What do You think about Eva Moves The Furniture (2002)?
This was a well written novel but frankly not that moving, and I found myself having to go back to remind myself what had happened when I picked it up each night, or every other night, to read it. I am also not a huge fan of using fantastic elements in most fiction, unless it is used sparingly and carefully. In Eva Moves the Furniture, it is integral to the story and not until the end do we really understand why - or how much - we are being asked to suspend our disbelief. What I did like was the way in which Livesey skillfully describes the way life was like in world war two in Scotland. She has done her research, and the story unfolds naturally, with details that feel right, without it seeming like you are reading something that is good for you. Unfortunately, the `plot is so spare that I found myself caring about the story much more on an intellectual level, and not so much on an emotional one. So, I had to push myself to keep reading to the end. Often, the endings of novels disappoint me, but the ending of Eva Moves the Furniture was satisfying in the way it tied off various elements of the story, namely the supernatural elements. Anyway, I would rather have spent my hours reading a more thought-provoking novel, but I don't consider it a waste of time. It is quiet, thoughtful, and sweet. Reminds me of daydreaming with a cup of tea on a rainy day with nothing much to do.
—Mary
This is an excellent read. It is one of my favorite contemporary works for adults. Eva is a superb narrator: she has a very distinct voice, an intriguing view of the world, and interesting experiences to relate. The Scottish setting in the 1920s, '30s, and '40s is delightful and absorbing; I was always surprised to look up from my reading and find myself in Massachusetts, 2014. While this story reads quickly, the characters will stick with you after you're done reading. Even though I've read this book before, I found myself sobbing uncontrollably at the end, which is just right for this story. This is a beautifully told tale of love and loss, and I highly recommend it.
—stephanieisabookworm
This story captivated me from start to finish--I couldn't put it down. The writing was beautiful, straight-forward, sensitive, and respectful of the reader. I especially loved that the characters behaved and thought like real people. Thankfully, Eva was not the typical cliched, feisty, female protagonist constantly mouthing off to everyone. Instead she was a quiet, thoughtful person trying to make sense of love, loss, duty, and mystery; the stuff of real life. The story plumbs the depths of several themes, including birth, life, and death; the ties that bind us; how much of our lives are determined by circumstances beyond our control (personal freedom); our individual reality and how we accept/reject/share our true selves with others. I just loved this book. ♥
—Susan
