October 27, 2017

Over the Teacups #3 - Short Reviews.

Short Reviews Over a Cuppa


Why? I would like to reread this series or for some of the books read for the first time.

Plot.  In Anne of the Island we see herself and Gilbert and Prissy go of to Redmond college to study hard to attain their degrees.

All goes well the first year and Anne makes a new friend as well - Philippa. In the second year they come across a place that they are able to rent "Patty's Place".   While Anne is not that fond of cats a mangy, but feisty one attaches itself to Anne and a love affair is born between them.

Anne has started writing and faces both rejection and some success. She receives a few proposals of marriage that she turns down, among them Gilbert who is pretty heart broken about that. But Anne is looking for something magical and really takes a long time to decipher true love. Finally though all is well.  Anne realises her true love!

What Appeals to me. I enjoyed the story, well narrated again by Barbara Caruso. I don't ever remember reading this book, as a child, perhaps I did, perhaps I didn't. I am now quite motivated to go right through the series. 

Somehow I got the order wrong and passed by Anne of Windy Poplars so will need to go back to it - possibly now when I have finished the others.

Plot.
The story continues in Anne's House of Dreams as Anne and Gilbert are married and take up residence in a darling house. They make new friendships and the characters made me smile. Lesley is a near neighbour and she and Anne eventually become dear friends. And what a story surrounds Lesley. Then there is Captain Jim with his stories, Miss Cornelia with her "Just like a man" additions to most statements. Which to be honest got a bit too much!

What Appeals to Me. The story is both heartwarming and sad with some tough tales told. However what comes through is the closeness of good friends, the start of a new family and a home that suits perfectly... for now!

The audiobook was read by Karen Savage on LibriVox and a fine narration it was, I could listen along in my podcasts app on my iPad and it was perfect.  My first time trying LibriVox and a positive one.

And so...While I might take a rest from these for awhile I will continue on. I may have to read Anne of Windy Poplars  and Anne of Ingleside because I don't see them anywhere on audio for my part of the world.



 Why? 
 I saw a review for Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine at  Debbish,  her review put the book firmly on my radar. Excellent review.

I chose the  audiobook form and it was excellent. The narration by Cathleen McCarron was perfectly suited to the voice of Eleanor Oliphant the heroine of this story.

Plot. Eleanor is rather different - straight forward, somewhat out of touch socially and scarred. She is a hard worker, quick to judge and a little finicky. And I just must mention Raymond who befriends her, and shows her what true friendship and family is all about.  Is Eleanor the same at the end of the book as she was in the beginning? Absolutely not. And there was a little twist at the end I did not see coming!

What Appeals to Me? Her life story as it unfolds is captivating, sad and yet told with a light touch and glimpses of humour.  I loved Eleanor's development over the book.

And so...I think if you liked The Rosie Project or A Man Called Ove  you'd like this book. For me it was ahead of those.  Certainly will  be on my list of top books read in 2017.  And I'll be wanting to read the next book by Gail Honeyman, this was her debut novel.

11 comments:

  1. I just love all the Anne books. Great idea to reread via audiobook.

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  2. I started rereading the Anne of Green Gables books a while back, and was doing them on audio and then stopped - I really need to pick them up again...they really are my most favorite series ever!!!

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  3. I certainly do not the whole Anne story

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  4. Oh the Anne books I remember them well. Thanks Kathryn!

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  5. I love your tea set....and the review of the Anne book reminded me of many days reading about her adventures. I've been wanting to read the Eleanor Oliphant book. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I haven't read the Anne series for ages. I have it's series on My List for Netflix but I know many hardcore fans didn't like it. I still haven't brought myself to watch it yet.
    I was scared w/the rotary cutter but I made sure to move it slowly and up against my quilting ruler. I need a bigger one and can't find the one my mum passed down to me. The Mitford book was a simple and good read. I have to admit I did chomp at the bit at places, wanting to finish it already so I could move onto my new stack of books.

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  7. I love LibriVox!! There are some excellent narrators on there. I listened to Anne of Green Gables, narrated by Annie Coleman-Rothenberg?? I believe that’s her name, it’s been a while. It was great!!

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  8. Love the Anne series. Glad LibriVox worked out for you. I listened to War and Peace that way and enjoyed it.

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  9. I love the Anne series! Though I was not a fan of Anne of Ingleside. It was a later book kind of slotted into the series and to me it felt like that. Now Rilla of Ingleside is a whole different story. That's one of my favorites. I have a Man Called Ove on my TBR so if that works I'll definitely be checking out Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I love that title!

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  10. I love the title for these mini reviews. It is so inviting. Your recommendation and comparison to A Man Called Ove has sparked my interest in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I may give it a read at some point.

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  11. Always on the lookout for a new narrator. I'd not seen Barbara Caruso before I don't believe.

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