BookkooB : The Birthday Party - Elvi Rhodes : Compare Book Prices

	title:	The Birthday Party
	author:	Elvi Rhodes
	format:	Paperback
	publisher:	Corgi Books
	released:	August 20, 2001
	isbn:	0552147923
	isbn-13:	9780552147927

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Base
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Customer Reviews
I couldn't work out why I was wasting my time listening! - Rated This is a very disappointing book, and a not very enjoyable reading. The story itself is tenuous to say the least, without much happening and there being very little point to the whole thing. This is understandable and can be enjoyable if you are listening/reading for the sheer skill of writing, but this book certainly doesn't demonstrate that. It seemed like the author had a thesaurus at her side at all times -e.g. how many different words can I use for 'spoke', regardless of how unrealistic and staged they sound?? The reader too manages to portray little feeling throughout, such that you could't care less about what happens to any of the characters. I never understand anyway why recorded books seem stuck on having such well-spoken readers - it's not necessary, and in this book, the reader comes across as so intent on speaking the Queen's English that she has neglected to inject any character or feeling into her voice. My recommendation is that you listen to something else. Shame. The Birthday Party - A wonderful "unputdownable" story - Rated I have been an avid reader of Elvi Rhodes since I read The Golden Girls, which was keenly recommended to me. I have since read nearly all the books she has written, particularly enjoying Cara's Land, Ruth Appleby and The Bright One and wait expectantly for each new story she writes. The Birthday Party is Elvi Rhodes at her heartwarming best and tells the story of Poppy, who is about to celebrate her 80th birthday. The story switches between Poppy's life as it is now, as she welcomes her family to share her birthday and then (in the first person) takes you through her memorable life. I found it so well-written that I eagerly looked forward to going back in time and then being brought up to date again. I just couldn't put this book down. It is told in such a special, natural way; and Elvi Rhodes' understanding of family relationships and feelings is one I'm sure everyone will be able to identify with. It keeps you interested right up to the very last word written. Please don't miss this brilliant and enjoyable story. Delightful, but not her best book - Rated Having been a Elvi Rhodes fan for many years, I eagerly await every new book. I was slightly disappointed with this one, as although the heroine was strong, I felt the other characters did not develope fully, especially the American brother in law. Well worth reading, as all her books are. A most enjoyable book with great family interest - Rated Poppy is about to turn 80 and all her family begin to gather at her Brighton home to celebrate. Her two daughters, Maria and Beryl, their husbands and children and Poppy's son, Richard and friend, arrive bringing problems along with happy moments. The story alternates between Poppy recalling her early life, with 3 marriages, and the lead up to the family birthday dinner. I found this very interesting and the characters are all very real and entertaining. Poppy is delightlful and always remains calm and in charge. A very enjoyable book. A pleasing afternoon read but which lacks depth of character - Rated I have read all of Elvi Rhodes books and enjoy them all. This is no exception. The characters are all well defined and have personality but the story lacks time to develop each of them for the reader to enjoy. A typical Rhodes heroine, strong, witty and likeable.

Customer Reviews

I couldn't work out why I was wasting my time listening! - Rated 1/5
This is a very disappointing book, and a not very enjoyable reading. The story itself is tenuous to say the least, without much happening and there being very little point to the whole thing. This is understandable and can be enjoyable if you are listening/reading for the sheer skill of writing, but this book certainly doesn't demonstrate that. It seemed like the author had a thesaurus at her side at all times -e.g. how many different words can I use for 'spoke', regardless of how unrealistic and staged they sound??

The reader too manages to portray little feeling throughout, such that you could't care less about what happens to any of the characters. I never understand anyway why recorded books seem stuck on having such well-spoken readers - it's not necessary, and in this book, the reader comes across as so intent on speaking the Queen's English that she has neglected to inject any character or feeling into her voice. My recommendation is that you listen to something else. Shame.

The Birthday Party - A wonderful "unputdownable" story - Rated 5/5
I have been an avid reader of Elvi Rhodes since I read The Golden Girls, which was keenly recommended to me. I have since read nearly all the books she has written, particularly enjoying Cara's Land, Ruth Appleby and The Bright One and wait expectantly for each new story she writes. The Birthday Party is Elvi Rhodes at her heartwarming best and tells the story of Poppy, who is about to celebrate her 80th birthday. The story switches between Poppy's life as it is now, as she welcomes her family to share her birthday and then (in the first person) takes you through her memorable life. I found it so well-written that I eagerly looked forward to going back in time and then being brought up to date again. I just couldn't put this book down. It is told in such a special, natural way; and Elvi Rhodes' understanding of family relationships and feelings is one I'm sure everyone will be able to identify with. It keeps you interested right up to the very last word written. Please don't miss this brilliant and enjoyable story.

Delightful, but not her best book - Rated 3/5
Having been a Elvi Rhodes fan for many years, I eagerly await every new book. I was slightly disappointed with this one, as although the heroine was strong, I felt the other characters did not develope fully, especially the American brother in law. Well worth reading, as all her books are.

A most enjoyable book with great family interest - Rated 5/5
Poppy is about to turn 80 and all her family begin to gather at her Brighton home to celebrate. Her two daughters, Maria and Beryl, their husbands and children and Poppy's son, Richard and friend, arrive bringing problems along with happy moments. The story alternates between Poppy recalling her early life, with 3 marriages, and the lead up to the family birthday dinner. I found this very interesting and the characters are all very real and entertaining. Poppy is delightlful and always remains calm and in charge. A very enjoyable book.

A pleasing afternoon read but which lacks depth of character - Rated 4/5
I have read all of Elvi Rhodes books and enjoy them all. This is no exception. The characters are all well defined and have personality but the story lacks time to develop each of them for the reader to enjoy. A typical Rhodes heroine, strong, witty and likeable.