I often seem to find the best books in other countries........
at their airports mostly.
At Johannesburg's O.R Tambo airport I had time to
browse a newsstand and this one caught my eye.
The German Boy by British author Patricia Wastvedt.
I enjoy stories set in Britain in the years before,
during and after World War II, this one didn't disappoint.
An absorbing saga of two families entangled by love
and friendship, divided by prejudice and war.
Do you ever wish a book will never end?
Do you turn the pages slowly, perhaps limit
yourself to just one chapter before you turn
out the bedside lamp?
This was that kind of story.
I just wanted it to go on and on.
The story was heart wrenching but mesmerizing.
The characters so interesting.
Visual descriptions of the landscapes fascinating.
The characters so interesting.
Visual descriptions of the landscapes fascinating.
A few nights ago I lingered over the last page then
closed the cover for the final time -
or until I read it again.
closed the cover for the final time -
or until I read it again.
I was full of questions as to how the story
could have been so different.
Why didn't the characters have happier lives,
find their lost loves, survive the war, share
more with their families, come through unscathed?
That would have been another story, a different book,
a happier time in history.
I loved the story just as it was.
A great read.
A wonderful book.
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Thank you for the review. It sounds like something I would really like. I will check it out and see if I can get it on my nook.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
p.s. spent the day with the other Penny and heard all about her trip to France. She and David had a wonderful time.
I'm taking your word for it...I just ordered it on Amazon :)
ReplyDeleteThose are my very favorite books. . . the ones you wish would never end. This one sounds like one I would enjoy. I'll have to be on the lookout for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation.
This sounds like a great read. I've recently read several books from the same time period. You may enjoy the last book I finished "The Time In Between". I actually just wrote a post on finishing a book you didn't want to end. I have so enjoyed following you around the world. What wonderful travels you have shared. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteA good story is a wonderful thing. I'm saving the story you sent me, "Sarah's Key," for winter reading. That, and a collection of short stories by Elie Weisel, are the only fiction waiting on my "to be read" shelf at the moment! I think they might go well together....
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy others' recommendations for books to read. This sounds like something I'd enjoy, too.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I seem to find the best books in airport book stores. This one sounds very good - I'll have to look for it.
ReplyDeleteNot heard of the author but the book sounds wonderful and just the type my mother would like (she was 3 when WW2 started).
ReplyDeleteSo I will look out for it.
Yes, I know what you mean about savouring each page in certain books! Isn't it wonderful but then you suffer a sense of loss when it's over.
Characterisation has to be strong in a story for me to enjoy it too.
Will be taking A.McCall Smith and Botswana Time with me...but then I keep thinking about the Exotic Marigold Hotel...I still haven't decided and we leave in just over 3 hours!
Sft xxxx
When I was in Ireland a few years ago I found the most wonderful books at the Shannon Airport! Glad you found a good read!
ReplyDeleteI know just what you mean, Mary! I loved Rosamund Pilcher's writing and her books always leave me feeling just the way you described. They are also set in England and Scotland, which I love. I'm sure since you are from England you really can relate. Wonder if I can get a copy from our library? Hmmmm. Thanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI will have to add it to my amazon.com wish list!
ReplyDeleteI checked amazon.com. It's only available in French in paper format, unless you want to buy one at $135.48!!
ReplyDeleteThere is an inexpensive Kindle edition in English but I am a die hard "real" book reader.
You know it's a good book when you don't want it to end. I've read a few like that. Sure wish we could share a scone or two. :) Have a great weekend. Tammy
ReplyDeleteMar: Will you remember to bring that book with you on the Aussie trip? I would love to read it. P
ReplyDeleteNow this sounds like a book I would like. I am always looking for a good one that I can't quite turn the light out at night for, I just have to keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether it's just me or if perhaps everybody else
ReplyDeleteencountering issues with your blog. It appears as if some of the written text in your posts are running
off the screen. Can someone else please comment
and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This might be a problem with my internet browser because I've had this happen previously. Thanks
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I am an avid reader myself and always would choose a British author when I have a choice. I will try our library to see if the German Boy is available. I was sad to read in today's paper that Maeve Binchey just passed away. She was only 72 - too sad.
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoy a good detective story I would recommend Ian Rankin from Edinburgh. You can now get him in the US but when I first read him it was through a Scottish neighbour who used to go betweeen her home here and Edinburgh. She would bring the paperbacks and give them to me.
Try him.
Hugs
FredaB
If I can stay awake long enough to read! I love Susan Wittig Albert. She writes two series, one dealing with herbs (the China Bayles) and then the Darling Dahlias which I have not even had time to read. Come this winter I'll make time to curl up with a good book!
ReplyDelete