tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post8888957587446098572..comments2024-01-20T18:08:44.444-05:00Comments on You Can Never Have Too Many Books: Broken Harbour - brilliant madness, but.....Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09095246748581382752noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-69496198852964164672016-07-13T23:16:54.334-04:002016-07-13T23:16:54.334-04:00moncler, moncler, moncler, canada goose, doudoune ...<a href="http://www.moncler.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">moncler</a>, <a href="http://www.moncleroutlet.com.co/" rel="nofollow">moncler</a>, <a href="http://www.moncler.org.es/" rel="nofollow">moncler</a>, <a href="http://www.canadagooses.co.nl/" rel="nofollow">canada goose</a>, <a href="http://www.canadagoose-paschere.fr/" rel="nofollow">doudoune canada goose</a>, <a href="http://www.marcjacobsoutlet.us/" rel="nofollow">marc jacobs</a>, <a href="http://www.pandorajewelrys.us.com/" rel="nofollow">pandora jewelry</a>, <a href="http://www.juicycoutureoutlet.jp.net/" rel="nofollow">juicy couture outlet</a>, <a href="http://www.canadagoose--jackets.ca/" rel="nofollow">canada goose</a>, <a href="http://www.canada-goose-outlet.org/" rel="nofollow">canada goose outlet</a>, <a href="http://www.hollister--canada.ca/" rel="nofollow">hollister</a>, <a href="http://www.swarovski.me.uk/" rel="nofollow">swarovski</a>, <a href="http://www.moncleronline-shop.de/" rel="nofollow">moncler</a>, <a href="http://www.canada--goose.se/" rel="nofollow">canada goose</a>, <a href="http://www.louisvuitton-sac.fr/" rel="nofollow">sac louis vuitton pas cher</a>, <a href="http://www.louis-vuitton-pas-cher.fr/" rel="nofollow">louis vuitton</a>, <a href="http://www.ugg--australia.it/" rel="nofollow">ugg,ugg australia,ugg italia</a>, <a href="http://www.borse-louis-vuitton.it/" rel="nofollow">louis vuitton</a>, <a href="http://www.pandora--charms.in.net/" rel="nofollow">pandora charms</a>, <a href="http://www.karenmillen.me.uk/" rel="nofollow">karen millen</a>, <a href="http://www.uggs-canada.ca/" rel="nofollow">ugg,uggs,uggs canada</a>, <a href="http://www.moncler.co.nl/" rel="nofollow">moncler</a>, <a href="http://www.montrespas-cher.fr/" rel="nofollow">montre pas cher</a>, <a href="http://www.toms--shoes.net/" rel="nofollow">toms shoes</a>, <a href="http://www.supra--shoes.com/" rel="nofollow">supra shoes</a>, <a href="http://coachofficialsite.blog.com/" rel="nofollow">coach outlet</a>, <a href="http://www.doudoune-monclerpascher.fr/" rel="nofollow">moncler</a>, <a href="http://www.canadagoose.net.co/" rel="nofollow">canada goose</a>, <a href="http://www.bottesugg-pas-cher.fr/" rel="nofollow">bottes ugg</a>, <a href="http://www.replica--watches.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">replica watches</a>, <a href="http://www.ugg-pas-cher.fr/" rel="nofollow">ugg pas cher</a>, <a href="http://www.monclerjackets.us.org/" rel="nofollow">moncler outlet</a>, <a href="http://www.ugg-boots-uggs.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">ugg boots uk</a>, <a href="http://www.cheapweddingdresses.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">wedding dresses</a>, <a href="http://www.pandora--charms.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">pandora charms</a>, <a href="http://www.louis-vuitton-handbags.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">louis vuitton</a>, <a href="http://www.canada-goose.me.uk/" rel="nofollow">canada goose uk</a>, <a href="http://www.juicycoutureoutlet.com.co/" rel="nofollow">juicy couture outlet</a>, <a href="http://www.thomassabouk.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">thomas sabo</a>, <a href="http://www.swarovskijewelry.us.com/" rel="nofollow">swarovski crystal</a>, <a href="http://www.canadagoosejackets.us.com/" rel="nofollow">canada goose outlet</a>, <a href="http://www.linksoflondon.me.uk/" rel="nofollow">links of london</a>, <a href="http://www.pandora-jewelry.us.com/" rel="nofollow">pandora jewelry</a>, <a href="http://www.louisvuitton-canada.ca/" rel="nofollow">louis vuitton</a>, <a href="http://www.moncler--outlet.it/" rel="nofollow">moncler</a>ninest123https://www.blogger.com/profile/04608652971148348518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-83644384173064970252013-05-05T19:26:09.029-04:002013-05-05T19:26:09.029-04:00Susan: Thanks so much for your comments. I think...Susan: Thanks so much for your comments. I think that you and Kay have a valid point about the drive to be successful being her undoing, and yet I can't fathom why that would make her do what she did. That's such an extreme and violent and insane thing to do. If she did break, she didn't show signs of that deeper anger or despair that I would think would be what drove her. So I thank you and Kay for sharing your thoughts with me on this book. <br /><br />I've read all but one of her books, and I think her third one - Faithful Place - is my favourite. I'm curious to see what she does next. I do enjoy her books, even though so few people in them are happy. <br /><br />I am linking to your review, thanks for providing it :-) Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095246748581382752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-44221408327286922222013-04-25T12:59:42.308-04:002013-04-25T12:59:42.308-04:00I've read all of French's books and I have...I've read all of French's books and I have to say that although I liked BROKEN HARBOR, it's actually my least favorite of the bunch. But, that may be because I've read all the others and so this one felt a little formulaic.<br /><br />Also, I totally agree with Kay. I think the thing that made this book so creepy was the fact that the wife DID NOT have any kind of depression/mental illness history. It came about slowly -- the less her life resembled what she thought it would once moving to this seemingly great neighborhood, the more she unraveled. It's a commentary on how destructive a "keeping up with the Jones'" attitude can be. I've seen it happen to plenty of people (although not to this degree, of course).<br /><br />I do appreciate your words about depression. It's a condition I've never experienced nor understood, so it's interesting (and empathizing, if that's a word) to hear about it from an insider. So, thanks for sharing something so personal. <br /><br />If you're interested, here's a link to my review of BROKEN HARBOR: http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/2012/10/the-girls-good-really-really-good.htmlSusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05344704891037668456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-12497761296883052282013-04-20T14:45:17.267-04:002013-04-20T14:45:17.267-04:00Cath: thank you for your kind words! It took me ...Cath: thank you for your kind words! It took me a little while to decide that I wanted it to be part of my review, because it was affecting how I reacted to the book. I still find it strange I had such a strong reaction to the book. I hope you do read it at some point. I won't be surprised if you enjoy it, too - I hope so. I'm curious about what you would think of it.<br /><br />It's not often a book affects me like that, which as you say is interesting, and probably says a lot about me more than the book itself.<br /><br />Anne: I hope, like with Cath above, that you do read Broken Harbour. I would be very interested in what you have to say about it.<br /> <br />I'm glad my review didn't ruin the book for you, I tried not to give too much direct spoilers out.<br /><br />Literary Feline: Yes! Please do read it - though be careful, it's disturbing. Like Cath and Anne above, and Kathleen, I'm curious what you will find when you read it. Could be I'm in a minority of one! lol Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095246748581382752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-10955822736312243192013-04-16T13:52:03.357-04:002013-04-16T13:52:03.357-04:00Okay, so now I have to read this one. You've ...Okay, so now I have to read this one. You've got me really curious. I wonder if I will feel the same way you do, because I can see something like that bothering me.<br /><br />It's interesting though, isn't it, how our own experiences and life situations can play a part in our enjoyment and perception of a book?Literary Felinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13079276242303738719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-46794807938539461712013-04-15T19:12:29.921-04:002013-04-15T19:12:29.921-04:00Book 2, The Likeness, is my favourite of Tana Fren...Book 2, The Likeness, is my favourite of Tana French's books. Still haven't read Broken Harbour and I should have skipped your review, but I am sure it will still be a good read when I get to it.Anne Simonothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01904349013936544659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-21044757549232994222013-04-15T19:03:46.352-04:002013-04-15T19:03:46.352-04:00I'm pleased you did decide to do the post, Sus...I'm pleased you did decide to do the post, Susan. I had no idea that depression was a problem for you and for members of your family. For me that means you have a special voice when reviewing a book like this and I *always* want to hear opinions that are relevant to what goes on in a book. It's all knowledge and that's what I live for. Thank you for being brave enough to tell your readers what you really think. I for one really appreciate it.<br /><br />There's that saying isn't there, that no one person ever reads the same book. It's so true. We all have different experiences as we age and those experiences colour the effect books have on us. <br /><br />I will certainly try to read Broken Harbour at some stage. You mention not having read book 2 as well, which means it's not strictly necessary for me to read it either. I'm not even sure that the Ruth Rendell or Donna Tart books were anything like the book 2 here, but the common denominator was students and I'd read enough about them that year to not want to read another one. I know that just sounds *too* silly but there you go. LOL!<br />Cathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06371069000185280668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-52612399444182366672013-04-15T00:13:25.472-04:002013-04-15T00:13:25.472-04:00Kay: For a while I thought that the wife's mo...Kay: For a while I thought that the wife's moment of madness would be enough, but what's scary is how that sounds reasonable, and what she does is so horrific. She loves those children. It doesn't make sense, and that's what I struggle with in the book. Though, I have thought like you did, that living perfect but not being it after all is a creepy way to live. I wonder if her coldness at the end was real, or a cover? It's such a horrible subject too, it was very difficult to read in the novel. It has really hit a spot in me, I think! You're right too, all the characters were mad in the end, except the one sister (I forget her name) of Mick's. I am awed by how Tana can write such flawed, vulnerable, self-deceiving heroes....I think madness is one of her themes re-occurring in her books. Weird you are right!<br /><br />I am going to read number 5 when it comes out. She writes so well and convincingly. Even though I don't like the outcome of Broken Harbour, it was amzingly hard to put down. It's funny, but I don't think I've liked any of her main characters who tell the story, in her novels yet. I have yet to read the second one, but the idea of it is so preposterous (someone who looks exactly like Cass) that I can't bring myself to read it! <br /><br />Cath: I just realized writing to Kay above that I haven't read the 2nd one either, it's the only one that I haven't read by French. And I can't because the idea of it - someone who looks like Cass - annoys me so much I don't want to read it! I hadn't realized the similarity to Tartt and Rendell, so that's good to know. I've liked her books, though I have to say I prefer the third one overall - A Faithful Place - the first one I hated the ending to (I like final endings, closure, in my mysteries). I hope you read Broken Harbour at some point, so I can see if I am perhaps a little crazy myself! lol being the only one who doesn't find it all believeable.....<br /><br />Thanks for saying the comments were interesting! I really struggled with whether to do this post or not, for a long time. In the end I thought, I have a dissenting voice, and why not bring it up? :-) This is what I felt reading the book....who can say why we have the reactions we do to books, sometimes? Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095246748581382752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-1513063789468146692013-04-14T18:09:19.220-04:002013-04-14T18:09:19.220-04:00I haven't read the book so can't comment o...I haven't read the book so can't comment on it at all I'm afraid. I read and adored In the Woods, I thought it was creepy and brilliant. I started to read the second book and it was reminding me too much of a similar book about students by Ruth Rendell and the Donna Tart book, the title of which eludes me right now, but also about students. So I gave up on it and haven't read anything else by Tana French. Probably my loss. An excellent post though, Susan, you always have such interesting and relevant observations to make. Cathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06371069000185280668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-8390966981382447582013-04-14T16:39:43.714-04:002013-04-14T16:39:43.714-04:00OK, so I don't have my book anymore and can...OK, so I don't have my book anymore and can't refer back to it, but I felt that the wife did have a kind of madness. I think being so caught up in "being perfect" or in living up to some artificial standard that one feels that others set is a creepy way to live. Not like depression and the signs of that illness, but maybe even more debilitating in some ways because the scars and wounds are so carefully hidden from the world. Actually, I think all the characters exhibited a kind of madness, different from each other, but so very odd nonetheless. <br /><br />I'm actually surprised that I like Tana French's books as well as I do. She is the queen of weird protagonists. Frank (of Faithful Place) was probably the most "normal" and one certainly couldn't consider his upbringing normal. Rob and Cassie were both truly strange. <br /><br />I understand that Book #5, to be published next year, will have Stephen Moran (think that's the name), the cop that Frank used as a source for keeping up with Scorcher's investigation, will be the main protagonist. Also, that Frank's daughter, Holly, will play a part. Can't wait! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-91903596510612660742013-04-14T15:18:58.978-04:002013-04-14T15:18:58.978-04:00Kathleen: So far I am in the real minority! lol ...Kathleen: So far I am in the real minority! lol I'm curious what you will think. Have you read any others by her? I have mixed feelings - I enjoy them, though I also don't like the lack of conclusion in them. There is a definite theme emerging in her work, that is interesting too. I'm glad I've read them all. Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095246748581382752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6145452263098688113.post-32979114717222668172013-04-14T15:05:31.885-04:002013-04-14T15:05:31.885-04:00I definitely want to read this one. I always like ...I definitely want to read this one. I always like to understand the motivation of characters and they have to ring true to me or the book loses its luster for me so I will be interested to see what I think about this one.Kathleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01739982274914536036noreply@blogger.com