Normally i would be a fan of these books. There is mystery 'who is this family, intrigue 'why don't the children grow up' and lots of unknowns, but Sophie Hannah's writing style is not appealing to me at all. There is lots of description which feels like it slows down the pace of the novel, and makes it all feel unnecessary. For example the opening line is hardly one that draws the reader in: 'Here we are, in the wrong place: Wyddial Lane. It’s a private
road, as the sign unsubtly proclaims in letters larger than those
spelling out its name, in a village called Hemingford Abbots. I
switch off the engine, stretch my back to release the ache from
two hours of driving, and wait for Ben to notice that there’s
no football ground in sight.'
I've given other Sophie Hannah books a read, but all to the same outcome, unfinished. But what makes me pick up her books in the first place is the unique story and original idea. I've not seen a story about this type of thing before, so picked it up but it really didn't engage me long enough to keep reading. It's a shame. I can see why others would like the books and there are many of them.
road, as the sign unsubtly proclaims in letters larger than those
spelling out its name, in a village called Hemingford Abbots. I
switch off the engine, stretch my back to release the ache from
two hours of driving, and wait for Ben to notice that there’s
no football ground in sight.'
I've given other Sophie Hannah books a read, but all to the same outcome, unfinished. But what makes me pick up her books in the first place is the unique story and original idea. I've not seen a story about this type of thing before, so picked it up but it really didn't engage me long enough to keep reading. It's a shame. I can see why others would like the books and there are many of them.