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Navel-gazing is a good description of this book. I have just finished it and wondered what on earth?

I’m only reading classics of all genres and eras next year, Jeanette. Going to try and tick off that ‘should give it a go list!�� Looking forward to your reviews.

Sounds like you’re in for a good year.

😀

I didn’t enjoy this book, forced myself to finish hoping that the end would shed light on!

😞

I'm sad for you that you didn't allow the naval gazing to process, I found this book healing and therapeutic.

I couldn’t agree more

So this is long listed for the Booker!

Navel gazing is a pejorative for reflection and I found the moments of observation cracked open the hard baked judgements.

I agree that “navel gazing�� sells this novel short. However, I think Wood’s use of an episodic and pastiche structure did the story no favours. However, there were some highlights for me: the “last days of [her] mother’s life��; the Vietnamese words “Kelly and I forgot��; and the constant gardener (a nod to Le Carré), Richard Gittens. I suspect this piece needs to be given time to soak into the soil of our souls. But I found it difficult to like.

I love reflective books, but this one left me not cold�� but rather, tepid? I cannot see how someone would be ‘deeply moved�� by this book.

This book should not have been published

Nah it’s incredible

Why read a �� navel gazer�� or reflective autobiography if you don’t enjoy them?
I can learn from other peoples life experience and wisdom.

I hated when I ended this remarkable book. Some passages I read over and over. Oh how I loved the writing. I found myself reflecting on my own life through her memories. Wood wrote a definite award winner in this book.

I loved it. Couldn’t disagree more on this review.