The Dress Lodger *** JOIN THIS BOOKRAY******
62 journalers for this copy...
Just couldn't get into this book. Going to move it along to another bookcrosser who was interested in it. Hope she finds it good reading.
Definitely not for the faint of heart, this gruesomely fascinating account of England during the 1831 cholera epidemic was gripping from beginning to end. The details of time and place are meticulously well-researched, bringing the story to life. As one reviewer quipped, “you’ll feel the mud, you’ll smell the rotting wharf life, you’ll taste the bitter cholera on your tongue. You’ll also want to shower afterwards.“ At the heart of the story lies Gustine, a fifteen-year-old prostitute who will go to any lengths to save the life of her deformed baby, and Dr. Henry Chiver, a surgeon in desperate need of corpses to satisfy his restless anatomy students, who are eager to leave their textbooks behind and acquire hands-on experience with the scalpel. Their paths cross, the working class whips itself into a hysterical frenzy against all doctors, murderous grave-robbers that they are, and the story hurtles towards an intense and fast-paced climax. Readers may find the style jarring at first, as Holman employs an inventive, theatrical narrative voice which serves as a sort of Greek chorus, making readers more aware of themselves as an audience for the drama playing out before them.
Holman’s Sunderland is peopled with the dregs of humanity (some of whom are based on actual historical figures): Pink, a disturbed girl of 6 who thinks she’s a ferret and is thus is a drain on her family, unfit for work; Eye, a one-eyed crone known only by her deformity, who in all her life has never been touched without anger or fear; Matchstick painter Fos, who no one had ever desired to know on the inside until she was dead. More than the unrelenting poverty and disease, it is this isolation and lack of human kindness that makes the story heartbreaking.
Pictured is me, looking tired after staying up half the night finishing this book!
Amazing writing. Holman writes like she was a fly on the wall, watching these folks. The details are so many and so well-chosen, it's like watching a movie: except no movie could be this good. Her vocabulary is impeccable and imaginative: she uses words I never heard of, but always in the service of her characters and their world. (Like publican.) She creates a world so real & heartbreaking that it creeps into your own. After wading through the muck with Gustine & her cohorts, I felt unbelievably lucky and wealthy to have a hot shower every day in my own apartment and only two people in my double bed.
I'm returning the book to Flashgirl, from whence it came.
I'm returning the book to Flashgirl, from whence it came.
This book will be shared with the participants listed below and then... who knows?1. Sign up for this BookRay by sending me a PM.
2. When the person above you on the list finishes the book, they will send you a PM to ask for your mailing address. If you are too busy to read the book in the next few weeks, let me know and I will move you down on the list.
3. Make a journal entry when you receive the book to let us know you got it.
4. When you finish the book, make another journal entry telling us what you thought. Pictures, favorite quotes, and other embellishments are encouraged.
5. Send a PM to the person after you on the bookray list and request their mailing address. If the person is going away on vacation or doesn't answer within 7 days, please PM me so I can move the missing person down the list, and then... repeat step 5.
6. Send the book on its way.
It's that easy!
Participants:
1. Curious-George (MN, USA)
2. 16stepper (AZ, USA)
3. senorag (MS, USA)
4. MarthaMinx (NC, USA)
5. weeblet (VA, USA)
6. mfa (Portugal)
7. YowlYY (UK)
8. LesliePB (OH, USA)
9. tootshelling (AZ, USA)
10. spaceystacey (NJ, USA)
11. jenvince (CA, USA)
12. minerswifebb (BC, Canada)
13. Hawkette (London, UK)
14. Lisa-B (Hessen, Germany)
This bookray is now closed and complete. If you'd like an opportunity to receive this copy of the book, look below for an active ray or ring.
UPDATE March 2013: As of today, the active BookRay for this book is managed by perryfran.
I am looking forward to reading this book.
It's hard for me to make much of a judgment about this book. The style is really interesting, but I just couldn't get into it. As a result, I really only read the first couple of chapters. I think it is definitely worth a chance for an interested reader.
Mailed to 16stepper.
Funny thing. I came home from an oncology appointment, happy to be told that I have yet another 6 months of cancer-free existence ahead of me, only to find this book and another book about an epidemic in my mailbox. Is the universe trying to send me a signal? Tomorrow I shop for a gas mask!
This goes on my bookray stack and I'm looking forward to reading it.
This goes on my bookray stack and I'm looking forward to reading it.
I've had this for a month, so here is a status report. I have 2 rays to read before this one, but I anticipate reading this before next weekend and mailing it out to the next person on the 22nd.
Wow! I want to read more by this author. Her voice is so amazing. Despite the gruesome topic of the book, I could not put this down. Excellent reading! Thank you for sharing! On to senorag in today's mail.
received this today along with another ray and a bookbox. Is it my birthday?????
I have never read a book written in the way this one was. At first I found it a bit confusing (call me dense) then I actually started to enjoy it. It was a bit on the gruesome in some parts, but a good story. I really felt for Gustine and the doctor. I felt the ending was a bit lacking, but thats just my opinion. Overall, it was a book I normally wouldnt pick up, but enjoyed and am very glad to the chance to read it. Thanks for offering. Moving it along to MarthaMinx by the end of the week.
Released on Monday, September 29, 2003 at to fellow bookcrosser in postal release, postal release USA.
going to MarthaMinx in Asheville, NC. Enjoy.
going to MarthaMinx in Asheville, NC. Enjoy.
Received in the mail yesterday-- Thanks for passing this book along! I'm almost finished with another bookray book, and then I'll start this one right away. :)
Wow-- I would say this is one of the best books I've read in quite awhile, and certainly one I wouldn't have picked up for myself at a bookstore-- what a surprise!
I was immediatly drawn into the unique writing style-- the images that are seen through someone else's eyes, the change in voice and perception. It did feel like I was watching a play unfold right before me. I could smell the putrid smells, and see the gruesome details...and really, although some parts were certainly gory, overall I was so completely captivated with the story and the narrative, that all that mattered was reading, reading, reading, and finding out what happened.
I enjoyed the characters, their histories, and their driving passions: Gustine, Henry, and the Eye. At different times they would each reel me in and generate sympathy, and sometimes outright anger. I also really enjoyed reading the interview with the author at the end of the book, and learning more about the historical background of the novel, including which scenes and characters were based on real events.
My husband has spent the last 3 days tearing through this book as well, unable to put it down despite my repeated reminders of, "It's a bookring book...I have to send it on, you know." He also enjoyed it throughly, and I know we will both be reading more novels by this author.
Thanks, Flashgirl, for sharing! On to weeblet...
I was immediatly drawn into the unique writing style-- the images that are seen through someone else's eyes, the change in voice and perception. It did feel like I was watching a play unfold right before me. I could smell the putrid smells, and see the gruesome details...and really, although some parts were certainly gory, overall I was so completely captivated with the story and the narrative, that all that mattered was reading, reading, reading, and finding out what happened.
I enjoyed the characters, their histories, and their driving passions: Gustine, Henry, and the Eye. At different times they would each reel me in and generate sympathy, and sometimes outright anger. I also really enjoyed reading the interview with the author at the end of the book, and learning more about the historical background of the novel, including which scenes and characters were based on real events.
My husband has spent the last 3 days tearing through this book as well, unable to put it down despite my repeated reminders of, "It's a bookring book...I have to send it on, you know." He also enjoyed it throughly, and I know we will both be reading more novels by this author.
Thanks, Flashgirl, for sharing! On to weeblet...
hey, MarthaMinx ~no worries here. i'm in the midst of a flood of rings and rays. what had been a drought became a flood...
<---that's cholera
anyway, got it! i have 1/2 a book in front of it, should have it on the road in a week or so.
i'm giving this book the ever elusive '10'. i can't say a whole lot that flashgirl and marthaminx didn't already touch on, but some thoughts i did take away: oh my goodness, if i ever complain about anything else again, i am a serious tool. it's not the first i've read of poverty and suffering, and *certainly* not the first (or last) i've read about class wars... but as a mother... my God. the pervasive tragedy (and stench), i felt like i was there. no doubt the 'chorus' had something to do with that. i think that anything else i might like to ramble about would be a spoiler, and i just think too much of y'all to do that to you <:on it's way to mfa tomorrow.
just received - and my TBR pile is bigger than it'd be wise...
thanks, wweeblet!
thanks, wweeblet!
While mfa is trying to control her TBR list, I'll be hacking into this bookring, hope no one minds. I've just read your journals entires and had to get my hands on it.
One of the things that makes a good book for me is that way I am given the impression of using my other senses as I read. And this was an experience like that. The blue of disease, the smell of beer, the taste of gin and sugar, the way it was hard to breath at 9 Mill Street, they were all very real.Points off for not really being able to identify myself with any of the characters.
What a morbid little book!although i'm not into gore at all, i found it very interesting. at times i had to remind myself the story wasn't set on the middle ages, and that life was that squalid and hard for most people just 200 hundred years ago. and for some it got even worse.
i'm not sure how faifhful it is to history, but i found it quite compelling to discuss the class attitudes towards health, science and life. perhaps things weren't that bipolar, though.
the same goes for the narrative strategies - although i started by getting quite fascinanted by the way characters were summoned to tell the story, that gets lost throghout the book. only in times of madness do different voices become clear. and the collective narrator idea is very powerful but, like most things in this story, it was a great idea that could have been held better.
or perhaps i'm just too demanding and in a bad mood after a whole week working. after all, i did enjoy reading this!
it'll be travelling again in the next couple of days.
Released on Monday, January 19, 2004 at mailed to another bookcrosser in Lisboa, lisboa Portugal.
on its way to the uk...
on its way to the uk...
Thanks to mfa for shipping this wonderful book! It is finally here in London, and I wish I didn't have to finish another bookray before starting this one!!! I will start to read it by the end of the week and hope to have it moving to the next reader by the first half of February...wish me luck!
I am absolutely enthusiastic about this novel! Thanks so much to Flashgirl, who started the bookray. It's one of the best books read in the last 14 months, and now I want to read more by the same author.For me, having read plenty of novels with stories taking place in the 18th and 19th century, it wasn't quite as shocking as for some may have been. As I did a few exams back at the uni on sociology and anthropology, I was aware of the pathetic conditions in which most of the European population lived back in the 1800s, and appreciate the accurate research done by the author.
As far as the narrant voice is concerned, I enjoyed very much the style used, bringing the thoughts of the deads and protagonists of the novel to explain situations and events.
I am sure there is more to say and I may just add a postscriptum to this journal entry...
However,now it's time to ship the book to the next reader... Enjoy!
This is the London Eye as it was today on the livecam of London.
We in the Colonies are happy with this recent arrival from Mother England. Thanks!
I love books with brave and resourceful heroines and this one fit the bill!
Journal Entry 27 by LesliePB at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, Meet-Up, RABCK in Columbus, Ohio USA on Monday, April 12, 2004
Released on Monday, April 12, 2004 at Mailing to fellow bookcrosser in Columbus, Ohio USA.
On to Tootshelling today.
On to Tootshelling today.
Got this a few days ago. I will add it to my pile...I've got a couple other rings ahead of it. And, given the story, it might take me a little while to get through it, so please bear with me.
Also, just as a little more insight, I'll be traveling to the UK in July, so this should really get me in the mood....
Thanks for sharing!!
Also, just as a little more insight, I'll be traveling to the UK in July, so this should really get me in the mood....
Thanks for sharing!!
Sorry about holding it up, but I have already passed it on....sorry if I've caused a headache.
Just received in the post today. I also just received a pm about the replacement book. This one has arrived safe and sound. Will be reading it shortly.Read the past few days at the pool. I really appreciated the author's details regarding the horrid living conditions in 1831 Sunderland. I felt that I was living through this situation myself. The poverty that young Gustine must deal with so crushing yet she endures. All of the characters are presented to the readers in a completely "fleshed out" manner. I felt as though I knew them. Differences between the classes still today cause rifes, it would do society well to remember that regardless of class, we are first and foremost, always human beings.
I will look for other publishings from Holman.
Sending onward to(adele-nine was skipped as I did not hear from her) jenvince on 8/21/06. I found this book as well in the room in our home that I have not been using since my husband passed away in April 2005. My apologies to all of those patient people on the list after me.
Journal Entry 31 by minerswifebb from Similkameen, British Columbia Canada on Friday, October 27, 2006
After a few weeks away it was great to have this book waiting for me today when I picked up the mail. I will read and keep it going soon! Thanks.
Journal Entry 32 by minerswifebb from Similkameen, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Not much can be said that hasn't already been said here. I couldn't put this novel down, don't you just love it when an author has researched so well that the scene becomes absolutely real! Reading about bathing in the river in the winter then a horrid bed of straw in an airless room with 30 other tenants I am going to appreciate my bath and comfortable bed tonight.
I am waiting to hear from Hawkette and will get the book travelling again when I do.
I am waiting to hear from Hawkette and will get the book travelling again when I do.
Has arrived with me in Australia - a very well traveled book! Looking forward to this one - I have watched it travel closer and closer to me on the list for quite some time!
Journal Entry 34 by Hawkette from Sydney CBD, New South Wales Australia on Wednesday, January 17, 2007
This is one of the most enjoyable reads I have had for some time. How is it that books about the time of cholera are so captivating! Characters and the times and trials of life then, are rich and usually so well told! Thinking of books like The Years Of Wonders and Love In The Time Of Cholera, along with this one now.
The plight of the Gustine, the dress lodger, and her activities and encounters is enchanting and told with such a voice that has you there, and hooked! Not only that though, because this book is loaded with a cast of fasinating characters - one of those books that has you involved, and don't want it to end!
I have just second a second PM to the next on the list, and am awaiting a reply, to send this well traveled book further.
The plight of the Gustine, the dress lodger, and her activities and encounters is enchanting and told with such a voice that has you there, and hooked! Not only that though, because this book is loaded with a cast of fasinating characters - one of those books that has you involved, and don't want it to end!
I have just second a second PM to the next on the list, and am awaiting a reply, to send this well traveled book further.
Have posted this one off to Germany today, after no response from the UK participant next on the list.
The Dress Lodger has arrived safely in Germany. Thanks!
I have mixed feelings about The Dress Lodger: I liked it for the detailed research into life in England in 1830, and its political views, and also that it was not overly constructed as some other historical novels are. On the other hand I did not like the narrative voice and the prose too much. All in all a very good read and not easily to be forgotten.
I just invited for new bookray participants so that The Dress Lodger can continue its travels.
The bookray seems not to take place due to a lack of participants.
However I have mailed The Dress Lodger to Heaven-Ali in the UK today.
However I have mailed The Dress Lodger to Heaven-Ali in the UK today.
Journal Entry 40 by Heaven-Ali from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Arrived today - thanks Lisa-B for sending it - I will read it soon : )
Journal Entry 41 by Heaven-Ali from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Well this is very different to the Mammoth Cheese - which I enjoyed in 2005, this is certainly not at all cosy in the way that was.
This is a rollicking page turner - I read it in a little over twenty four hours. Sheri Holman has certainly brought 1830's Sunderland to life - with all its awful brutality, and festering filth. Henry Chivers is a truly horrid character - while Gustine in all her tragic hopefulness is a more sympathetic character, although I have some issues with her not sounding at all like a girl of her class at times - I also would have liked to have been able to "hear" the distinctive accent of the sunderland people more than I could, but these are small things. The narrative is written in more than one voice - and at times in the second person - which is unusual - and reminded me of Michel Fabers The Crimson Petal and the White - it irritates occaisonally - but works really well overall. A great read - I amvery glad I have had the chance to read it.
I will be trying to find some more readers for this.
new ray starting
Vespa - UK
tehuti - UK
meddyg - UK
Soulbalm - Uk
Tanamo - UK
misspepsi - UK
Katisha50 - UK
Bookmaniac70 - Bulgaria
Scotsbookie - UK
Anglersrest - UK - it's here
Katie1980 - Malaysia
Perryfran - USA
tootshelling - Germany
The last person on the list to make further travel arrangemants for the book.
This is a rollicking page turner - I read it in a little over twenty four hours. Sheri Holman has certainly brought 1830's Sunderland to life - with all its awful brutality, and festering filth. Henry Chivers is a truly horrid character - while Gustine in all her tragic hopefulness is a more sympathetic character, although I have some issues with her not sounding at all like a girl of her class at times - I also would have liked to have been able to "hear" the distinctive accent of the sunderland people more than I could, but these are small things. The narrative is written in more than one voice - and at times in the second person - which is unusual - and reminded me of Michel Fabers The Crimson Petal and the White - it irritates occaisonally - but works really well overall. A great read - I amvery glad I have had the chance to read it.
I will be trying to find some more readers for this.
new ray starting
Vespa - UK
tehuti - UK
meddyg - UK
Soulbalm - Uk
Tanamo - UK
misspepsi - UK
Katisha50 - UK
Bookmaniac70 - Bulgaria
Scotsbookie - UK
Anglersrest - UK - it's here
Katie1980 - Malaysia
Perryfran - USA
tootshelling - Germany
The last person on the list to make further travel arrangemants for the book.
Journal Entry 42 by Heaven-Ali at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, April 12, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (4/12/2007 UTC) at A fellow bookcrosser in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Off to Vespa - enjoy!
Off to Vespa - enjoy!
Arrived safely this morning, One ring before it so I should get to it later this week
Wow, most definitely not for the faint hearted. I really enjoyed this book,in all it's gory detail. I will be looking out for more written by this author.
The book arrived recently and is currently with me at Meddyg's house in the very place itself: Sunderland!
Hmm not totally sure what to make of this. The story is certainly gripping, however I feel it is not totally believable in places, especially with regard to the medical details. I am not sure a child like that would have lived for so long. Also, I have to admit that I found the author's writing style terribly irritating and did skim rapidly through the purplest of her prose. Have passed it on to Meddyg and I know he finished it on a train journey recently so another journal entry will come soon.
Hmm not totally sure what to make of this. The story is certainly gripping, however I feel it is not totally believable in places, especially with regard to the medical details. I am not sure a child like that would have lived for so long. Also, I have to admit that I found the author's writing style terribly irritating and did skim rapidly through the purplest of her prose. Have passed it on to Meddyg and I know he finished it on a train journey recently so another journal entry will come soon.
Not entirely sure what to make of this book. As a resident of Sunderland, I know the areas mentioned in he book, most of them are now liberally covered with houses, although Hylton Castle still exists.
The old East End, with its evocative street names are still there, occupying a fairly small area by the mouth of the river Wear (where the docks still are, although they call it a Marina now).
Is the book an accurate reflection of the times, probably not (although the cholera outbreak is a historical fact). The medical school at nearby Newcastle upon Tyne was not to open for another 20 years or so, and the Sunderland Medical Association did not get started until the 1880's, so the demand for bodies would not be that great.
I am unable to recognise the location of the hospital mentioned in the book, although it is possible that it was at the site of the old Royal Infirmary, which was about a mile from the old East End.
It is rumoured that Burke and Hare did come down to Sunderland via Newcastle, when things were getting difficult in Edinburgh.
On the whole its not a bad read, even if some of the prose is rather purple at times. It's also a good study in the ignorance of the mob which prevented dissection of the human body to gain knowledge (something which started centuries previously)and this ignorance is still with us today (GM crops, the falsely perceived link between MMR vaccination and autism, stem cell research etc)
Will be passed onto the next member of this ring
The old East End, with its evocative street names are still there, occupying a fairly small area by the mouth of the river Wear (where the docks still are, although they call it a Marina now).
Is the book an accurate reflection of the times, probably not (although the cholera outbreak is a historical fact). The medical school at nearby Newcastle upon Tyne was not to open for another 20 years or so, and the Sunderland Medical Association did not get started until the 1880's, so the demand for bodies would not be that great.
I am unable to recognise the location of the hospital mentioned in the book, although it is possible that it was at the site of the old Royal Infirmary, which was about a mile from the old East End.
It is rumoured that Burke and Hare did come down to Sunderland via Newcastle, when things were getting difficult in Edinburgh.
On the whole its not a bad read, even if some of the prose is rather purple at times. It's also a good study in the ignorance of the mob which prevented dissection of the human body to gain knowledge (something which started centuries previously)and this ignorance is still with us today (GM crops, the falsely perceived link between MMR vaccination and autism, stem cell research etc)
Will be passed onto the next member of this ring
Unable to get a response from Soulbalm regarding address. Will post onto Katie1980
Journal Entry 51 by Tanamo from Hinckley, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Arrived safely from Glasgow whilst I was away on holiday. I've got 2 ring books in front of it but I'll get to reading it as soon as I can though it sounds pretty gruesome.
Journal Entry 52 by Tanamo from Hinckley, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Friday, September 28, 2007
I've got Miss Pepsi's address so I mailed the book to her today but also sent a pm to let her know it's on its way.
Journal Entry 53 by MISSPEPSI from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear United Kingdom on Sunday, December 2, 2007
This book is about my home town and having studied the local history of the period the book is written around, some of the facts are right but the style in which it is written gives a very poor impression of Sunderland at that time and when it was first published the author was very much critised in this area.
Journal Entry 54 by Katisha50 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, February 28, 2008
Received today, thank you. I had forgotten about this, and previous JEs make me think I'll enjoy it.
Journal Entry 55 by Katisha50 from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 1, 2008
And I did enjoy it! A lot may not have been totally accurate, although the author seems to have done a huge amount of research, but this did not spoil the overall book for me. Unlike some others, I do enjoy Holman's written style. As a notorious nit-picker, the only thing that grated was that she often referred to people as "writing" someone instead of "writing to" them. Very American, or is this an aspect of 19th century use of English that has passed me by?
Off to Bookmaniac70 as soon as address is received.
Off to Bookmaniac70 as soon as address is received.
Book arrived in Sofia.
Finally getting to the book after a hectic week at work.
I love historical fiction of exactly that type when you can feel and smell and hear the thoughts,wearings and attitudes of people of that period. Well,this may be an illusion but a well created illusion:-)).In the story of Henry Chiver and Gustin I see the clash between science and ethics.United by ambition but of different kinds,they both embark on a dangerous relationship.Henry Chiver is not devoid of moral sense but his professional ambitions and scientific curiosity drive him to handle the people as mere objects for attaining his goals. Perhaps the revenge of Gustin at the end was a bit too simple way to show the moral remorse of Henry but still,justified by the events before.
As a whole,I enjoyed very much the novel.It was not a light read and during the reading,I was browsing through my flat looking for dead corpses everywhere,LOL. But I like to be drawn into past times and for me this book was good.
As a whole,I enjoyed very much the novel.It was not a light read and during the reading,I was browsing through my flat looking for dead corpses everywhere,LOL. But I like to be drawn into past times and for me this book was good.
Journal Entry 59 by bookmaniac70 at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (4/30/2008 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to next participant.
Sent to next participant.
Arrived safely this morning, thank you bookmaniac70 & also for the wild releasing bags. #3 on mount TBR.
A dissenting voice here,I didn't enjoy this book at all, in fact I didn't get passed 40 ages. I didn't enjoy the way it was written & was not attracted enough to the characters to find out their fates.
PMing Katie1980 for her details.
ETA: Katie1980 has asked to put in after AnglersRest so this will be off to AnglersRest tomorrow.
PMing Katie1980 for her details.
ETA: Katie1980 has asked to put in after AnglersRest so this will be off to AnglersRest tomorrow.
Journal Entry 62 by scotsbookie at to a fellow bookcrosser in book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, June 1, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (6/2/2008 UTC) at to a fellow bookcrosser in book ring/ray, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Received today, thanks Scotsbookie!
I really was looking forward to reading this book, I loved the concept of the storyline, as I enjoy these types of historical novels. Sadly the writing style spoilt the book for me and I gave up reading it. Thanks for sharing.
I have heard from Katie1980 that she is on her way back to the UK, so this in the post over the next day or so.
I have heard from Katie1980 that she is on her way back to the UK, so this in the post over the next day or so.
Received on Friday, as it's been waiting at my parents house for a week or more. Opened Friday, started reading Friday, am now almost halfway through! I know others haven't got on with the writing style of this book, and it is very weird, but I'm getting on okay with it so far.
Not a bad story, actually!
Not a bad story, actually!
I enjoyed this book!
I didn't find the narrative style annoying, I quite liked it. I felt it fitted in well with the story, and it made more sense as the story unfolded. The dress lodger was a multi-faceted character who I had a lot of sympathy for. The doctor was a strange creature, as was his fiancé. The baby was intriguing and I loved the effect he had on everyone he was in contact with. The body snatching parts were incredible - it seems so alien that this is how human anatomy started out. The book was well researched from what I could tell with my meagre knowledge, and I was fascinated. I will pass it on to the next person really soon.
I didn't find the narrative style annoying, I quite liked it. I felt it fitted in well with the story, and it made more sense as the story unfolded. The dress lodger was a multi-faceted character who I had a lot of sympathy for. The doctor was a strange creature, as was his fiancé. The baby was intriguing and I loved the effect he had on everyone he was in contact with. The body snatching parts were incredible - it seems so alien that this is how human anatomy started out. The book was well researched from what I could tell with my meagre knowledge, and I was fascinated. I will pass it on to the next person really soon.
Received in today's mail. Thanks for including me in this bookray. I have a few in front of it but will try to get to it soon.Edit 10/14/08: Started reading today.
Edit 10/16/08: tootshelling asked to be skipped so I will try to continue this bookray.
Finished reading this today and I was pleasantly surprised. Although the writing style of Holman was a little disconcerting at first, you get used to it as the story progresses. The story was very captivating and disturbing about the life of a young prostitute during the Cholera epidemic of 1831. Gustine is a "dress lodger" -- a prostitute who rents a dress from her landlord and then sells herself on the street. Interwoven into the novel is the story of Dr. Henry Chivers, a doctor who specializes in anatomy and his quest for human cadavers to further his studies and teachings. Gustine crosses paths with Dr. Chivers on her quest to save her infant son who was born with his heart outside his body. Holman excellently captures the superstitions of the times as the cholera epidemic affects the people of the town. She really delves into the depressing conditions during that time period and the inhumanities of man. Overall, an excellent read!
This book will be continuing its journey of over five years!! to some additional readers. I have extended the bookray and it will be on its way to NMReader tomorrow.
This book will be continuing its journey of over five years!! to some additional readers. I have extended the bookray and it will be on its way to NMReader tomorrow.
Journal Entry 69 by 
perryfran
at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Friday, October 24, 2008
perryfran at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Friday, October 24, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (10/24/2008 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES: Sending to NMReader to continue this long-running bookray. Hope it continues for a few more years!
USPS DC# 0308 0070 0000 7892 3704
It arrived a couple days ago but this was my first chance to journal
I am running a little behind on my reading but I am making progress on catching up. Thought I would journal so that no one would worry. Hope to start book next week
I did nt get this started when I had hoped but I should finish and mail this book this weekend.
I had a difficult time getting into the story at first but I have become very interested now in the plight of Gustine and the Dr
I had a difficult time getting into the story at first but I have become very interested now in the plight of Gustine and the Dr
This book covered a subject that I must admit to ignorance about.
I learned much I had not known and came to be very interested in the Baby, Pink, Gustine, Audery, Henry, and others.
I would never have picked this book-up in a bookstore. Thanks for offering it and for including me.
I will be mailing it this afternoon with some other books.
I learned much I had not known and came to be very interested in the Baby, Pink, Gustine, Audery, Henry, and others.
I would never have picked this book-up in a bookstore. Thanks for offering it and for including me.
I will be mailing it this afternoon with some other books.
Released 15 yrs ago (1/11/2009 UTC) at
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to the next reader
Delivery Confirmation Number: 0307 1790 0000 3719 5130
On its way to the next reader
Delivery Confirmation Number: 0307 1790 0000 3719 5130
This book looks great! I will start reading it as soon as I finish the current ray book I am reading. I can't wait to finish reading it so I can read the journal entries. I like to wait until after I read the book, as not to spoil it or influence my opinions. There are so many JE's here that I am tempted to break my rule.
Update: 03/24/09
I was going back to read all the journal entries that were so tempting when
I received the book and noticed I never posted my thoughts before sending it off! It has been a while since I have read it so some specifics are fuzzy. I really enjoy historical fiction, especially set in this time period. This did not disappoint. I am not very faintehearted so I didn't mind all the gore. Homan really does a great job of setting the scene with her descriptions. The writing style was a bit weird for me.The whole shift in narratives that kept taking place were really weird for me and all the talk of the rat, although, those things did not effect my overall enjoyment of the book.I wish I would have remembered to journal this right after I read it since I have forgotten a lot of things I would have said when it was fresh in my head!
Update: 03/24/09
I was going back to read all the journal entries that were so tempting when
I received the book and noticed I never posted my thoughts before sending it off! It has been a while since I have read it so some specifics are fuzzy. I really enjoy historical fiction, especially set in this time period. This did not disappoint. I am not very faintehearted so I didn't mind all the gore. Homan really does a great job of setting the scene with her descriptions. The writing style was a bit weird for me.The whole shift in narratives that kept taking place were really weird for me and all the talk of the rat, although, those things did not effect my overall enjoyment of the book.I wish I would have remembered to journal this right after I read it since I have forgotten a lot of things I would have said when it was fresh in my head!
Wow! What a long-running Ray! I have one or two in front of this one...will get to it ASAP and move it along.
Well, I almost ditched this one in the middle, but I hung in there, and am very glad I did. Although it was truly a dark novel, the author is a lyrical writer. She wove all the intricate pieces of the story with great skill.
Thanks for including me in this Ray. It's off to the next BCer.
Well, I almost ditched this one in the middle, but I hung in there, and am very glad I did. Although it was truly a dark novel, the author is a lyrical writer. She wove all the intricate pieces of the story with great skill.
Thanks for including me in this Ray. It's off to the next BCer.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
It's off to Spoiledrotten. Enjoy!
It's off to Spoiledrotten. Enjoy!
Received in the mail today and will read as soon as I am done with my current book. I am very impressed that this book has been traveling the world for so long!
This was certainly a very interesting story. The author's style of writing was a bit different than what I am used to, but I did enjoy the story line. I will try & send off tomorrow morning to 300dogs. Will journal when sent.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent this out this morning to 300dogs. Enjoy and thanks for including me.
Sent this out this morning to 300dogs. Enjoy and thanks for including me.
Arrived safely today in Jackson, NJ. I have a few rings ahead of this but will get to it asap.
Oh my, what can I say about this book that hasn't already been mentioned in all those entries?? I, too, enjoyed this book and will mail it out this afternoon.
Journal Entry 83 by 300dogs at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (4/29/2009 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This book is continuing it's journey! On it's way to oliviapoolside in Seattle, Washington. Enjoy!
This book is continuing it's journey! On it's way to oliviapoolside in Seattle, Washington. Enjoy!
thanks, how exciting to receive such a well-traveled bookcrossing book. I have 1 1/2 books to read before it, but I am looking forward to it.
I've had a hard time deciding how to approach a journal entry for this book. It was disturbing and beautiful both. While reading it I kept thinking, 'Dr. Henry Chivers is a horse's ass' but really he wasn't. He was possibly mentally unbalanced, and he was casually cruel in the way only people who think they are superior and are "doing good" in the world can be. The writing is immediate because of the entrancing imagery, but also allowed the reader some distance because of the historical perspective. The setting is Sunderland, England in 1831 during the cholera epidemic. In some ways Cholera is the main character and we see cholera in our variety of characters; the doctors, the rich, the poor - especially the poor.
Journal Entry 86 by BooksandMusic at -- By Post Or By Hand - i.e. Ring, Trade, RABCK, Meet in Seattle, Washington USA on Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (5/19/2009 UTC) at -- By Post Or By Hand - i.e. Ring, Trade, RABCK, Meet in Seattle, Washington USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to bookcrosser Sunfi
Mailed to bookcrosser Sunfi
This arrived safely here in Ohio. I have a few other rings/rays ahead of this one but will have it on its way as soon as I can.
Just finished this one, parts of it were a little slow and I had some troubles getting into it. I did finish it and I'll have it in the mail in the next few days.
Journal Entry 89 by sunfi at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Ohio USA on Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (6/30/2009 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Ohio USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent off to the next reader, it should arrive in the next few weeks.
Sent off to the next reader, it should arrive in the next few weeks.
Journal Entry 90 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Thursday, July 9, 2009
This arrived in the post yesterday and I am now confused about the participants list, as I am on there last and it should have travelled to Holland instead!?!? Never mind, I'll pass it on to Holland when I've read it. Please note that it might take me a while, mainly due to postage. If the last person had contacted me again, I would have skipped on the book, just like I am doing with all other rings and rays now because the credit crunch has hit us so hard all of a sudden and I am cutting down on any expenses I can avoid:(
Journal Entry 91 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Sunday, July 26, 2009
I've been trying to get into this book for several days now, without success. The narrating style is so irritating to me... Sorry. I'll pass this on as soon as I can - either this coming week or maybe the week after when I'll be in Holland for a few days.
Journal Entry 92 by madnad from Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Monday, August 17, 2009
Apologies that this book is still in my possession! I had it all ready to take to Holland with me and post it from there but I left it at home. Duh! I'll send it sometime this week. Sorry about the delay!!
Journal Entry 93 by madnad at Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain on Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (8/24/2009 UTC) at Tenerife - Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Spain
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I finally sent this out yesterday!
I finally sent this out yesterday!
Arrived safely today. Thank you for sending, madnad, especially given the fact that you would have wanted to skip this one on account of the postage. Not sure what went wrong here, as I had already sent my address to sunfi.
Anyway, looking forward to this book, it's next in line after my current read.
Anyway, looking forward to this book, it's next in line after my current read.
Journal Entry 95 by 
Fifna
from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Fifna from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Wednesday, September 30, 2009
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The narrative style didn't bother me and I liked the many details that created the atmosphere. I'm a little puzzled though at the remark somewhere in the book that orangutans live in darkest Africa. Also, in a book set in England, and with a narrator supposed to be from there, the Americanisms annoyed me a bit. But all in all that did not spoil a fascinating read. And on a different note, for such a well-travlled book, it's in great condition! Thank you for sharing. Will send it on as soon as possible.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posting it off to ana-b om Sunday.
Posting it off to ana-b om Sunday.
Arrived this afternoon. Thanks Fifna and perryfran.
it's here, thank you
Another one of those books that it's possible I wouldn't have found or if I had then possible I wouldn't have bought. However since it's courtesy of a bookray I have to read it and it's good!
I foud the idea of the narrator helped it lift itself above historical sagas. The period, people and places were all illustrated carefully and realistically.
Rossella05 asked to be skipped
Thank you for sharing.
Another one of those books that it's possible I wouldn't have found or if I had then possible I wouldn't have bought. However since it's courtesy of a bookray I have to read it and it's good!
I foud the idea of the narrator helped it lift itself above historical sagas. The period, people and places were all illustrated carefully and realistically.
Rossella05 asked to be skipped
Thank you for sharing.
Sorry, I received this book a while ago but haven't had a chance to journal it yet. I will start reading this ASAP. Sorry for the delay!
I quite enjoyed this book and it's now ready to go on to the next person! :)
