Welcome to our first read-along discussion of The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons. If you’re following our schedule, you should have read the first ten chapters. If you’re still considering joining us, it’s not too late – you can see the read-along schedule here.
Let’s start with our first impressions. You can leave your thoughts, answers to my questions, or a link to your own post in the comments section.
What do you think of the writing?
I've not read this authors previous works, but I'm enjoying her descriptions and easy flow style.
Have you learned anything surprising?
I'm always surprised to learn of the pecking order of servants in upper class homes. I think this probably why I am so stunned by the "tell all" biographies we read about the royals today. Does this mean that loyalty and confidentiality to ones Mistress/Master is no longer the demand among the serving class. (if there is such a thing?) I have watched Downton Abbey, finally caught up, and am surprised at the levels authority involved.
What are your first impressions of Elise?
I agrre, that the author has made her likeable, but just for me. I do think she is a rather spoiled brat, for lack of a better word. She is certainly suffering from culture shock. I even think the staff a Tyneford are kind enough, considering she is a foreigner, I'm not sure that is all that truthful. I've heard real stories quite to the contrary. But, I believe she thinks she is there only temporarily, and I understand why she doesn't think she needs to read that book on how to. She thinks she will never need to know.
Do you think Elise will ever see her parents or her sister, Margot, again?
I’m not sure. I'm having a hard time believing her parents will get out of Vienna.
Want to make any predictions?
I think it’s fairly obvious that we’re headed for a romantic storyline involving Elise and ? not sure if it might not be Mr. Rivers. I don't know about Kit.
Thanks to Carrie of Books and Movies for hosting this read a long.
6 comments:
Thanks for reading along! I agree - I don't think her parents are going to get out of Vienna. I think they have a sad fate in their future.
I wanted to join this read-a-long but just did not get the book intime!
I completely agree that Elise is putting off reading the book; I think reading it will be a way of accepting that she’s been broken into this new lifestyle. I hope she doesn’t read it and rather than sufficing for England, she head on her own to America.
Kinda want to sing the Neil Diamond tune, the coming to America. Doesn't take much suggestion to put a tune into my head.
It sounds like you're enjoying it so far.
The cover is gorgeous and I am now interested in this. Thanks Irene and enjoy the read-along :)
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