A massive cast of characters fill the pages of this book but all are believable and, even if only fleetingly, their stories have a way of invoking memories of one's own family. Ruby is the lynchpin, and her wry observations are really the charm of the book. I read it in one sitting and simply didn't notice the time passing: Always a sign of a good book for me. If you read it, find the Chinese Resaturant scene, then mentally place members of your own family around the table. It works, and it's even funnier that way!

This copy registered for a RABCK.

Released on Saturday, July 31, 2004 at A RABCK by mail in Coventry, England Controlled Releases.

Off to Gnoe in The Netherlands. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

TNX for sending me this this book Netstation! It has reached me in perfect condition and I'm anxious to start reading...

Update 09-11-2005
Aaargh, other books kept getting in the way but now I've FINALLY started reading!

20-11-2005
Thanks Netstation, I LOVED reading this book! It took me a while to really get into it (about 3 quarters) but then... I am amazed. Beautiful imagery, humor, world history, family life. Is there anything that isn't in the book? A must read for visitors of York. I've been there 25 years ago and it made me long to go back this instant.

"Patricia embraces me on the station platform. 'The past is what you leave behind in life, Ruby,' she says with the smile of a reincarnated lama. 'Nonsense, Patricia,' I tell her as I climb on board my train. 'The past's what you take with you.'"