The Golden Rule

[Fanthorpe]

I read this last week and it’s really stayed in my mind, then subsequently listened to it on Audible as well. It really fascinated me and I keep thinking about the two main characters. Im not sure why it had such an impact on me, maybe just the right book at the right time perhaps.

Just started this last night so will get back to you when I have finished.

I have read most of Amanda Craig's books and generally like them a lot. Although I am enjoying this so far it feels like she is being especially heavy handed with the politics, social justice aspects of this one

Ah, thank you for answering, I’m desperate to talk to someone about it! Yes, it does feel a bit levered in in places, I agree.

I’ve started to be able to concentrate on new fiction again after several months just re-reading old favourites, so I was pleased I chose something quite gripping. I’ve read all her others and liked them.

I've read it and found it to be not nearly as good as her previous one (The Lie of the Land) by a long shot. It got a bit too Mills and Boonish in places, which, mixed up with the crime fiction, state of the nation genres made for a bit of a confusing read.

Ah ok, yes that’s interesting. I agree with the overly romantic analysis, but I read up on the Eros and Psyche story that she’s used in the plot, along with Strangers on a Train, and spotted some of those narrative points.

I have to say I found it quite compelling and escapist. I also realised I’d believed many of things Hannah did, coming from a not dissimilar background and making a few of the same mistakes.

I agree that Lie of The Land was a better book, along with Hearts and Minds.

I’m so glad I’m back in the reading groove again. I’ve missed getting into a story.

Oh yes, it was an enjoyable read, but would you agree its workings were too obvious? The fact that you could see the influences were a distraction. Contrast this with David Lodge’s novels, for example, where the literary allusions are there if you want to notice them (or indeed are able to - many pass me by), but don’t interfere with your enjoyment if not.

That’s true actually, I think I’ve allowed myself to be flattered. The symbolism of the pomegranate seeds and the reference to Persephone was a good example of that.

Thank you for your comments though, I’m from the south-west but I’m a long way from there at the moment, she described some things I’m very familiar with and I think I got a bit caught up by it.

I’m just about to start ‘ Hamnet’ so hoping to get lost in that.

Oh I meant to come back to this.

I did enjoy it very much but agree it wasn't quite up to the standard of her previous novel. I felt the politics was very much more laboured. I would still recommend it though.

'Fraid I didn't pick up any literary references I just had a good read

Ah good @5foot5

I did have a wry smile last week when the news announced that Cornwall was full, reminded me of parts of the story.