restless by william boyd book club questions

Sally Gilmartin has lived quietly since WWII with her husband and daughter. The novel made for both an interesting read and an entertaining discussion.īoyd’s novel interweaves two tales: the first is one of espionage and counterespionage during the second world war and the second is of the winding-up of the loose ends during the 1970’s. This version of Restless seems to be exactly the same as the more popular one selling at twice the price.In the month the shortlists for Costa 2007 are to be announced, my reading group finally read the Costa 2006 Novel of the Year winner. The part of the story where Eva begins to suspect she has been betrayed is nerve-wracking. Perfect for the characters, the period and the tone of the book. As usual Boyd adds in plenty of historical detail. Of course there's a love story, and the two narrators of the story are a British spy during the second world war and her daughter, who slowly discovers that the mother she thought she knew has a secret, tragic and still dangerous history. This story has all the elements of a traditional spy story, but there's depth and richness here as well as action and thrills. I'm not usually a reader of spy novels, but took the chance on this since I've loved everything else I've read by William Boyd so far. What made the experience of listening to Restless the most enjoyable? It has also put me on to the talent of William Boyd who I had not read before. Narration plays a huge roll in the appreciation of an audiobook, and Restless is a hands down winner on this account. Yes, though there's a contrary sentiment of wanting to savour it (familiar to every reader?). Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No doubt a large part of this is the authors skill, but I will always somehow connect this with the dramatic portrayal of the protagonist. Her narration brings out the 'cold' and unforgiving nature of the events of the past as against the familiar present and finally brings out the uncertainty of the present that needs and leads to (unpleasant?) resolution. She successfully alternates between past and present, clearly bringing out the flavour of the times. What does Rosamund Pike bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book? The escape through the parking lot in Europe after the 'double cross'. What was one of the most memorable moments of Restless? Simply the best audiobook I've 'read' so far. Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Restless by william boyd book club questions