Monthly Archives: August 2024

Book Review The woman on the bridge

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Summary

Dublin. The 1920s. As war tears Ireland apart, two young people fall in love amongst events that will bring tragedy and tough choices as they fight for a better future.

In a country fighting for freedom, it’s hard to live a normal life. Winnie O’Leary supports the cause, but she doesn’t go looking for trouble. Then rebel Joseph Burke steps into her workplace. Winnie is furious with him about a broken window. She’s not interested in romance. But love comes when you least expect it.

Joseph’s family shelter fugitives and smuggle weapons. Joseph would never ask Winnie to join the fight; but his mother and sisters demand commitment. Will Winnie choose Joseph, and put her own loved ones in deadly danger? Or wait for a time of peace that may never come?

Ireland’s tumultuous independence struggle is the backdrop for an unforgettable story of courage and heartbreak, in which heroes are made of ordinary people. Inspired by the story of Sheila O’Flanagan’s grandmother, The Woman on the Bridge is the unmissable, compulsive new novel from a bestselling author.

Comments

This is a sad story of inequality and oppression set in Ireland during the time of ‘the troubles’ which is the background for the novel. It begins in 1920 and is based on the life of the author’s grandmother. England’s military presence and the bullying tactics of some of the troops worsen the impoverished conditions of the Irish people and the civil unrest and politics splits families and friendships.

The reader views this through the story of two young people caught up in the activism and the impact that this has on their families as their own relationship develops.

Whilst some of the historical content was interesting to read, we all found this story to be mundane and shallow. It was essentially a romance set in a turbulent time in Irish history.

Read by – Dundas Readers – Rated 5/10

Book Review Romantic Comedy

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Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Summary

Life is (not)* a Romantic Comedy…

After a series of heartbreaks, Sally Milz – successful script writer for a legendary late-night TV comedy show – has long abandoned the search for love.

But when her friend and fellow writer begins to date a glamorous actress, he joins the growing club of interesting but average-looking men who get romantically involved with accomplished, beautiful women.

Sally channels her annoyance into a sketch, poking fun at this ‘social rule’. The reverse never happens for a woman.

Then Sally meets Noah, a pop idol with a reputation for dating models. But this isn’t a romantic comedy – it’s real life.

Would someone like him ever date someone like her?

Skewering all our certainties about why we fall in love, ROMANTIC COMEDY is a witty and probing tale of how the heart will follow itself, no matter what anyone says. It is Curtis Sittenfeld at her most sharp, daring and compassionate best.

Comments

What a great, fun read! Very well written, charming and smart.  It’s a little different to your usual ‘chick-lits’, but thoroughly enjoyable all the same.  There were mixed reviews at the start, some of us loved the detailed workings of how they make a weekly comedy show, others found it a little dry.  However, once we pushed past this onto the next chapter, and the emails back and forth between Sally and Noah, we were hooked.  Rooting for Sally and Noah’s relationship to work within the confines of presidential elections and covid lockdowns.  We quite enjoyed this one. 

Read by Cultcha Club – 7/10