- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Exposure Publishing (14 Jun 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 184685184X
- ISBN-13: 978-1846851841
- Product Dimensions: 19.8 x 12.6 x 2.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,856,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
BBC Radio WM
'Beautifully written' Janice Long
The Birmingham Post
'a contemporary romp through the second city'
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Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A realistic amusing and thought provoking debut,
By Litfilter "Litfilter" (Birmingham, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Under the Rotunda (Paperback)
Bernardi seems to have a way of capturing the concerns and pre-occupations of contemporary urban life. Both the characters and the dialogue are consistently realistic. It's good to read a novel set in the regions and the descriptions of Birmingham and its current dramatic urban renewal provide an interesting backdrop and dimension to the action. This is a deceptively well plotted story which keeps you hooked until the end and is extremely thought provoking. Not all the characters come of it well but there is certainly a message there about the resilience of the human spirit.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Under the Rotunda,
By The Editor "Footsteps to Oxford" (Oxford, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Under the Rotunda (Paperback)
What have Alun Bleasdale (Boys from the Blackstuff), Mike Bullen (Cold Feet) and Danny Bernardi (Under the Rotunda) have in common?
They are all truly gifted writers. With consummate ease, they start their stories with thumbnail sketches of characters who, in no time at all, jump down off the drawing board and into our lives. A masterly flick of the keyboard leaves us laughing one minute and crying the next. Each of these writers respects their readers' intelligence. The two-way dialogue that ensues, creates an act of mutual respect. Do you remember Yosser Hughes: "Gis us a job" or the carefree Adam whose new found happiness came to a stomach churning end in Cold Feet? Oh! How we felt their pain and anguish! These characters became part of the social fabric of our lives. Their pain became our pain. Their joy became our joy. In years to come you will be talking about Tony the slip-slider chartered accountant whose grandiose ideas of "doing the world" when made redundant, ground to a cowardly halt in his home town of Grantham. His indecisive, greediness over choosing between Andrea and Stella but in the end, the decision was made for him. Or the innocent Lisa whose young life was cut horrifically short on the back of a bout of jealousy. Or the crippled Larry who flourishes when a guilt-ridden Bobby unwittingly releases Larry's hidden talents. Danny Bernardi? Oh! Didn't I tell you? He's the author of Under the Rotunda. No, I know it isn't a television series, like Cold Feet and Boys from the Blackstuff - but it will be! Danny's skill at creating worthy characters and his adeptness at changing pace and scenes has all the hallmarks of a first-class director. Once started, it's a book that you won't be able to put down. If you buy just one book this Christmas or wonder which book to pack in your suitcase for that holiday - make it Under the Rotunda - you won't be disappointed. The Editor www.footstepstooxford.co.uk Where Writers and Artists are Discovered!
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews) 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A rollercoaster read,
By Domster "Domster" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Under the Rotunda (Paperback)
What can I tell you about this book? I enjoyed it very much ... it's full of gritty realism and the backdrop of Birmingham (the UKs second city) gives the story a real sense of place. The characters all seem to be at a point of transition in their lives and the book follows the fall out from a dinner party and the decisions each of the protaganists make. The plot seems to gather pace; starting with a fairly ordinary situation before spiralling towards a dramtic conclusion. It's well written, easy to read and has some interesting things to say about the human condition.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Daily drama,
By Reader Views "Reviews, by readers, for readers" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Under the Rotunda (Paperback)
Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (11/06)
"Under the Rotunda" is a novel about a group of people in Birmingham, England. Andrea is dating Tony. She hosts a dinner party and invites ex-boyfriend Bobby and his current girlfriend Lisa. The four have an eventful evening that shapes the rest of their lives. According to the description on the back of the book the reader is to expect a "chaotic mess" and "Lisa's untimely death." Rather than give the book away, this tragic foreshadowing makes the book a page-turner. The Rotunda referred to in the title and throughout the book is an historic structure in the city. It is also a metaphor for the circular nature of life. Sometimes you end up right back where you started. That doesn't mean you should have stayed there from the beginning. It is the journey that makes you appreciate the starting point more when you return. The author takes us on this journey through the eyes of various characters. The story unfolds with chapters told from the points of view of each of the main characters, plus others such as Paul, Nanny, Martin, and Stella. Focusing on the present and dipping into the past, Bernardi creates a well-rounded story of love, loss, settling, and new beginnings. While occasionally veering on the edge of romance novel with soap opera twists, I was able to get past that and enjoy the serious topics of relationships. Humor kept the tone light and enjoyable, even during serious moments. I would recommend "Under the Rotunda" to those who enjoy a good quick read that pulls you into the daily dramas of Bernardi's characters. Daily drama is something to which all readers can relate. The book was realistic and showcased the ups and downs and spirals that life can bring. The humorous moments balanced out the serious ones. Going into "Under the Rotunda" the reader is expecting the tragedy. It is the unexpected friendships formed, the bonds rejoined, the new steps taken, that delight the reader in the midst of tragedy. Book received free of charge. |
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