The Making of Us: A gripping family drama from the bestselling author
£3.80
The gripping novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Then She Was Gone and The Family Upstairs.
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Lydia, Robyn and Dean don’t know each other – yet.
They live very different lives but each of them, independently, has always felt that something is missing.
What they don’t know is that a letter is about to arrive that will turn their lives upside down.
It is a letter containing a secret – one that will bind them together, and show them what love and family and friendship really mean…
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Reader’s can’t get enough of The Making Of Us . . .
***** ‘Really gripping. Couldn’t put it down.’
***** ‘Truly a great read for just about everyone.’
***** ‘Lisa Jewell is becoming one of my favourites. This is the third book of hers that I absolutely loved.’
***** ‘I loved the characters and the way the author unravel their stories.’
***** ‘I loved this book from the beginning.’
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Additional information
| Publisher | Cornerstone Digital (12 May 2011) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 9086 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 400 pages |
by jojopillo
The making of us was a shift away from what I have come to expect from Lisa, but her writing style, once again, is unmistakeable. I didn’t really know what to expect from reading the back cover but dived into it wholeheartedly nonetheless.
The main characters in the book are Lydia, Dean, Robyn, Maggie and Daniel; all intrinsically linked, and yet almost drifting through life with that niggling feeling that something is missing. The chapters aren’t numbered; they’re titled with the name of the person they are about. This makes for a slightly slow start as you get to know each character in-depth. I can fully understand why Lisa has taken this approach, though; because, seeing as none of the characters know each other, it’s the only real way to get an insight into their world and mindset. If she had jumped from one story to another within chapters, it would have been far too staccato to become involved the way I did.
The book starts in 1979 with Glenys, Lydia’s mother. It briefly sets the scene for what will take place in the present day. The first main character we meet is Lydia, in 1998. She’s eighteen years old, and aside from her faithful dog, she feels like a misfit. The main story starts with Lydia again; this time in 2009. Having already met the eighteen year-old Lydia, we already know her much better than anyone else in her life in the present day. I think this was the masterstroke, and one which made me feel closer to her than any of the other characters.
Dean is a young man who, like the others, is just drifting aimlessly along in his life. A series of events that befall him lead him to retire even further into the shell that he has built around himself. A chance meeting one drunken night leads him to do something that he would never have normally done, and from that moment things start to change.
Robyn has it all, lovely parents, a great future ahead of her and a good circle of friends. Life couldn’t be better really, or could it? Although she doesn’t know it yet, there is one thing in life she has always dreamt of having, one thing that she never thought she’d get. The thought of it frightens and excites her all at the same time.
Maggie, at 53 years old, never thought she’d find love again. The man she’d been seeing for a while now was strangely reticent, but she enjoyed his company so much that she never really pushed the boundaries. But now, now it seemed she would never get to feel his skin against hers. Daniel was now in a hospice, and things were looking very bleak. He’d originally only complained of a sore back, but in the end no amount of painkillers would let him lead a normal life. He felt it all slipping away from him. He knew he must tell someone, and that someone was Maggie. And Maggie knew that whatever he asked her to do, that she would do it. So, when Daniel finally opened up to her, she was determined to help; determined to make sure it wasn’t too late.
Out of the five main characters, the two that stood out the most to me were Lydia and Dean. I wanted to hug both of them. I took them into my heart and I didn’t want to let go. They became very special to me.
The story, as a whole, is fascinating. It opens up a world that many of us will never have experienced. Although the loss, determination, fear and love that we encounter along the way is something we can all relate to.
Lisa’s writing is so descriptive. Her talent, to me, stems from the way in which she can richly describe something in a minimal amount of words. It’s like every word has to earn its right to be on the page, and she makes each and every one earn that right. It’s such a joy to read her work. It’s akin to eating the finest dessert; each mouthful a wonderful array of synapse-tingling joy.
I take my hat off to her once again for a marvellous journey. The only downside is that she made those characters so lifelike, I now really miss them. A beautiful tale, and a pleasure to be part of their lives and witness the moments that none of them will ever forget.
by K Y NEWELL
Arrived promptly. very good condition
by Minty
This was a message st enjoyable read. Could not put it down, brilliant. Well done Lisa Jewell
by primrose
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Really sucks you in. Well researched. Read it!
by Mrs A Williams
I really like Lisa Jewell anyway but I particularly loved this book. The story was really different and the characters were really believable. I couldn’t wait to get to bed each night to read it and I wish there was a sequel to see how the characters moved on.
by Neenaj
An aspect or several about what it means for a man to donate sperm for women who are not able to get pregnant with a regular partner, for whatever reason; this story gives several possible reasons, and proposes several difficulties which could ensue. Nevertheless, Jewell makes magic with the ideas and her characters have life and realism. Very interesting.
by BCB & More
Wow, what can I say? This was an absolutely brilliant book and not what I expected at all. This is a totally original story, with wonderful characters and as usual first class writing. Lisa Jewell is showing the world what she is made of that’s for sure!
When I received the book I was looking forward to reading it and the cover with it’s bright turquoise colours looked as usual very appealing. Lydia, Robyn and Dean are the glue that holds this story together along with their anonymous sperm donor father Daniel.
We are introduced to each of the characters in turn and learn their current situation as well as a little of each of their pasts. The story was unhurried but not slow, it gives the reader time to get a real feel for each of these people and how their lives have been affected by being the result of a sperm donor as a father.
The character Lydia was the first we meet and as we see her wealth and personal success we also see the downside to her life and the way in which she deals with the problems she faces. Lydia seems to be the catalyst for the others joining in the story and slowly we meet young Robyn who seems to have it all but knows there is something missing. Lastly we meet Dean whose life seems to be one big train wreck, and although he isn’t making smart choices I loved his character.
By the time you are over halfway through the book you are rooting for all of them involved as you feel like you are taking the journey that links their pasts with them. I read this book in a day and a half and though it was absolutely brilliant.
It isn’t your typical `chick lit’ story but Lisa Jewell’s brilliant writing style shines through as ever and she has an edge of humour even amongst the sadness. This certainly wasn’t what I expected but I have to say it equated to so much more in my eyes. Lisa Jewell has produced a very touching story with loveable characters and has introduced an original storyline to boot.
Even though this may not seem like her sort of book, trust me it’s even better and well worth picking up to read, highly recommended!!!
by DD
Absolutely great read, couldn’t put it down. Fab author, can’t wait to read more.