A Place Called Here by Cecilia Ahern

[megan]

I read this book in about five hours and enjoyed it. Cecilia Ahern has gone in for alternative universes in her last two novels. I am a huge fan of these stories. (I imagine you either love or hate them.)
This book is about a girl called Sandy. At the age of ten, a girl across the road from Sandy's house disappears. It hits Sandy hard. She can't understand where Jenny-May has gone and wants to find her. So does everyone else, of coures but eventually the police give up and life returns to normal - but it doesn't for Sandy. She becomes obsessive about finding all lost things and people. In the process she becomes lost herself and then has to find her way home.
I love Cecilia Ahern's wisdom and playfulness. When reading her last two books I felt I was reading wise fairytales. I am sorry now that the experience is over.
I hope she continues with these left of centre novels. I find them inspiring and heartwarming. (I don't use that word very often but it's the only one that fits!) As a result of reading it, I am in very good form this evening!

[susanmay]

She seems to have settled to this type of writing, Megan. So I'm sure she has a lot more of these stories to tell. I really felt in touch with the character Sandy and loved her freedom! The descriptions of her were written very well - I could almost picture her and many of the other characters. Would I be crazy in suggesting a modern day C.S Lewis?

[megan]

No, I think you've got something there, Susan. That's why I like these stories. There is more to them than the fairy tale. I am sure that Cecilia Ahern would be delighted with the comparison!

[charlene]

getting this for xmas can't wait I love escaping in Cecilia's novels I loved her last book.

[megan]

I couldn't wait until Christmas, Charlie. In a way I wish that I had. It is the perfect present. I hope you enjoy it.

[jofromoz]

I saw this book in my local bookstore yesterday, but didn't have time to go in and buy....I always take ages to get out of the shop and couldn't risk being late for another appt....I'm looking forward to buying and reading it now. I loved her last one, and in fact, I've loved all her books in spite of the not so nice reviews I've read on her style of writing. I find her very refreshing and fun.

[claire]

I think once you know what kind of style it is, and you like the style then you won't be dissappointed

[susanmay]

I love the cover on this book. Think its gorgeous - very classy.

[Oonagh]

no Im not going to read this year girls! I m sorry its just not my cup of tea!!

[claireallan]

I didn't like it. I just couldn't suspend my disbelief enough- I know others love it, but I prefer something a little more grounded in reality

[charlene]

I started this the other day and I love it so much, wish I had more time to sit and read it, I love these escapism books helps me get lost in another place and forget my worries.

[megan]

That's great you love it, Charlie. I know what you mean about getting lost in another world. I like the safe warm feel to her writing. The places she creates are good places to spend time in. I was sorry when it was over and wish I didn't have to wait another year for her next one!

[charlene]

I was reading it last night and could picture the place she descibes, I think its brilliant the way she does it and what fantastic ideas she has love the bits about the smells and laughter floating about them, I think out of all of her books this would make a fabulous film

[jofromoz]

Well peoples, I have finished reading A Place Called Here, and although I didn't LOVE it, I did enjoy it and would recommend it to those who like a bit of a puzzle in a book. At times I felt like flipping to the back pages to see what actually happened in the end, but resisted as this always spoils a good read. It was the type of book though that had you thinking of a few outcomes at the same time, and was a page turner most of the time.
I have often thought that so called obsessions with 'things' are developed by the individual rather than a true medical condition. Some take such a strong hold on the person, they become impossible to control or quit, and I felt this for Sandy.
Gregory came across as a bit cynical in parts though which was strange for a guy in his profession. (but having said that, my sister and her husband are the hardest, unsympathetic folk around and they are both in the medical profession, she being a 3 cert nurse and he being a surgeon/md.).
I loved the description of the place she went to, but couldn't quite fathom why there would be different villages etc. The woods at the start where she met Helena, Gloria etc was a bit scary though I thought.
Really liked this book.

[jofromoz]

Forgot to add that this was book was a comfort for me in an odd way. My father went missing in 1996 and was found 11 days later in the nature park where he had chosen to rest on a blistering hot day in summer under a banksia tree...he died in his favourite type of place.
When we were searching for him, the frustration and worry were immense and overwhelming, and I still get the same sick, anxious feeling at times when I 'lose' a friend's kids at the shopping ctrs or Royal Shows etc. To imagine Dad had gone to a place like 'here' and found his friends and rellies long passed after being with those 'lost folk' for a time, is very comforting!

[claire]

oh Jo that is so sad, don't know what to say

[Marisa]

Oh Jo, that story brings tears to my eyes. How awful must those 11 days have been? But it is comforting to think he spent his last moments in his favourite place intead of a hosptial or something. When I go, I'd like to go that way... God rest his soul.

[Oonagh]

ah thats sad!! Im with claire i dunno what to say

[jofromoz]

Claire, Marissa and Oons, I'm sorry if I put you all on a downer. Don't be sad. He died doing what he loved most, getting out into the bush on his own with his thoughts, in the hot sun where he could enjoy the nature he truly loved.
Yep, the 11 days were awful to put it mildly. My husband and I took 2 wks off work to search for him (his wife, his third!!, did nothing but shop and go to movies and shows etc with her daughter!), and we were followed every inch of the way by the media. It was a bit like being on a reality show. One of the TV reporters was so nice and helpful though and kept our spirits up. Anyway, he was found by 3 park rangers who sat down on the 10th day and tried to nut out what his movements would be...they discarded all the theories thrown their way by the so called experts...and they found him. It was heartbreaking but a huge relief too. I had been saying the whole time that when I found him I was going to thump him for scaring me so much, but that wasn't possible. I know he's wherever now happily reunited with my mum.
Don't be sad please. It's a story really by now (10 years ago now), and as I say to my friends, if I wrote a book about my life and family, everyone would discard it as fiction.

[claire]

It's sad but a beautiful story at the same time. That the book could give you some comfort is great. As you said it's what he would have wanted, he went his own way.

[megan]

I didn't find the story sad, Jo. Of course, it is awful to lose your Dad and most unfortunately we all have to sometime, but if my Dad were to die somewhere he loved and was happy, I would find that comforting too.

[Oonagh]

it wasnt that Jo's dad died in a nice play that I didnt know what to say!! That was sweet and i would like to die in my favourite place (the bed)!!! It was him being missing for the 11 days as i know it must have been awful. It s the worst feeling and no one can console you as people dunno what to say to you!!

[megan]

I take your point, Oonagh. I can scarcely imagine how difficult it must be to lose someone you love and not to know where they are.

[Oonagh]

sorry megan it was my fault in the first place i didnt explain my feelings in the first place.

[megan]

Thank you, Oonagh.

[charlene]

well I finished this last night and I enjoyed every minute a great read , like some one said you either love Cecila Ahern or not, I love her style of writing I have said before the escapeism and other places she takes us while reading, I love another english author who writes a bit like this is Deborah Wright and I love all her books.


I kind of guessed the end which I won't give away incase someone hasnt yet read the book.
Jo I can see how this book would of been a comfort to you.

[megan]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it, Charlie!

[filmbuff]

Cecelia Ahern is a modern day fairytale writer. The way she takes a simple scenario and makes it whimsical and magical is truly a gift. I am anticipating the next novel.

Filmbuff

[esme]

Must say i enjoyed A Place Called Here - moreso than PS, I Love You. Cecelia has a depth, that is unusual for someone so young and I find her style rather enchanting.

[Angie]

I have to say I didnt like it at all...ive only spotted this thread now.i read it last week...I got very confused at the start of it I wasnt sure what was going on at all... I dont think she wrote this book...its too different to her other books....I thought it a bit like Alice sebold...her books are dark & strange but compelling...i think she was trying to be like her???