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The Story of You by Julie Myerson - worth persevering with?

9 replies

Tinker · 02/08/2007 17:49

I'm finding the style of writing really drippy and annoying. Read one of her other books (also about a daughter dying ) which I liked but this is all 'I so want to do it, I really do' kind of stuff. Hate people who talk like that...

She always seems to base the families in her book son her own doesn't she? (Well, from teh 1 and a bit books I've read)

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motherinferior · 02/08/2007 17:50

I would say no, but have never managed to finish a JM book.

Tinker · 02/08/2007 17:51

But she seems nice when on Newsnight Review. And looks bloodyy good for 46

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mslucy · 02/08/2007 17:54

It's ok - I'd give it 6 out of 10.

Can think of nothing worse than a child dying - has happened to a couple of friends of mine and there really is nothing worse. It captures the horror of this quite well.

However, it is a bit soppy and oh so middle class - you want to give the main character a big slap.

I preferred her non fiction book about the house in Clapham - it was genuinely interesting and not so wishy washy.

motherinferior · 02/08/2007 17:54

Yes, but she doesn't half go on about herself all the time, innit.

Tinker · 02/08/2007 17:56

Oh, agree, child dying is horrific. Has it happened to her since such a recurring theme? But yes, soppy and middle class and slappable is a good description. Always waking up after dreams and crying - pre horrible thing that will happen to her

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Tinker · 04/08/2007 16:13

OK, perservered and finished it. But with a um, is that it? feeling at teh end. Funny because, despite it being called The Story of You it's really teh story of her (dippy, flakey woman) who I suspect is based on who JM thinsk she is

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CocoDeBearisCocoDeBear · 12/12/2007 19:53

I have just read this, and absolutely loved it.
It dealt with grief in an utterly believable way, and I didn't want to stop reading. A nice surprise, as I gave up on the one about the house in Clapham. She didn't half waffle on in that one.

Vulgar · 12/12/2007 20:12

I liked it too. but then I like all her books.

Yes ,they are middle class but she is quite honest i think.

Her books all have similiar themes. She is obsessed with death, I think, and of children dying. and ghosts

I love her column in the FT on Saturdays.
Although it sounds a bit poncey to say so!

poodlepusher · 01/03/2008 20:47

I liked her earlier books - but she does always have quite a few 1 dimensional characters and only 2 or 3 believable ones.

And something has happened since she's become successful - I think she cranks out a lot of mediocre writing which still gets printed and sold because she's established herself as ok.

But I wish she'd worked harder and got better rather than becoming complacent and bland. That sounds harsh, I know.

Having said all that, she is very good on Newsnight review and I once went to a publishing party she attended, but didn't have the nerve to talk to her!

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