins, Cathy is daughter to Edward and Andrew son to Eric, Cathy has been living in America since she was a young girl and is now asked to return to London for the reading of a will. This leads to uncovering secrets from the 1960’s and there is a lot to uncover.
This is a beautifully written story, fast paced, a real page turner. It is emotional and heart wrenching at times as well, as we get to know all of the characters and why they do the things they do, I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it Nene has taken on a lot of issues about woman living in the 1960’s and done it with heartfelt emotion, yes there were tears and lots of different emotions from me as I read this one, a really great story.
Thank you MS Davies for my copy to read I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 30, 2020
In the swinging sixties a love triangle involving four people becomes a toxic mess.
England, 1965, Karen is married to Eric and Vera is married to Edward.
Twin brothers and best friends.
It’s the decade where love, sex and partying are the norm.
When a throwaway suggestion turns real, everyone involved is going to be hurt.
A fast paced story of love, marriage, past mistakes, crossed boundaries and when a decision becomes acted upon it can change destiny.
It moves fast starting in a time where free love was abundant and pop culture was rampant and then halfway through we are moved to the current day.
When it changes quite quickly to the present day I was a little confused at first but it did become apparent what was going on and the two timelines wove together with ease.
The one question you are wondering in the second half of this character driven plot slowly unravels and the book gives you all your answers.
A wonderfully written intriguing tale with social issues, human desires and plenty of emotion throughout.
I raced through this authentic sincere read in one sitting after being consumed by my craving to know all.
September 8, 2020
The Narrows begins in the swinging sixties and the story revolves around two brothers and their wives who appear to have the world at their feet, but for one couple something vital is missing. With influence from the wife of a visiting American business contact, a shocking and ultimately divisive plan is hatched.
About midway through the book we suddenly find ourselves in the present day with a new character, Cathy, at the centre of the story and piece by piece the consequences of the interim years become apparent.
Nene Davies has created another page turner with The Narrows. As well as a compelling storyline, it raises issues about the role of women in the sixties. It highlights the fragility of life and relationships when placed under strain with a web of deceit inevitably resulting in unhappiness for some.
About midway through the book we suddenly find ourselves in the present day with a new character, Cathy, at the centre of the story and piece by piece the consequences of the interim years become apparent.
Nene Davies has created another page turner with The Narrows. As well as a compelling storyline, it raises issues about the role of women in the sixties. It highlights the fragility of life and relationships when placed under strain with a web of deceit inevitably resulting in unhappiness for some.
September 22, 2020
The Narrows
by Nene Davies
The bold red graphic cover of The Narrows sets the scene for a 1960s London story spotlighting best friends and in-laws; Karen and Vera. Welsh Australian contemporary women’s author Nene Davies brings the two women together through their marriage to twin brothers Edward and Eric. In a mad men kind of way, the brothers are both in advertising and both living the 1960s smoking, suave dressing, cocktails from the drink trolley at 6.00 pm lifestyle. They live in a new, upmarket housing estate called ‘The Narrows’.
The story warms up slowly, setting the scene and then turning up the heat when an American Cigarette Company owner Larry and his wife Barbara arrive in London. Barbara divulges to her new female friends, especially childless Karen, the latest way barren American couples are bringing babies into their lives. Barbara’s suggestions prove a breaking point for Karen and Vera, leading them down a path that tests their friendship and their judgements.
The Narrows main characters Karen and Vera make readers question how far they would go to get what they want with direct conversations that lead no question as to their meaning.
“If you need a family as much as you say you do, then here’s your chance. It’s up to you now. ”
Partway through the book around chapter 17/18, we head to the 21st century and it’s here moral dilemmas are joined by mystery. Who is Aunty Dot? and how do these new characters fit into the ‘The Narrows’ tale. It takes me three or so chapters and a bit of backtracking to sort out the mystery and then I read on, letting the book unravel on its own. Sleuthing and searching, Cathy and Andrew are, the children of the 1960s couples but not of the parents you think! It’s a great journey uncovering the reasons behind destroyed friendships and fractured relationships. The book glides to a smooth and satisfying ending.
The Narrows dives into the human condition and social issues like domestic violence that are still, sadly very prelevant today. There are some controversial, topical issues and while it’s not a ‘heavy’ read, you wouldn’t describe the book as a light-hearted story. It is a compelling story that takes a while to warm up, that makes you think and then wills you towards the end and some peace for The Narrows main characters. It has you hoping that they find love in the 21st Century after emerging from the colour blocking, geometric, flare filled sparkles, spangles and psychedelia of the 60s. Do they find it? Well, you’ll just have to read Nene Davies sixth novel to find out!
by Nene Davies
The bold red graphic cover of The Narrows sets the scene for a 1960s London story spotlighting best friends and in-laws; Karen and Vera. Welsh Australian contemporary women’s author Nene Davies brings the two women together through their marriage to twin brothers Edward and Eric. In a mad men kind of way, the brothers are both in advertising and both living the 1960s smoking, suave dressing, cocktails from the drink trolley at 6.00 pm lifestyle. They live in a new, upmarket housing estate called ‘The Narrows’.
The story warms up slowly, setting the scene and then turning up the heat when an American Cigarette Company owner Larry and his wife Barbara arrive in London. Barbara divulges to her new female friends, especially childless Karen, the latest way barren American couples are bringing babies into their lives. Barbara’s suggestions prove a breaking point for Karen and Vera, leading them down a path that tests their friendship and their judgements.
The Narrows main characters Karen and Vera make readers question how far they would go to get what they want with direct conversations that lead no question as to their meaning.
“If you need a family as much as you say you do, then here’s your chance. It’s up to you now. ”
Partway through the book around chapter 17/18, we head to the 21st century and it’s here moral dilemmas are joined by mystery. Who is Aunty Dot? and how do these new characters fit into the ‘The Narrows’ tale. It takes me three or so chapters and a bit of backtracking to sort out the mystery and then I read on, letting the book unravel on its own. Sleuthing and searching, Cathy and Andrew are, the children of the 1960s couples but not of the parents you think! It’s a great journey uncovering the reasons behind destroyed friendships and fractured relationships. The book glides to a smooth and satisfying ending.
The Narrows dives into the human condition and social issues like domestic violence that are still, sadly very prelevant today. There are some controversial, topical issues and while it’s not a ‘heavy’ read, you wouldn’t describe the book as a light-hearted story. It is a compelling story that takes a while to warm up, that makes you think and then wills you towards the end and some peace for The Narrows main characters. It has you hoping that they find love in the 21st Century after emerging from the colour blocking, geometric, flare filled sparkles, spangles and psychedelia of the 60s. Do they find it? Well, you’ll just have to read Nene Davies sixth novel to find out!
September 3, 2020
4.5/5⭐
Thank you so much @nene_davies for a gifted copy of this book! You have been very kind and nice to me and I'll always be grateful for it!
I have to mention that this book travelled all the way from Australia to Spain. From Spain to England. And, finally, straight to my heart.
I loved this book very much I don't even know where to start from.
I liked the massive entertainment the four main characters, Karen and Eric, Vera and Edwards delighted me with.
I liked how fast-paced it was. Although I have to say, both Nene Davies books that I have read have been a wild race.
Things started to happen right from the first page with twists and turns and surpises and betrayals and disappointments until the last one.
I liked the topic that was involved in the story. Despite being a very delicate and difficult matter to address, Nene wrote about it in a way that didn't make me feel uncomfortable. And when desperation knocks on the door and crazy ideas meet crazy people, we end up with a fun, wild, eventful and bizzard tale.
I was kind of shocked when they four went ahead with this crazy idea they somehow came up with and what that carried with it.
The second part of the book caught me by surprise! It went from 1965 to the present day and so much had happened ever since.
On this second part, we follow Cathy and Andrew, who are cousins and are related to the four main characters of the first part but... Who are they really? How are they related? And what had happened with that family during this time?
To know the answer to all these questions you are gonna have to read this book and I promise that it didn't dissapoint me at all!
Thank you so much @nene_davies for a gifted copy of this book! You have been very kind and nice to me and I'll always be grateful for it!
I have to mention that this book travelled all the way from Australia to Spain. From Spain to England. And, finally, straight to my heart.
I loved this book very much I don't even know where to start from.
I liked the massive entertainment the four main characters, Karen and Eric, Vera and Edwards delighted me with.
I liked how fast-paced it was. Although I have to say, both Nene Davies books that I have read have been a wild race.
Things started to happen right from the first page with twists and turns and surpises and betrayals and disappointments until the last one.
I liked the topic that was involved in the story. Despite being a very delicate and difficult matter to address, Nene wrote about it in a way that didn't make me feel uncomfortable. And when desperation knocks on the door and crazy ideas meet crazy people, we end up with a fun, wild, eventful and bizzard tale.
I was kind of shocked when they four went ahead with this crazy idea they somehow came up with and what that carried with it.
The second part of the book caught me by surprise! It went from 1965 to the present day and so much had happened ever since.
On this second part, we follow Cathy and Andrew, who are cousins and are related to the four main characters of the first part but... Who are they really? How are they related? And what had happened with that family during this time?
To know the answer to all these questions you are gonna have to read this book and I promise that it didn't dissapoint me at all!
Read
September 4, 2020This isn't typically the kind of book I would pick up as I don't generally enjoy books set in past eras, I gravitate towards modern day stories.
However, I had previously read Whitethorne by Nene Davies and loved it so took a punt I would like this too - and BOY was I glad I did.
I couldn't put it down and read it in a matter of a couple of days.
The Narrows is a really enlightening and interesting perspective of history, the swinging sixties and the way life can work out.
The book has stuck with me and made me grateful for technological advancements we have today and things like what happened in the book are much more accepted.
I enjoyed how the two timelines matched up and went to present day. Nene has really crafted beautiful and intricate stories.
Sometimes books can be predictable but in this one, at not one single point could I predict the next twist.
I have already lent this book to a friend and will be recommending it to many others.
However, I had previously read Whitethorne by Nene Davies and loved it so took a punt I would like this too - and BOY was I glad I did.
I couldn't put it down and read it in a matter of a couple of days.
The Narrows is a really enlightening and interesting perspective of history, the swinging sixties and the way life can work out.
The book has stuck with me and made me grateful for technological advancements we have today and things like what happened in the book are much more accepted.
I enjoyed how the two timelines matched up and went to present day. Nene has really crafted beautiful and intricate stories.
Sometimes books can be predictable but in this one, at not one single point could I predict the next twist.
I have already lent this book to a friend and will be recommending it to many others.
September 29, 2020
The Narrows, Nene Davies’ sixth novel, reflects the changing attitudes of the Sixties towards “the traditional boundaries between men and women, love and marriage”. Set in London, the disparate but distressing issues of both childlessness and domestic violence, so often hidden from public scrutiny, become intertwined with tragic consequences for twin Douglas brothers and their wives. In a clever ploy, Davies uses these consequences to uncover, sleuth-like, how driving passions caused a disastrous sequence of events that affected the lives of each member of the Douglas families forever. Only decades later could their lives begin to mend.
Nene, in her distinctive, airy writing style, presents us with characters that we can readily recognise and empathise with, in their responses to difficult situations. Another ‘can’t-put-down’ story, The Narrows will intrigue and captivate its readers to the very end.
Nene, in her distinctive, airy writing style, presents us with characters that we can readily recognise and empathise with, in their responses to difficult situations. Another ‘can’t-put-down’ story, The Narrows will intrigue and captivate its readers to the very end.
September 3, 2020
This beautifully crafted story begins in the swinging sixties with two couples, one with a seemingly perfect life, the other wanting the impossible. It isn't long, however, until an event rips away the mask of civility, and reveals secrets - and horrors - previously hidden.
Years later, and the next generation is dealing with the fallout of decisions made a lifetime ago. And nothing is as it seems. It is, ultimately, a story of family and redemption, second chances, and how love always finds its way home.
Years later, and the next generation is dealing with the fallout of decisions made a lifetime ago. And nothing is as it seems. It is, ultimately, a story of family and redemption, second chances, and how love always finds its way home.
September 3, 2020
Nene has done it again! I did not want to put it down until I had finished reading the whole book. I can usually work out the ending ..but not with this one ..continuously surprised. Loved loved Loved this from start to finish! Thank you Nene! Fantastic read! I highly recommend this.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews