Thursday, 1 September 2011

Review: The Novel in the Viola by Natasha Solomons

I normally try to keep the focus of this blog on YA and children's books, but today I am going to make a brief foray into the world of adult literature. And not only adult - this is a book without a single spaceship, gruesome murder or car chase - so it really isn't my usual fodder. But I'm still going to sing its praises.

Some books beg to be read in a particular setting and this is one of them, so I packed my sandwiches and headed over the cliffs to this beautiful spot, and sat on an empty beach looking out over the sea.



That's Worbarrow Bay ahead of me, and if you've read "The Novel in the Viola" you'll know why I went there.

I simply loved this book. Natasha's passion for the Dorset countryside shines through in her beautiful and evocative descriptions and since that is a love I share (second only to my love of the sea) I really engage with her writing.

I read her first book, "Mr Rosenblum's List" last year (sitting in the summer sunshine in my garden of course) but I felt with this one that her writing had really matured. The plotting tightened.

The story moves at an easy pace, but the shadow of war grows ever darker. My heart bled for Elise. It's a beautiful book that I strongly recommend.

My only disappointment is that it isn't available in hardback. I'd have so liked a copy to sit on my bookshelf next to my hardback Mr R. :-)
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22 comments:

  1. Thomas Taylor1 September 2011 at 09:14

    Thanks for the tip. It's about time I read some more adult literature. That's a stunning view, by the way:)

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  2. Kate Sheehan-Finn1 September 2011 at 15:30

    Great place to read a good book. Thanks for the review. I will definitely put this book on my "To Read" list.

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  3. Anonymous2 September 2011 at 00:19

    Hi. Fellow campaigner here.

    I like to dip into the adult shelves every once in a while, too.

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  4. Anonymous2 September 2011 at 09:58

    Hi! I found your blog via Karen's BBQ follower post. I love YA and children's books too! Although, my style of writing might be a bit "out there", but fine if you like lots of adventure! hehe

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  5. Glynis Peters 2 September 2011 at 14:32

    You have chosen a good place to sit and read! Lovely setting.

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  6. Julie Flanders2 September 2011 at 15:25

    Hi! I'm visiting from Karen's BBQ, great to meet you! Wow, what a beautiful photo. The book sounds wonderful and I can't imagine a better setting. :)

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  7. Ju Dimello2 September 2011 at 20:19

    Beautiful view! Thanks for sharing with us :)

    Headed over from Karen's BBQ! Great to "meet" you !

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  8. Jean2 September 2011 at 20:53

    I couldn't agree more Kate, I loved this book! There aren't many books that have made me cry, but I did weep for Elise and Mr Rivers.

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  9. yikici2 September 2011 at 21:26

    Heya Kate, haven't read this book but it sounds like I should :) I'm a fellow campaigner, will pop by again; nice to meet you.

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  10. Karen Jones Gowen2 September 2011 at 21:58

    I haven't read anything by this author but this sounds like my kind of fiction. And what a lovely setting to read any book at all.

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  11. JesiMarie3 September 2011 at 01:20

    That picture is so pretty... I'm jealous that you live near somewhere so nice.

    And hello, I'm Jesi. I'm in your MG/YA group in the Campaign

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  12. Susan Oloier3 September 2011 at 04:29

    What a beautiful photograph. I love reading about book recommendations. Although, it makes my TBR list longer and longer. I doubt I'll ever catch up.

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  13. Ann3 September 2011 at 14:42

    I love the sea too. I miss it when I am away from home. The smell in the air...the breeze and the sounds.

    I popped over from Karen's BBQ. Will pop back again if I get a chance. Have a wonderful weekend and nice to meet you.

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  14. Melissa Ann Goodwin3 September 2011 at 18:23

    hello Kate, I love the sound of this book - thanks for the recommendation. I am here via Karen Jones Gowan's Labor Day BBQ. My book, The Christmas Village will be out in about a month - exciting times. It's middle grade, but fun for all ages, I hope. I have a dear friend in Bath England whom I plan to visit next year, and also spend some time in Wales tracking my own mother's path as a 14-year-old evacuee at the start of WWII. Yes, there's a book in it.

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  15. Betsy Brock4 September 2011 at 02:47

    Well, the book sounds great and the view in the photo is breathtaking!

    Hi Kate...I've come from KathyG's bbq. So great to be introduced to your blog. Writing children's books must be a thrilling and satisfying adventure. I'm sure your british sausages are wonderful...

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  16. Talli Roland4 September 2011 at 10:32

    Wow, what a beautiful setting to read a book in!

    And yum for sausages! I like ones with a bit of sage...

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  17. ssas4 September 2011 at 15:15

    Stopping by from the BBQ. Nice to meet you!

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  18. Theresa Milstein5 September 2011 at 15:45

    I'm visiting from Karen's BBQ. What an inspirational setting.

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  19. Anonymous5 September 2011 at 16:16

    And do you recommend that reading spot? Holy cow, that's a great view.

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  20. Paul Tobin6 September 2011 at 10:39

    You make a great case for this book, I shall add it to my to read list

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  21. Creepy Query Girl6 September 2011 at 12:51

    that sounds like the kind of read I'd enjoy too- epecially with scenery like that! thanks so much for introducing us to Natasha and her book! Great review!

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  22. K M Kelly7 September 2011 at 20:25

    Glad to have pursuaded so many of you to read this. You won't be disappointed!

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