I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.I enjoyed this book, but the one problem I had was that the description for this book is somewhat not accurate. The description states that Joey will be met by unwelcoming local residents and have a struggle with the caretaker, but this isn't exactly what happens in the story. Joey is met by some residents that are not welcoming (won't name names, for it's a spoiler), but the problem is that the description makes it seem that all of the residents will be unwelcoming. And the brooding caretaker does not undermine her plans of the restoration of the house. The description made it seem like Joey was going to have a very difficult time with the restoration of the house, but this was not true. But the book is still enjoyable despite this.The story does follow the restoration of the Stanway House, but not as much as I thought it would. The story focuses more on Joey and how her live is being changed by this trip that her work has required her to take. The story is mainly about friendship; particularly what Joey learns about friendship. The book is a light read, with realistic issues (ex. topics dealing with friendship, loss, and family).I like how the concept of J. M. Barrie and everything that is associated with him (ex. Neverland, The Lost Boys, etc.) was used in the story. I thought that the book would be really whimsical due to this concept, but it is not. There are elements of whimsy (ex. the ladies swimming in the icy pond in winter) that resonate with the characteristics of "Peter Pan", but they are not overwhelming in the story and are rather realistic. I read the summary in Goodreads and thought it would be an interesting book about women's friendships and strengths. I enjoyed sections of the book but all the detail about the building in England lost my interest.Joey, the main character, a New York architect is given the opportunity to travel to England to oversee the restoration of historic Stanway House. Her social life in New York consisted of a lack of friends because of her romantic relationship with a co-worker who wanted to keep it a secret. He dumps her and marries an old girlfriend. Once she gets to England Joey meets with a college friend who does not live far from the small town Joey is staying. I did enjoy to read how their friendship progressed. I loved when Joey met the elderly women swimming in a pond. Joey is invited and her attitude about the importance of keeping friends is defined. I would have enjoyed if there was more detail about these women . I found the ending to be predictable and figured it out at about page 57. Parts of this book are a delight to read but it was not story that kept my full attention.
What do You think about Sirene D'inverno (2012)?
I would call this a good beach read. Entertaining. Quick read. But nothing all that substantive.
—tana
Not bad for a 1st novel. I enjoyed the story it was very easy to read.
—yukix16
Annoying neurotic new yorker goes to the cotswalds and finds herself.
—123
