The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
knitwgrace's review against another edition
3.0
Fascinating characters. Interesting flash forwards and backs. Not a love. But liked it.
rachelw28's review against another edition
5.0
This book lives in my mind as cozy. Well-written and unique, Maggie O’Farrell bring you along on the story of one odd but lovely family.
jenleah's review against another edition
4.0
Almost a 5-star book. A few places were a bit slow, but overall I loved the way the story was told and the character development, even if I didn't like a few of the characters much. They still were compelling, despite their bad choices. 4.5/5
debi_g's review against another edition
4.0
Outstanding. O’Farrell kept me wanting more while offering just enough substance and insight to make the characters and their plights authentic.
katiez624's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of [a:Anne Bogel|6537850|Anne Bogel|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1560950150p2/6537850.jpg]'s all-time favorites, and I've been meaning to read it ever since I heard the recommendation. But the premise did not grab me, so it has taken years. But now I get it.
This is a very unassuming book, one that I never would have picked had it not been for Anne's glowing reviews. The plot is meandering, going from the present day to 10 years ago, all in a span of a few paragraphs. But even though it can seem like the story is going off on a tangent, it is ultimately evident that this was the plan all along. The timeline also jumps between chapters, telling the story in a nonlinear but coherent and compelling way. The more I read, the more I realized that this is an epic saga, spanning over 50 years, with a multitude of characters and perspectives that all coalesce into one sweeping story.
The descriptions of the scenery, of facial expressions, of situations, are so incredibly vivid, with just the right amount of detail to put you right into the middle of the story. I've also acquired many new vocabulary words from this book, which I always welcome.
Learning about the characters' backstories is almost like reading about their past lives. Each phase is so different and defining, altering the characters' lives permanently. At its core, this book highlights the most pivotal moments in each character's life, in a nonlinear manner. All of the characters and scenarios are incredibly relatable and realistic. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
This is a very unassuming book, one that I never would have picked had it not been for Anne's glowing reviews. The plot is meandering, going from the present day to 10 years ago, all in a span of a few paragraphs. But even though it can seem like the story is going off on a tangent, it is ultimately evident that this was the plan all along. The timeline also jumps between chapters, telling the story in a nonlinear but coherent and compelling way. The more I read, the more I realized that this is an epic saga, spanning over 50 years, with a multitude of characters and perspectives that all coalesce into one sweeping story.
The descriptions of the scenery, of facial expressions, of situations, are so incredibly vivid, with just the right amount of detail to put you right into the middle of the story. I've also acquired many new vocabulary words from this book, which I always welcome.
Learning about the characters' backstories is almost like reading about their past lives. Each phase is so different and defining, altering the characters' lives permanently. At its core, this book highlights the most pivotal moments in each character's life, in a nonlinear manner. All of the characters and scenarios are incredibly relatable and realistic. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
joanjeffery's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dcmr's review against another edition
2.0
This book is a lot of work. A complicated story of shifting timelines, shifting points of views, footnotes, asides, and leaps in explanation. Just too much for me to mentally manage, which is such a disappointment because I loved O'Farrell's memoir "I am, I am, I am."
greensalbet's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
 Maggie O'Farrell is the exquisite author of Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait (Both New York Times bestsellers) and the memoir: I Am, I Am, I Am. Prior to these three books, O'Farrell published nine additional novels, many of which have recently been reprinted.
This Must be the Place is the story of Claudette and Daniel, the children from their first marriages: Ari, Niall, and Phoebe; and the children they conceive: Phoebe and Calvin. Chapters are told from alternating points of view as their story is revealed.
Claudette is introduced to the world of film through a temp job with the London Film Society. After two weeks, she's offered a permanent admin assistant position where she meets Swedish director Timou Lindstrom who is fascinated by her looks and personality. Timou leads Claudette into the acting pworld while taking her on as a partner. As Claudette's fame and popularity grow, her anonymity and privacy recede. She carefully plots an escape from the world of film and disappears, in mid-shooting, to a cottage in northern Ireland with son, Ari.
Linguist Daniel Sullivan, recently divorced from his first wife, is in Ireland for a conference when he discovers Ari and Claudette stalled by a flat tire. After noticing Ari struggles with a stutter, Daniel offers vocalization tips for his ailment. Claudette is taken with Ari's instant attachment to Daniel and knows she needs more help for her son. She invites Daniel to visit. This is where their love story begins.
The rest of the book is a journey through time getting to know the backstories of Claudette and Daniel, while watching them tumble in present time, making choices that threaten the security of their bond and the privacy Claudette has worked hard to cultivate for herself and her children.
This Must be the Place is the story of Claudette and Daniel, the children from their first marriages: Ari, Niall, and Phoebe; and the children they conceive: Phoebe and Calvin. Chapters are told from alternating points of view as their story is revealed.
Claudette is introduced to the world of film through a temp job with the London Film Society. After two weeks, she's offered a permanent admin assistant position where she meets Swedish director Timou Lindstrom who is fascinated by her looks and personality. Timou leads Claudette into the acting pworld while taking her on as a partner. As Claudette's fame and popularity grow, her anonymity and privacy recede. She carefully plots an escape from the world of film and disappears, in mid-shooting, to a cottage in northern Ireland with son, Ari.
Linguist Daniel Sullivan, recently divorced from his first wife, is in Ireland for a conference when he discovers Ari and Claudette stalled by a flat tire. After noticing Ari struggles with a stutter, Daniel offers vocalization tips for his ailment. Claudette is taken with Ari's instant attachment to Daniel and knows she needs more help for her son. She invites Daniel to visit. This is where their love story begins.
The rest of the book is a journey through time getting to know the backstories of Claudette and Daniel, while watching them tumble in present time, making choices that threaten the security of their bond and the privacy Claudette has worked hard to cultivate for herself and her children.
kelbi's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book and did not want it to end. I listened on Audible and it was superbly performed. She is one of my favourite authors and didn't let me down with this one. Complex narrative, as it moves about over the decades but I soon found my way
mary_elizabeth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75