Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell

[Choccy84]

I've read such good reviews of this and it's been recommended by lots of book clubs etc. But I'm not loving it! I'm about a quarter of the way through and just finding it a bit boring. Nothing much is happening and I just can't really see where it's going. Is it worth sticking with it?

[OverAndAbove]

I loved it. I suppose it was a bit slow to start (but I was reading it in the July heatwave so that was good!). I found you do get more and more into the characters and their back stories, which is quite typical for Maggie O'Farrell. So I would say persevere.

[DuchessofMalfi]

I'm going to be reading it shortly. It will be the first Maggie O'Farrell I've read.

[OverAndAbove]

Be interested to hear what you think of her then! I would really recommend The Hand that First Held Mine if you like her style.

[Ragwort]

I haven't started it yet but I am really looking forward to it as it is set in the summer I was 18 - happy memories . I've enjoyed her other books.

[edam]

I enjoyed it but not as much as some of her others - the Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox was my favourite.

[OverAndAbove]

I'm reading that one next edam; can't wait

[Optimist1]

Agree with Edam!

[edam]

If you like the Vanishing Act, look out for the film about Philomena Lee coming out anytime now Philomena. Highly recommended.

[penguinpaperback]

This is my first Maggie O'Farrell book too. I'm a quarter in and so far it's been a bit of a chore. Giving it up for now as I'm reading Georgette Heyer with the Heyer readers here. (I'm enjoying the GH book.)
Will give it another go later.
edam I've read Philomena is a must see, very moving film.
Ragwort I was 17. I remember throwing tubs of water from washing up, baths, on the garden.

[TillyBookClub]

A quick heads up that Maggie is coming to chat to us on Weds 23rd October, 9-10pm. Whatever you think of the book and whichever ones of hers you've read, do come along and share your thoughts. She'll be discussing all her previous novels, as well as Instructions for a Heatwave, and taking questions about anything you want to ask...

[LucyEyelesbarrow]

I've just bought this for 99p on kindle.

I love some of Maggie O'Farrell's books - After you'd Gone and The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox - and have been disappointed by others. But still looking forward to reading this.

[AnonYonimousBird]

I was a bit disappointed by this.

I have enjoyed others by her much more. This felt like something I had already read - disfunctional family - bla bla - lies and secrets - bla bla - and quite cliche-ed. Nothing surprising or unusual to my mind.

[BumgrapesofWrath]

I've got bored at page 80 and wondering whether to persevere. I wanted to finish it by the webchat on Wednesday, but finding it a struggle.

[overthemill]

I found it a bit slow and ultimately not so heartgrippingly wonderful as others of hers but still enjoyed it more than many other books I have persevered with iyswim.

And it was set in 1976 when I too was 18, such fond memories of that summer...