dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 147
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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: 930
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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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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 147
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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: 147
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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: 502
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: 147
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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
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Reged: 19/01/2008
Posts: 1266
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: 147
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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: 502
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: 147
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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: 502
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: 910
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
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Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 444
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
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Reged: 22/02/2008
Posts: 2143
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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
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Reged: 04/05/2008
Posts: 955
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
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Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 438
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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: 955
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
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Reged: 28/05/2007
Posts: 262
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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: 955
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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Splash123
member
Reged: 04/05/2008
Posts: 955
Loc: South Glamorgan
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Hi everyone I have changed my posting name
I am now Grace RJ and I was Charlotte1.....its a long story!
Have a good day
x
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 147
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Hi everyone,
What have I started here?! I am really enjoying your comments on The Outcast. This book has certainly provoked strong views - the count so far is 5 for and 4 against. If anyone else wants to join in, please do!
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Splash123
member
Reged: 04/05/2008
Posts: 955
Loc: South Glamorgan
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Its no good I will have to start at the beginning and see if I feel differently this time! Watch this space!
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nannyconnie
member
Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 438
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Hello jdm,yes you certainly started something with "The Outcast" and I have to say again I LOVED it-----thanks to your review of it.I do think I would have got round to it eventually as it was definately my type of book.
However I have been enjoying so many other books which were not my type(if you see what I mean)that it had just got pushed a little under the surface.So glad I read it ---best one in a long while.Do you know anything about Sadie Jones at all?
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 147
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Hi nannyconnie (and anyone else interested!),
Sadie Jones was born and brought up in London, where she now lives with her husband and 2 children. She has had a 15 year career as a screenwriter; The Outcast was her first novel.
There is an interesting interview on the Harper Collins website. I have chosen one of the questions and answers to quote here.
Q: You capture the voices and concerns of children, especially in the voice of young Kit, extremely well; did you conjure them from your own childhood experiences or from watching your children?
A: I think we are all much closer to our childhood selves than we often think, so when we read about childhood, it can surprise us how immediate or moving it is, when perhaps those feelings are just there, waiting to be accessed all the time. Also, I loved Kit, and felt very close to her. I don’t consciously use my own life or experience at all.
Food for thought?
Edited by jdm (29/07/2008 14:00)
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 69
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi Everyone I have really enjoyed reading all the different reviews on this book. I hope people don't hold back on posting what they really think as it makes a far more interesting read. I personally liked this book and thought the charecters well drawn and the fifties setting perfect. I did however find myself gritting my teeth however, desperate for someone to come along and help both Lewis and Kit.(my heart went out to both of them) Then thankful at the end that they found each other, I also found myself thinking about them and wondering if they are now happy together (sign of a good book?) Billie
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 69
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi jdm
Have to agree with Sadie's answer and especially as i get older i think more about my chldhood
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 147
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Hi billie,
Recently I have read three books about children: The Outcast, featuring Kit and Lewis, Philippe Gilbert’s Secret where the child is the narrator (a gem of a book – I have posted a review on this forum) and So Many Ways to Begin by Jon McGregor where Eleanor experiences a very difficult relationship with her mother.
Even though I had a happy childhood, reading about these children touched a nerve and awakened feelings of bewilderment and confusion – feelings which I suppose are the inevitable result of childhood innocence. I too agree with what Sadie Jones says; we are all much closer to our childhood selves than we often think.
Edited by jdm (02/08/2008 08:14)
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