Distance Between Us [Hardcover]

Maggie O'Farrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2004

Stella has fled London to confront the childhood secret which has marked her life. A set of tragic circumstances and a hasty marriage bring Jake from Hong Kong to Britain, where he embarks upon a quest for the father he never knew. When Jake and Stella meet, both of their lives are changed forever.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Every bit as good, if not better, than her highly acclaimed previous novels. An intriguing plot, sympathetic characterisation and beautifully observed, sophisticated writing all make for a hugely satisfying read' -- Booksellers' Choice 20031219 'Maggie O'Farrell has written three novels, each of them a critical and commercial success' -- FT 20031219 'Ms O'Farrell's take on love, loss and grief is even more gripping than ER: The George Clooney Years' -- Heat 20031219 'A well paced read that slowly and tantalisingly unravels a web of mysteries, tragedies and intrigue, keeping you hooked' -- Eve 20031219 'Maggie O'Farrell brilliantly reveals how the past has an untidy habit of cluttering up the present in this compulsively readable tale of star-crossed lovers and secretive siblings' -- Elle 20031219 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Maggie O'Farrell was born in Northern Ireland in 1972, and grew up in Wales and Scotland. She is the author of two novels, AFTER YOU'D GONE which won a Betty Trask award, and MY LOVER'S LOVER. She lives in London. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Review; First edition (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0755302656
• ISBN-13: 978-0755302659
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #794,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

MAGGIE O'FARRELL is the author of four previous novels, including the acclaimed The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, which was a B&N Recommends Pick, and After You'd Gone. Born in Northern Ireland in 1972, O'Farrell grew up in Wales and Scotland. She has two children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not my favorite O'Farrell book but still a great read, December 23, 2010

By 

Lindy K. Weber "Lindy" (Chino Hills, CA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Distance Between Us (Paperback)

This book may not be the best of all O'Farrells books but it should still be read. Much like with her other books, I couldn't put this one down. The story is a lot different then her other books - not as sad but just as compelling. It keeps you interested all the through. I loved it.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant writer, March 6, 2010

By 

Patricia Kay "author and avid reader" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Distance Between Us (Paperback)

This is the fourth Maggie O'Farrell book I've read and I want to say it's her best yet, but I've felt that way about all of her books. She has a remarkable ability to pull you into the story and not let you go until you read the last word. Normally I hate when writers jump around in time, but O'Farrell is so skilled that instead of annoying you when she does it, you find yourself shaking your head in admiration at how brilliantly she handles the jumps. She's like an extremely talented juggler. Every ball is kept in play by some magical means only the juggler understands, and there's never a loss of control. Finally all the balls come home, and the reader is treated to a marvelously satisfying ending. I love O'Farrell's work. How I wish she'd been writing for a long time so that she'd have a huge backlist. Unfortunately, the only thing I have to look forward to now is her new book, which I've got on pre-order. RECOMMENDATION: Order all her books. You won't be sorry.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Why, oh why, go soft on us now?, July 20, 2005

By 

maria1971 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Distance Between Us (Paperback)

I'm a fan of Maggie O'Farrell's and was really looking forward to reading this. O'Farrell has always been about love, but love with a twist of melancholy. In this book, classic romance creeps in a big way and ... for me, part the thrill has gone [soft] for it.

The characters in "The distance between us" are not as involving and her writing is a lot less dark, losing some of its bite in the process.

In summary, this book is still a pretty good read, but it doesn't pack the same punch as some of her previous work (e.g. this is nowhere near as hard hitting as "After You'd Gone).