Unsettled Ground

This is deliciously disturbing and extremely unputdownable reading! <br /><br />You are just drawn into the pages! The incredibly well constructed characters, embellished, detailed descriptions of the nature, those lyrical folk songs brush your ears, soothe your soul and the poverty, harsh life conditions, demanding challenges the siblings endure make you enjoy your reading more at each chapter! <br /><br /> Julius and Jeanie are twins in their 51s, living a secluded life with their mother Dot in their own terms with less comfort, little money in their life, growing their own vegetables, selling them to an upscale deli. <br /><br />Julius works at odd jobs for quick cash. Their mother saved their money in a tin box. Even though Jeanie cannot properly read and write, she’s happy to play her own music via her guitar as Julius plays the fiddle. They seem like outcasts, marginals but they’re pleased with their peaceful independence till one night their mother collapses on the floor, dying from a stroke. <br /><br />They cannot imagine how their mother was the only bond hold them together and when she is gone, her entire secrets slowly reveal and turn their peaceful, estranged lives into hell! <br /><br /> They always think they are living rent free but they don’t. The cold and bitter Mrs. Rawson doesn’t waste any time to knock on their door and tell them their mother owes her debt for rent and if they want to continue living in the cottage they have to pay rent including the amount their mother forgot to pay because of her illness. And unfortunately the Rawsons are not only people she owed money! <br /><br /> The people around them act like jackals hunt their preys to take advantage of their weaknesses which makes you furious. You easily pity on twins and interestingly you easily understand their peculiar, weird natures, the different lifestyle they chose for themselves. <br /><br /> They don’t have enough money for turning on electricity, eating proper food, burying their mother!!! Jeannie should find a job but how ? She has no qualities: she doesn’t have proper educational skills! She cannot turn on the computer for searching for jobs! She cannot even type anything! And of course her brother has issues to find his handyman jobs. <br /><br /> Now twins test their boundaries and their closeness because as Jeannie wants to live her isolated and peaceful life in their cottage with their lovely dog Maude and her brother, Julius wants to socialize, connecting with outside world, dragging into his own romance story! <br /> <br />Such a fantastic novel about dysfunctional families, bonds, secrets, siblings, opportunist neighbors, poverty, grief, struggling life conditions. <br /><br /> One of the greatest reading experiences of mine which earned five big, bold, musical, lyrical, perfectly crafted stars! <br /><br />Special thanks to NetGalley and Tin House for making my wish come true by providing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

<br />This book left me unsettled. It’s a sad, depressing story and the attempt to provide a tinge of hope at the end didn’t quite lift me and I couldn’t help but think - if only. “The different lives they might have lived are too enormous to comprehend.” I thought the same as Jeanie who thinks this when all her mother’s secrets are divulged. But then we wouldn’t have this beautifully written, albeit somewhat dark story. It’s a difficult book to read, and even though at times I wanted to put it down for a bit, I was compelled to keep reading to see what happens to Jeanie and Julius. They are 51 year old twins who live a rather secluded life with their mother in rural England, in a sparse cottage in need of repair. There is an “arrangement “ with the owner and they never have to pay rent and they make ends meet by selling the vegetables they grow in the garden and by Julius’ odd jobs. There’s music, the garden, their love of each other, and a quiet sparse life. When Dot dies suddenly at the very beginning of the novel, things get very bleak as they have to fend for themselves, as things they didn’t know about their mother come to the surface and their lives change in unimaginable ways.<br /><br />I’m finding it difficult to say more without giving things away, so I’ll just say that this is a thought provoking story and that I was deeply touched by these characters, in particular Jeanie, who somehow rose to the occasion to do what she needed to do to survive, a surprise given what has happened in her life. I highly recommend it, but if you’re looking for an uplifting story, this may not be it. <br /><br /><br />I read this with Diane and Esil as our monthly read together and we’re more than literally on the same page about this one.<br /><br />I received an advanced copy of this book from Tin House through NetGalley.

I've got that bubbly, happy feeling that happens when I find a fantastic new-to-me author! <br /><br />Claire Fuller is a genius with words and the character Jeanie from this book is one of the truest, realest POVs I've read. <br /><br />????????? ?????? tells the story of 51 year old twins Jeanie and Julius, who live in an old cottage in the country with their mother. <br />They're dirt poor and removed from society but when their mom dies they must learn to adapt and fend for themselves. <br /><br />It's very character driven and atmospheric. <br />The plot moves at a kinda slow pace but it's an amazing story. Sometimes inspiring and sometimes upsetting. 4.5⭐<br /><br />?????? ?? ????????? ??? ???????? ???, ??? ????? ??? ????, ???? ?????? ? ???? ?? ????? ?? ??? : ? ???? ?? ???????? ?????? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? ??????. <br /><br />?? ?????? ?? ??? ????????? ??? ?? ????????? ??? ??? ????? ????. <br />??????? ???? ??? 18

“The music flows out of the windows one wavering note at a time, achingly sweet, a pear drop caught in her throat”. <br /><br />Claire Fuller....magnum opus ......from the UK....just can’t write a bad book.<br />I loved her past three books:<br />“Our Endless Days”<br />“Swimming Lessons”<br />“Bitter Orange”....<br />AND now.....<br />“Unsettled Ground”<br /><br />In “Unsettled Ground”, .....with a landscape that speaks to readers ....<br />Claire Fuller unearths the soil on which an old cottage barely stands. We feel - visualize- smell - every ounce of nature’s beauty....<br />which transcends time and geographic location.<br /><br />Effortlessly Claire strings us along with her gorgeous prose, describing vital details while infusing emotion into her words. <br /><br />A terrific novel with two memorable characters: Twins - 51 year olds - Jeanie and Julius...who lived with their mother, Dot, until she dies early in this story. <br />Along with the supporting characters - some good - some bad - add much depth—<br /> Claire has a great understanding of all her characters—- and through them, one of the great treasures is the wisdom we experience through them — throughout this novel.<br /><br />It’s way too tempting to share the plot...but I went in completely blind...and cherished every word...every thought...every emotion....<br />So....<br />I’m holding back saying too much....<br />but....<br />I highly recommend this book to all readers who appreciate primordial power and simplicity....and engrossing literary storytelling. <br /><br />This is what you need to know....<br />It’s filled with fine writing...[in the rural isolation in the English countryside...<br />It has flair, style, beauty, poverty, drama-to-small mystery, secrets, sibling closeness and strife, neighbors, friends, questionable friends, struggles, heartbreak, success.....<br /> Unknown motives, deceit, loyalty, desires, exploitation, guilt, morals, ....and a little craziness. <br /><br />The tension never stops moving forward....<br /><br />Absolutely wonderful!

Outlier opinion: 2 very disappointed (and generous) stars <br /><br />51 year old twins, Jeannie and Julius, uneducated and living their entire lives with their mother in nothing more than a shack, eke out a meager living with their vegetable garden, chickens, and the occasional odd job. <br /><br />Their lives are turned upside down when their mother unexpectedly dies. Eventually secrets are revealed, and events happen which changes their lives forever. <br /><br />I ask myself after I’ve read a book if the author’s purpose was achieved. In this case I honestly can’t discern a purpose. <br /><br />The writing was nothing special, the characters, both good and evil, were comical caricatures, and pages and pages were written of the mundane minutiae of their daily lives. There was not enough of a plot to drive the story forward. <br /><br />Every decision Jeannie and Julius make are bad ones. (<i> Like mine in continuing to read a book I’m not enjoying</i>)<br /><br />The relationships in the book were so unrealistic and laughable it made my eyes roll. The friendships and the love affair were so unlikely and laughable that they couldn’t be taken seriously. I guessed very early on what the big “secrets” were and I was correct. <br /><br />I typically enjoy character-driven stories, even when they are bleak, but in this case the only character I enjoyed was Maude, the dog.<br /><br />I requested this because it’s on the 2021 Women’s Prize shortlist. I’ve read and enjoyed several others, namely Transcendent Kingdom and The Vanishing Half, but this was a complete miss. <br /><br />Very disappointing buddy read for Marialyce and me. Many readers loved it, so do read their reviews for a different perspective.<br /><br />* I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

When fifty one year old twins Jeanie and Julius Seeder’s mother Dot collapses and dies of a stroke they could not have envisaged how their lives would change so dramatically and how many secrets her passing would unlock. <br /><br />I absolutely love the way that Claire Fuller writes. She has a wonderful gift with words and her beautifully rich descriptions can make even the mundane spring to life before you. Her characters are so well developed and you watch in fascination as the twins relationship changes as do their interactions with others as their lives spiral downwards. I love Julius name - a little stroke of genius especially as his story unfolds. This is a tale that contains harshness especially surviving poverty, being further kicked when you are down with some characters encircling the pair like ravenous wolves which makes you feel anger on their behalf. Life sometimes just isn’t fair. Dot’s secrets emerge a piece at a time, the story slowly builds and builds and there are several obstacles along the journey to a more optimistic end. There are some touches of dark humour, on occasions it’s creepy and disturbing and at others it’s intriguing as you try to solve the puzzles Dot leaves behind. I love the musical elements especially the folk songs and Maude the dog is fantastic! <br /><br />Overall, once again the author enthrals with the power of her storytelling and the excellent quality of her writing in this character driven tale. I loved it. <br /><br />With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin/Fig Tree for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.

<b>Why I chose to read this book:</b><br />1. my GR friend, Jodi, wrote a rave review about this story which piqued my interest; and,<br />2. March 2023 is my "Realistic Fiction" Month.<br /><br /><b>Praises:</b><br />1. fifty-one-year-old twins, Julius and Jeanie Seeder live with their mother who suddenly dies, leaving them with a whole lot of serious issues to contend with. Author <a href="https://goodreads.com/author/show/2852315.Claire_Fuller" title="Claire Fuller" rel="noopener">Claire Fuller</a> teased me with many questions regarding these people, for example: <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="17c4e2c7-966b-4dcc-bd23-672b96529a6d" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="17c4e2c7-966b-4dcc-bd23-672b96529a6d"><br />- Why are these two still single and living with their mother?<br />- As 13-year-olds, what did they witness when their father was "murdered"?<br />- What's up with the secretive behavior from neighbors and acquaintances?<br />- What's really the case with Jeanie's rheumatic heart disease?<br />- Why does Julius get sick in vehicles?<br />- Why do they suddenly have money problems?</label><br />Slowly but surely, Fuller answered them all satisfactorily;<br />2. an intriguing set of characters, most were unlikeable, especially regarding their selfish, secretive, and/or confusing behavior, but all were believable (which I prefer!);<br />3. I really empathized with the homelessness aspect portrayed in this story; and,<br />4. I learned a new word!<br /> <b>murmuration</b>: <i>huge groups of starlings that twist, turn, swoop and swirl across the sky in beautiful shape-shifting clouds</i> (I highly recommend checking out the stunning "Images" on Google!)<br /><br /><b>Niggle:</b><br />Initially, I had difficulty with the cottage's setting, trying very hard to picture it as a contemporary setting rather than historical fiction. Thankfully, I got passed that image.<br /><br /><b>Overall Thoughts:</b><br />Interesting characters with a slow-moving plot! If you're looking for an action-packed story with all your questions answered within the first 20 pages, this isn't for you. I do recommend it for readers who enjoy character-driven novels.

I read an interview by this author and in it she says, she just can't write happy books. So...if you are looking for a happy little book, with a happy story, this is not that book. If, however, you want a book with two terrifically rendered characters with an unusual back story, coupled with some wonderful writing, then this is that book.<br /><br />Jeanie and Julius are 51, kept my various means, at home with their mother. When their mother died, they are alone, with very few resources, few to come to their aid and extremely short of money. Fortunately for them they have a few people who did rise up and try to help. There are secrets in their lives which are slowly uncovered as the story progresses. A story about poverty but also about secrets and selfishness and how they harm, causing untold damage to lives that were put on hold. Also about unexpected strength, of finding oneself even in the most dire conditions. <br /><br />I finished this book shaking my head, filled with regret for two lives that could have been so different. <br />As I said, not a happy story but one that I believe will stick. These characters, their lives, what they go through are hard to forget.<br /><br />My monthly read with Angela and Esil and we all pretty much felt the same. I so enjoy our reads, bouncing thoughts off each other.<br /><br />ARC from Edelweiss.

Wow, I loved this one!! It is definitely a more depressing, melancholy read but it is also very thought provoking and beautiful. I love how the characters are well detailed and portrayed throughout the book. Jeanie and Maude are my favorites! I love Jeanie's strength and determination and how she’s able to adapt through the book even when it’s so hard for her. This was a fantastic book! Highly recommend!! <br /><br />Thank you Net Galley, Claire Fuller, and Tin House for the ARC in return for my honest review.

Well, this was bleak.. but it was good!<br />Twins Julius and Jeanie are 51 yrs old and have never had any independence. They live with their mother, Dot in isolation and poverty in a falling apart cottage on a landowner’s land who their father used to work for.<br />Father had passed forty years ago, and Dot dies in the beginning of the story.<br />They have their garden, their music ..they play instruments and sing, but they had been totally sheltered by Dot and now on their own with limited devices and knowledge they fall into complete despair.<br />Not a happy story... mostly a story of secrets and survival.<br /><br />Thank you to Netgalley and W. W. Norton &amp; Company for the ARC!