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First Friends: A Novel |
Author: Marcia Willett
Published: 2006-08-08 |
List price: $13.95
Our price: $3.99
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As of: November 20th, 2008 04:46:53 AM
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Customer comments on this selection.
 A Friendship that Survives - No Matter What!
This story spotlights one of the most treasured aspects of a woman's life - that of true and abiding friendship.
Kate & Cass became friends as young girls in England and kept their friendship alive through adulthood when they both marry naval officers, had children and began their lives as military families. Though they were not always living in the same location (a standard woe for the families in all branches of the military) they keep close with visits, letters and phone calls.
Kate feel trapped in a loveless marriage. Her husband doesn't seem to value her- he seems only concerned with how she can make his life better without having any regard for her or her happiness. She feels alone during his frequent and lengthy absences, but she finds her identity when she immerses herself in the upbringing of her twin boys.
Cass loves her husband, but can't seem to help "stepping out" on him from time to time, even her four children aren't enough to keep Cass occupied. She looks forward to the opportunities that come her way whenever her husband has to leave for long stretches while working on a navy submarine - she finds excitement when near misses threaten to expose her infidelities - in fact; she seems to thrive on them.
Marcia Willett weaves the tale of these two friends and the events that shape their lives and their devotion to one another, despite the differences they may find with each others' decisions - the hallmark of a true friend, in my opinion. Willett shows that decisions made for selfish reasons can come back to haunt you and that in the end, the best things in life are true love, family and friendship. Her writing style and her approach to life's trials is distinctly charming and can make every-day choices seem delightful - having a cup of tea can become "have a cuppa?" when asked in Marcia Willett novel.
This is my first time reading one of Willett's books and it won't be my last. She is remarkably talented and possesses a distinct literary voice. I've found another favorite author in Marcia Willett and I look forward to hearing her stories and reading many of her books.
 In a perfect world....
I suspect that how much you like this book and its sequel, A Friend of the Family, depends on how you much you want the world to fall neatly into place. A perfect match shows up for everyone eventually, infidelity never hurts anyone very much, and the only people who die are either very old, unlikeable, or have deaths so foreshadowed that you know not to get attached to them. It's well written, the people seem real, and the situations are reasonably engaging... but after a while, you start thinking, the world it not this neat and perfect (especially true in A Friend of the Family). In some ways, it seems to me like a sophisticated version of Miss Read. A pleasant place to spend the afternoon, but not real life, mostly.
 First Friends
Read in October 2006.
"First Friends" or "Those Who Serve" in England and my title of choice, is Marcia Willett's first novel under her given name. It is in this first novel that she introduces us to the long line of imaginary families and neighbors that live in the very real and lovely West Country of England. It is here that she introduces us to Cassandra Wivenhoe and Kate Webster, friends since they were 12 yrs old and went to boarding school. Together they introduce us to their families and friends and some enemies as well, together they enjoyed life as naval wives and also endured a tragic moment. The novel is about friendship and family ties and lessons in life... And this one is just the beginning of a long wonderful saga.
Great vendor - quick response
I received the book I ordered very quickly and it was in exactly the condition they described
Good - But Not Her Best
It was with a bit of relief that I learned this was one of Marcia Willet's older books published in the UK in 1995. I've read and enjoyed all her books published in the US and had been a bit surprised and disappointed in this book.
The author does her usual great job defining the characters to the extent you feel you know them. The story should have been quite compelling, but it never drew me in like her more recent books. The book was slow and rather plodding and nearly became tedious, yet I was involved with the characters and never considered not finishing it. There were a number of plots, characters and the drama of life, yet there was little suspense that may have made the book move along at a faster pace. So if you're looking for a book that won't leave you sitting at the edge of your seat or stress you out, this is it.
The bottom line is that I wouldn't judge Marcia Willet's books by this one, as she has some others that are far more vital, yet contain the same richness of characters and setting. If you've read her other books, you will probably enjoy this, but may not find it to the same standard as her later work. This one shows the promise she eventually reaches.
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