It is January 2017.
E.G. Rawlings, a noted foreign correspondent forced into retirement after a serious injury in the field, arrives by boat at a vacant mooring on the Thames.
To his surprise, he finds it is owned by an old friend from Afghanistan, Isobel Mallinson, the widow of a British diplomat. On learning that Rawlings is now writing an account of his war experiences, Isobel allows him to use her mooring for the year he needs to finish his memoir.
During the months that follow, Rawlings, suffering from PTSD and in terrible emotional and physical pain, gains solace in the peaceful life of the river and the community he finds there. Although a loner by nature, he becomes particularly close to Marnie, a middle-aged art teacher with a fragile heart who lives near him in the boathouse. He begins to tell Marnie his story, explaining the
unexpected events that have resulted in what he calls ‘turning points’ in his life, taking him in surprising and new directions. Little does the jaded reporter realise that another turning point is just around the corner that will not only profoundly affect his life, but also the lives of all those around him.
- 5
The Strange Year of E.G. Rawlings by Jane McCulloch
£11.99
Description
It is January 2017.
E.G. Rawlings, a noted foreign correspondent forced into retirement after a serious injury in the field, arrives by boat at a vacant mooring on the Thames.
To his surprise, he finds it is owned by an old friend from Afghanistan, Isobel Mallinson, the widow of a British diplomat. On learning that Rawlings is now writing an account of his war experiences, Isobel allows him to use her mooring for the year he needs to finish his memoir.
During the months that follow, Rawlings, suffering from PTSD and in terrible emotional and physical pain, gains solace in the peaceful life of the river and the community he finds there. Although a loner by nature, he becomes particularly close to Marnie, a middle-aged art teacher with a fragile heart who lives near him in the boathouse. He begins to tell Marnie his story, explaining the
unexpected events that have resulted in what he calls ‘turning points’ in his life, taking him in surprising and new directions. Little does the jaded reporter realise that another turning point is just around the corner that will not only profoundly affect his life, but also the lives of all those around him.
Additional information
| Weight | 0.480 kg |
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Users Rating (12)
- feature5
Brilliant!
This has to be one if the best books I have read in my whole life, talk about a page turner. I even took it to work to read on my breaks. Absolutely banging!!!! Took all of a week. If you want something good to fill in your down time, get it !!! A very good friend gave this to me and I feel that is insufficient. A Remarkable Read.
Just a terrific story on all fronts; intriguing characters, wonderful settings, perfect pacing, and a plot that knows what it is about. I am very much looking forward to rumored sequel.
This book is a wonderful read. The characters are intriguing and engaging. The story develops nicely, with surprises all along the way. I felt like I had pulled up a chair in the garden and was treated to a richly nuanced view of a set of very different, but sympathetic characters coping with situations not entirely in their control. Very satisfyingl. It would make a terrific film, and yes, we should all be wishing for a sequel. Not to mention the set turned into a perfect B&B!
What compelling and contemporary storytelling! I felt myself in the middle of the action, but never sure what was coming next. There were surprises around every corner, yet the story was satisfying throughout, an affirmation of modern life and resilience. Great characters. A very good read. I hope there is a sequel soon.
Loved everything about this book. The characters & setting were beautifully & sensitively drawn & the plot developed in a fascinating way holding me spellbound. Please bring out the sequel asap.
This is one of those rare books that you cannot put down until you have finished it. I read it straight through from beginning to end in one day. The characters are so well-drawn that you feel they are old friends by the end of the book. The result is that you cannot wait to read the sequel and find out what their future holds. I have recommended it to many friends as a compelling read.
Not surprisingly, because of his emotional and physical pain, E.G. Rawlings is definitely flawed . He could never have imagined the life affirming healing power and kindness of those he meets on his return to the UK. The endearing cast of characters is beautifully and visually described during E.G’s “strange year”, his life will never be the same again. I can’t wait to read Jane’s continuing story.
Jane Mcculloch is a rare writer who combines major international and political issues in her current novel, whilst exploring the aftermath of exposure to many of these tragedies seen through the eyes of the protagonist, E.G. Rawlings. Always an insightful writer , Jane interweaves the human stories of the characters, giving them depth, and compassion, whilst taking the reader on a journey with unexpected twists rather operatic in style. Each character stays firmly in ones memory, and leaves this reader curious to read a sequel ! Thoughtful, and very memorable..
Jane mcCulloch is proving to be a rare writer today, ably combining recent international and political issues with deeply etched personal values, and a gift for interweaving complex characters’ lives . This book takes one on several journeys, unexpected twists and turns and ever more involved, which makes one keen to read the next novel ! The characters remained with me ever since turning the last pages, leaving unanswered questions ! A very memorable read,beautifully written , almost in a musical format.
Jane McCulloch is a brilliant story-teller and it was quite a shock to find out at the end of this gripping tale that we have to wait until 2020 to learn more of EG, Felix and the rest. Jane’s characters are drawn so vividly and memorably.
Just to say how much I enjoyed this book. Beautifully written and shaped the characters grow in interest as the tale proceeds and by the last few pages I cared so much to learn what Mr Rawling’s next year might bring. Gripping stuff.