Stone Cradle

Stone Cradle is a book that makes me want to give up writing. It is as near perfect as writing can get, and makes me question whether I can ever get even half-way as good. I read quite analytically these days – all too often I spot the strings on the puppets or the hand of the puppeteer, or their bald head poking up. But Stone Cradle is flawless – all I could do was stand in awe of the writer’s skill and get carried away with the story. It’s one of those books I want to buy for everyone I know. There are two main points of view – Clementina and Rose. It is not that they are unreliable narrators, to use the jargon – both tell different aspects to the story and though their accounts are often contrary you find yourself empathising with and believing the credibility of both. The research behind it is thorough – so much so that most readers probably won’t realise the hours that went into constructing the story, brick by brick – it all seems to flow so effortlessly. The novel captures superbly a core truth about families: their strifes, misunderstandings, loves and missed opportunities. I don’t like giving stars to books – they all have their own merits and many deserve reading for different reasons, but I have no hesitation with this – it is one of the best novels I have read in years – Booker winners and classics of English Literature included.

..as this could not be more different. The excellent writing style and the in-depth examination of motivations and feelings are the only clue this is by the same author. And how refreshing, when so many authors seem to find a successful format and stick to it, to find one who can offer such varied work.Stone cradle is the story of Romany Lem and her relationship with her non gypsy daughter in law Rose.Told by both women in alternating sections, it's fascinating to see the different perspectives on the same events, and so frustrating to see how cultural misunderstandings lead to the barriers in their relationship.The relationship between the women is complex, and for both, possibly the most important in their lives.This is very much a book about relationships rather than incidents. Although it has its share of dramatic events, the emphasis is always on the characters reactions and emotions, rather than the drama itself, and some readers may find this makes the story seem slow; particularly as many events are related twice, by Len and by Rose. However, I found this added to my understanding of the characters and their relationship.There is a great deal of insight into Romany culture and lifestyle in this book which is very interesting. It was no surprise to find the author is writing from personal knowledge, as she presents this in a manner that avoids either stereotyping or patronising.Like other readers have commented, I would have liked a glossary in order to understand the Romany terms. However, given that one character explains the language is secret, maybe the ommission was appropriate. It certainly didn't detract from my understanding of the book, as the meaning was generally clear from the context.It is difficult to criticise this book, as it does what it sets out to so well.That said, I don't think it's for everyone, as it is slow paced, and doesn't follow the formula of building to a climax and ending with everything tied up nicely. Instead, it meanders along, with events occurring that don't necessarily feed into a story arc, and no 'plot' or twist; much like real life.This book should be approached with an open mind, and in my opinion is a rewarding read.

Worth a read, but only if you are in a good mood. It is unremitting drudgery following the lives of gypsies Clemmie and Rosie. Unfaithful husbands, drunken fathers, unmarried mothers at a time this was a disgrace, children going to bed cold and hungry, parental abuse, its all in this book. I only kept going as I hoped for a light at the end of the story but it never appeared. I loved Apple Tree Yard but this is quite different.

This the third of Louise Dougherty’s books that I have devoured in one gluttonous feast. I started with her latest, (Platform 7) as many fan-stalkers do, and worked my way back and read Apple Tree Yard, by which most of her accolades as a brilliant writer are bestowed. I love her narrative style, it’s like she’s having a conversation with you whilst grabbing you by the hair and yanking you into her stories and incarcerating you so you can’t get out. I read reviews, sure, but I know that sometimes people who write reviews are either angry, impatient, and mostly subjective.So this book is a wonderful, sad , joyful and incredibly informative story of a family who didn’t stand a chance, and then they did. It’s hard work at times because you wonder when something fantastic will finally happen to this impoverished family. The important thing is that you love the characters from sentence 1. You are roped into their lives and you can’t get out until the devastating truths that emerge at the end.

A friend recommended this book to me. I enjoyed that the main characters told sections of the story. I learned some of the Traveller way of life and understood some of their hardships. I would recommend the book to some people.

I didnt want to read this book initially as the subject matter didnt grab me, but in the end I loved it. The relationship between mother and daughter in law is well written and surprisingly tender. The shift in point of view well handled especially when covering the same event when Doughty highlights how people can see things differently. Doughty is a marvellous observationist and puts a lot of this into her writing bringing it to life. I like the unobvious title too as it picks up on a small but ultimately significant part of the story.

Though I admit to enjoying some of Louise's other books more than this one

I was very disappointed in this book as I love Doughty's other work. It felt laboured, and I didn't really care what the protagonist did. In the end I din't finish it chichis unknown for me, I just found I couldn't pick it up. Wasn't all bad, well researched, just felt the story did not carry me forward.

First of all, I admire writers who write as they speak, and do it well. This author did just that. I would say that she told a very powerful story in a language that she understood and spoke so well. I duff my hat!I loved reading this story. It was written from the heart, and as the author said at the end, it was the story of a real life, a lived life. Clementine’s story was very touching, just as Rose’s story was ever so sad. Elijah on the other hand never seemed to grow up, so much so that his children, in the end, did not know how to deal with him. He was the typical Mama’s boy who never grew up. Marrying and having five children didn’t help him at all.I liked how Clementine, after the death of Rose recognized Rose as the thread that held everything together. Pull that read out, and everything else went with it, the family disintegrated. This is a bitter sweet story, of suffering, and very little relief for the main protagonists. It seemed to me like a wasted life. I recommend this story, especially to those who think that their cosy lives need more to make it cozier.

I have found all of Louise Doughty’s novels well written, interesting, and with plots that connect with the emotions of the reader. “Stone Cradle” is no exception to this formula.The novel is based of Louise Doughty’s own Romany family history. This story of Romany or Traveller’s lives covers four generation. The story is told in the first person by three of the characters - Clementina Smith, an old lady who has suffered much in her life and who has become hard in order to survive what life throws at her. But underneath her hardness is a loyalty to her son and his family that is to be admired.Rose is Clementina’s daughter-in-law, married to Elijah. Rose ran away from her home life to be with Elijah and she is also a tough and determined individual, all the more so because she has joined the Travellers and, in some respects is not fully embraced by the Romany’s, being a “gorger” (outsider). Rose tells us her version of life in this family.The third person through whom we live their story is Clementina’s son, Elijah. We learn of his birth when his mother was a teenager, on a gravestone (the “stone cradle”), and we follow his life right through to his death as an old man.Louise Doughty has captured each character brilliantly and convincingly. The life of the Romany people - the Travellers - in early 20th Century England comes alive in this novel to those of us who know little about these people and their lives. We experience with them the cold, hunger, mud, and prejudice that they face every day in every place they move to. The Romany children are spat upon in school playgrounds, and the families are often forced to move on because of the hostility of town people and villagers and the law.Reading the novel we follow the details of the lives and differing personalities of Rose & Elijah’s children; their struggles and betrayals. Their determination and sheer human grit to survive. I found myself caring deeply about much that they face and deal with.“Stone Cradle” is an inspiring novel. Highly recommended.

i donated the book without finishing it. i guess it just didn't grip me and make me want to finish it.

It's not easy to carve out a unique niche in the literary market today but Louise Doughty manages to find a fresh and magical place that is all her own through her one of a kind narration style and her fascinating subject matter. This is a storyteller with a beautiful, distinctive voice. In Stone Cradle, readers are treated to a rare inside look at the mysterious world of Travelers, yet Doughty refuses to romanticize the culture. Instead, she paints a very human picture that is free of stereotypes, rich with history, and full of heart. I can't get enough of her gorgeous writing! If you're thinking of giving this book a try,I suggest you jump in. It's utterly lovely.

This book was great in the way it have me a new perspective on something I needed to see. Gorjers need to read this and learn from it. I am grateful.