9 January 2014

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
Series: No
Publisher: Puffin
Publication Date: November 30th 2004
Source: Bought



“Every war has turning points and every person too.”

Fifteen-year-old Daisy is sent from Manhattan to England to visit her aunt and cousins she’s never met: three boys near her age, and their little sister. Her aunt goes away on business soon after Daisy arrives.The next day bombs go off as London is attacked and occupied by an unnamed enemy. 

As power fails, and systems fail, the farm becomes more isolated. Despite the war, it’s a kind of Eden, with no adults in charge and no rules, a place where Daisy’s uncanny bond with her cousins grows into something rare and extraordinary.

But the war is everywhere, and Daisy and her cousins must lead each other into a world that is unknown in the scariest, most elemental way.

To be honest, I actually only picked this up because I wanted to see the movie. I always try to read the book before I watch the movie, so that's what I did. I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book that much and I didn't. It wasn't a terrible book, I just didn't connect with the characters or the story.

Daisy has been sent to England to live with her Aunt and her cousins, but there is a war brewing. A few days after Daisy's aunt goes away on business, the first bombs hit London. Daisy and her cousins are all separated and they vow to find each other again. 

The main thing that put me off reading this book was the cousin relationship. Daisy hits it off with her cousin Edmond, and it just made my skin crawl. I know you're allowed to marry your cousins, but that doesn't make it any less creepy. Their relationship definitely wasn't one that I enjoyed reading about.

For some reason, I just didn't connect with any of the characters in this book. It was like I was just watching all of these events unfold, but they had no emotional impact on me. I did like Daisy's character though. She was extremely determined to get back to her cousins (well, mainly Edmond) no matter the cost. She pushed through and suffered a lot just so that she could find them again, which I really admired that about her. But Daisy has her own personal issues going on as well and I did like seeing her overcome them.

I can't say I hated this book, but I didn't particularly enjoy it either. It didn't bore me, but there just wasn't anything special about it.

The ending was strange and weird, and I'm still slightly confused about what happened to Edmond. But I'm not too bothered about finding out.

Overall, this book was... OK. That's really the only way I can describe it. It wasn't good, but it wasn't terrible. It was just OK. I'm still going to watch the movie though, maybe it'll be better than the book.

12 comments:

  1. Hmmm, I don't feel comfortable with family members who hook up either.. Just doesn't feel that natural to me. I hate it when I can't connect with a characters - and strange/weird endings can spoil a book. I was planning to read it too, so I can see the movie. I liked the trailer, but perhaps I'll only see the movie :)

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    1. It doesn't feel natural to me either, it was actually making my skin crawl. Overall it was just a strange book. I'd definitely say don't waste your time reading it. I'm planning on watching the movie sometime in the next couple of days so I'll let you know how the movie is :)

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    1. Ew is all that is needed. It was pretty horrible.

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  3. I saw the movie, enjoyed it and now want to read the book... well I did before I read your review, lol. I've seen similar comments on goodreads which is I guess I haven't bought a copy yet. I might get the audiobook instead of a paper copy, as I find that helps me connect with characters when the writing's just not that good (it's having someone else mouth the words that helps!). :-)

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    1. It's such a strange book. I was just completely detached from the story the whole way through. The audiobook might actually be really good though!

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  4. *sighs* I'm sorry you didn't like this as much as you wanted to Samantha! I haven't read it yet, but after reading your review I don't think I will. (I mean, having a relationship with your cousin? Ew!) And poor characterization isn't really a "plus" in my mind either. :/ As always, thanks for the brilliant review Samantha! (And from probably saving me from the torture reading this...LOL!)

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    1. It was just such a strange and weird book. The relationship is the main thing that put me off this book, it was disgusting. Well I'm glad I've managed to save you from reading this! You'd probably be better off just watching the movie :)

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  5. I liked this book but I do get what you mean about not connecting with the characters.

    Throughout reading I don't think some issues were addressed and I felt a sense of detachment sometimes. At the start I did care for the characters but in the end I did not!

    What I don't get is why this is deemed such a classic. Don't get me wrong it is good but I don't think it warrants some of the labels it gets...

    Great review! :) xxx

    My Current Giveaway: A book of your choice!

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    1. I'm glad to hear you liked it! I definitely agree with that. The first couple of chapters were good, but then it started going downhill for me and I just didn't care about it anymore. I don't get why it's a classic either!
      Thanks Alex! :D

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  6. I thought How I Live Now was SO weird! Okay, I had expected something entirely else, but still..I've never read a book like that before! I understand why you weren't too happy with it...it certainly is memorable, though...;D

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    1. It really was, wasn't it?! It's not really memorable for me. I've already forgotten most of what happened!

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