A LIFETIME BURNING [Kindle Edition]

As I write this, I am still thinking about this novel; it has stayed very much in my mind for days since finishing it. It is an enthralling, gripping story of several generations of the Dunbar family, and of forbidden, hopeless love that has tragic consequences. At the heart of the novel are twins Flora and Rory. Flora describes Rory as `my twin brother, my childhood companion, the other half of my life, the other half of my self', bringing to mind the feelings Cathy has about Heathcliff in `Wuthering Heights', of one not being whole without the other. I think it would be wrong to reveal much of the plot and themes here, as it adds so much to the experience of reading this novel if you discover it all for yourself page by page. Suffice it to say that the relationship between Flora and her nephew Colin, which is revealed in the synopsis of the novel, is by no means the only unorthodox pairing here. Music plays an important role in the book, with Rory emerging as a talented pianist, leaving Flora in his shadow. And endeavouring to be good, and `the possibility of loving and being loved in return', drives Flora and Hugh in particular.

The structure is inspired; the novel covers the years from the 1940's until 2000, but it is not a linear narrative, rather the author takes us backwards and forwards in time, and allows us to visit certain moments in the characters' lives. As the reader gets deeper into the novel, events take on new meanings, or more weight is given to a certain conversation or meeting, and truths are revealed. On finishing the book I, like many other readers, was keen to return to the first pages and read them again, knowing what I then knew, and understanding so much more. Flora Dunbar narrates parts of the story from beyond the grave; the rest is third-person narration upon which Flora can then comment with the benefit of hindsight.

It's an absorbing, brave and unforgettable book, from a talented writer. The dialogue flows easily; the characters are so well drawn that they leap from the page; they are loved, rejected, damaged, hopeful, damned and loved again, and they grow and change through the timescale covered in the novel. As a reader it makes you think, question and ponder, and though you may not like some of the characters and their actions, they are nevertheless compelling. A thoroughly riveting read.

This is an excellent book. It's a complex and sad story and a tragedy. I have given it three stars because I can't say I loved it, or I enjoyed it even. It is certainly a good read though. The subject matter is uncomfortable, but I doubt Ms Gillard will make any apology for that. I have to be honest, much as it is difficult to like the characters in the book, by the end you do find some understanding and sympathy or pity for them. I commented part way through that I was struggling to get into it, but there was no way I wouldn't have finished the book.
It certainly has no happy endings and there is a lot of tragedy and uncomfortable situations along the way. Unbelievable to me also, but what do I know, this story convinces you that these characters feel a confusing kind of love, and who am I to argue with it, it clearly doesn't feel wrong to them. And that is their lifetime struggle.
I am off to read another book, that I hope will be a bit happier. :-)

A compelling, beautifully tragic read conveying some dark secrets about human nature, jealousy, envy and, above all, love. I found the book difficult to part with and at times like watching a tragic accident unfold - unable to watch yet to captivated to turn away. The torment in the book was very powerful even months after reading it I can recall the emotions it evoked. Despite this talk of a dark emotions, moods and torment overall I found it a beautiful read. The feeling that the characters were almost trapped on these paths - probably because the story is retrospective - did not remove the need to continue to follow these characters and watch their stories unfold like the petals of a blossoming flower. This was my first introduction to Linda Gillard's writing and I am very grateful to have made the discovery.