juliejug
member
Reged: 04/06/2007
Posts: 143
Loc: High Peak , Derbyshire
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I have been reading this book all week while lying on my sunlounger in the glorious sunshine and it has been every bit as enjoyable as lying on a sunny beach in Spain.
We can't afford a holiday abroad this year but her tales of 1930's Spain and all things Spanish especially "Flamenco" has made me feel that I have indeed been in Spain.
I knew nothing of the Civil War I am now ashamed to say but found her description and explanation of it absolutely astonishing and very, very moving.
Fantastic book. Best I have read for a long while.
Juliejug
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Splash123
member
Reged: 04/05/2008
Posts: 4096
Loc: South Glamorgan
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I read it about a year ago and really enjoyed it ....I think Victoria Hislop is a brilliant author.I enjoyed The Island too....
xx
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www.cardiff.hilton.com/womenandhomelunch.
http://www.bellinisitaliano.com/gallery.htm
http://www.visitcardiff.com/What-to-do-and-see.html
http://www.visitcardiff.com/What-to-do-and-see.html
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MAZL
member
Reged: 17/09/2008
Posts: 364
Loc: Cumbria
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Have read it recently as well and thoroughly enjoyed it. Have just been given 'The Island' and have added it to the pile to be read.
Sounds as if Derbyshire has been as sunny as Cumbria. Hope so my brother lives there. Mazl
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scottishmags
member
Reged: 24/04/2009
Posts: 1169
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If you enjoyed The Island try Winter in Madrid by CJ Sansom. Again set during the Spanish Civil War. Like you, it was a period I didn't know much about .. had always been a bit confused which side was which! I think it's even better..
Mags
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TraceyF
member
Reged: 28/09/2008
Posts: 56
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I completely agree with Juliejug. We are currently reading The Return with our book club and I cannot put it down. The author really brings Spain alive and makes you feel as if you are right there. I too did not really know much about the history of the Spanish Civil War and am quite shocked at the loss of innocent lives, it is very interesting to read and makes me want to go to Spain and explore! After quite a few crazy weeks at work, The Return has been my release and I love getting lost somewhere in Spain after a hectic day!! Would recommend it as an excellent read.
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volunteer
member
Reged: 07/01/2009
Posts: 130
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Our reading group are due to discuss this as well. I loved it, was shocked to hear how the French treated the Spanish who fled over the border. Like the others would certainly recommend.
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jules62
member
Reged: 22/04/2009
Posts: 122
Loc: Lancashire
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I loved this book too as i got so engrossed in the story i felt like i was there. I also loved her first book The Island, again a story based on some fact. I hope she writes another one soon! I would highly recommend both books to read on your holidays.
Julie
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luckylegs
member
Reged: 08/12/2008
Posts: 595
Loc: essex
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It took me quite a while to get into this book,but so glad I persevered. I to did'nt know anything about theSpanish cival war so found it quite educational. I still prefered The Island, as I found the decriptive bits in The Return went on abit. Also looking forward to her next book.
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Jade
member
Reged: 24/04/2008
Posts: 144
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We have chosen this book as our book club read, and so far I'm enjoying it. I'm only a couple of chapters in so unable to comment, but looking forward to see how it unfolds.
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Becs
member
Reged: 15/01/2006
Posts: 31
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Have just returned from my holiday in Spain and read this book while I was there (for the book club Jade!) and really enjoyed it. It actually mentioned Huelva , the main town near the resort I was staying in, and I found all the Spanish words , references etc very appropriate. Again I found all the info about the civil war really interesting and informative.
I went on to read the Savage Garden which was set in Tuscany and again a good read - I now want to visit the Tuscan Hills!
Becs
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Hosta
member
Reged: 12/07/2009
Posts: 48
Loc: Uxbridge
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I loved this book knew nothing about the civil war a great story,also loved the Island after reading it went to Crete and went over to the Island it was just such a moving place to visit. So perhaps Spain next year.
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F1x
member
Reged: 15/07/2008
Posts: 513
Loc: Suffolk
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Just read this for West Suffolk book club and it really is good - although not as good as The Island.
All I knew about the Spanish Civil War was Franco and there was a war. She really has done some thorough research and given us a history leson without being boring.
Also bought the country alive too.
A great read and very easy to get into.
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There is a beginning within every ending..
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Jude955
member
Reged: 17/05/2009
Posts: 10
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yes I agree with you all - I really enjoyed the book, though knew nothing about the civil war. I've passed the book on to a friend & am planning on buying 'The Island' to read soon.
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dbverycherry
member
Reged: 24/02/2007
Posts: 6465
Loc: Kent UK
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Yes at long last I have actually taken the time out and read a whole book cover to cover while on holiday.
The last two years I have taken one or two books to read but they remained unread or only read a bit half heartedly.
Thank you juliejug.
Not only did I read The Return and because of your recommendations but I also picked up a novel which was left at the holiday villa and I read that to..
This one was a murder mystery and set in Venice
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dbverycherry
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