We are all completely besides ourselves

[DameEdnasBridesmaid]

Just got to the 'twist' and it has completely put me off. No idea that was what the book was about and wouldn't have bought if I was aware.

Don't want to say what because it's a spoiler.

Is it worth persevering?

I loved this book. I know what you mean about the twist, I was initially a bit disappointed because I thought it was going to go another way.....however, it does not disappoint. Persevere.

Sorry ?

Well I just googled it to see if it was a title I'd find interesting and the Guardian review gives what I assume is the twist you mention away.

Does knowing that spoil the reading of the first 77 pages?

I don't know if it spoils the beginning because I didn't know when I read it. However, the twist is so early that you will only miss out on the moment. There is still most of the story to read after that.

I loved it. Best read of the year so far.

It does for me. I stopped reading but I am intrigued and I like the style of writing, I posted to see if anyone felt the same and continued.

I probably will.

I already knew the twist when I read it and I quite enjoyed it. Though, I think I'd have enjoyed it more if the twist came as a shock. Lots of news outlets have spoiled it when giving a synopsis since the Booker long listing.

Did anyone else feel that at times the book read more like a lecture or polemic than a novel? To me, it read like the subject was something the author was incredibly passionate about.

I've just finished it and thought it was beautiful; one of my favourites this year!

oh i started a thread. SOrry
I hated it

Am so furious- the fucking Guardian books review gave away the twist on Saturday in a review of the book by Liz Jensen. She claims that reviewing it is impossible without giving it away- I claim that it is only impossible if you are an unimaginative and resourceless reviewer.

So thanks for that Liz, spoiled it for me.

An Amazon reviewer gave it away for me. Don't know whether to bother reading now - haven't ordered it luckily.

WHY do they do that Shotgun? So mean isn't it?

I've given up on it - not keen in the subject matter of the 'twist' and just not holding my attention anyway - really disappointing. I think I'll give all those books with a 'buzz' about them a miss in future as I was totally underwhelmed by the Lemon Grove too

I really enjoyed it - good job there are books enough for all :)

Really loved this book. I'd managed not to read any reviews or anything beforehand, so didn't know what it was about, just a vague idea that a lot of people were reading it and it was longlisted for the Booker.

The twist was a complete surprise, and very cleverly done, I thought, because if you'd known at the beginning, it would have coloured your view of what she was saying. I thought it was beautifully done and very moving, but also very funny in places. And at the end it made me want to go and read some non-fictional stuff about the subject matter, which is always the sign of a good book.

< Belated >
Yes it is mean Mignonette!

I read this recently based on knowing nothing at all about it, hadn't read any reviews or anything, just seen the name bandied about and it was cheap on kindle bestsellers. I guessed the "twist" before it was revealed so wasn't that shocking! OP I agree with you if I'd known that if I'd known the subject matter I'd likely not have bothered as it's not a topic that particularly attracts me and I did find the book a bit dull.

I didn't go back to the book after the 'twist', it completely put me off and if I'm honest - I couldn't care less not an animal lover, can't stand them

Oct I've just googled it and stupidly read the twist. I think I'm probably more likely to read it now though, I thought it looked a bit dull before.

Hated it.

This book is really divisive, isn't it? I'm halfway through and in the boring camp but I'll persevere. Like the OP and Dame, if I'd have known what the subject matter was I wouldn't have started reading.

Initialy thought it was fine
then when I got to the twist, felt cheated and scammed, angry even
But I read on in a temper - and loved it
So much better, and thought provoking , than it appears at first
That rather inane chattery voice at the start doesn't prepare you for the themes
It seems as though the author is very passionate about the subject, it felt like very authentic anger to me

Just finished this and it's one of my favourite books of the year so far.

Avoided the reviews and got to page 77 not knowing the twist. Read the twist, did a little eye roll, considered not reading any further. Decided to continue. Found myself in tears just a few chapters later. Excellent book.

Also annoyed by the twist but carried on and actually liked it by the end.

The Lemon Grove however - wide berth required