Reviews

Notwithstanding by Louis de Bernières

shellb's review

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

gwparsons's review

hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

hattiefrankie's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A breath of fresh air. De Bernières holds your emotions in the palm of his hand as he empathetically introduces you the quirky mix of characters in the village of Notwithstanding. This gorgeously written novel relatable describes the best of humanity and the hilarity of culture and community from a time fondly remembered.

carol_indygardener's review

5.0

This book is full of imaginative quirky, characters living in a fictional English village. Each chapter is a story on its own and all the chapters touch upon each other as new stories and answers are revealed. I think the author must be a gardener or at least someone who appreciates a garden based on some of the ways he describes flowers and gardening. Going to have to read more of his books!

yowlyy's review

5.0

I loved these short stories and the setup they're in... and I love this country, a true asylum for lunatics as the author puts it: this is why I love living here, I'm right at home :)

kemarshall's review

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.5

eri_123's review

4.0

Schizophrenic tales from a particular place, across time. Was hoping that the first story would be continued through the whole novel but alas it stands alone. Other highlights were the George the spider story and the Lizzie the rook story. A lot of sad stories, in a vaguely heart-warming way.

canadianbookworm's review

4.0

This gem of a novel has linked stories from a small English village with wonderful, memorable characters that will capture your heart. I absolutely loved this book and found the stories heartwarming without being schmaltzy.The small village of Notwithstanding has both families that have lived there for generations and newcomers. Each story focuses on a select individual or group of characters that are linked to other stories in the book. We get a real feel for the village, the way the inhabitants relate to each other, and the creeping change that is happening.
Highly recommended.