Apparently this is PO'B's first novel and, while I don't know if it's true, it is certainly believable. Which is not to say that it's a bad book, just that it lacks a lot of the polish and finesse of his later novels. Instead it reads a lot like an exercise in characterisation, voice and narrative style, which gave me quite a bit more insight into PO'B's later writings. It also doesn't have an ending so much as it just ends without much ado. Still for all it's rawness, it is a fascinating character study and beautifully captures the time and place in which it is set (something of a trademark of PO'B). Anyone who has spent any time at all in a small farming town anywhere in the world, will instantly identify many of the virtues and defects of that kind of life. Definitely not his best work, but a good read for those who don't mind a story that winds effortlessly through much description and gives an intersting insight into this wonderful author's development
This is an early and little known O'Brian novel (having never been printed in paperback before this edition). One might think O'Brian's signature is adventure stories, or perhaps sea stories - in which case this would appear a-typical, being set in a remote valley in North Wales. Looked at a different way, this book is entirely in keeping with the more famous works of its author; it relies on deep character study and interaction to tell a powerful story. THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN CURTAILED IN PROTEST AT GOODREADS' CENSORSHIP POLICYSee the complete review here:http://arbieroo.booklikes.com/post/33...
What do You think about Testimonies (1995)?
Whoa. The narrative of this book is very interesting. It's from the perspective of the main character (first person point of view), a question and answer sort of interview with the woman, and an interview with a schoolmaster. They all tell the different sides to the same story, all the way down to the tragic end. I think this is supposed to be a love story, but I tend to see it as a study of human nature instead, especially on rural gossip and lifestyle. I started reading it in a hotel and finished it while getting my hair done in the salon. I was prepared for a tragedy and the series of events leading to it didn't deviate from this impression up to the last moment -- but the quiet end still does leave one very sad.
—Rachel Teng
