CONSTANCE

This is the first Rosie Thomas book I have read and I loved it once I got into it. That, for me, is the only criticism. Since finishing `Constance', I have started reading `Iris and Ruby' and was hooked after the first few pages. Reading `Constance', it took almost 60 pages to achieve the same effect.After the prologue, which sets the scene for the story that follows - of a foundling, and how she finally comes to terms with her unconventional start in life - the scene switches to Bali where Connie has made her home. It is here that I felt the story dragged. There is much detail about filming a commercial for which Connie has written the music and, while this serves to introduce certain characters who play a minor role later in the book, there are several who never feature again. I found it not all that interesting and too drawn out.But once the story switches to Connie's life in her adoptive family, I became intrigued about what would follow and how she progressed from abandoned baby to successful career woman. It seems as if the only person in the family who loves her is Tony, her adoptive father, and when he dies she is lost. Later, when Connie falls in love it is with a man who is not free to be hers. It is no wonder she is restless, with no real sense of her identity.Her relationship with her deaf sister, Jeanette, is portrayed sensitively and realistically - the tensions that vibrate between the two are almost tangible. Events build to a point where they do not communicate. When Connie hears that Jeanette is dying of cancer, she rushes back from Bali to be at her side - to say more would reveal details that would spoil the story, which is told as a series of flashbacks interwoven with the present, and from several viewpoints. This works well and helps add to the anticipation.It's not the best book I've read recently, but it is a satisfying well-written story if you like to read about relationships and how they affect the people involved. It would be perfect to take on holiday, as it's an easy read and long enough to retain the interest.

This book was a slow starter and the opening chapters dragged a little. However it was well written and the main characters were interesting. Rosie Thomas deals with 'sensitive' relationships very well and it was an intriguing read - not too 'heavy' and captivating enough to want to know how it all ended!

An easy read, the storyline is well written, strong not too complex. The Rosie Thomas style brings the characters to life, you will then become engrossed in who they are and their progress..... I did quickly realise where it would all end...It's not the ending but the journey through the lives of the characters which is fascinating!

I like her style of writing and the subjects, always interestking and well researched. not so keen on the jumpimg about with the characters in the stories, sometimes i have to remind myself who they are when I'm new into the book

Not one of the best I've ever written but a good read all the same. Enough twists to keep interest, but also a bit mundane at times. Not always believable, but like I said, a good enough (holiday) read

I am enjoying this book currently. I look forward to picking up when I have a spare minute. It is not fast moving being a typical Rosie Thomas book but never the less is enjoyable

I was disappointed in this book. I didn't care about any of the characters except perhaps for Roxana. I have read many of Rosie Thomas's books and really enjoyed them all until this one. I managed to read to the end of Constance as the writing as usual is so good. However I can't recommend this as being in the same league as The Kashmir Shawl or White or any of her others.

Constance held my imagination throughout the whole book ,the research acheived by Rosie Thomas is educational as well as entertaining and I will be asking the local book reading club if this novel should be on the list for future reading and discussion ,the story has every thing to enjoy .also in my opinion it would make a brilliant film .