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#TFBookClub is launched! Reading Rosanna Ley’s “The Little Theatre By The Sea” set in Sardinia and Dorset

10th March 2017

Thank you to everyone who has chosen to take part in our new venture – the #TFBookClub! This is your book club – we are here to help you discover new titles that will transport you to lush locations via top literature for some exceptional #literarywanderlust! (OK, we might join the chat a bit too).

This month we are reading Rosanna Ley’s ace new novel, published 9th March “The Little Theatre By The Sea”, set in Sardinia and Dorset.

the little theatre by the seaMeet new readers. Find new titles and above all have fun

We have a wonderful article on the setting behind fictional DERIU from Rosanna herself. CLICK HERE

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The Travel Agency NOT JUST TRAVEL share their thoughts on a holiday in Sardinia, click here

Marco Polo Guides have written a feature especially for us with Sardinia in mind. Find our more here Plus an ace giveaway!

 

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16105676_10155049684354258_1551609677463382002_nAnd VisitDorset have been inspired by all the writerly associations to craft a piece on literary Dorset plus the top attractions there. Just click here! And there are many brilliant walks in Dorset for you to consider. Brilliant scenery and healthy exercise.

So, lots to look forward to as we read this great novel! We will alert you to each piece as it appears…

As you read, come and chat and share your thoughts in several ways:

  • Here via the COMMENTS
  • On FACEBOOK where we have pinned #TFBookClub at the top of the page, link here
  • TWITTER using #TFBookClub
  • INSTAGRAM using #TFBookClub
  • PINTEREST – we have created the #TFBook Club Board. Contact us to add your photos
  • And at the end if you fancy leaving a review, you can do so on the TripFiction website by clicking here.

Let’s get social! And looking forward to meeting many of you along the way. Happy #literarywanderlust!

Read our final summary review here

Tina, Andrew and Tony for the TripFiction Team

Come and follow Team TripFiction on Twitter (@TripFiction), Facebook (@TripFiction.Literarywanderlust), YouTube (TripFiction #Literarywanderlust), Instagram (@TripFiction) and Pinterest (@TripFiction)

A big thank you to Hannah at Quercus Books and Alice at Midas PR for their ace support.

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Comments

  1. User: Christina Yard

    Posted on: 18/04/2017 at 12:42 pm

    Well….I have finally just reading this book and what started off as a good read, eventually turned very hard going , speaking personally. A lot of the time it just seemed to be going nowhere , and then suddenly the main part was in just one chapter ….then fell flat again. As interesting as Molly and Ade’s story was , I did not see the connection to the main plot ?! Sorry…..not my cup of tea this time .

    Comment

  2. User: Charl

    Posted on: 06/04/2017 at 9:24 am

    This book was an enjoyable and easy read. I particularly liked all the amazing descriptions of the food. I definitely want to go to Sardinia too! I’m not entirely sure why, but I didn’t warm to Faye as a character throughout the book – at times she even irritated me a bit. Overall a good read though, and perfect for reading on a sunny beach with some delicious food! Thanks for the recommendation and I’m really looking forward to the next one!!

    Comment

    2 Comments

    • User: JustRetiring

      Posted on: 08/04/2017 at 11:59 am

      Interesting indeed. I must admit to a certain ambivalence towards Faye, myself. But if I’m honest, some of that lack of absolute empathy might be down to the author’s writing style, as much as the fictional character.

      Glad @Charl enjoyed the book overall though. Sardinia definitely a huge attraction!

      Andrew for TF

      Comment

    • User: Bev

      Posted on: 08/04/2017 at 10:01 am

      Interesting post. It made me think about my feelings about Faye and I had a sense of frustration about her and her control over her own direction. Then being a Myers Briggs practitioner reflected upon us all being different and not to bring myself to her character.

      Comment

  3. User: Bookertalk

    Posted on: 03/04/2017 at 2:25 pm

    Sorry to say that I didnt warm to this book. I thought the writing style was uninspiring – it relied a lot on “telling” me what the characters thought rather than “showing” me through their actions. It just felt very laboured. I kept reading hoping it would get better but it didn’t so I stopped before the end.

    It hasn’t put me off visiting Sardinia though or revisiting Dorset.

    Comment

  4. User: Julie Ryan

    Posted on: 03/04/2017 at 5:53 am

    Really enjoyed this book and travelling vicariously to Sardinia. Lovely descriptions of both Sardinia and Dorset and now have a desire to visit both!

    Comment

  5. User: Lisa Hardy

    Posted on: 02/04/2017 at 10:38 pm

    I’m about half the way through now and I’m really enjoying it. It’s nice to take a break from crime novels and I’m finding this a really great read. It is making me hungry! For food and for Sardinina.
    I think it’s a well written book and really descriptive. It would make a great read for the beach, when you’re soaking up the sun.
    I love Faye and think I could be friends with her.
    It may take me a while to finish as I’m a slow reader but I’m hoping it continues to keep me hooked like it is doing now.

    Comment

  6. User: Deborah Small

    Posted on: 02/04/2017 at 6:13 pm

    Am about half way through. Initially quite enjoyed it but less so now. However,
    it’s not a book I would normally read, I prefer gritty crime/thrillers but it makes a change to read something lighter. Haven’t warmed to the style of writing and must admit have skipped a few chunks. Have a feeling I’ve guessed the plot twist but we’ll see. Sorry to say I won’t be reading this author again but that’s just my personal preference.

    Comment

    1 Comment

    • User: andrewmorris51

      Posted on: 02/04/2017 at 8:32 pm

      @Deborah – like you, The Little Theatre by the Sea isn’t a book I’d normally read. But isn’t that one of the positives of a book club, taking you out of your literary comfort zone and plonking you in a slightly awkward place?

      I struggled a little with the characters and plot too, but the obvious depth of research by Rosanna and strength of writing about location got me through to the final page.

      I hope you finish it….I’m not sure you will have guessed the plot twist!

      Andrew for TF

      Comment

  7. User: Harriet Steel

    Posted on: 30/03/2017 at 9:02 am

    Finished! I found this an enjoyable summer read. The parts set in Sardinia worked best for me. The descriptions of the crumbling charm of Deriu’s centro storico, the heat, scents, and, of course, the wonderful Mediterranean food mentioned by many other readers made me want to go there. I liked Faye who developed satisfyingly by the end of the story. I agree about the literary style though. It felt a bit flat at times and lacking a distinctive voice.

    Comment

  8. User: Bev

    Posted on: 26/03/2017 at 7:13 pm

    I finished reading this book this afternoon and don’t wish to spoil the story lines for those of you still reading. From a literary writing style it was not for me but my curiosity kept me going and it is an easy read. It has brought back memories of my Sardinian holiday about 5 years ago. We stayed in the NE but can’t remember the exact place. It was very windy and the football Euros were on. Sardinians, like Italians are keen on their football. I remember walking down to the village for supper and walking past homes with the footie on; whole families together. On the downhill walk we passed an ancient open air theatre with chairs stacked up by the side. It was still used!
    The one aspect I enjoyed about this book was the description of wonderful food and wine.
    If you live in the NE or visiting there is a Sardinian, family run restaurant, Panis on High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne.
    They sell Sardinian wines as well as food.
    I hope you enjoy the read an I look forward to reading any memories it restores as in me and your comments.

    Comment

    1 Comment

    • User: andrewmorris51

      Posted on: 26/03/2017 at 8:47 pm

      @Bev – thanks for your great post. I’ve finished reading the book now too, and couldn’t agree more. Rosanna’s research into Sardinia – and Dorset – shines through in the narrative description of these locations.

      We are all in Deriu with Faye, and we can taste the “sardo” specialities with her, and smell the food and flowers in the square.

      The locations in The Little Theatre by the Sea may be more powerful characters than the people….but isn’t that the essence of #literarywanderlust? I was certainly transported back to this magical island…..we went once a few years ago, including to Alghero where Faye takes her Dad, and would love to return after reading this evocative novel.

      Andrew for TF

      Comment

  9. User: tripfiction

    Posted on: 26/03/2017 at 3:16 pm

    I would very much like to hear what everyone thought of Alessandro! I struggled to warm to this dark and brooding character, who at one point is described as ‘an absolute poppet’! Does he ultimately deserve our wonderful heroine???? Tina for TF

    Comment

    1 Comment

    • User: Bev

      Posted on: 26/03/2017 at 7:06 pm

      Mmm, not sure I would trust him! I don’t want to give away the storyline as some people will still be reading. But honestly, would an Italian male behave like that? But he was very much attached to his momma, Sofia.

      Comment

  10. User: andrewmorris51

    Posted on: 24/03/2017 at 9:31 am

    Aha….that explains why I couldn’t find Deriu on the Sardinian map! Rosanna Ley describes how Bosa became Deriu, the heart of her novel and home for The Little Theatre by the Sea http://www.rosannaley.com/blog.php

    Andrew for TF

    Comment

  11. User: Christina Yard

    Posted on: 22/03/2017 at 6:38 pm

    Honoured to have been sent a copy of this wonderful book ! Am only a quarter way through as yet….but am enjoying it …I was grabbed from page one ….not all b ooks do that !! I am loving the characters and the intrigue behind the story ….more to follow as I carry on reading !! There is one line …thought by Ade …” I have become the man I always vowed never to be” …that SO resonates with myself …( woman though of course !! )

    Comment

    1 Comment

    • User: tripfiction

      Posted on: 26/03/2017 at 3:14 pm

      Hi Christina – hope you have continued to enjoy the storyline. I wonder if you enjoyed how it panned out…..?

      Comment

  12. User: andrewmorris51

    Posted on: 22/03/2017 at 5:19 pm

    @Sara Hill – so glad you’ve enjoyed the first #TFBookClub selection! Rosanna certainly brings the two main locales of Dorset & Sardinia to vivid life, doesn’t she?

    And like you, I enjoyed the parallel story of Faye’s parents, Molly & Ade. A nice juxtaposition between the different challenges of old and young, working and retiring.

    Thanks for recommending Rosanna’s “The Saffron Trail” too.

    Andrew for TF

    Comment

  13. User: Sara Hill

    Posted on: 22/03/2017 at 3:32 pm

    I have very much enjoyed reading “The Little Theatre by the Sea”. I particularly liked the descriptions of Sardinia and could almost feel the heat and taste the food and the wine.The descriptions of Dorset also captured its beauty. I felt the characters were quite vivid and I especially liked the portrayal of the locals who still lived so much in the past. I liked the added layer of Molly and Ade’s story and could actually identify with them on a personal level. I am looking forward to reading Rosanna’s previous books. “The Saffron Trail” is also an excellent read.

    Comment

  14. User: andrewmorris51

    Posted on: 22/03/2017 at 12:06 pm

    @Bookertalk – thanks for the feedback. I know what you mean, and I think it’s fair to say that the locales and plot are more engaging than the literary style.

    Hope you stick with it, though. There’s a nice plot twist…and we’d love to hear more from you about the book 🙂

    Andrew for TF

    Comment

    1 Comment

    • User: Bookertalk

      Posted on: 23/03/2017 at 4:30 pm

      i’ll read on a little more in that case, see what happens

      Comment

  15. User: Bookertalk

    Posted on: 22/03/2017 at 10:59 am

    I’m struggling with this book unfortunately. Enjoying the descriptions of Dorset in particular but I find the writing style less inspiring. Not sure I will finish reading it

    Comment

    1 Comment

    • User: Bev

      Posted on: 23/03/2017 at 10:32 pm

      I am with you on this but am I sticking with it only out of curiosity. I’ve been to Sardinia and it is bringing back memories. The description of the food and wine is marvellous. I quite like the two story lines and the relevance of the two stories intertwining.

      Comment

  16. User: Lisa Hardy

    Posted on: 21/03/2017 at 2:04 pm

    I received my book this week thank you. I love the cover. Just about to start reading it.

    Comment

  17. User: Bev

    Posted on: 21/03/2017 at 7:47 am

    I visited Sardinia a few years ago, most probably more than I remember but Faye, the designer, daughter and ? Lover describes it so well ‘stunningly beautiful,rugged and unspoilt’. Memories are flooding back.

    Comment

  18. User: andrewmorris51

    Posted on: 20/03/2017 at 4:32 pm

    @Moira – what a perfect, objective assessment of Faye, the main character. I suspect that is exactly how the author would describe her.

    If you get to Sardinia, you MUST try the porceddu sardo. Roast suckling pig, a real Sardinian speciality, as enjoyed a couple of times by characters in the book. Unless you’re a vegetarian, of course…

    Comment

  19. User: Moira

    Posted on: 20/03/2017 at 12:27 pm

    @Andrew TF, I haven’t been to Sardinia (yet)so loving reading about the beaches, history and of course the food.

    So far, I see Faye as a strong, independent woman who is at an exciting point in her life having finished her studies and been given a chance to start her new career in a somewhat enviable location; whilst at the same time being a bit vulnerable due to changes within her family. Looking forward to see how things progress, I’ll be picking up again after work today.

    Comment

  20. User: andrewmorris51

    Posted on: 20/03/2017 at 3:20 am

    @Moira – glad you’re enjoying the book! Have you been to Sardinia? What do you think of Faye as a character – independent feminist….or shallow and lovestruck??

    Andrew for TF

    Comment

  21. User: Moira

    Posted on: 19/03/2017 at 4:42 pm

    Thank you for my copy. 200 pages in and hooked, been a perfect way to escape this weekend. I’m back off to Sardinia now and feel a late night coming on

    Comment

  22. User: andrewmorris51

    Posted on: 19/03/2017 at 2:09 pm

    I’ve just read the final page of Rosanna Ley’s The Little Theatre by the Sea, #TFBookClub’s first read, and I’m ready to jump on a plane to Sardinia.

    Hope you’re all enjoying it?

    Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts, and also to seeing Rosanna’s own feature on the book and its lovely locations, Sardinia & Dorset.

    (Andrew for TF)

    Comment

  23. User: Harriet Steel

    Posted on: 16/03/2017 at 3:13 pm

    My hardback has just arrived and if the cover’s anything to go by, it will be a lovely sunny read. Just what’s needed in these days of Trump and Brexit!

    Comment

  24. User: andrewmorris51

    Posted on: 16/03/2017 at 6:43 am

    Couldn’t agree more, @bbwylam and TF Tina….aah, the food in Sardinia. Faye, Rosanna’s main character in this first book from #TFBookClub, goes to charming Alghero with her father. We had one of our most memorable meals ever here, in the centro storico. An obscene amount of excellent seafood for a few Euros. Go to Sardinia – and Alghero – if you haven’t already been! TF’s Andrew

    Comment

  25. User: tripfiction

    Posted on: 15/03/2017 at 2:23 pm

    One of the great things about this novel is indeed, as @BBWylam says, the food. I could dream about the food in the book… aragosta alla catalana, bottarga, porceddu (probably not my thing), the Cardinal’s Stick (read the book to find out what that is!), and yummy acciuleddi biscuits. It is the “deceptive simplicity of Sardinian recipes” that gets the taste buds really going…. (TF Tina)

    Comment

  26. User: Julie Ryan

    Posted on: 15/03/2017 at 11:09 am

    Delighted to have received my copy – many thanks.

    Comment

  27. User: tripfiction

    Posted on: 15/03/2017 at 10:32 am

    Don’t go to bed and read this feeling hungry…wonderful food and wine! #Sardinia via @bbywylam

    Comment