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krobart's review
5.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2018/08/20/day-1253-because-of-the-lockwoods/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2018/08/20/day-1253-because-of-the-lockwoods/
lisamck's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ashleylm's review against another edition
5.0
This is the book that no one's heard of that everyone loves, so of course I went into it with guarded scepticism, and it swiftly won me over. I was expectating something a good deal more grim (chapter after chapter of the Lockwoods beating down the Hunters until everyone's in the workhouse), but it wasn't like that at all.
If you enjoy the works of Barbara Pym, or Mrs. Gaskell, or Maeve Binchy (to pick three disparate but in some way similar authors), I think you'll find this one rewarding.
I certainly loved it. I loved it enough to not read it each night, just so it could last a little longer, which is the highest honour I can give a book, I think. (Some lesser books are more compulsively readable, but it doesn't make them superior).
I've already ordered another by her, and am looking forward to it.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s.)
If you enjoy the works of Barbara Pym, or Mrs. Gaskell, or Maeve Binchy (to pick three disparate but in some way similar authors), I think you'll find this one rewarding.
I certainly loved it. I loved it enough to not read it each night, just so it could last a little longer, which is the highest honour I can give a book, I think. (Some lesser books are more compulsively readable, but it doesn't make them superior).
I've already ordered another by her, and am looking forward to it.
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s.)
we_are_all_mad_here26's review
5.0
This was almost a perfect book. Dorothy Whipple, I now know, was an extraordinary observer and understander of humanity.
My favorite Persephone so far, #3 for me (#110 for Persephone).
My favorite Persephone so far, #3 for me (#110 for Persephone).
wendoxford's review
4.0
Dorothy Whipple is one of my favourite writers so I was thrilled to see this addition to the Persephone stable. Like her other work, compelling characters are drawn and we are drawn into a world past (between the wars) when class and circumstance defined ambition.
The novel is about the layered relationships between two families, the Hunters and the Lockwoods. The families used to be neighbours and social equals, but when Mr. Hunter died unexpectedly, he left his wife and three children with severe financial problems. The interplay is set from the start when Mrs. Lockwood is preparing to patronize the Hunters by inviting them on New Year’s Eve to witness a production by her girls that she would not inflict on more important people and to dine on leftover treats from Christmas Day. Mr Lockwood reluctantly takes on the role of advisor to the Hunters. The reader sees quickly that he is far from benevolent but it takes the length of the novel to see how this plays out.
This is not, in my opinion, her best novel but a Whipple is a Whipple and therefore a joy to read. She imbues her characters with such intelligent layering by their actions and conjurs up a completely immersive storyline.
The novel is about the layered relationships between two families, the Hunters and the Lockwoods. The families used to be neighbours and social equals, but when Mr. Hunter died unexpectedly, he left his wife and three children with severe financial problems. The interplay is set from the start when Mrs. Lockwood is preparing to patronize the Hunters by inviting them on New Year’s Eve to witness a production by her girls that she would not inflict on more important people and to dine on leftover treats from Christmas Day. Mr Lockwood reluctantly takes on the role of advisor to the Hunters. The reader sees quickly that he is far from benevolent but it takes the length of the novel to see how this plays out.
This is not, in my opinion, her best novel but a Whipple is a Whipple and therefore a joy to read. She imbues her characters with such intelligent layering by their actions and conjurs up a completely immersive storyline.
pencils's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
patrisias's review
5.0
I have fallen in love with the novels of Dorothy Whipple. Thank you Persephone Books for making a place for the forgotten books. And also for the most useful thing I have ever seen in a book - before the preface is a little note telling you that if you multiply an amount of pounds by 50, then you will roughly get a modern value. I'm always so lost when it comes to British money in these older books, that it was really helpful to have this tip.
Aside from being absolutely readable and delightful, the thing I find notable about Whipple's books is that you have a villainous character who you really want to see get his or her comeuppance. And while you can find justice in the story, the author's treatment of the character is so three dimensional that your thirst for vengence is blunted by the villain's humanity.
Aside from being absolutely readable and delightful, the thing I find notable about Whipple's books is that you have a villainous character who you really want to see get his or her comeuppance. And while you can find justice in the story, the author's treatment of the character is so three dimensional that your thirst for vengence is blunted by the villain's humanity.