Mslexia

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We now commission our short story and poetry book reviews. If you would like to be considered as a reviewer, please send us a 200-word description of what you would like to review for us and why, plus a brief CV and a published or unpublished sample of your writing. The deadline for possible inclusion in issue 54 is 16 April. Read more »

Mslexia Book Club: the verdict

THE INVISIBLE ONES

by Stef Penney (Quercus, £18.99)

The book. Ray Lovell, a private detective, searches for Rose Janko, who disappeared seven years earlier. She is a non-gypsy married to Ivo, a gypsy. The search uncovers not only details of gypsy life but a deep secret even held from close family.

We loved… the inner thinking of the main characters and found their narrative voices convincing. The interleaving of the voices of teenager JJ and Ray, the private detective, gave the story additional depth. We found Ray to be likeable because of his sensitivity to others. And the portrayal of the landscape was graphic and well received by all of us. The narrative on the whole held our interest and stimulated a need to read on and the mild touches of humour were appreciated, such as a description of boys in a family photograph. We also appreciated the glossary, explaining specific gypsy expressions.

We hated… that the interweaving of characters, their relationships and events could be confusing. We would have valued a family tree. Some members felt the ending was condensed and contrasted too much with the preceding narrative. Some thought certain elements of the story far-fetched.

We disagreed… about the twist at the end. For some of us it was unconvincing, while others found it valid. In discussion we attempted to clarify confused perceptions, but failed to arrive at a consensus – though we all concluded it was a good read.

REVIEWED BY: Jess, Kim, Ailsa, Alison, Jenny, Sally, Cathy, Hannah and Madeleine, who form the Nenthead Book Group, near Alston, Cumbria. We meet in one another’s homes once a month and enjoy the opportunity to relax and focus our minds. We may have different viewpoints but each is respected and often enlightening.

This article is taken from the current issue of Mslexia. If you'd be interested in your reading group test-driving a book for the Mslexia Book Group feature please Contact Us. To read the book reviews in full subscribe now.