Deck, The
Farrell, FionaWhat better way to wait out a burgeoning pandemic than to gather with friends and pass the time telling storie... Phillipa and Tom's holiday home is the perfect venue and they along with their friends eat, drink and ponder their lives while ignoring what the future might hold.
Employing wit and humour and channelling Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th century work The Decameron, this book with its stories within stories cleverly combines fiction and non-fiction and is as provocative as it is profound.
Pages
300
300
Year
2023
2023
Reviews
30-04-2025
Some enjoyed. Some not. Beautifully written, especially the descriptions. However the story was quite forgettable.
19-03-2025
Really enjoyed 'The Frame' parts of the book. The stories were interesting but preferred the facts. Did think the story device worked well though. We would like another Fiona Farrell.
06-03-2025
Mixed reaction from group. From not being able to get into the story, to absolutely loving it! Fact or fiction, made for an interesting and lively discussion. Cleverly written. Reading our own history.
24-02-2025
Lively and passionate discussions and reminiscing of Covid outbreaks and lockdowns. This book was found to be much more readable, and the characters more rounded and believable than the author's other book that we read last year, 'Book Book'.
24-02-2025
Beautiful writing, and shows Farrell's huge knowledge of so many aspects of life.
16-01-2025
A varied reaction to this one. We thought the factual background framing was a bit unnecessary - too close for comfort. Enjoyed the storytelling.
05-12-2024
Very well-written. Relevant. We enjoyed the format linking the Covid pandemic to the plague and the structure of 'The Decameron'. We also thought the author's presence throughout was very well-written.
10-10-2024
Most people loved 'The Deck' and, as usual, a fascinating discussion ensued. Two of us have already decided to buy copies of the book as Christmas presents for friends.
24-09-2024
Our group thoroughly enjoyed this book - especially the beautiful writing.
04-03-2024
Full of imagination; a rewarding journey through the pages.