Cinco quartos de laranja (2001 original; edició 2001)

A very enjoyable book by the author of Chocolate. This book explores the complex arena of family relationships. So many times we think we know why people are like they are and yet the back story is much deeper. ( )

A captivating story, not because it's pleasant but because of the psychological truth of it and the writing approach which consistently teases the reader with hints of the dark truth. It is also a sociological look at the conflicts and stresses of living in an occupied country (France during WWII). ( )

By the author of Chocolat, this book is probably better written and has more depth. On the down side, it's pretty dark and it's difficult to be sympathetic to the cold characters. Still, the book mesmerized me even though it was troubling. ( )

I would say I appreciated this book more than enjoyed it. It was too dark to be enjoyable but it is a gem of a story, unfolding slowly, layer by layer, to reveal itself. ( )

I read this a long time ago, and it feels unfair to give it a star rating because I remember so little of it apart from the atmosphere.

I liked the characterisation -- that's a big reason for me reading Joanne Harris' books in the first place. I read it when I was a young adult and I much preferred Chocolat but I still think it's really cool that I was able to read and enjoy this book at 14 or 15.

Joanne Harris' books deal a lot with memory and emotion and how certain characters' legacies and emotions influence other people, and I think this book is no different. She had quite a complex and layered story. I would have to read it again to immerse myself in the story (and I would like to) but I remember liking this book and thinking it was a solid read. ( )