I finally finished The Far Cry by Emma Smith even though I was tempted to give up on it at first, but I kept at it in part because it was one of my From The Stacks challenge books. I didn’t want to put it back on the stacks.
Another reason I was so adamant about reading it was because I had bought it at the Persephone Bookshop when I went to England to visit my best friend, Christine, several years ago. We had such a great time at Persephone Books and I guess in some way I had been saving the books I bought thinking that when I read them they’d take me back to another time, somehow capturing the magic of a fun vacation. Certainly the book wouldn’t be a disappointment right? Talk about piling up a lot of expectations on a book!
The Far Cry is the story of 12-year-old Teresa who is being whisked off to India by her father. Mr. Digby hopes to keep Teresa away from her mother by finding refuge with his oldest daughter who lives on a tea farm in India. Teresa doesn’t want to go, Ruth doesn’t want her father and sister there, and all too soon the cracks in everyone’s relationships start to widen and pull each one into separate directions.
My problem at first was that I didn’t care for any of the characters, but slowly Teresa started to win me over. Unlike the other characters, Teresa doesn’t complain about the new country. Instead she is awed by it. It’s quite a treat to see her discovering a country filled with possibilities rather than to focus on the negatives.
The pipes followed, playing madly. India, thought Teresa, this is India! This upside-down inside-out lunatic night is India! Anything may happen, at any moment. I want it, I’m ready: let anything happen.
Wow, can’t you just feel the excitement? As Teresa starts to revel in the experiences of being in another country I couldn’t help but feel a connection to her. I guess her awakening to a new life resonated so much with me because I love to travel and have sometimes found myself in a new city thinking I belong here.
In the end the book totally won me over. Thank you Persephone Books for bringing back forgotten classics.
I forgot about Persophene books!! I used to get their catalog. The book you read sounds really great. I love books set in India. I will be re-ordering their catalog…..I am doing the TBR challenge too!!! It is good to get some stuff out of the stacks. Did my first three, and am now taking a break and reading Water for Elephants. Have you read that?
I am about to review another book, which the characters are awful, but the writing is wonderful.
Books are sometimes like real life; there are people that you really don’t like but they are alive for some reason, besides making you miserable.
It is always a deeply pleasurable experience to stick with a book and have it turn out to be a marvelous experience in the end.
I’ve come to appreciate Persophene books too — I should read more!
I really need to order a few of their books–I have heard good things about them. It’s funny how some books will grow on you–you just need to stick with them.
I remember our adventure in finding that little book shop! It had its own hidden little corner! They do make some beautiful little books and I really should order some to add to my stack. I agree with Carl – it is a good feeling to get through that book that at first is a struggle but in the end very satisfying.
I know what you mean about falling in love with a place and feeling as though you are meant to be there. For me, that place has always been Italy. (and I must admit I have quite the connection to NYC)
Wow, going from not liking the characters at all – to enjoying the book in the end… Sometimes it does pay-off to stick it out. I usually don’t have the patience.
How did I not know about Persephone books?!?! Devastated!!
This sounds like such a nice book. I may have to give it a go sometime.
Laura – I need to stop by and see what books are on your list. I haven’t read Water for Elephants. How are you enjoying it? I’ve heard some mixed reviews on it but it sounds interesting.
Isabel – Oh I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been reading.
Carl V. – I know and I’m kind of bad about that. If a book isn’t grabbing me I typically let it go until another time.
Dorothy – I’ve read 3 Persephone Books and none have disappointed. I still have 2 others on the stacks too 🙂
Danielle – I think you’d enjoy these books a lot. One that seems to be an all time favorite is Miss Petigrew Lives for a Day. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.
Christine – I just remember thinking “we’ll never find it”. It was so out of the way and unassuming but what a treasure.
ScifiChick – I usually don’t have the patience either but luckily I stuck with the book this time.
Claire – Girl, where have you been?! 🙂 I think Christine told me she had even found some used copies in a shop in Bristol once. You’ll have to ask her and go at once!
I am with Claire. Oh, dear!
LK – Have fun discovering Persephone 🙂
I’m out of the loop, too. Guess I better see what Persephone books is all about. Funniest thing – I have a student named Persephone. I’m glad you’re stick-to-itness paid off with this book.
Booklogged – I hope you like them. Over on a reading forum a lot of people comment about Persephone books and I’ve never heard anyone say they didn’t enjoy a Persephone book. Some are more popular than others of course but it seems like they have tons of good reads.