Customer Reviews

The Holiday (Charnwood Library)

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Reading The Holiday by Erica James was quite simply wonderful. It is an funny but realistic tail of a developing group of friends away on holiday in Greece. This book had the heart of romance with the characterization of classic literature. It will remain a keeper on my book shelf. In fact I rarely buy the same book for multiple people but I have ordered it for my mother, aunt, best friend, and younger sister.

The story mainly follows five central characters. Getting away from England, Max and Laura are happily married and have talked there single friend Izzy into joining them on vacation on the island of Corfu. When they arrive they introduce her to their handsome and flirtatious neighbor Theo. Later they are joined by Theo's lifelong friend Mark a writer.

The book is full of rich and well-rounded supporting characters (Laura and Max's daughter and her friend, the obnoxious British couple who stalk the famous writer, an elderly gentleman, and so much more.) James description of the island of Corfu made me want to return to Greece and laze in the sun. She expertly executes a superb-paced story with everything from the thrill of first love to the soul wrenching fear of death.

As the story unfolds we discover serious issues and emotional torments. Without giving to much away, what I found incredible about Ms. James' writing was her ability to write a serious compelling story while still keeping it fun and light. Rarely lately have I come across an author who delivers great character development without letting the story suffer.

Bravo Ms. James.
Bravo.

This sweet and compelling tale, told with such humour and sensitivity, must surely appeal to the romantic in all of us. It's predictability makes it a safe choice for anyone seeking a happy ending, and yet there are enough twists and turns throughout the plot to keep even the most hardened of readers enthralled to the final page.

What really makes this book are the vivid and believable characters. Shy art teacher Izzy, bruised from a relationship break-up, goes to stay with her happily married friends, Laura and Max, in their beautiful villa in Corfu. There she meets two immensely different men, self-assured but good-natured philanderer Theo, and reclusive crime writer Mark. Here the fun begins, as the reader wonders which of these men will ultimately win Izzy's heart.

However, the novel is not all sweetness and light. Beneath the laughter and the restful surroundings of sea and sand, darkness looms. No one knows that Mark has really come to the island to escape a mysterious stalker, who may be planning to kill him. The tension builds steadily throughout the story, before coming to a head in a dramatic climax.

What I missed and really did look for was if the book on cd was abridged or not. I thought it wasn't but to my disappointment it was. So a waste. Hate abridged books.