The Read Around The World Book Club discussion

First thoughts

Just ordered my book- should have it Saturday.

It’s like Iza has Marie Kondo’ed poor old Ettie. I feel for her.

I find this story so utterly heartbreaking:(

I completely agree, I know that Iza means well and doesn't intend to hurt her mother but my heart hurts for her.

I didn’t vote for this book in the poll & would like to thank everyone who did. I think it’s wonderful. Szabo seems to have such an acute understanding of humanity. Every tiny detail about these characters and their behaviour feels so real.

And yes, heartbreaking! I see a lot of myself in Iza, both the good and bad. But both characters are very sympathetically drawn. Ettie doesn’t seem to have any language to express her emotions other than through acts of service. The two women are just on totally different wavelengths and both trying so hard to please but getting nowhere. The book is full of intensely poignant moments without being overly sentimental. The suitcase full of twigs! Ahhh. And Ettie’s trip to Iza’s clinic with her raincoat. My goodness. I felt for Ettie so much, but at the same time I know full well if my Mum did the same I’d be mortified.

I really hope they find some peace and understanding in the second half!

This book is just wonderful. Tragic and terribly sad, but brilliant in its sensitivity. I have ordered more of her books.

Unfortunately I tried but I didn’t like it.
I thought the writer did a great job of describing things so I had a good visual image in my head. The tone was conveyed well. But I could tell it was going to be too melancholy for me.
I didn’t like the way the narrative switched b/w characters in midparagraph. I got confused a lot.
I gave up after pt.1.

Wow this is totally a me book! I am absolutely loving it, I of course feel so sorry for Ettie and having to try and readjust and find her way in the world and for Iza who is trying to do the right thing for her mother but is going around it the wrong way. I just want both of the characters to finally connect. This book is very thought provoking

I am taken by this book. Szabo has a quiet affective power. Ettie’s story in Budapest is terribly sad! But, I’ve wanted to keep reading.

Keriann wrote: "Wow this is totally a me book! I am absolutely loving it, I of course feel so sorry for Ettie and having to try and readjust and find her way in the world and for Iza who is trying to do the right ..."
Me too Keriann! These are the books with the emotional depth I crave. She doesn't tell but shows and eludes. quite and powerful



Linda wrote: "This book is just wonderful. Tragic and terribly sad, but brilliant in its sensitivity. I have ordered more of her books."
I couldn't agree more! I was impressed at how she juxtaposed the tragic and light.


Marie wrote: "I didn’t vote for this book in the poll & would like to thank everyone who did. I think it’s wonderful. Szabo seems to have such an acute understanding of humanity. Every tiny detail about these ch..."
I second your sentiment Marie!

I'm a bit late to the party, I've only started the book today, and I've just finished part 1. I love the 'quietness' of the style, and so far, the story is beautifully told.

Britta, I’m late too but after the first few chapters knew I would love this book having a fondness for novels that focus on elderly characters. I love the writing and Szabo makes it so easy to feel for both Iza and Ettie. I’ve been mulling over the title with its focus on Iza and not Ettie and am thinking this will become more clear in the second half although it’s interesting how the narrative viewpoint has slowly shifted from Ettie to Iza. I’ve heard great things about this author and it appears it wasn’t all hype.