I utterly adored this book from the first page and read it straight through on Christmas evening. Told from the point of view of a 13 year-old girl, it's set in Wales in the late 1950s, and there are difficult people in it, with anger and mental illness. Yet I felt positive and captivated all the way through. The ending drifted off a bit superficially, but did come to a conclusion, not leaving me wondering about anything. Another favourite read for 2014.One of the secrets of a great book, in my opinion, is the "voice". In this case it's the voice of a 12, getting on for 13-year-old girl. Yet, this is no children or young adult book, it's firmly in the adult field as the plot unfolds through the innocent eyes of Gwenni - a loveable and gifted girl who observes her Welsh village life, its poverty and hardships as perfectly normal. Somehow the narrator reminded me of a young Dylan Thomas with simple yet beautiful prose that brought the story and setting to life. I was also reminded of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night" as Gwenni takes it upon herself to investigate, somewhat clumsily, the death of a villager. The reader will have to do some thinking too as it seems that all is innocence through Gwenni's observing eyes. And just why does the rest of the village call her "odd"?
Do You like book Hiljaisuus Soi H-mollissa (2010)?
Just couldn't get on with this at all. Abandoned after about 30 pages (possibly a record for me).
—Occasionale
From the first page, I didn't want to put this book down. Really loved it.
—ariel
Wonderful story, well written. Would recommend.
—Kate
