THE LOST ART OF KEEPING SECRETS was selected for the Richard and Judy Book club when it was published in paperback. Set in the 1950s, in an England still recovering from the Second World War, it is the enchanting story of Penelope Wallace and her eccentric family at the start of the rock'n'roll era.
Penelope longs to be grown-up and to fall in love; but various rather inconvenient things keep getting in her way. Like her mother, a stunning but petulant beauty widowed at a tragically early age, her younger brother Inigo, currently incapable of concentrating on anything that isn't Elvis Presley, a vast but crumbling ancestral home, a severe shortage of cash, and her best friend Charlotte's sardonic cousin Harry...
The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets
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'So good we could hardly speak'
(Observer )'A delight of Nancy Mitford-esque trials and tribulations'
(Vogue )From the Publisher
Selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Before I say anything else about this book, I'd like to state for the record that I am definitely not a fan of 'chick lit'; anything with a pastel cover promising a stereotypical romantic storyline usually sends me running for the hills. So when a friend recommended this novel to me, I was initially unsure; but the 1950s setting and glowing reviews persuaded me to read on. I'm very glad I did.
'The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets' is a real treat - the literary equivalent of a huge slice of chocolate cake. It centres around Penelope, an enchanting but slightly awkward teenage girl growing up in a crumbling country manor in post-war England - and of course, ultimately, it's a love story. But to me, the plot is secondary to the beautiful writing and excellent characterisation. Eva Rice's characters are some of the most perfectly drawn I have ever encountered; even minor players in the story are depicted so exquisitely that they seem to leap off the page. Added to which, the protagonists are so eccentric and interesting that it's impossible not to care about them. The descriptions are equally brilliant - the book really brings the 1950s to life, and the settings (Penelope's grand house, her friend Charlotte's aunt's jumbled flat, decadent parties in London) are, without exception, vividly, entrancingly detailed. The dialogue sparkles with wit, vigour and intelligence; at several points I laughed out loud - and the last few chapters actually made me cry, which I very rarely do over a book.
The only criticism I have to make of this novel, and the reason I've given it four stars rather than five, is that the plot is completely predictable - it's obvious from the start what's going to happen, which makes the conclusion perhaps not as compelling as it might otherwise have been. The quality of the writing gives me the feeling that Rice is an incredibly accomplished author who deserves better than to be ranked amongst 'chick lit' writers. But if the predictability doesn't bother you (and it really shouldn't, because the book is good enough to overcome it), this is an absolutely delicious, highly enjoyable read.
'The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets' is a real treat - the literary equivalent of a huge slice of chocolate cake. It centres around Penelope, an enchanting but slightly awkward teenage girl growing up in a crumbling country manor in post-war England - and of course, ultimately, it's a love story. But to me, the plot is secondary to the beautiful writing and excellent characterisation. Eva Rice's characters are some of the most perfectly drawn I have ever encountered; even minor players in the story are depicted so exquisitely that they seem to leap off the page. Added to which, the protagonists are so eccentric and interesting that it's impossible not to care about them. The descriptions are equally brilliant - the book really brings the 1950s to life, and the settings (Penelope's grand house, her friend Charlotte's aunt's jumbled flat, decadent parties in London) are, without exception, vividly, entrancingly detailed. The dialogue sparkles with wit, vigour and intelligence; at several points I laughed out loud - and the last few chapters actually made me cry, which I very rarely do over a book.
The only criticism I have to make of this novel, and the reason I've given it four stars rather than five, is that the plot is completely predictable - it's obvious from the start what's going to happen, which makes the conclusion perhaps not as compelling as it might otherwise have been. The quality of the writing gives me the feeling that Rice is an incredibly accomplished author who deserves better than to be ranked amongst 'chick lit' writers. But if the predictability doesn't bother you (and it really shouldn't, because the book is good enough to overcome it), this is an absolutely delicious, highly enjoyable read.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Hayley
Format:Paperback
This book has to be one of my favourite, it is a very charming and witty book, that has been beautiful written, I loved the characters Of Penelope, Charlotte and Harry who I think have been written well, If your looking for a light read that doesn't take it self to serious but still is able to retain it charm, I would definally recommend this read.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Ek Stewart
Format:Paperback
Well first of all I would like to say that Eva Rice has a wonderful style of writing even if it can be a bit slow! This is a charming book and is perfect for an afternoon read with tea and biscuits. Its Characters are endearing and very humorous at times. I do agree that the proofreading needs questioning, and I did find the ending a little rushed. But I do hope that Eva Rice writes many more of these quirky novels as we all need something simple to make us smile.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real joy!
I don't know how I missed this book when it was published. I just loved it - enjoyed every word.
Published 1 month ago by Kate Charles
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magic
I loved this book for its originality of content and style. It is unashamedly 'girly' and romantic, but a cut above some popular chick-lit. Read more
Published 2 months ago by iona
5.0 out of 5 stars
The cover is misleading
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is beautifully crafted. The cover makes it look light and frothy but it is an excellent story very well told by someone who uses language very... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Hels
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable
Penelope is a teenager growing up in the 50's. Her family home is a mansion by all intents but having been taking over by soldiers in the war it is now in ruins and the death of... Read more
Published 4 months ago by F Keegan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliantly written
I distracted a couple of chapters of this book a year ago and have tried to track it down ever since. An amazingly captivating read, couldn't put it down.
Published 4 months ago by Danielle O'Donnell
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Delight!
Nancy Mitford meets the first few chapters of Brideshead. A book to enfold you like your favourite blanket, indulgence of the best type; the perfect holiday read!
Published 4 months ago by SD
1.0 out of 5 stars
not great
was not a good story and didnt buy any more books and will not be buying any more from this author
Published 5 months ago by gillian harpur
5.0 out of 5 stars
Impossible to put down!!!
I am 3/4's the way through reading this book for the fourth time!! I don't think I will ever get bored of reading it. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Alice
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mediocre
OK, so I was listening to the abridged audiobook and I may have lost some vital aspect of this book, but honestly? Read more
Published 6 months ago by DubaiReader
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!!!
As a 11 year old I read I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith and loved it!!! I still love it now, at 14, so when I found out that this book was similar to I Capture The Castle, I... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Strawberry
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