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Stone Cradle
Stone Cradle - bk1534; Simon & Schuster Ltd.; Louise Doughty; pocket_book; 2007
Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
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447 people want to read
About the author
Louise Doughty
27 books631 followersLouise Doughty is a novelist, playwright and critic. She is the author of five novels; CRAZY PAVING, DANCE WITH ME, HONEY-DEW, FIRES IN THE DARK and STONE CRADLE, and one work of non-fiction A NOVEL IN A YEAR. She has also written five plays for radio. She has worked widely as a critic and broadcaster in the UK, where she lives, and was a judge for the 2008 Man Booker Prize for fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 3, 2015
Stone Cradle is a book that makes me want to give up writing. It is as near perfect as writing can get, and makes me question whether I can ever get even half-way as good.
I read quite analytically these days – all too often I spot the strings on the puppets or the hand of the puppeteer, or their bald head poking up. But Stone Cradle is flawless – all I could do was stand in awe of the writer’s skill and get carried away with the story. It’s one of those books I want to buy for everyone I know.
There are two main points of view – Clementina and Rose. It is not that they are unreliable narrators, to use the jargon – both tell different aspects to the story and though their accounts are often contrary you find yourself empathising with and believing the credibility of both.
The research behind it is thorough – so much so that most readers probably won’t realise the hours that went into constructing the story, brick by brick – it all seems to flow so effortlessly.
The novel captures superbly a core truth about families: their strifes, misunderstandings, loves and missed opportunities.
I don’t like giving stars to books – they all have their own merits and many deserve reading for different reasons, but I have no hesitation with this – it is one of the best novels I have read in years – Booker winners and classics of English Literature included.
I read quite analytically these days – all too often I spot the strings on the puppets or the hand of the puppeteer, or their bald head poking up. But Stone Cradle is flawless – all I could do was stand in awe of the writer’s skill and get carried away with the story. It’s one of those books I want to buy for everyone I know.
There are two main points of view – Clementina and Rose. It is not that they are unreliable narrators, to use the jargon – both tell different aspects to the story and though their accounts are often contrary you find yourself empathising with and believing the credibility of both.
The research behind it is thorough – so much so that most readers probably won’t realise the hours that went into constructing the story, brick by brick – it all seems to flow so effortlessly.
The novel captures superbly a core truth about families: their strifes, misunderstandings, loves and missed opportunities.
I don’t like giving stars to books – they all have their own merits and many deserve reading for different reasons, but I have no hesitation with this – it is one of the best novels I have read in years – Booker winners and classics of English Literature included.
February 6, 2014
Louise Doughty is an English novelist, playwright and journalist who has a Romany background. She was born in Melton Mowbray, 4 September 1963. She attended the University of Leeds and is an alumna of the University of East Anglia’s Creative Writing Course.
This story is narrated by two women, one of whom is Romany, and charts the fortunes of one English family over three generations as the 20th century rolls by. It is beautifully written, with sadness and humour in equal measure.
The book starts off in the late 1800s, it alternates in the storytelling from two women, Clementina and Rose.
Clementina, is the only child of a travelling family. She falls pregnant as a teenager, unmarried and never revealing the identity of the father. She has her son, Lijah, and they continue the travelling life. When Lijah is about twenty they are stopping with other travellers at a farm to do some work. The farmer’s step daughter, Rose, comes into their lives and Rose and Lijah run away to get married.
The story then follows the full stretch of Clementina and Rose’s lives, often repeating over various incidents, but told from each woman’s perspective, which always puts a different spin on it. They really did loathed each other, but in the end they were incredibly close and could not do without one another. With the utmost delicacy, Doughty interweaves their points of view and teases out their secrets until it is impossible not to sympathise with both. Stone Cradle provides a fascinating insight into a neglected corner of English social history, but what is most impressive is the way this meticulous research comes roaring effortlessly to life in a timeless story of these two women who hate each other with a passion. Clementina is such a fantastic little curiosity, in what she gets up to, the way she thinks and how she expresses herself.
Doughty’s novel convincingly brings to life the complexities of life for a family of travellers. She uses the occasional word of English Romanes to bring colour to the language of her characters, and while this could have jarred, it achieves the opposite effect of adding intrigue and authenticity. Doughty based much of the story upon events from her own family history.
This was an absolutely fantastic read. The writing and the story telling are excellent. I just loved this book. It is a gripping, harrowing and moving saga.
This story is narrated by two women, one of whom is Romany, and charts the fortunes of one English family over three generations as the 20th century rolls by. It is beautifully written, with sadness and humour in equal measure.
The book starts off in the late 1800s, it alternates in the storytelling from two women, Clementina and Rose.
Clementina, is the only child of a travelling family. She falls pregnant as a teenager, unmarried and never revealing the identity of the father. She has her son, Lijah, and they continue the travelling life. When Lijah is about twenty they are stopping with other travellers at a farm to do some work. The farmer’s step daughter, Rose, comes into their lives and Rose and Lijah run away to get married.
The story then follows the full stretch of Clementina and Rose’s lives, often repeating over various incidents, but told from each woman’s perspective, which always puts a different spin on it. They really did loathed each other, but in the end they were incredibly close and could not do without one another. With the utmost delicacy, Doughty interweaves their points of view and teases out their secrets until it is impossible not to sympathise with both. Stone Cradle provides a fascinating insight into a neglected corner of English social history, but what is most impressive is the way this meticulous research comes roaring effortlessly to life in a timeless story of these two women who hate each other with a passion. Clementina is such a fantastic little curiosity, in what she gets up to, the way she thinks and how she expresses herself.
Doughty’s novel convincingly brings to life the complexities of life for a family of travellers. She uses the occasional word of English Romanes to bring colour to the language of her characters, and while this could have jarred, it achieves the opposite effect of adding intrigue and authenticity. Doughty based much of the story upon events from her own family history.
This was an absolutely fantastic read. The writing and the story telling are excellent. I just loved this book. It is a gripping, harrowing and moving saga.
May 23, 2014
The Stone Cradle was a delightful read which managed to give me a lovely insight into the lives of two women telling their story throughout a few generations. I loved the style of writing and how the Romaney language was used to compliment the Romaney people's way.
January 20, 2025
Spanning 85 years from 1875 to 1960 we meet Elijah Smith, his mother Clementina, and his wife Rose. Taking place in England, Elijah and Clementina are Romany or Travellers or gypsies. Their lives are tough and hard. They travel with large groups, everyone taking care of all others in the group. They go where they can find work but are looked down upon, not trusted, and considered bad people. However, they are hard working and caring people.
Narrated by both Clementina and Rose we learn of their lives. Clementina is a young teenage girl when she gives birth to the illegitimate Elijah. However, her parents love both Clementina and Elihah and keep them close to them and their hearts. Elijah is both loved and cherished yet he is a trouble maker! He is good looking, charming, and lazy.
Years go by and then Rose comes into their lives. Rose is a 'gorier' a non-Romany or outsider. However, Elijah is smitten and their story goes on and on.
I loved how both Clementina and Rose told the same story from different points-0f-views. I loved learning about the history of the times and the lives of the Travellers. This is a love story between a mother, a son and his wife. This book is filled with joy, sadness, family, love, and hope.
The characters are magnificent, the situations are horrific and wonderful, the plot amazing. Louise Doughty writes beautifully and draws much of her information from her own Romany roots.
Narrated by both Clementina and Rose we learn of their lives. Clementina is a young teenage girl when she gives birth to the illegitimate Elijah. However, her parents love both Clementina and Elihah and keep them close to them and their hearts. Elijah is both loved and cherished yet he is a trouble maker! He is good looking, charming, and lazy.
Years go by and then Rose comes into their lives. Rose is a 'gorier' a non-Romany or outsider. However, Elijah is smitten and their story goes on and on.
I loved how both Clementina and Rose told the same story from different points-0f-views. I loved learning about the history of the times and the lives of the Travellers. This is a love story between a mother, a son and his wife. This book is filled with joy, sadness, family, love, and hope.
The characters are magnificent, the situations are horrific and wonderful, the plot amazing. Louise Doughty writes beautifully and draws much of her information from her own Romany roots.
April 1, 2016
First of all, I admire writers who write as they speak, and do it well. This author did just that. I would say that she told a very powerful story in a language that she understood and spoke so well. I duff my hat!
I loved reading this story. It was written from the heart, and as the author said at the end, it was the story of a real life, a lived life. Clementine’s story was very touching, just as Rose’s story was ever so sad. Elijah on the other hand never seemed to grow up, so much so that his children, in the end, did not know how to deal with him. He was the typical Mama’s boy who never grew up. Marrying and having five children didn’t help him at all.
I liked how Clementine, after the death of Rose recognized Rose as the thread that held everything together. Pull that read out, and everything else went with it, the family disintegrated. This is a bitter sweet story, of suffering, and very little relief for the main protagonists. It seemed to me like a wasted life. I recommend this story, especially to those who think that their cosy lives need more to make it cozier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2016
Not at all what I expected, having discovered Louise Doughty via Apple Tree Yard; much quieter in tone but deeply thought-provoking. Informative on the Traveller's way of life and the meeting of cultures, insightful on family interactions and differing perspectives thereof.
And a thoroughly enjoyable story.
And a thoroughly enjoyable story.
September 4, 2011
One of my favourite reads this year. Narrated by two women, one Romany, charting the fortunes of one English family over three generations as the 20th century rolls by. Beautifully written, with sadness and humour in equal measure.
January 14, 2017
Pulled me in.
Enjoyable and touching account of a difficult and beautiful life . I felt drawn in to the sweetness, heartache and challenge of living an unconventional life. Lemmy found a place in my heart.
Enjoyable and touching account of a difficult and beautiful life . I felt drawn in to the sweetness, heartache and challenge of living an unconventional life. Lemmy found a place in my heart.
November 13, 2012
An interesting portrait of the life of Travellers at the turn of the 20th century. Beautifully written.
December 9, 2016
loved it!
October 27, 2018
Only Prom i was Interested in. Hungarian Symphony Orchestra. Gypsy Music. Music From Central Europe. Talk Before Hand. Talked About Roma, Traveler,s & Gypsy,s. One Speaker was Author, Louise Doughty. Being in the Romany Tradition. Knew Her Stuff. Intrigued, Purchased One of Her Book,s. Really Glad I Did. Was a Lovely Read. Novel Covering a Family,s Life. The Prejudice,s against Travelers. Though also what went the Other Way. Loved the Use of Romany Tongue. Story that Compel,s . Myths Destroyed. The Cruelty, the Evil that Man Does. Liked the Description of Old Age, the Act of Death. Plus the Superstition of the Ghost Pig. Story set in Cambridge, Ely, Peterborough & the Fens. A Area i know Well.
December 27, 2021
Disappointing -- I quite liked her other books that I've read, but this one was a struggle. I carried on, thinking it would get better, but it didn't. Plodding and too long for what went on. Just couldn't get that interested in the characters.
September 25, 2019
A delightful read! Enjoyed it!
November 3, 2024
Absolutely stupendous writing.
December 7, 2024
4.5 even.
Enjoyed the look at the Traveller's life, following the story of four generations.
Enjoyed the look at the Traveller's life, following the story of four generations.
May 16, 2025
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2016
An interesting and intriguing read.....gets a bit draggy in parts
November 8, 2014
What could have been a great novel spanning three generations from 1875 to 1949 turned out to be only so so. The theme seemed to be the relationship between a Romany life and that of a poor fenland family. When Rose marries the gipsy Elijah, her mother in law tells her she will always be sorry she did. So this was never going to be an uplifting tale. However, the differences between the two women make for an interesting contrast of the two ways of life.
There are also some wonderful examples of her best writing. "There are some people who are like threads in a knitted jumper - pull them out, and the whole garment starts to unravel, and you realise too late that you've pulled out the one bit of thread what was holding the whole thing together. Strange, when it looked like all the other bits of thread."
The main reason I picked this book was because it starts in the village of Werrington outside Peterborough, and it was here I lived for six years from 1972 to 1978. Obviously much had changed in the last hundred years. There were passages where the story flowed and others where I found it hard going. This is the third book from Louise Doughty that I have read and, for me, her latest two are much better.
There are also some wonderful examples of her best writing. "There are some people who are like threads in a knitted jumper - pull them out, and the whole garment starts to unravel, and you realise too late that you've pulled out the one bit of thread what was holding the whole thing together. Strange, when it looked like all the other bits of thread."
The main reason I picked this book was because it starts in the village of Werrington outside Peterborough, and it was here I lived for six years from 1972 to 1978. Obviously much had changed in the last hundred years. There were passages where the story flowed and others where I found it hard going. This is the third book from Louise Doughty that I have read and, for me, her latest two are much better.
September 1, 2011
This was an absolutely fantastic read. The writing and the story telling. I just loved this book. It could have gone on and on forever for me.
Starting off in the late 1800s, it alternates in the storytelling from two different women's perspectives. The first is Clementina, the only child of a travelling family, who falls pregnant as a teenager, unmarried and never revealing the identity of the father. She has her son, Lijah, and they continue the travelling life. When Lijah's about twenty or so, they're stopping with other traveller's at a farm to do some work. And the farmer's step daughter, Rose, comes into their lives and Rose and Lijah run away to get married. And Rose is the second narrator. The story then follows the full stretch of Clementina and Rose's lives, often repeating over various incidents, but told from each woman's perspective, which always puts a different spin on it. They really didn't like each other, but in the end they were incredibly close and couldn't do without one another. Clementina is such a fantastic little curiosity, in what she gets up to, the way she thinks and how she expressees herself.
I must look out for more books by this writer.
Starting off in the late 1800s, it alternates in the storytelling from two different women's perspectives. The first is Clementina, the only child of a travelling family, who falls pregnant as a teenager, unmarried and never revealing the identity of the father. She has her son, Lijah, and they continue the travelling life. When Lijah's about twenty or so, they're stopping with other traveller's at a farm to do some work. And the farmer's step daughter, Rose, comes into their lives and Rose and Lijah run away to get married. And Rose is the second narrator. The story then follows the full stretch of Clementina and Rose's lives, often repeating over various incidents, but told from each woman's perspective, which always puts a different spin on it. They really didn't like each other, but in the end they were incredibly close and couldn't do without one another. Clementina is such a fantastic little curiosity, in what she gets up to, the way she thinks and how she expressees herself.
I must look out for more books by this writer.
June 10, 2016
I have been curious about the "gypsies" of my childhood memories. I learned that many came to this country by way of Great Britain where they were (or are) part of an "invisible" culture there. I wanted to read a novel with this setting and discovered this one. I learned a lot from this book written by an author from the culture. She is a good writer and the story was very good. Highly satisfying (and only $.99 on kindle!)
October 28, 2012
I love Louise Doughty's writing style and am in awe of her ability to describe small, focused moments in the lives of her characters.
This tale of gypsy life in the Fens at the turn of the century was fascinating and raised questions for me of why people cling to traditional ways that seem destined to create hardship for themselves and their families.
This tale of gypsy life in the Fens at the turn of the century was fascinating and raised questions for me of why people cling to traditional ways that seem destined to create hardship for themselves and their families.
May 27, 2016
This book was an enormous disappointment. Adored AppleTree Yard but this was dire. Really didn't like the characters, wasn't interested in what happened to them, just didn't care. I wasn't expecting it to be a carbon copy of AppleTree Yard but I was expecting a book I would really enjoy. Sadly not- worst book I've read in a while which grieves me as I gave 5 stars to AppleTree
August 7, 2009
I very nearly gave up on this, I didn't enjoy the first half of the book at all - can't give a decent reason why though. However glad I stuck with it as I enjoyed it more as time went on, and did finally get into the characters. Wouldn't rush out and buy another of hers though.
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July 27, 2011I loved this book. I grew up in and around the Peterborough area, which made it all the more real. I loved the relationship between the generations of women, and how differently they viewed the same events.
March 14, 2014
Loved this novel. Skilfully narrated with brilliant use of original metaphor. These descriptions were so insightful inferring a range of emotion with few words. Reading this was like living alongside the characters with the turning of each page.
August 11, 2015
pretty good
October 17, 2016
She is a beautiful writer. The story was very interesting, about life as a gipsey. It was very sad.
December 14, 2016
I learned so much about "gypsies" from this book. It was very good...readable.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews