The Loney

[Disabrie22]

I really want to talk about this - has anyone read it??

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I absolutely detested it. Dp loved it.

[Clawdy]

Our book group read this last month. On the whole we thought it was a very good first novel, well written, and atmospheric, but with some flaws. Some unanswered questions, and some storylines which seemed to go nowhere. Gave us plenty to discuss!

[Namechangingbastard]

I've read half and given up...twice. I just can make myself give a shit about the characters. Definitely not my cup of tea :(

[Disabrie22]

What do you think was happening with the pregnant girl?

[highlandcoo]

It was a bit weird and unsatisfactory I thought. It was supposed to be incredibly disturbing and frightening and there was certainly an air of menace, but it never developed into anything conclusive.
I also found it quite strange how the narrator's brother seemed to turn into a competent adult with no real explanation. The two brothers effectively changed places regarding their ability to cope with the world by the end of the novel.
One aspect I did like was the evocation of place .. I know the Solway Coast on the Scottish side and I thought the author depicted the area well.
It had the makings of a good book but there was definitely something missing for me.

[Clawdy]

Yes, the pregnant girl was a strange storyline, she talked about having had lots of pregnancies, but looked very young. And the storyline about the sick children in the dormitory went nowhere. Good first novel though.