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More About the Author
Product Description
Marie Claire
'This charming pastiche of a Fifties coming-of-age novel follows in the tradition of Nancy Mitford and Molly Keane'
Vogue
'A delight of Nancy Mitford-esque trials and tribulations'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 29 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.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
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.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A captivating vintage tale
The book came out in 2005 and was chosen for the Richard and Judy's book club; I saw a review of the book on TV at the time, it had a great response and it sounded like a good... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Books Worth Remembering
THE GREAT DIVIDE?
Six foot and freckled, Penelope lacks self-confidence - all that to change when she meets unpredictable Charlotte, her eccentric Aunt Clara and lovelorn teen magician Harry. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. D. L. Rees
Lovely book and
Ok so this wouldn't necessarily win the Booker prize but this is a beautiful book and a lovely story. It is gently funny and surprisingly thought-provoking. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Katie
A classy romp!
When my mum passed this book on to me, I admit to almost sending it on its merry old way to the local charity shop. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Columbine
Lovely read
This book has been on my bookshelf for ages and I have finally got around to reading it. Why did I wait so long?! Read more
Published 13 months ago by Z.L.
delicious read
Plunges you straight into the glamorous and in this case quite innocent times of the 50s. This is a genuinely heart-warming book, written with a lot of love and affection. Read more
Published 16 months ago by S. Austin
the delight of reading
I found this book by chance in my local library - it was the title that drew my attention. After only the first page I knew the book was unusual and that I wouldn't be able to put... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Ms. Daria T. Skibinska
A book to keep nearby
I loved it! For the first time in a long time I found a book that I could really enjoy, so much so that I have been trying to find a way to send "fan mail" to Eva Rice just to tell... Read more
Published on 10 Mar 2010 by Lyns
Charming
I'm not normally a fan of 'hooray henry' style books, but this is absolutely charming. Eva Rice has written a lovely story with some really great, strong characters. Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2010 by Nicola
A favourite book of mine
This book had me captured from the start and loved the characters of Penelope and Charlotte. Definitely associating myself as a Penelope and
a number of my friends as a... Read more
a number of my friends as a... Read more
Published on 31 Jan 2010 by Becky Buckley
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