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Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell; June 2010 BOTM
Topic Started: May 16 2010, 03:16 PM (519 Views)
GWTW1939
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The Golden Chaise
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I am going back to the classics for my June 2010 pick. I am also returning to Elizabeth Gaskell--we read "Ruth" by her in 2008 I think.

I have always wanted to read "Sylvia's Lovers." I hope some of you get a chance to read this one.

Enjoy!

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A powerfully moving novel of a young woman caught between the attractions of two very different men, Sylvia’s Lovers is set in the 1790s in an English seaside town. England is at war with France, and press-gangs wreak havoc by seizing young men for service. One of their victims is a whaling harpooner named Charley Kinraid, whose charm and vivacity have captured the heart of Sylvia Robson. But Sylvia’s devoted cousin, Philip Hepburn, hopes to marry her himself and, in order to win her, deliberately withholds crucial information—with devastating consequences.
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mary024
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Head Honcho. Gyeah!
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Awesome!!
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elite
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Always ready for the next book
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I was hoping you'd choose one of the 100 free classic books I had but I was able to buy this for only $0.95 at the ebook store!
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burgandykat
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hmm...looks like there's only 1 copy in my library system - at the main library downtown - and it can't be checked out (Use in Library only).

And the other library system (the one that never has anything) doesn't have it at all locally but I can "borrow" (have to pay mailing charges) through inter-library loan. That's why I rarely go to the library in my county.

Have to see if I can find a cheap used copy.
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mary024
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I reserved my copy at the library, so I hope to get it soon.
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mary024
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Started it this week. Yikes! I've gotta get used to the language. And the print is so small! LOL!
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GWTW1939
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Got my copy. Uh oh, switching to a classic & dealing with the 19th century language will be a big switch from "Shutter Island." Hopefully my pregnancy-induced mind "changes" can handle it :-)
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elite
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I've actually started this book but I don't think I can finish it. It's too descriptive (of everything) and when they speak, I barely understand what they are saying....
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Deb64
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Deb
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Checked it out through ILL, but didn't have time to read it, so looking for a used copy...
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GWTW1939
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Awww, sorry Elite. This is definitely a more challenging EG book IMO.

I'm about 1/2 way through. I like the narrative part & find it very easy to follow & read. The dialogue is definitely a challenge. Being both "regional" & "historical" is definitely making it take longer for me to get through the dialogue. When I am reading it, I'm always so proud of myself for even understanding it. I look at the footnotes in the back to help when I'm really confused on something.
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GWTW1939
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The book picked up for me at the New Year's party when Charley flirts with & kisses Slyvia. The action & story picks up after that. It was definitely slower prior to that scene.
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mary024
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I'm bummed.
I love reading classics and usually find myself drawn in. But I just couldn't get a handle on this one.

Sorry G!
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GWTW1939
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I understand...this EG was not on the same level as "Ruth" IMO. It started out slow & the soap opera drama didn't really kick in until about 1/2 way through. The dialog didn't bother me since I love reading & interpreting challenging dialog. But, it was not easy, that's for sure.

I ended up liking the book pretty well, after I hit the 1/2 way point & it picked up for me. Didn't like it as much as "Ruth" or "Wives & Daughters." It was definitely a soap opera book. So much emoting & drama. I liked how EG focused on the male characters a lot & wrote a lot from Phillip's perspective. I thought I would end up hating Phillip, but I ended up loving him. And I ended up not liking Charley too much. I felt like I understood Phillip way more & his actions were more honest. I could not trust Charley & always felt suspicious of him.
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