Mrs Simpson

A story of a marriage broken down, from different perspectives.

Reviewed: 09-08-24

I recently listened to the author’s second book and enjoyed it so much I purchased this one, her first book. Similar themes and characters, but this one was disappointing. I found it very repetitive, perhaps in an attempt to make the characters convincing. I nearly gave up a couple of times. The two novels are worlds apart, so her talent has obviously developed tremendously from “Fleishman is in Trouble”, to “Long Island Compromise”.

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Well-written story of intergenerational trauma and the consequences of repression, but also funny and brilliantly narrated.

Reviewed: 23-07-24

Although the author is clearly talented and I love her writing style, I couldn’t help but cringe at the stereotypical depiction of Jewish people, which, to the ignorant reader (or even highly educated) might reinforce the tropes. As the story and characters developed, I cringed less at this, as, ethnicity aside, the book is utterly brilliant. Narration was flawless and perfectly cast. I love the way the author smoothly segue into each character’s own experience of events. Highly recommend.

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Took me longer to get into this Anne Tyler title than usual

Reviewed: 12-07-24

The usual bunch of narcissistic characters are in there, making the reader both love and loath them. This Anne Tyler title took me longer to get into than they usually do, but I was hooked by the end. Brilliant narration too!

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Another beautifully crafted peek into everyday life of Baltimore folk from another time.

Reviewed: 02-06-24

I’m always sad when I finish an Anne Tyler novel. I get to know these characters and the nuances that make them 3-dimensional. It’s refreshing to read a story that isn’t ticking off all the woke boxes like so many novels do these days. This feels authentic, but was written in the early 90’s. That in itself is comforting escapism.

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The looming dread of the empty nest

Reviewed: 19-03-24

This wasn’t my favourite Anne Tyler novel, but it was engaging nonetheless and if you’re a fan of the author, I’d recommend it. As usual, the characters aren’t easily lovable, but it centres around the everyday heartbreak and unacknowledged looming dread of the empty nest.

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Definitely in my top 10!

Reviewed: 28-02-24

I can’t get enough of Anne Tyler at the moment. Although long, I never tired of listening to this audiobook each day and it was beautifully narrated. It’s a depiction of lives lived under the influence of narcissistic parenting, but felt like a gentle read at the same time.

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Resurrected memories from a special era

Reviewed: 02-02-24

Came across a recommendation for this book on a Facebook group and was curious. Pleasantly surprised. Really enjoyed the audiobook. Excellent storytelling, Heartwarming to be reminded of great times full of love, tunes and awesome sense of community.

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting idea, but way too long- I get the point already!

Reviewed: 23-01-24

Someone highly recommended this book, but I don’t share their enthusiasm. The central idea is an interesting one, but I was over it pretty quickly and found it all a bit trite by the middle. The narration got on my nerves to be honest, and when they attempted a South African accent, it did make me laugh out loud (mixture of African and Liverpudlian!) sparked some interesting thought, but this book was longer than it needed to be.

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Charming and calming

Reviewed: 06-12-23

I was very excited to see Nina Stibbe had published another “diary” and it was both charming and calming to listen to. Her ability to stay in the moment (or at least seem to, as her writing suggests) is a reminder to slow down, notice and be less anxious and more curious about things. Loved it. Sad I’ve finished it.

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Bit basic but sweet easy read

Reviewed: 27-11-23

It’s a bit basic and predictable, but just what was needed. A sweet easy read that’s fairly benign, an antidote to the heavy world we live in.

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