I just finished this glorious tale.
There is a story behind my love for Ann Packer. Years and years ago, when Bill and I first met, we discovered a mutual love of books. I let him borrow a book by Ann Packer.
I was trying to send him a message through the relationship between two of the characters. I wonder if he picked up on it? He never mentioned it, but he also never returned the book, so who knows.
Bill says that his father used to tell him NOT to loan out books. If you loan one out, you might as well consider it a gift.
When we reconnected years later, I discovered that my sweet Bill STILL HAD THE BOOK! I considered it a sign that he loved me.
I was right, as usual.
(kidding)
Anyway, back to this more recent enjoyable Ann Packer novel,
The Children's Crusade follows a family led by its patriarch named BILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (coincidence -- I didn't read this because of that) and his return from war, his marriage, and his children.
Then, each child tells his or her personal story, all revolving around their family. The siblings are all very close and their stories are all intertwined beautifully.
Each sibling is strikingly different, and I seemed to relate more to Ryan, although he is much more precious than I.
What really stuck me was the mother. She was a PIECE OF WORK. You'll see. Shockingly un-involved... you'll see, you'll see. She made my stomach churn.
Here is a recent review for your perusal:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/16/books/review-the-childrens-crusade-by-ann-packer.html?_r=0
Enjoy!
I was trying to send him a message through the relationship between two of the characters. I wonder if he picked up on it? He never mentioned it, but he also never returned the book, so who knows.
Bill says that his father used to tell him NOT to loan out books. If you loan one out, you might as well consider it a gift.
When we reconnected years later, I discovered that my sweet Bill STILL HAD THE BOOK! I considered it a sign that he loved me.
I was right, as usual.
(kidding)
Anyway, back to this more recent enjoyable Ann Packer novel,
The Children's Crusade follows a family led by its patriarch named BILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (coincidence -- I didn't read this because of that) and his return from war, his marriage, and his children.
Then, each child tells his or her personal story, all revolving around their family. The siblings are all very close and their stories are all intertwined beautifully.
Each sibling is strikingly different, and I seemed to relate more to Ryan, although he is much more precious than I.
What really stuck me was the mother. She was a PIECE OF WORK. You'll see. Shockingly un-involved... you'll see, you'll see. She made my stomach churn.
Here is a recent review for your perusal:
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/16/books/review-the-childrens-crusade-by-ann-packer.html?_r=0
Enjoy!