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samstillreading's review against another edition
3.0
The Bit In Between by Claire Varley asks the question, what happens after the initial flush of giddy romance and lust is over in a relationship? How can you get to the happily ever after? Will your relationship even make it that far? In need of a good dose of reality in my next read, I picked this book up not really knowing what to expect – was it going to be serious and reflective? But after seeing how Oliver and Alison meet (she throws up on him in an airport after downing an entire jar of sundried tomatoes to prove a point at Customs), I knew that this book would have a quirky side to make me grin in places. Varley’s manuscript was picked up by Pan Macmillan from the slush pile, so I knew that there would be something special in the story.
In fact, there are quite a lot of great moments in the story. Varley has a talent for romantic comedy (the airport vomit scene is only the tip of the iceberg) but can also detail sensitive moments well. What I loved about The Bit In Between is that it’s not just Oliver and Alison’s story. The minor characters that they come into contact with also get a moment to tell their story, what haunts them or what makes them happy. It’s like people watching but with the ability to read minds. Varley captures that minor character and succinctly tells the reader something that lifts them from the person in the street to a real person with hopes and dreams. Varley is just as strong when it comes to characterisation – Oliver and Alison are nicely fleshed out with their strengths and concerns. (Oliver is a writer with one successful book behind him, however he’s distressed that he was forced to change the ending to a happy one. His new book will be on his own unhappy terms, if only he could get the words on to the page. Alison’s somewhat of a drifter and her spontaneous nature has found her travelling for love on numerous occasions. But she feels the need to create and leave her mark on the world).
The plot of The Bit In Between is quite simple, but executed well in a more unusual setting. Caught up in the first flush of love, Oliver and Alison decide to live in the Solomon Islands while he writes his book. A tropical paradise sounds wonderfully romantic, but they are soon caught up in reality – the monotony of housework and being in each other’s pockets. Yet it is the making of Alison as she makes friends and starts to help young women get jobs, write resumes and improve their English. It’s Oliver that is left in the same world, alone in the house all day. When he tries to make friends, it’s the opportunity to meet some of the quirkier members of the expat community. There’s also some interesting subplots with the appearance of Alison’s ex-boyfriend, Ed and Oliver starting to worry that the narrative of his book is guiding his and Alison’s real lives. This last part didn’t really work as well for me because I didn’t feel it fit in with the other themes of the story. The ending of the story was also not what I’d expected, but in a good way. I liked the reality and the hope that it left for the reader. Some might think it’s a letdown, but for me it was just one of these things that happens in real life.
The setting of the Solomon Islands was also interesting – it’s not a place I’d read about in fiction before and learning more about the people and their way of living (especially through the minor character vignettes) made me realise how little I knew about it. The expat behaviour was a nice juxtaposition and helped with the theme of feeling lost, a kind of ‘what next?’. The writing is honest but it’s characterisation where Claire Varley shines in her debut novel. This is a great new read that will have you chuckling and crying in places.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
In fact, there are quite a lot of great moments in the story. Varley has a talent for romantic comedy (the airport vomit scene is only the tip of the iceberg) but can also detail sensitive moments well. What I loved about The Bit In Between is that it’s not just Oliver and Alison’s story. The minor characters that they come into contact with also get a moment to tell their story, what haunts them or what makes them happy. It’s like people watching but with the ability to read minds. Varley captures that minor character and succinctly tells the reader something that lifts them from the person in the street to a real person with hopes and dreams. Varley is just as strong when it comes to characterisation – Oliver and Alison are nicely fleshed out with their strengths and concerns. (Oliver is a writer with one successful book behind him, however he’s distressed that he was forced to change the ending to a happy one. His new book will be on his own unhappy terms, if only he could get the words on to the page. Alison’s somewhat of a drifter and her spontaneous nature has found her travelling for love on numerous occasions. But she feels the need to create and leave her mark on the world).
The plot of The Bit In Between is quite simple, but executed well in a more unusual setting. Caught up in the first flush of love, Oliver and Alison decide to live in the Solomon Islands while he writes his book. A tropical paradise sounds wonderfully romantic, but they are soon caught up in reality – the monotony of housework and being in each other’s pockets. Yet it is the making of Alison as she makes friends and starts to help young women get jobs, write resumes and improve their English. It’s Oliver that is left in the same world, alone in the house all day. When he tries to make friends, it’s the opportunity to meet some of the quirkier members of the expat community. There’s also some interesting subplots with the appearance of Alison’s ex-boyfriend, Ed and Oliver starting to worry that the narrative of his book is guiding his and Alison’s real lives. This last part didn’t really work as well for me because I didn’t feel it fit in with the other themes of the story. The ending of the story was also not what I’d expected, but in a good way. I liked the reality and the hope that it left for the reader. Some might think it’s a letdown, but for me it was just one of these things that happens in real life.
The setting of the Solomon Islands was also interesting – it’s not a place I’d read about in fiction before and learning more about the people and their way of living (especially through the minor character vignettes) made me realise how little I knew about it. The expat behaviour was a nice juxtaposition and helped with the theme of feeling lost, a kind of ‘what next?’. The writing is honest but it’s characterisation where Claire Varley shines in her debut novel. This is a great new read that will have you chuckling and crying in places.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
faithl's review against another edition
5.0
I REALLY liked this book actually.
It was like this massive breath of fresh air. The romance isn't too heavy but very realistic. The characters are fantastically independent, their aspirations and willingness to help others is admirable and the writing itself is unique.
After that creepy David Tennant gif, you should have definitely accepted the fact that you will like this book.
This romance starts off hilariously in an airport and involves a girl vomiting on a guy, some ugly t-shirts and somewhere along the way, YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE CHARACTERS. There's something so special about them. Oliver is kind (a rare trait in today's world), a writer and the sort of person who at first glance may seem average but has so much more lingering underneath. Alison is the sort of person who constantly thinks of others. Throughout this book, she is always helping someone, whether it's a pregnant woman, a mother, a sister, just someone. I admired both these characters so much. I admired their silent determination to write a book, make a difference, achieve their aspirations. I think many readers will find themselves inspired by Oliver and Alison.
Their romance is equally inspiring. There's a serious light-heartedness. That's an oxymoron that doesn't really make sense but what I'm trying to say is that its stable but it kind of isn't at the same time. It's a very healthy relationship but the only thing that stands in their way is their own individual determination to continue their own dreams. I think this should've frustrated me but it honestly didn't. It only made me admire them more.
There isn't really a distinct complication to this book like you get with most YA contemporary novels. Instead, you - the reader - are along for the ride, watching this relationship and the character's lives unfold before you. Oliver's writing blocks and Alison's tight friendships with the people she helps and even her own and poetry journey will be a vibrant and entertaining story you will enjoy.
I don't want to spoil you all but the ending just somehow feels very right. It left you with hope and allowed the characters to come alive in their own way.
Plus this book is set in the Solomon Islands. SOLOMON ISLANDS!!! Australian authors never fail to amaze me. We are a seriously talented bunch. The rest of the world (especially America) better watch out!
The Bit in Between is a seriously good book with its admirable characters and a plot line and setting that will just give you those good feelings. It's a relatively short read that will capture you from the very beginning with vomit and ending with satisfaction.
bianca89279's review against another edition
4.0
I've received this novel through Netgalley, many thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for the opportunity to read and review.
This novel was wonderfully refreshing, quirky, albeit, at times a bit slow.
The first chapter is fantastic and it stars off beautifully:
"This is how it starts. A young man sits alone in an airport lounge. The seat beside him is empty. Someone sits down. This is how it starts and every time it starts like this. In every universe. In every dimension. In every possible version of this story, this is the start. It starts like this because life is nothing but a series of tides and waves, the constant movement of a vast ocean propelled by the sun, the moon and what scientists swear to us isn't magic. Most times they trickle, sometimes they surge, and every so often the earth realigns and the ocean responds in kind."
I was captivated. The first few pages are beautiful.
"There are no tsunamis in this story - no seismic vibrations or geological cataclysms - but there are waves". This phrase describes this novel perfectly, as it's not about any major dramatic twists in the main characters' lives, but it's about life and its occasional waves.
The Bit in Between is the story of Oliver and Alison, both in their mid twenties, both going through some sort of life crisis. Oliver is an anxious writer, whereas Alison is impulsive and doesn't really know who she is or what she wants.
Their first encounter is very amusing, albeit, not for poor Oliver. Their accidental meeting in an airport lounge turns into a relationship. So Alison ends up following Oliver to the Solomon islands, where he is going to write his second novel.
Life in the Solomons is slow; Oliver is trying to write and for weeks he doesn't come up with anything worth keeping. Meanwhile, Alison just wonders around, exploring the area, shopping for food. Little by little, she immerses herself into the local culture, thanks mostly to her new local friend, Sera. Meanwhile, Oliver makes friends with an American expat, Rick.
Life drags on, Oliver and Alison start having little squabbles here and there. Oliver seems to have found inspiration, which is mostly drawn from Alison and his life in the Solomons. Oliver has a feeling that Alison is going to leave him. Will she?
Claire Varley's debut novel is very well written, funny at times and insightful.
I loved that Ms Varley's painting of the Solomons is done without prejudice and at the same time there's no painting over with bright colours where there shouldn't be any.
The character development is expertly done. Both protagonists are incredibly realistic, their struggles felt authentic, and many will probably identify. Even the title is extremely well chosen.
Why I'm not giving this 5-stars? It's because I was kind of puzzled by these back stories for many of the transient and inconsequential characters: a cab driver, an aunt, a lady in a cafe etc. I really couldn't see the point. The only thing I could come up with was that the author wanted to show that everybody has a story, which is true, but still, I thought they were distracting and a bit annoying, especially once I'd realised I was never going to come across those characters again.
Regardless, this is an impressive first novel, from a very talented writer. Looking forward to reading the next novel from Claire Varley.
Recommended: To readers who enjoy realistic, finding yourself stories.
Cover: 5 stars
This novel was wonderfully refreshing, quirky, albeit, at times a bit slow.
The first chapter is fantastic and it stars off beautifully:
"This is how it starts. A young man sits alone in an airport lounge. The seat beside him is empty. Someone sits down. This is how it starts and every time it starts like this. In every universe. In every dimension. In every possible version of this story, this is the start. It starts like this because life is nothing but a series of tides and waves, the constant movement of a vast ocean propelled by the sun, the moon and what scientists swear to us isn't magic. Most times they trickle, sometimes they surge, and every so often the earth realigns and the ocean responds in kind."
I was captivated. The first few pages are beautiful.
"There are no tsunamis in this story - no seismic vibrations or geological cataclysms - but there are waves". This phrase describes this novel perfectly, as it's not about any major dramatic twists in the main characters' lives, but it's about life and its occasional waves.
The Bit in Between is the story of Oliver and Alison, both in their mid twenties, both going through some sort of life crisis. Oliver is an anxious writer, whereas Alison is impulsive and doesn't really know who she is or what she wants.
Their first encounter is very amusing, albeit, not for poor Oliver. Their accidental meeting in an airport lounge turns into a relationship. So Alison ends up following Oliver to the Solomon islands, where he is going to write his second novel.
Life in the Solomons is slow; Oliver is trying to write and for weeks he doesn't come up with anything worth keeping. Meanwhile, Alison just wonders around, exploring the area, shopping for food. Little by little, she immerses herself into the local culture, thanks mostly to her new local friend, Sera. Meanwhile, Oliver makes friends with an American expat, Rick.
Life drags on, Oliver and Alison start having little squabbles here and there. Oliver seems to have found inspiration, which is mostly drawn from Alison and his life in the Solomons. Oliver has a feeling that Alison is going to leave him. Will she?
Claire Varley's debut novel is very well written, funny at times and insightful.
I loved that Ms Varley's painting of the Solomons is done without prejudice and at the same time there's no painting over with bright colours where there shouldn't be any.
The character development is expertly done. Both protagonists are incredibly realistic, their struggles felt authentic, and many will probably identify. Even the title is extremely well chosen.
Why I'm not giving this 5-stars? It's because I was kind of puzzled by these back stories for many of the transient and inconsequential characters: a cab driver, an aunt, a lady in a cafe etc. I really couldn't see the point. The only thing I could come up with was that the author wanted to show that everybody has a story, which is true, but still, I thought they were distracting and a bit annoying, especially once I'd realised I was never going to come across those characters again.
Regardless, this is an impressive first novel, from a very talented writer. Looking forward to reading the next novel from Claire Varley.
Recommended: To readers who enjoy realistic, finding yourself stories.
Cover: 5 stars
smitchy's review against another edition
2.0
This book was easy to read. I really liked Varley's writing style. I could sympathise to an extent with the character's lack of purpose & feeling that everyone else has life sorted (I still feel that way).
It would make a great switch the brain off book to read on holiday but here are the issues I had with it:
1) The three main male characters (Oliver, Rick & Ed) were all completely self involved wankers. Seriously, why is she having a dilemma over Ed? He might be good looking but every time he opens his mouth I want to either laugh at him or slap him. Oliver is hardly any better and the sections of his "writing" sound like a bad historical romance.
2) The little interludes where we learn the back story of every minor character we come across - is this to tempt us with the far more interesting stories we could have read? And also all but one of these stories was either depressing &/or tragic - is the point to show us everyone regrets things / has disappointments?
3)The whole magic / story affecting life plot point. Why? Just Why? I can accept this in YA to an extent, but this just seems lazy.
4)The ending.
It would make a great switch the brain off book to read on holiday but here are the issues I had with it:
1) The three main male characters (Oliver, Rick & Ed) were all completely self involved wankers. Seriously, why is she having a dilemma over Ed? He might be good looking but every time he opens his mouth I want to either laugh at him or slap him. Oliver is hardly any better and the sections of his "writing" sound like a bad historical romance.
2) The little interludes where we learn the back story of every minor character we come across - is this to tempt us with the far more interesting stories we could have read? And also all but one of these stories was either depressing &/or tragic - is the point to show us everyone regrets things / has disappointments?
3)The whole magic / story affecting life plot point. Why? Just Why? I can accept this in YA to an extent, but this just seems lazy.
4)The ending.
beelaw's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
mouwuol's review
3.0
Super fast paced and entertaining but it felt like a chore to read and idk why.
I loved the element (that I can’t say due to spoilers) that was thrown in the last quarter of the book
Sera is a character I didn’t know I would love so much but wow, I want my own sera :(
I loved the element (that I can’t say due to spoilers) that was thrown in the last quarter of the book
Sera is a character I didn’t know I would love so much but wow, I want my own sera :(
ceels's review
5.0
I know the author and I was so worried that I wasn't going to like the book that I didn't read it for months. I'm glad I finally did, it was a lovely way to start the year.
samstillreading's review
3.0
The Bit In Between by Claire Varley asks the question, what happens after the initial flush of giddy romance and lust is over in a relationship? How can you get to the happily ever after? Will your relationship even make it that far? In need of a good dose of reality in my next read, I picked this book up not really knowing what to expect – was it going to be serious and reflective? But after seeing how Oliver and Alison meet (she throws up on him in an airport after downing an entire jar of sundried tomatoes to prove a point at Customs), I knew that this book would have a quirky side to make me grin in places. Varley’s manuscript was picked up by Pan Macmillan from the slush pile, so I knew that there would be something special in the story.
In fact, there are quite a lot of great moments in the story. Varley has a talent for romantic comedy (the airport vomit scene is only the tip of the iceberg) but can also detail sensitive moments well. What I loved about The Bit In Between is that it’s not just Oliver and Alison’s story. The minor characters that they come into contact with also get a moment to tell their story, what haunts them or what makes them happy. It’s like people watching but with the ability to read minds. Varley captures that minor character and succinctly tells the reader something that lifts them from the person in the street to a real person with hopes and dreams. Varley is just as strong when it comes to characterisation – Oliver and Alison are nicely fleshed out with their strengths and concerns. (Oliver is a writer with one successful book behind him, however he’s distressed that he was forced to change the ending to a happy one. His new book will be on his own unhappy terms, if only he could get the words on to the page. Alison’s somewhat of a drifter and her spontaneous nature has found her travelling for love on numerous occasions. But she feels the need to create and leave her mark on the world).
The plot of The Bit In Between is quite simple, but executed well in a more unusual setting. Caught up in the first flush of love, Oliver and Alison decide to live in the Solomon Islands while he writes his book. A tropical paradise sounds wonderfully romantic, but they are soon caught up in reality – the monotony of housework and being in each other’s pockets. Yet it is the making of Alison as she makes friends and starts to help young women get jobs, write resumes and improve their English. It’s Oliver that is left in the same world, alone in the house all day. When he tries to make friends, it’s the opportunity to meet some of the quirkier members of the expat community. There’s also some interesting subplots with the appearance of Alison’s ex-boyfriend, Ed and Oliver starting to worry that the narrative of his book is guiding his and Alison’s real lives. This last part didn’t really work as well for me because I didn’t feel it fit in with the other themes of the story. The ending of the story was also not what I’d expected, but in a good way. I liked the reality and the hope that it left for the reader. Some might think it’s a letdown, but for me it was just one of these things that happens in real life.
The setting of the Solomon Islands was also interesting – it’s not a place I’d read about in fiction before and learning more about the people and their way of living (especially through the minor character vignettes) made me realise how little I knew about it. The expat behaviour was a nice juxtaposition and helped with the theme of feeling lost, a kind of ‘what next?’. The writing is honest but it’s characterisation where Claire Varley shines in her debut novel. This is a great new read that will have you chuckling and crying in places.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
In fact, there are quite a lot of great moments in the story. Varley has a talent for romantic comedy (the airport vomit scene is only the tip of the iceberg) but can also detail sensitive moments well. What I loved about The Bit In Between is that it’s not just Oliver and Alison’s story. The minor characters that they come into contact with also get a moment to tell their story, what haunts them or what makes them happy. It’s like people watching but with the ability to read minds. Varley captures that minor character and succinctly tells the reader something that lifts them from the person in the street to a real person with hopes and dreams. Varley is just as strong when it comes to characterisation – Oliver and Alison are nicely fleshed out with their strengths and concerns. (Oliver is a writer with one successful book behind him, however he’s distressed that he was forced to change the ending to a happy one. His new book will be on his own unhappy terms, if only he could get the words on to the page. Alison’s somewhat of a drifter and her spontaneous nature has found her travelling for love on numerous occasions. But she feels the need to create and leave her mark on the world).
The plot of The Bit In Between is quite simple, but executed well in a more unusual setting. Caught up in the first flush of love, Oliver and Alison decide to live in the Solomon Islands while he writes his book. A tropical paradise sounds wonderfully romantic, but they are soon caught up in reality – the monotony of housework and being in each other’s pockets. Yet it is the making of Alison as she makes friends and starts to help young women get jobs, write resumes and improve their English. It’s Oliver that is left in the same world, alone in the house all day. When he tries to make friends, it’s the opportunity to meet some of the quirkier members of the expat community. There’s also some interesting subplots with the appearance of Alison’s ex-boyfriend, Ed and Oliver starting to worry that the narrative of his book is guiding his and Alison’s real lives. This last part didn’t really work as well for me because I didn’t feel it fit in with the other themes of the story. The ending of the story was also not what I’d expected, but in a good way. I liked the reality and the hope that it left for the reader. Some might think it’s a letdown, but for me it was just one of these things that happens in real life.
The setting of the Solomon Islands was also interesting – it’s not a place I’d read about in fiction before and learning more about the people and their way of living (especially through the minor character vignettes) made me realise how little I knew about it. The expat behaviour was a nice juxtaposition and helped with the theme of feeling lost, a kind of ‘what next?’. The writing is honest but it’s characterisation where Claire Varley shines in her debut novel. This is a great new read that will have you chuckling and crying in places.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
louiseallan's review
5.0
A subtle tale of a developing relationship between two expats in their mid-twenties set in the Solomon Islands. The characterisation is truly special, and the writing is cleverly humorous. Brilliant storytelling.