Claire Fuller won the Costa Novel of the Year Award for Unsettled Ground
The Tyneside Book Club began spring by reading Claire Fuller's award-winning Unsettled Ground.
Members found its account of twins living on the edge of society well-written and engaging, with plenty to discuss.
The siblings, Jeanie and Julius, were felt to be well-drawn and realistic, although some members found it easier to empathise with Jeanie, and did not find Julius as fleshed-out.
Members also found the world built by Fuller was a rounded one, with both cruelty and kindness on show. Supporting characters were generally well-drawn, although some found a few a little stereotypical.
There was some discussion about just how dysfunctional the Seeder family was. Clearly, mother Dot had left the twins poorly-prepared to cope with modern life after her death, and had told some unforgivable lies to them.
But members also noted the warmth and love in their relationships, and that families from a more "normal" background in the novel were not necessarily happier or more well-adjusted.
And although the twins' family background was far from conventional, there were also universal themes about sibling relationships and the inability for us perhaps to really understand the inner lives of parents.
There were times when members did find the problems encountered by the Seeders somewhat heavy-going, but that was balanced by the kindness and humanity of those who did try and help them.
The plot twists and reveals were also felt to be well-handled, with the author maintaining the interest of readers without slipping into melodrama.
Despite what could have been a bleak ending, there was a sense of hope at the conclusion of what for members was an enjoyable read.
Members found its account of twins living on the edge of society well-written and engaging, with plenty to discuss.
The siblings, Jeanie and Julius, were felt to be well-drawn and realistic, although some members found it easier to empathise with Jeanie, and did not find Julius as fleshed-out.
Members also found the world built by Fuller was a rounded one, with both cruelty and kindness on show. Supporting characters were generally well-drawn, although some found a few a little stereotypical.
There was some discussion about just how dysfunctional the Seeder family was. Clearly, mother Dot had left the twins poorly-prepared to cope with modern life after her death, and had told some unforgivable lies to them.
But members also noted the warmth and love in their relationships, and that families from a more "normal" background in the novel were not necessarily happier or more well-adjusted.
And although the twins' family background was far from conventional, there were also universal themes about sibling relationships and the inability for us perhaps to really understand the inner lives of parents.
There were times when members did find the problems encountered by the Seeders somewhat heavy-going, but that was balanced by the kindness and humanity of those who did try and help them.
The plot twists and reveals were also felt to be well-handled, with the author maintaining the interest of readers without slipping into melodrama.
Despite what could have been a bleak ending, there was a sense of hope at the conclusion of what for members was an enjoyable read.
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