Edwin & Matilda
Fearnley, LaurenceSet in the southern South Island, Edwin and Matilda describes the unusual and unlikely friendship formed between a 62-year-old photographer, Edwin and 22-year-old Matilda, whom he meets when shooting photographs of her as a bride-to-be. Together, Edwin and Matilda embark on a search for Edwin's mother, a woman he has long believed dead. NZ Interest.
Comments from Groups
Group members commented on the author's accomplished style and found the love affair and age gap unusual. Some did not warm to the book. Wellington 120 Liked the descriptions and imagery of the writing. A lovely story. Huntly 001 Interesting book especially for Central Otago fans but rather gloomy and depressing. Nelson 011 Widely differing views although general concensus was that it was a bit unrealistic. But best and longest discussion we have had on a book for a long time. Tauranga 019 [The book] got the highest rated mark that we as a group have ever given - average above 8.5. Auckland 069 An enjoyable read although a few unresolved issues with the stories of the characters' lives frustrated some of our group. this book lead to an interesting discussion of health, family, history and belonging. Tauranga 015
Pages
240
240
Year
2007
2007
Reviews
03-02-2021
We all really enjoyed this book. We thought the characters were deftly drawn, the plot deep and plausible, and it left us with questions which is great. Well recommended.
03-02-2021
'Edwin and Matilda' certainly generated some lively debate in our group. There were those who thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly those who were familiar with the Central Otago setting of the novel. Then there were those who felt it was poorly written, and how was it possible that Laurence Fearnley could have been nominated for the Montana book awards. Some of us had read other titles by this author, and were able to point out that each of her books is very different in style, format and plot...
03-02-2021
Our group enjoyed this book. A gentle story of friendship and adjustment. The description of the area was lovely too. Thank you!
03-02-2021
Some members found the characters unlikeable, and their union not explained satisfactorily. Other members enjoyed the space in the story.
03-02-2021
We all loved this book.
03-02-2021
Discussion was long around this book. Style of writing, storyline, personalities, human lifetimes, mothers and fathers were all discussed throughout the evening. Although most agreed it wouldn't be a book they would normally pick up, they were pleased they had read it.
03-02-2021
We enjoyed the book, and it led to a long, interesting discussion. Thank you!
03-02-2021
This book led into lots of interesting discussion around families, the value of mothers and mothering, genetics, honesty and identity. And generally about what causes the problems of the world, including mental health issues. Even though we didn't all finish reading the book, there was enough to stimulate interesting discussion. Then we speculated on "what might happen next", although we were mostly satisfied with its inconclusive ending.
03-02-2021
We ALL loved it.
03-02-2021
A slow start but opened up. Lovely gentle book.
03-02-2021
Various opinions from 'bland' to brilliant'. We generally agreed that the two flawed characters came together to help each other which led to a sweet and gentle tale.