Mirror Book, The
Grimshaw, CharlotteSo much for the oft quoted 'lovely childhood, a house full of books'. In this cathartic memoir, Charlotte Grimshaw, the famous daughter of a famous New Zealand father (C. K. Stead), rips the bandaid off her early memories, to re-examine her place in her literary family. Fuelled by a quest for truth and understanding amidst the shifting sands of disputed memory, this is a thought-provoking expose.
With skill and courage, it reveals the public and private faces of this esteemed New Zealand family in conflict with itself.
Pages
320
320
Year
2021
2021
Reviews
01-11-2023
Some loved it, some didn't and some felt indifferent to it. We agreed that it was well-written but very dense in the latter part of the book. Some understood her need to delve into her past and come to terms with who she is and why, especially when you read about the complex family dynamics and what we saw as an unhealthy dysfunctional upbringing. We all agreed that this book took courage to write and have it published while her parents, at least, are still alive. Having said that, our discussion centred on should she have 'gone public' with it.
22-06-2023
We scored this book 2.5 to 3. This book was not rated so highly because we thought it was somewhat self-indulgent and became repetitive after a time. It was easy to read but many felt uninterested. It promoted a lot of discussion however about memory and her reasons for writing this.
24-03-2023
Different views on the book. Half loved it and felt empathy for Charlotte, others felt it was self indulgent, and possibly not the full story. Interesting either way.
13-03-2023
Very interesting insight to an unusual family.
03-03-2023
Some members thought the dirty laundry should not be aired in public. Well-written and engaging.
19-01-2023
A number of our group felt this book started slowly and held little interest. However half of us went on to really enjoy the story and to develop a feeling of empathy for the life that was revealed, and the questions led to an interesting discussion both about Charlotte Grimshaw's experiences and some of our own.
25-11-2022
An interesting story that provoked a lively discussion, especially re the merits of "airing dirty laundry in public". Whilst appreciating the book, not all would say they enjoyed it.
17-11-2022
Superb writing.
17-11-2022
We certainly appreciated the quality of the writing and vivid descriptions. Although "not a page turner", topical issues addressed include: sexism, racism, and aspects of New Zealand history.
08-11-2022
Well-written. Brave and honest. We were amazed at the teenage freedom Charlotte had.
28-09-2022
A lively discussion on a well-written book. The conduct of the parents C.K. Stead and his wife beggars belief, with systemic neglect (emotional) in a toxic home atmosphere. Charlotte and her father alike in that they both have literary and poetic genius, but you pay a high price for talent. The group's opinion varied but overall they appreciated the writing that painted a picture, but found it depressing too.
05-09-2022
Members found this memoir to be honest and brave, considering the author's parents are well-known and still living. The writing style irked some, but most found it interesting and insightful. The parenting style of the author's parents was a topic of lively discussion.
20-06-2022
A compelling and thought-provoking read.
20-06-2022
Not for everyone, however it generated much discussion and was greatly appreciated by some. A clever, thoughtful book.
29-04-2022
A great read! Discussion centred around author's veracity, her upbringing and family life.
02-03-2022
A very interesting and powerful book, with some startling revelations. We agreed on that, but couldn't agree on Charlotte's purpose in publishing while her parents were alive. Some of us felt that writing it would have been therapeutic, but publishing it was a step too far.
17-11-2021
Good discussion. Strong reactions - not all positive. Repetitive. Did not make any of us want to read her other books.