dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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This is the most powerful novel I have read in a long time – Sadie Jones writes with startling sensitivity. We soon realise where Lewis has spent the last two years and why his homecoming is not a joyous occasion. Though we do not condone his behaviour, we begin to understand. Traumatised by childhood tragedy and rejected by his father – it is inevitable that his fragile spirit breaks. Home again in his English village, he is alienated by the community and the downward spiral to despair continues. Only Kit, another damaged loner, befriends him and offers a ray of hope. In the heart warming conclusion, Lewis’s desire for justice brings redemption for them both. This beautifully written novel is not to be missed.
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skippy
member
Reged: 08/01/2008
Posts: 824
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Thanks jdm - im looking for a book for my holiday and saw this - but thought it may be too depressing - but i will probably buy it now.
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[ima ge][/image]
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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Hi skippy,
Thanks for your response. I found The Outcast very sad in places but never depressing. I think this was because both Lewis and Kit are fighters and not the pathetic creatures we meet all too often in what I call ‘misery guts stories’! (Sorry, if I seem harsh here.) Also, at times the narrative focuses on characters other than Lewis and Kit, for example, Lewis’s stepmother and Kit’s father – there is so much happening from the first page to the last! I hope that you enjoy the book as much as I did (and also your holiday!).
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aggipanthus
member
Reged: 05/04/2006
Posts: 179
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Pleased to read your review of this book as I had seen it advertised, and had it on my 'to buy' list... good to hear from someone who has read and enjoyed it.
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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Hi gothfairy,
The Outcast seems to have a high profile in the media at present; it is on special offer in a number of stores too. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
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emptynest
member
Reged: 10/11/2007
Posts: 489
Loc: South Wales
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I am reading the book now and I must admit that I am torn between being really gripped by the story and then feeling a bit down. I think it's just me though. The writing is brilliant but I do tend to empathise with people too much(even in books and films) and start feeling their emotions.
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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Hi emptynest,
I shall be interested to know how you feel when you get to the end of the story!
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Aquarius
member
Reged: 19/01/2008
Posts: 1067
Loc: Ilkley, West Yorks
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I've read this book too. It is indeed a very powerful book and tends to haunt you a bit when you've finished reading it - but not in bad way. It is just one of those books that lives on in the memory. Do buy it. Not a comfortable read but well worth it!
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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Hi Aquarius,
I know exactly what you mean when you describe this book as haunting and memorable. At times I find myself wondering how Lewis and Kit are getting on - I hope they are happy now!
Edited by jdm (23/07/2008 12:24)
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emptynest
member
Reged: 10/11/2007
Posts: 489
Loc: South Wales
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Hi jdm
Sorry to say but I was defeated and couldn't finish the book. I just get too involved in books - you would think it was actually happening to me. It's not the book - it's me. I also found that I couldn't read Atonement and that had wonderful review and was turned into a film.
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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Hi emptynest,
I think for all of us there are books to avoid and films to avoid too. There is no point in torturing ourselves. Khaled Hosseini's book The Kite Runner really upset me. I managed to read to the end but no way would I see the film!
Edited by jdm (23/07/2008 22:01)
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emptynest
member
Reged: 10/11/2007
Posts: 489
Loc: South Wales
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Thanks for making feel a bit better. I agree we all have an achilles heel. I'm glad you said that about the Kiterunner film though because I was thinking of renting that out. I think I will give it a miss.
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lynne
member
Reged: 13/03/2006
Posts: 904
Loc: The Far North Of England
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Oh, I really couldnt put The Outcast down.........bittersweet book.......but so pleased that I have read it....not uplifting but mesmerising....would buy it again if I hadnt read it.
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jennifer36
member
Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 441
Loc: West Oxfordshire
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I have just finished reading The Outcast - utterly compelling reading.
As the book went on I kept wanting to give Lewis a big hug - we can't condone his behaviour but we can understand it. He wanted so much to be loved and understood and all he got was indifference or rejection.
The description of life in the 50's was brilliant -so much going on behind closed doors but outwardly respectable lives continuing. Some of the descriptions of physical violence make for uncomfortable reading but they are not gratuitous and all help the reader to understand the characters better. It is sad but we are left with a feeling of hope. The characters are all well drawn and completely credible.
I thought it was a beautifully written first novel -I will remember it for a long time and will reread it after a while. Wonder if her next book will be as good.
As for The Kite Runner (and his follow up 1000 Splendid Suns) - neither are easy reading but both give such insights into life in Afghanistan. The film of The Kite Runner is beautifully done and although it does have a couple of harrowing moments I still found it an extremely moving and wonderful film.
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Vicky123
member
Reged: 22/02/2008
Posts: 1939
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Sorry but I did not like this book one bit. I didnt empathise with the characters, and found it totally uncomfortable but I have a couple of friends who just loved it and highly recommended it. I didnt "get" it. Which is quite unusual for me because I am such a total bookworm. Perhaps I should give it another read.
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Splash123
member
Reged: 04/05/2008
Posts: 490
Loc: South Glamorgan
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Hi Vicky
I have refrained from making a comment about this book because everyone else seemed to really rate it. However, you were braver than me! I ,like you, did not enjoy this book finding it dreary and hard going. I did not emphathise with any of the characters and I wanted to give Lewis a good shake! I am quite prepared to think it is just me not "getting it". But I will not be giving it another read! Too many books waiting to be read. Like you I am an avid reader. Happy reading!
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nannyconnie
member
Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 316
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Hi Charlotte1,just coming on here to say how FANTASTIC "The Outcast"was and to tell you that you MUST read it and I just found your post saying you didnt enjoy it.I am so surprised.It nearly had me in tears once or twice and yet I didn't think it depressing at all.Very Very powerful indeed,and I loved the evocotive descriptions of the fifties.
What to pick up next is my dilemma now.(I'm sure that wont last long).Hope you are enjoying the walk by the way.
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Splash123
member
Reged: 04/05/2008
Posts: 490
Loc: South Glamorgan
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What can be wrong with me! I will have to give The Outcaste another go in a few months time! Enjoyed the walk very much although it was tough! Good to meet some of the others that I have heard about but have not met before.What a great bunch of ladies.Wish you could have been with us.
Look forward to meeting up soon.
Take care and Happy reading
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Anne62
member
Reged: 28/05/2007
Posts: 219
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I have been trying to get pass page 43 of this book The Outcast since my daughter bought it for me for Mother's Day,so,reading all the mixed reviews I dont feel too bad about not finishing the book, although I have read 4 other books in between,I just cannot finish it,it maybe best if I leave it for awhile like charlotte1 is doing.
Anne62 
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Splash123
member
Reged: 04/05/2008
Posts: 490
Loc: South Glamorgan
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Glad I am not the only one not to enjoy this book.....sorry for spelling mistake in last post!!
I too have read several books in the last few weeks but I just couldnt empathise with the characters in The Outcast. I didnt feel Lewis character was filled out enough to make me feel for his obvious mental anguish. I didnt like the descriptions of the violence to poor Kit and the others. But I did not feel involved at all.
Ah well we are all different and isnt that great!
Do so enjoy my reading and finding this Forum has added a brilliant new dimension. Love all the reviews. Think I will try Tory Haddon soon . Nannyconnie recommended her to me a little while ago. Has anyone else read her?
Lol
Happy Reading x
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