Small Island by Andrea Levy

[MrsSpoon]

I'm really struggling with this just now. Around 200 pages in and still not gripped, can anyone tell me does the book continue in a similar sort of vein or does something actually happen that will make the next 400 or so pages worth the effort?

Just finished it tonight! Loved it, and was gripped but in a gentle way. It was passed to me by a friend who loved it too. It does continue in the same vein all the way through, in the sense of it being written from the point of view of the main characters, and the plot is secondary to developing an understanding of the individuals. There is quite a lot about London during the war, and a fairly large section from the point of view of Queenie's husband serving in the airforce in the far East. I found it interesting because I didn't know much about the subject matter (West Indians serving in the British armed forces, and their subsequent settling in the UK, and the racism that they faced). Given how horrible the type of experiences recounted were, I found that the humour made it bearable, and was a kind of theme through the whole story.

I really enjoyed this - I do think its an action type book but more atmospheric IYKWIM.

I think it was a fascinating read and although racism undoubtably still exists today, it was a mark of just how far we have come and just how much London truely is a multiracial City these days.

I'm with you MrsSpoon. I've been trying to read it since my sister's hen night at the end of last year (due to transport problem I had two hours to kill before everyone else got to town and spent it in Waterstone's). I don;t think I've even got as far as 200 pages in.

Oops - should say I don't think it is an action type book!

I have also just finished this book. I enjoyed it, and read it within a few days. I agree with merrygoround's comments, as the story and characters devlop, their stories weave in and out and there's a little twist near the end.

I am finding the multicultural aspects interesting and have to admit that I didn't realise that West Indians served in the RAF so that has been interesting so far. I am just finding the lack of excitement rather tedious and my mind is wandering whilst reading.

I think I will set it aside just now and perhaps go back to it.

Thanks.

Should add the promise of a little twist at the end is stopping me selling my copy on Amazon, I will try again with it after a little Mma Ramotswe break!

I was disappointed by this book. just as you say Soapbox, fascinating and so refreshing to read about a largely ignored situation. but she could have made so much more of it - certainly didn't win any prizes for the plot.

Mmm, I was a tad disapointed too. It was OK but too much hype spoilt it for me.