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Diane Barnes's Reviews > A Room with a View
A Room with a View
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"Life is a public performance on the violin, in which you must learn the instrument as you go along."
I read Sarah Winman's "Still Life" in December, and this book was mentioned several times. I had it on my shelf already and decided that winter is a nice time for a trip to Florence, the setting for the first part of this novel.
We meet Lucy, a young woman on her first trip abroad, being chaperoned by her older, unmarried cousin, along with a varied cast of characters staying in the same boarding house. In Italy, a much more cosmopolitan country than provincial England, Lucy finds, or maybe loses herself, to the beauty and freedom she longs for.
Then it's back home to restrictions and rules and conforming to what society expects. "Muddles" ensue. Misunderstandings abound.
This was a lighthearted but thought provoking novel that was a nice interlude in the bleak month of January.
I read Sarah Winman's "Still Life" in December, and this book was mentioned several times. I had it on my shelf already and decided that winter is a nice time for a trip to Florence, the setting for the first part of this novel.
We meet Lucy, a young woman on her first trip abroad, being chaperoned by her older, unmarried cousin, along with a varied cast of characters staying in the same boarding house. In Italy, a much more cosmopolitan country than provincial England, Lucy finds, or maybe loses herself, to the beauty and freedom she longs for.
Then it's back home to restrictions and rules and conforming to what society expects. "Muddles" ensue. Misunderstandings abound.
This was a lighthearted but thought provoking novel that was a nice interlude in the bleak month of January.
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Reading Progress
January 18, 2022
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Started Reading
January 18, 2022
– Shelved
January 18, 2022
– Shelved as:
to-read
January 20, 2022
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Finished Reading
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Jenna
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Jan 20, 2022 01:30PM
Poor Lucy. She should have waited to be born a century or so later. Glad you enjoyed your trip to Florence along with her, Diane.
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It's pretty funny how repressed everyone used to be. Chaperones...thank God that's a part of the past.
Diane, I read for the same reasons as you and felt pretty much the same.
Great review, Diane. "Muddles" indeed! The film was a lot of fun to watch after reading this :)
I loved this one too, Diane. I'm so glad you could take a trip to Florence through Lucy.
Great review, Diane.
For some reason, this reminds me of Amy from Little Women, her trials abroad. Amy, trying not to be 'affected'.
I need to find the film.
Loved the film but I don't see myself getting to the book.
"Howard's End" by Forster is one of my favorite books, so this one was very different. I still want to read "A Passage to India". I like his writing, but he's very British.
Howard's End I should read. I've watched the film at least 3 times.
I love the film too.
Dear Diane, so happy you enjoyed your literary trip to Florence. Your lovely review appeals to me so much that I feel like rereading A Room with a View instantly.
I love rereading old favorites. I think you would also enjoy "Still Life", if you haven't already read it. It brings Florence to life.
Dear Diane, thanks for your recommendation. I will check it for sure!
Ahhhhh "Muddles" indeed Diane, I loved your opening quote - this is quite a story. Great review!
Thanks Mark. Muddles is a great all purpose word.
