Let Me Sing You Gentle Songs
Olsson, LindaOne bleak March evening, Veronika arrives in a small Swedish village in pursuit of stillness and solitude. Her arrival is silently observed by Astrid, her reclusive neighbour, who, in the safety of her home, guards family secrets and personal tragedy. The two women - one young, one old - are drawn together, and against a backdrop of changing seasons, they become friends. Set in Sweden and New Zealand. NZ Interest.
Comments from Groups
This book highlighted the ways that readers respond differently to the same text. While everyone enjoyed it, some responded initially to the tragedies within, while others responded to the story of non- judgemental friendship. We agreed that it is a story about communication. We also agreed on the beauty of the writing, and the value of what had not been written. Wanaka 015 The group as a whole enjoyed this book. An easy read, nice heart-warming story. Impressed with the writing skills of the author with her mix of New Zealand and Sweden. Nelson 007 Everyone but one person really enjoyed the book and plans to read more from the same author. All surprised, it was so good for first book. Evoked emotions from all. Picton 001 Everyone enjoyed this one. For some, once they got into it, as thought it started a bit slow. Wellington 165 Easy read for group and provoked discussion about living through tragedies and loneliness. Great story of friendship. Oxford 001
Pages
267
267
Year
2005
2005
Reviews
22-06-2023
An easy read . Some members didnt like it at all. Good discussion.
15-05-2023
Very readable and descriptive of nature in a climate different from ours. The characters' stories evolved in a mysterious manner.
24-08-2022
Most of the group enjoyed the book. It was a gentle and thoughtful read. It was considered, as stated in the notes, that the males in the story were undeveloped.
24-08-2022
Those who read it enjoyed it. Some of us wanted her to take the story further.
24-08-2022
We found this book an interesting read. Quite poetic with beautiful imagery. Themes of love, hate, death, life-growth and renewal after periods of being reclusive. Basically a good read.
24-08-2022
We all loved this book, even though a sad story it generated much discussion and we had many unanswered questions at the end. An emotional read that you had to stop every now and then to absorb.
24-08-2022
Our group enjoyed the gentleness of the writing and the contrasts of age, place and lifestyles. The book notes added much to our reading. We discussed the numerous tragedies throughout the book and agreed that they didn't overwhelm us because they defined Astrid and Veronica.
24-08-2022
Unfolds gently. Most of us enjoyed the quiet, slow pace of the story.
24-08-2022
Two distinct views - men scored it lower and women seemed to enjoy it more. Men found the infanticide and the sexual abuse "a bit fake". Everyone appreciated the style of writing, it was beautifully written. Women enjoyed the relationship between the two women, finding it really special.
24-08-2022
All the group enjoyed the book. Easy to read and good discussion.
20-08-2022
We had some great discussions about this book as different people had picked up different aspects of the story. It was hard hitting for some but overall we enjoyed it.
06-08-2021
A poignant read about life, love and loss, and of how sharing our stories can help us heal. Beautifully written in a way that brought the pages to life, with descriptions of scenery and emotions that were brutally honest. One of our most popular reads. Would highly recommend.
06-08-2021
All 'loved' it. One comment - that it was a 'very' quickly formed relationship which didn't ring true for some.
25-06-2021
A beautiful and tender story about the unusual relationship between two generations. Sad but gentle. Both had similarities in their backgrounds, hidden as unspoken memories until now. A wonderful understanding and friendship between them. Recommended!
12-06-2021
Lovely written book, but even though there were only 8 questions we found them rather confusing.
18-04-2018
On the whole the group enjoyed the book. Some found it too depressing, though the majority thought it was sad but the peace both women found at the end alleviated the gloom. Most were very impressed by the portrayal of such a deep friendship. Quite a few wanted to re-read it as they felt they might have missed things first time round. An easy gentle read for most of us, though it took a bit of getting into. Some felt it was a bit contrived, with a few too many unexplained events. But overall a good and thoughtful read.