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. :-)

22 comments:

  1. 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. 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. Hi. Fellow campaigner here.

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

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

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  6. 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. Beautiful view! Thanks for sharing with us :)

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

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  8. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Stopping by from the BBQ. Nice to meet you!

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

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

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

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

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