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Debbie W.'s Reviews > Unsettled Ground

Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller
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really liked it
bookshelves: 2023-reads, literature-united-kingdom-ireland, realistic-fiction, gorgeous-cover

Why I chose to read this book:
1. my GR friend, Jodi, wrote a rave review about this story which piqued my interest; and,
2. March 2023 is my "Realistic Fiction" Month.

Praises:
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 Claire Fuller teased me with many questions regarding these people, for example: (view spoiler)
Slowly but surely, Fuller answered them all satisfactorily;
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!);
3. I really empathized with the homelessness aspect portrayed in this story; and,
4. I learned a new word!
murmuration: huge groups of starlings that twist, turn, swoop and swirl across the sky in beautiful shape-shifting clouds (I highly recommend checking out the stunning "Images" on Google!)

Niggle:
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.

Overall Thoughts:
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.
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Reading Progress

December 5, 2021 – Shelved
December 5, 2021 – Shelved as: to-read
March 11, 2023 – Started Reading
March 12, 2023 – Shelved as: 2023-reads
March 12, 2023 – Shelved as: literature-united-kingdom-ireland
March 12, 2023 – Shelved as: realistic-fiction
March 16, 2023 – Finished Reading
March 19, 2023 – Shelved as: gorgeous-cover

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Comments Showing 1-46 of 46 (46 new)

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message 1: by Jodi (new) - rated it 5 stars
Mar 13, 2023 09:43PM

Jodi Yay! I hope you're enjoying it, Debbie!


message 2: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 04:46AM

Debbie W. Jodi wrote: "Yay! I hope you're enjoying it, Debbie!"

Thanks for your review, Jodi! Quite the interesting read!


message 3: by Jodi (new) - rated it 5 stars
Mar 18, 2023 05:08AM

Jodi Debbie wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Yay! I hope you're enjoying it, Debbie!"

Thanks for your review, Jodi! Quite the interesting read!"

Debbie, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it very much.😟 If you still have questions, though, I'd be happy to chat with you about it, if you like. And I really hope you won't give up on Claire Fuller. I promise she's an excellent author and actually I think you'd like Swimming Lessons best of all - if you're willing to give her a second chance.🙏
BTW, it's funny you mentioned trying to picture the cottage because I almost instantly had a very clear picture of it in my mind - and I can still see it, clear as a bell! Strange, isn't it?
You wrote a great review, Debbie! It's very clear and concise!


message 4: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 05:29AM

Debbie W. Jodi wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Yay! I hope you're enjoying it, Debbie!"

Thanks for your review, Jodi! Quite the interesting read!"

Debbie, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it very much.😟 If you still have..."

Sorry if my review is misleading, but I did like this story (4 stars!) And I could easily picture the cottage (Fuller's descriptiveness is quite vivid). It just felt like the story was taking place in the early 1900s until a cellphone is mentioned. 😂


message 5: by Jodi (new) - rated it 5 stars
Mar 18, 2023 05:38AM

Jodi Debbie wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Yay! I hope you're enjoying it, Debbie!"

Thanks for your review, Jodi! Quite the interesting read!"

Debbie, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it very much.😟 If y..."

No need to apologize, Debbie! I was sure I saw only 3 stars.🤦‍♀️ I must get my eyes checked.🤓
And I get it! LOL! Everything in the U.K. seems historic to me.😄


message 6: by Tina (new)
Mar 18, 2023 05:38AM

Tina A lovely review! Gotta love our GR friends! 😁


message 7: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 05:46AM

Debbie W. Jodi wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Yay! I hope you're enjoying it, Debbie!"

Thanks for your review, Jodi! Quite the interesting read!"

Debbie, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it v..."

Obviously, Fuller was intentional in regards to portraying the cottage as antiquated. It all makes sense!


message 8: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 05:47AM

Debbie W. Tina wrote: "A lovely review! Gotta love our GR friends! 😁"

You bet, Tina! Thanks!


message 9: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 06:23AM

Debbie W. Carol wrote: "Wonderful review, Debbie🧡!!!"

Thanks so much, Carol!


message 10: by Karina (new)
Mar 18, 2023 06:49AM

Karina I very much enjoy character driven novels! This sounds interesting and full of curiosity. I just watched “The Hangover Pt. 2” and when you said why are they still living with their mom I thought of the part where the Zach Galafianakis character says “Hi. I’m a stay-at-home son.” Lol


message 11: by Jenna (new)
Mar 18, 2023 01:37PM

Jenna ❤ ❀ ❤ I love the word murmuration, so beautiful. Thank you for the suggestion to Google image - WOWWWW!


message 12: by CoachJim (new)
Mar 18, 2023 02:08PM

CoachJim I learned a new word. Thank you. I have seen starlings in a murmuration. It is kind of beautiful. They somewhat darken the sky.

I enjoyed your review Debbie.


message 13: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 03:55PM

Debbie W. Karina wrote: "I very much enjoy character driven novels! This sounds interesting and full of curiosity. I just watched “The Hangover Pt. 2” and when you said why are they still living with their mom I thought of..."

That's a funny connection, Karina! Thanks for sharing! 😂


message 14: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 03:56PM

Debbie W. Jenna wrote: "I love the word murmuration, so beautiful. Thank you for the suggestion to Google image - WOWWWW!"

Unbelievable, huh? I've seen other birds do something similar, wondering how they know who to follow and where to go. Seems like only starlings do this.


message 15: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 03:58PM

Debbie W. CoachJim wrote: "I learned a new word. Thank you. I have seen starlings in a murmuration. It is kind of beautiful. They somewhat darken the sky.

I enjoyed your review Debbie."

Thanks, Jim. I've seen other birds do something similar, but not to the extent that starlings do it.


message 16: by Maureen (new) - added it
Mar 18, 2023 04:14PM

Maureen Excellent review Debbie, I have not read anything by this author. Although I see I have another on my TBR. I will have to give it a try.


message 17: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 04:16PM

Debbie W. Maureen wrote: "Excellent review Debbie, I have not read anything by this author. Although I see I have another on my TBR. I will have to give it a try."

Thanks, Maureen, and please do! She does have a gift with storytelling.


message 18: by Kerry (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 05:11PM

Kerry Great review. I am a big Claire Fuller fan. There is a very good interview of her on YouTube talking about her book Swimming Lesson and how she came to writing. I recommend it.


message 19: by Karen (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 07:07PM

Karen Wonderful review, Debbie! I have many more of her books to read and I look forward to them!


message 20: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 07:21PM

Debbie W. Kerry wrote: "Great review. I am a big Claire Fuller fan. There is a very good interview of her on YouTube talking about her book Swimming Lesson and how she came to writing. I recommend it."

Good to know! Thanks, Kerry!


message 21: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 18, 2023 07:21PM

Debbie W. Karen wrote: "Wonderful review, Debbie! I have many more of her books to read and I look forward to them!"

This is my first Fuller book and will contemplate reading more!


message 22: by Margaret M - (having a challenging time (new)
Mar 19, 2023 12:57PM

Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Great review Debbie. That is a great monthly quest - realistic fiction 💜


message 23: by A (new) - added it
Mar 19, 2023 02:22PM

A Mac This sounds like an interesting read! I do enjoy works that are character-driven especially if the characters are interesting and realistic like you said. And that cover is gorgeous. Excellent review, Debbie!


message 24: by Luvtoread (Trying to catch up) (new)
Mar 19, 2023 02:49PM

Luvtoread (Trying to catch up) Fantastic review, Debbie! So glad you enjoyed!!📘💖


message 25: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 19, 2023 03:29PM

Debbie W. Margaret M - Hiatus wrote: "Great review Debbie. That is a great monthly quest - realistic fiction 💜"

Thanks, Margaret! I'm having fun with it!


message 26: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 19, 2023 03:29PM

Debbie W. A wrote: "This sounds like an interesting read! I do enjoy works that are character-driven especially if the characters are interesting and realistic like you said. And that cover is gorgeous. Excellent revi..."

Thanks, A! I hope that you enjoy it whenever you get the chance to read it.


message 27: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 19, 2023 03:30PM

Debbie W. Luvtoread wrote: "Fantastic review, Debbie! So glad you enjoyed!!📘💖"

Thanks, Luvtoread!


message 28: by [deleted user] (new)
Mar 19, 2023 07:46PM

Great review, Debbie, and a great new word as well.


message 29: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 19, 2023 10:08PM

Debbie W. Bob (aka Bobby Lee) wrote: "Great review, Debbie, and a great new word as well."

Thanks, Bob!


message 30: by [deleted user] (new)
Mar 20, 2023 03:12PM

Debbie wrote: "Bob (aka Bobby Lee) wrote: "Great review, Debbie, and a great new word as well."

Thanks, Bob!"

👍😊


message 31: by Joe (new)
Mar 20, 2023 04:20PM

Joe Krakovsky As long as the story has captured my attention on 20 pages the author has won half the battle.


message 32: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 20, 2023 04:59PM

Debbie W. Joe wrote: "As long as the story has captured my attention on 20 pages the author has won half the battle."

Fair enough! Myself, I give the book the first number of pages equal to my age before abandoning it. I rarely have to do that, thank goodness! 😊


message 33: by Joe (new)
Mar 20, 2023 05:33PM

Joe Krakovsky Hahaha!


message 34: by Megan (new)
Mar 20, 2023 06:18PM

Megan Gibbs I really want to read this one Debbie but going on your last paragraph of enjoying character driven novels means I should like this but I can’t read your review as I don’t want any spoilers!!! I’m sure it’s a marvellous review as always though 😊😊😊


message 35: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 21, 2023 04:19AM

Debbie W. Megan wrote: "I really want to read this one Debbie but going on your last paragraph of enjoying character driven novels means I should like this but I can’t read your review as I don’t want any spoilers!!! I’m ..."

Thanks, Megan, and I totally understand! I rarely read reviews for books I want to read until after I've posted my own review - I don't want to be swayed one way or another - I want my thoughts to be my own.


message 36: by Megan (new)
Mar 21, 2023 09:22AM

Megan Gibbs Debbie 🥰


message 37: by Ellie (new) - added it
Mar 21, 2023 06:30PM

Ellie Spencer (catching up from hiatus) I need to hurry up and read this one, it has been waiting on my tbr! I do love it when a book teaches me a new word, I actually learnt about murmurations from a book I read last year! Wonderful review Debbie! 🧡


message 38: by Lisa (new)
Mar 21, 2023 08:20PM

Lisa I learned the word murmuration reading Helen Macdonald's book of essays Vesper Flights. If you are interested in nature, I highly recommend it.


message 39: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 22, 2023 03:59AM

Debbie W. Ellie wrote: "I need to hurry up and read this one, it has been waiting on my tbr! I do love it when a book teaches me a new word, I actually learnt about murmurations from a book I read last year! Wonderful rev..."

Aren't books wonderful, Ellie? Thanks so much for responding!


message 40: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 22, 2023 03:59AM

Debbie W. Lisa wrote: "I learned the word murmuration reading Helen Macdonald's book of essays Vesper Flights. If you are interested in nature, I highly recommend it."

Thanks, Lisa, for the recommendation!


message 41: by Marilyn (not getting notifications) (new) - added it
Mar 22, 2023 04:37AM

Marilyn (not getting notifications) Another fabulous review, Debbie! It does sound intriguing.


message 42: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 22, 2023 04:38AM

Debbie W. Marilyn wrote: "Another fabulous review, Debbie! It does sound intriguing."

I see that you added this one, Marilyn. Have you read anything else by this author?


message 43: by Marilyn (not getting notifications) (new) - added it
Mar 22, 2023 05:07AM

Marilyn (not getting notifications) Not yet. I had hoped to read Swimming Lessons but never got to it. This is an author that I have not tried to read yet.


message 44: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 22, 2023 05:33AM

Debbie W. Marilyn wrote: "Not yet. I had hoped to read Swimming Lessons but never got to it. This is an author that I have not tried to read yet."

I've heard very good things about Swimming Lessons. Maybe when I have nothing to read, I will give it a go! Haha!


message 45: by Nancy (new) - added it
Mar 22, 2023 11:03AM

Nancy I have this one on my list, but I’ve not read any of her work. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Debbie!


message 46: by Debbie (new) - rated it 4 stars
Mar 22, 2023 06:05PM

Debbie W. Nancy wrote: "I have this one on my list, but I’ve not read any of her work. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Debbie!"

I see that she has a new book published coming out in a month or two. Maybe when my WTR list dwindles down a bit, I'll add another book by her!


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