Is it just me or do the women (and I quote) "roar" and "shriek" quite a lot in this book? What happened to "talking" and "shouting"?That put aside, I found "Once in a Lifetime" to be a pleasant novel. Sure, there were a lot of characters to keep track off, and sure they all managed to recover from their "wounds" in surprisingly short time, but somehow I couldn't help but like them.Though it was rather strange for me to read about characters who are forty and fifty something. I think Cathy Kelly wanted to try and cater to both mothers and daughters. If I had read this novel together with my mum, we would have had loads to talk about. As it is, I was stuck with a bunch of 40+ characters and had to constantly remind me that they were in fact 40+ which was the very reason why they were so wise. Am I making any sense any more?Let's just keep it at: pleasant novel, though not spectacular. I won't be hurrying to my library for a Cathy Kelly book soon. But it was pleasant. The story meandered along. Pleasant, like I said. "Star Bluestone had talked to bees all her life." This is the opening sentence in the prologue. As I continued reading the prologue I began to wonder if I had chosen a book that I didn't like.It was set in Ireland, which I like and a good friend from Goodreads had recommended it so I kept reading. I am glad that I did.David Kenny owns Kenny's Department Store, which is not at all like chain stores. He and his buyers took pride in finding unique and one of a kind items that you just couldn't purchase anywhere else. His wife, Ingrid Fitzgerald, is a political reporter on TV. She is well known but not full of herself like so many TV personalities. Molly and Ethan are their children. who were brought up to earn their way in the world and not to expect things to be handed to them. They adore each other and have the best marriage but Ingrid is beginning to sense that something is not right with David. She just can't figure out what it is and when she does attempt to talk to him, he brushes her off.Add to David and Ingrid, their many friends and acquaintances who touch their lives and you have a great story unfolding. Kelly uses a technique where she tells her story and then adds further details into their lives by having a chapter called "The Past". These glimpses into the past help to further define the characters and why they might be as they currently are.Don't be put off by the prologue but just keep going. Through their stories, you just might be able to learn some of the life's lessons that they learn.
What do You think about Uma Vez Na Vida (2010)?
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. A very interesting read and very heart warming.
—abigail
I've enjoyed other books by Cathy Kelly more than I enjoyed this book.
—ayoo_jessi1
Recommended by Birkenhead Library (Auckland, New Zealand).
—Lindsey
