This deals with similar issues like mental health and loneliness, subjects that are avoided in literature, particularly popular fiction. But that's what I liked about it. Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help. It flows smoothly and quickly but is written with supreme skill and expertise. As we uncover their buried secrets, we learn how the fine threads of humanity connect us all. Sometimes books leave me wanting or with a feeling of unfinished business. If Elsie died in the fire (That is one of the things Florence feels guilty about) how could she be married to Albert? This is a delightful book and and the very best kind of mystery with more than one surprise ending. Plus, receive recommendations and exclusive offers on all of your favorite books and authors from Simon & Schuster. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Consider the role of time in novel, especially Florences idea of a long secondwhen time seems to hesitate just long enough to give you a chance to make the right decision. His arrival has stirred distant memories she and Elsie thought they'd laid to rest. Her new novel, A Tidy Ending, was published in April 2022. Something went wrong. Interesting story set in a nursing home with characters nearing the end of life. I know my feelings for this book is quite controversial to others, but I guess we need the diversity :) So, apologies if you loved the book, but it just wasn't for me. And she thought Ronnie died years ago, drowned. She has made the characters endearing and it is filled with tenderness. How can we tell? It is not often one gets to read a novel with such a poignant insight into people. Why do you think author Joanna Cannon decided to set the novel in a nursing home?2. Joanna Cannon graduated from Leicester Medical School and worked as a hospital doctor, before specialising in psychiatry. AbeBooks.com: Three Things About Elsie (9780008196943) by Joanna Cannon (author) and a great selection of similar New, Used and Collectible Books available now at great prices. Florence's dog was called Seth. Does it make her a less reliable narrator? Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 January 2022. As I continued reading though I settled down into knowing that and thinking that actually I'm probably thinking a bit like Florence. At the heart of this novel also, is Florences relationship with her best friend Elsie who she talks to throughout the novel. Readable but rambling at times. And like Peck, Cannon is a practising doctor, and knows what she is talking aboutI have reservations about the construction of this novel: it can be clunky, slow-paced, sententious and sentimentalFlorences character is lovely: sweet, sharp and argumentative, she brims with quips and retortsWhat is the third thing about Elsie advertised by the title? She is the author ofThree Things About ElsieandThe Trouble with Goats and Sheep, a top ten bestseller in the UK. Bless her. I can not think of any negatives. And the third thing. Fortunately, Florence has as her companion her best friend from childhood onward, Elsie, who helps her solve these mysteries and always knows what to say to make her feel better. And for the superficial amongst us, a much prettier cover!!!! We could have it with a cup of tea, I thought, break the ice a bit. An adventure in Whitby with a disappearing resident sends Florence to the rescue and we love her even more. Joanna Cannon graduated from Leicester Medical School and worked as a hospital doctor, before specialising in psychiatry. From heart-pounding thrillers to poignant memoirs and everything in between, check out what's new this month. 9780008196912 'You reminded me that my mother kissed the top of our heads. Florence is in her 80's and living in sheltered housing, sheltered from what she asks? There is a special kind of silence when you live alone. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. The chapters flip flop between her lying there fantasizing about who will come to her aid and remembering incidents from the last several days and the distant past. Three Things About Elsie book. This was a great book, a great read, really tough to put down and an interesting story, old people do detective work! Three Things About Elsie Theres all manner of nonsense under that sideboard. Please try again. Language: ENG. Read 2,093 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Why do you think Florence struggles to forgive herself for the past?7. Forgetfulness ? Im guessing Florence just made up a back story for her in her own head. , Audio CD This book is a perfect reminder that we are all human and we all face the same ending. I wanted to find out the ending of this story and kept reading. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading. This months best new work includes the second book of the Half-Drowned King Viking fantasy trilogy, a portrait of a Midwest town in decline, a debut roman clef by an Iraq veteran currently imprisoned for bank robbery, and a historical about the Black Plague. Seller Inventory # 9780008196943, More information about this seller From the author of THE TROUBLE WITH GOATS AND SHEEP, this book will teach you many things, but here are three of them: Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. As she waits Florence ruminates onone of the newest residents who bears an uncanny resemblance to a boy she knew in her past and knows to be dead. Hardcover, Scribner, 2018 The themes are so profound. The author says that the point of the book for her is that every person we meet has an impact on our lives. The Sunday Times Bestseller 'Lovely, lovely, lovely Sue Townsend meets Kate Atkinson meets Nina Stibbe' MARIAN KEYES 'Powerful and profound' Guardian 'Another sure-fire hit' Daily Mail 'Funny, melancholy, acutely observant' Sunday Express 84-ye Don't miss our ebook deals starting at $0.99! Sorry, there was a problem saving your cookie preferences. There are three things you should know about Elsie. Who was Elsie's "Albert" and how did she die so young? The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. that she kept a secret for 60-odd years. Much like I think every book we read does. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2018. Some outcomes seem obvious, but enough is left unsaid to keep readers unsure of anything until the last chapter. One morning Florence sees a skip outside one of the flats as one of the former residents is removed from existence in the complex and the world. Never ask. His arrival has stirred distant memories she and Elsie thought they'd laid to rest. With its intriguing story, poetic descriptions and surprise ending, I devoured the book. You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with The first thing is that she's my best friend. The characters are drawn with such empathy and humour. What is an extraordinary life? The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel (A Thursday Murder Club Mystery), The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle: An Uplifting and Unforgettable Story of Love and Second Chances. [I really loved this book but I am puzzled. I really loved all the characters in this book from Florence to Jack to the baddy Ronnie to the management at the sheltered accommodation, particularly Handy Simon who reads like a well thought out Autistic character. Florence's best friend is Elsie and she talks at length about the reasons why she values her friendship beyond all others but over the course of the book she adds to her social circle Jack (retired military man and fellow inmate), Handy Simon (groundskeeper and handyman), and Miss Ambrose (second in command of the facility and at first Florence's sworn enemy). 464. You find it so easily in other people, why do you struggle so much to find it in yourself? (page 334). It's an outside the box crime fiction story about old people running circles around the people that look down on them. To add the following enhancements to your purchase, choose a different seller. You will probably cry. Javascript is not enabled in your browser. 8.99 7.49. [{"displayPrice":"5.99","priceAmount":5.99,"currencySymbol":"","integerValue":"5","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"CpOlOaJxRG6q%2BecJ8Or02oo9Y8KaTHoSpDk4DG9S0EBE6bXgztzUHruSGXtl7zuRLVyUJFwvoBWVv7dqoLYnXb2kZJXsEB9eG7rDZ%2BEIz6tAyXu56uPkdyr83wS34cjrNoCp49f0qj6HFVEcT9QvBak7ufow%2Bhje%2BIDGBEryCSS2Mnvjeft1WSnTSVe%2FLrrI","locale":"en-GB","buyingOptionType":"USED"}]. [She was quoting what Clara (who's in Greenbank) had said about her (Clara's) husband finding the body in 1953, which had been mostly eaten by the fish and which everyone presumed to be Ronnie Butler's. [I just finished reading this fabulous novel. Florence, 84 and opinionated, is beginning to wonder whether she can trust her senses. Joanna Cannon graduated from Leicester Medical School and worked as a hospital doctor, before specialising in psychiatry. Have you experienced any long seconds in your life?8. As the story begins, Florence (Flo only to her good friends) Claybourne is lying on the sitting room floor of her flat at Cherry Tree, a senior housing complex. new. What brought me to finally pick it up I do not One of the prettiest covers of the year for me and one I saw lots of people talking about a few months ago, so much so that clearly I had bought it and then it just sat there, in the colourful book stack, on my bookshelves. Poignant, funny and delightful. Florence lives in the Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly and has fallen. The bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep delivers a suspenseful and emotionally satisfying novel "infused with warmth and humor" (People) about a lifelong friendship, a devastating secret, and the small acts of kindness that bring people together. Elsie is Florence's best friend from childhood, and Jack is a newer friend at the retirement home. What's not to like. Elsie was still living at home with her mother and sister during the fire. Soon have you there, Flo. People changed and grew during the story. There are so many twists and turns in this with a shocking and surprising conclusion. This was sweet and sad, though also long winded at times. Sue Townsend meets Kate Atkinson meets Nina Stibbe' MARIAN KEYES 'Powerful and profound' Guardian 'Another sure-fire hit' Daily Mail 'Funny, melancholy, acutely observant' Sunday Express 84-year-old Florence has fallen in her flat at Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly. Florence's lop-sided dog? Seller Inventory # Holz_New_000819694X, Book Description Paperback. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion. It's one part murder mystery, and one part a journey along with a lady's descent into senility. The Sunday Times Bestseller 'Lovely, lovely, lovely. Some of the characters who seem one dimensional on the surface, are oh so much more. Florence and Simon both repeat throughout the novel that they have lived very ordinary lives. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. [A/N: Check the tags to this post if you want a bit of a spoiler-y sneak peek to another theme of the book.] Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2021. It's about friendship, growing older, the foibles of memory and a life well lived. Condition: new. And the third thing might take a little bit more explaining. As she waits to be rescued, she thinks about her friend Elsie and wonders if a terrible secret from their past is about to come to light. JoannaCannon is a psychiatrist and has the ability to understand the inner self of people. Fred was Cora's husband, the fishmonger from Wales. When I went to the shop near the main gates, they had a box of shortbread. When a new resident arrives Florence is convinced it's someone she used to know, but how can it be when he died more than sixty years ago? She is the author of, Publisher We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Kirkus Starred Fiction Reviews of Books Published in 2018, Amazon best fictional genre picks monthly for 2018, Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist, (Click to show. Also, Im not sure how the brooch got under the bureau. Copyright 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. ${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}. Im not even sure what Ill tell her. The second is that she always knows what to say to make me feel better. Its amazing what falls behind furniture when your back is turned. I think it actually just made everything more sad. Florence's acerbic and sometimes troubled voice is the main narration, though the perspective sometimes shifts to those of well-meaning administrator Miss Ambrose and dogged, socially awkward handyman Simon. Get to know each other. These mysterious elements add substance, as several secondary characters intersperse their points of view, including a handyman and a caseworker who tries to enliven the assisted-living environment with mixed success. I know its a day beginning with a T. Dark hair, blue eyes. I was totally drawn into the story, captivated by the characters, and intent on the next plot twist. Cancel anytime. : might take a little bit more explaining. Start reading the hottest books of the summer. Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. The past seems to be catching up with the present. Lovely, lovely, lovely Sue Townsend meets Kate Atkinson meets Nina Stibbe MARIAN KEYES, Funny, melancholy, acutely observant Sunday Express. or ask your favorite author a question with Her most recent novel Three Things About Elsie was published in 2018 and was a top ten hardback bestseller and her first novel The Trouble with Goats and Sheep was a top ten bestseller in both hardback and paperback and was a Richard and Judy pick She lives in the Peak District with her family and her dog. As she waits to be rescued, Florence wonders if a terrible secret from her past is about to come to light; and, if the charming new resident is who he claims to be, why does he look exactly like a man who died sixty years ago? new. 1 Sunday Times bestseller (Canon Clement Mystery). Her voice matched the mental image I had for Flo. Condition: New. Warning: May contain spoilers. Enjoy millions of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more, with a free trial. [The secret that she never told, as another person guessed at, is that Florence was in love with Elsie. The enhancements that you chose aren't available for this seller. Other than that though Florence is a bit of a loner and doesn't like to socialise with the others too much. Could he really be the man from Flo and Elsie's past?I adored Florence's voice, her outlook on life and her sense of humour. The first thing is that she's my best friend. Condition: new. And the third thingmight take a bit more explaining.Eighty-four-year-old Florence has fallen in her flat at Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly. That's what she means by 'In those days, you couldn't say a word', and why she alludes to Elsie meeting 'her Albert', which would make confessing her true feelings even more pointless, as Elsie was clearly straight. , ISBN-13 Listening always immerses me in a story, making it more 'real'. Sue Townsend meets Kate Atkinson meets Nina Stibbe' MARIAN KEYES `Powerful and profound' Guardian `Another sure-fire hit' Daily Mail `Funny, melancholy, acutely observant' Sunday Express Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. She worked as a hospital doctor before specialising in psychiatry, and lives in the Peak District with her family and her dog. Refresh and try again. She is telling us about her dear friend Elsie and while doing so, she is consumed with worry that something from their past is going to come to light. This was chosen as my latest book club read. Click and Collect from your local Waterstones or get FREE UK delivery on orders over 25. One hand on the vacuum cleaner, the other pressing a mobile telephone to her ear. Enjoy being a lady of leisure, Florence. Its not in my nature to be leisurely, though. Perhaps it's the old age thing? Uh-oh, it looks like your Internet Explorer is out of date. Delicious story. The second is that she always knows what to say to make me feel better. she died in the fire and Florence conjures her back to life as an imaginary friend in old age. It is a story that takes place in a nursing home. They dont make a job of it, the cleaners. what was extraordinary about her life? Is it dementia? Are these answers in the book. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2019. Cannon is a psychiatrist and has an 'interest in people on the fringes of society.' The second is that she always knows what to say to make me feel better. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! Its why we get on so well. The cover gives the impression of a much lighter book than it actually is and I thought worked against it. I may be wrong though Add message Save Share There are many more hints to this in the novel, for example Florence's statements about how you don't get to choose who you love and love just 'paper-airplanes' wherever it sees fit. paperback. Three Things about Elsie: has been added to your Cart, [{"displayPrice":"$39.06","priceAmount":39.06,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"39","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"06","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"3LU5PhPwcKRHq8yX9BfDgTFVwgWJaht2MLp4NluQNhtKD%2F08kBzjcPPy5tH6P8%2BtcqPAZ%2Bhs13LFViNdToxIdu%2B%2F6XjKDbOngaAxpU9qXRnCvncVO3WXVP%2BSt89mXKkXCRIBxy1fJxRvpzZWJrdahQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW"},{"displayPrice":"$18.60","priceAmount":18.60,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"18","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"60","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"3LU5PhPwcKRHq8yX9BfDgTFVwgWJaht2lzNEDmdsBgTjJnQs28VIEMDVYsK%2BkzCuw6GkU624OHUV5Q%2FNzNV5%2FUhv2V1G05v5C0adJ%2FnzTfY1HkdnQ7krFdu2fnFCXB02c6UMVlYAKGJ0gD5v0HHl89A3fG6XrWLlwqvNS%2F7n6%2Bz1olH8pFYcwILIWVPrD9S4","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED"},{"displayPrice":"$39.06","priceAmount":39.06,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"39","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"06","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":null,"locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"PICKUP"}]. The second is that she always knows what to say to make me feel better. Im trying to decide what made me fall to begin with, but the only thing I remember is opening my eyes and being somewhere I knew I shouldnt be. You need to read to the end to solve the questions you have been asking. This was chosen as my latest book club read. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Finally, a book we older people can relate to. Fortunately, Florence has as her companion her best friend from childhood onward, Elsie, who helps her solve these mysteries and always knows what to say to make her feel better. I think I can say this, if you liked Eleanor you'll like this. Instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates, Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists, Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access. I do have to say I cried each time Flo imagined what her rescue would be like and who would come. Why does she say that? Three Things About Elsie book. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here), Ronnie hit Beryl with his car deliberately, despite Florence attempting to stop him, Ronnie then threatened Florence and Elsie into staying quiet, Even though they didnt go to the dance any more, Florence always slept at Elsies house on a Saturday night, By this point, Elsie had met her young man, Albert, On a particular Saturday after Beryl died, Florence went to look at the dance but it was too quiet. Third parties use cookies for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalised ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. Flo and Elsie will stay with me for a long time. Unable to add item to List. But she hasn't done anything wrong, has she? The second is that she always knows what to say to make me feel better. About eight-in-ten U.S. murders in 2021 - 20,958 out of 26,031, or 81% - involved a firearm. Ask the Author. Try again. Are you all right, Florence? Delivery cost, delivery date and order total (including tax) shown at checkout. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. This heartfelt tale of friendship and aging explores letting go of the past in order to live fully in the present. Booklist, Amusing and heartbreaking. Publishers Weekly, A heartwarming meditation on friendship and the way people we love shape us for the rest of our days. Bookpage, "A wonderful and entertaining feel-good story." Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. The ambulancemen will get here, and the German girl will be relieved, and all the worry will empty out of her eyes, because you assume once a uniform arrives, everything will be fine. This was a very moving book. Are you all right, Florence? Please try your request again later. As she leans forward, her hair will fall into her face, and shell have to brush it back behind her ear. Shell forget about her telephone as soon as she realizes. What is real and what is fantasy? She might be the one to find me. Synopsis The bestselling author of the "remarkablemasterfully constructed, pitch-perfect" (Booklist, starred review) debut The Trouble with Goats and Sheep delivers a suspenseful and emotionally satisfying novel about a lifelong friendship, a devastating secret, and the small acts of kindness that bring people together.There are three things you should know about Elsie. The bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep delivers a suspenseful and emotionally satisfying novel infused with warmth and humor (People) about a lifelong friendship, a devastating secret, and the small acts of kindness that bring people together.There are three things you should know about Elsie. Hardcover, Scribner, 2019 Thank you for signing up, fellow book lover! I look forward to her third book. : This was chosen as my latest book club read. What else do you think Florence will leave behind?10. ). And you'll likely come out of it wanting to visit Whitby and eat Battenberg. Elsies house was quiet too, so she went to hunt down Ronnie, Ronnie meanwhile was planning to murder itinerant musician Gabriel Honeyman/Price and steal his identity, Florence followed Ronnie and pushed him into the water, In fact he swam to the bank, waited for Gabriel Price, stole his ID and shoved him into the river, Months later when a body washed up, it was assumed to be Ronnie, Florence got back to Elsies house to find it was on fire, The fireman (who turned out to be Handy Simons father) saved the entire family save for Elsie, who died, Only at the end of the book, 60 years later, did Florence realise Ronnie had set the house on fire trying to kill her as the witness to his running over Beryl. 'You reminded me that my mother kissed the top of our heads. Shipping: Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card. The two begin a campaign to alert the staff that Florence is speaking the truth and doesnt need a higher level of care. The story unfolds like unravelling a tangled ball of string, and has everything to keep the reader enthralled; humour, love, friendship, tragedy, mystery, suspense, and all the lovely brave and complicated characters. do you know who fred was? Red-hot romances, poolside fiction, and blockbuster picks, oh my! Try again. It was a memory I'd lost, and you found it and gave it back to me again.' Got through it but not a favourite. (Aug.), 08/01/2018Longlisted for the British Women's Prize for Fiction, Cannon's second novel (after Trouble with Goats and Sheep) is mostly a contemplation by octogenarian Florence as she waits for someone to notice she has fallen in her room at the Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly. you are first led to believe that it was elsie's mother. (I worked out one vital piece of the puzzle halfway through and agonized up to the very end that I had it wrong.) Joanna Cannon is a psychiatrist with a degree from Leicester Medical School. I am left though with a couple of nagging questions. There is a nice dash of mystery too in this novel when a new resident appears from Florences past who isnt who he claims to be. Three Things About Elsie is a moving, powerful, heartbreaking, heartwarming listen. It doesnt matter if you guess the third thing about Elsie before the end, or if you think some of the coincidences arent believable. Id never have noticed if I hadnt been lying here, but now I have, I cant stop staring. Personally, I think anyone who finds it depressing has missed the point. MADE IN GERMANY, it said on the back, and so I bought it, because I thought it might remind her of home. Ask the Author. The first thing is that she's my best friend. She always knew exactly the right thing to say to make me feel better. Cannon effortlessly captures the homes slow routines, along with the ways that staff and residents coexist but often know little about each other . His arrival has stirred distant memories she and Elsie thought they'd laid to rest. A book to keep and read again. Her accent was perfect, easy to listen to and easily understood. That was the second thing about Elsie. Joanna Cannons first two novels, The Trouble with Goats and Sheep and Three Things about Elsie, were both Sunday Times bestsellers and Richard and Judy picks. Read 2,071 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Three Things About Elsie is the newly released second book from Joanna Cannon. As she waits to be rescued, she thinks about her friend Elsie and wonders if a terrible secret from their past is about to come to light. Buy with confidence! I found this book slow at the beginning and it took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, I LOVED it!
Duke Of Hamilton Separation,
Articles T