Customer Reviews

Diana Lively is Falling Down

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm struck by how rare it is for anyone to be able to write about all the kinds of characters that people this book without reducing them to caricature, and managing to be funny AND lyrical at the same time. "Diana Lively" ought to get the readership of "Bridget Jones's Diary" and the critical acclaim of "Three Junes." Every page is a wonder and a delight.
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Diana Lively is such a different character--so original. I love her quiet daring, and the sense of adventure that surrounds her in this book. And the other characters pack just as much of a punch as Diana does--the men especially had depth in ways that surprised. Sharp humor, a smart plot, and a cast that has you by the teeth from the start.

I met the author at a recent benefit for Healthy Start for Kids and Refuge House, a women's shelter from domestic violence. It was a nice time and I really enjoyed hearing her read from herr book. I was so intrigued that I went home and read it over the weekend.

It was very imaginative and the characters so outrageously absurd, that I thoroughly enjoyed it and laughed out loud often. It is especially funny to me how she portrayed the mind of the little four year old kleptomaniac - quite clever.

Having lived with the British on a base in Germany in the 70's, I have a great appreciation for the culture, wit and language of the people. Obviously, she does too.

Note to author:

Thanks for writing such a fun novel. Hope to see more of your work in the future. I hope you are getting lots of attention for your writing

This is a wonderful read. I'll miss these sharply-drawn and entirely sympathetic characters now that I have finished this book. Now all we need is a cookbook to accompany detailing all of the wonderful food described within "Diana Lively's" pages!

Sheila Curran's "Diana Lively Is Falling Down" is a hoot and half and will keep you well supplied with guffaws. Brits and Statesiders equally parodied. A good summer read or, indeed, a fine read any old time. Can't wait to see what comes next from Curran's pen.

I've been trying to figure out exactly how to convey to other people what a wonderful experience this book is, what a truly extraordinary find it is. So I guess here goes: it's truly extraordinary. I was so moved by it, and I laughed out loud, and I hated that vile husband of hers so much, and his comeuppance was so satisfying, and I was astounded by Curran's grasp of weblike business dealings that prove delightful twists and turns, and I miss the characters so much now that I've finished. The last few paragraphs are simply exquisite -- the sentiment, yes, but also just the sheer beauty of the language brought tears to my eyes. Really uncommonly beautiful. I hope Curran will soon be discovered and recognized widely for being one of the best writers around. She's the real deal.

I just finished this book and enjoyed it so much that I searched for more books by Curran! To my great disappointment, I found none.

I am an avid reader of all sorts of fiction but am really drawn to books about relationships, and especially the not-quite-right ones.

Specifically, what I most appreciated about this book was:

A) The author subtly revealed the true heart of each character, rather than make it glaringly obvious from page 1

B) The love the characters have for each other, which included sibling love & rivalry, but always loyalty

C) Sexual preferences which were not always what we assumed them to be and were treated with the utmost respect, not judgmentally

D) The way every "good" character in the book came upon information about the "bad" character bit by bit, but never passed on in a hurtful manner to the other "good" characters

E) How it all came together in the end, so that everyone really gets what they deserve.

I had to re-read the last several chapters because I flew through them so quickly the first time, impatient for more drama! I took the book once more and really took my time to get all the details which led to this book's most satisfying ending.

Sheila Curran's Diana Lively is Falling Down is a breath of fresh air for this avid reader. Each character is uniquely developed, most you'll love, and one you'll love to hate. No dull moments - you'll find hilarity and warmhearted moments beautifullly blended. Her elegant use of the English language is exceptional, and refreshing for a reader that often tires of the same boring vocabulary - book after book. I stayed up way too late, unable to put this book down until I finished it - always a good endorsement. Curran is a great writer. I'll be watching for her next book.

Sheila writes in what some may call a new genre -- the fantasy novel...set in real-time her story is BIGGER THAN LIFE...Reminds this reviewer of a ver broad comedy-- kind or like HOLLYWOOD WIVES although this is a 'smaller' landscape. She moves from London to Arizona with her family and academic husband. He's a verbally abusive philanderer -- but she knew that already...what she doesn't know or doesn't 'feel' is that she is still a very talented architect and by a combo of circumstances and fates -- she's back in the limelight again. Her experience making doll-houses turns out to be valuable in helping to design a Medieval theme park in the desert....and the good news is that her fink husband gets his just desserts.....a lot outrageous, always fun and one of those great books to read if your man has done you wrong...GO GIRL...love to see a film made out of this...now who could play Diana??

This is a great read and a wonderful first novel. I'm sure we'll see many more good things from the author. Sheila Curran also has an hilarious blog (Click on "blog" at sheilacurran.com) where she writes so well about life, motherhood, and friendship.