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A vibrant new novel from Penelope Lively A wry, wise story about
the surprising ways lives intersect. |
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Available for purchase from Indiebound , Barnes & Noble , Amazon , and iTunes |
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Praise for How It All Began
"One of our most talented writers has written an elegant, witty work of fiction, deceptively simple, emotionally and intellectually penetrating, the kind of novel that brings a plot to satisfying closure but whose questions linger long afterward in the reader's mind."
-The New York Times Book Review
"The ever-productive, ever-graceful Penelope Lively returns to several pet themes-memory, history and the powerful role of happenstance in reshaping lives-with a fresh and charming novel. . . . She has provided a golden passport that will sweep you through the border control of other people's lives."
-The Washington Post
"Wonderful . . . British treasure Penelope Lively examines the effects of a seemingly random crime on a group of London acquaintances and strangers."
-Marie Claire
"Lives intersect in unexpected and comical ways in this breezy, engrossing novel. . . . Lively infuses her motley cast of characters with a blend of pathos and sharp satire, and though How It All Began is light fare, this deftly paced novel remains compulsively readable throughout."
-Entertainment Weekly
"This delightful, absorbing novel relies on a sophisticated and skillfully realized structure to introduce and then follow its endearingly ordinary characters. . . . The interdependency of the characters' lives, which they remain largely unaware of, builds intriguing momentum, and the pace quickens as the novel develops. Throughout, prolific Booker Prize-winning author Lively illustrates her knack for charming familiarity and just the right dash of surprise."
-Publishers Weekly
"The ruling vision of master British novelist Lively's latest delectably tart and agile novel is the Butterfly Effect, which stipulates that 'a very small perturbation' can radically alter the course of events. . . . Throughout this brilliantly choreographed and surreptitiously poignant chain-reaction comedy of chance and change, Lively shrewdly elucidates the nature of history, the tunnel-visioning of pain and age, and the abiding illumination of reading, which so profoundly nourishes the mind and spirit."
-Booklist (starred review)
"Explores the far-reaching effect of happenstance, as individual circumstances shift, lives change, and the known is perceived in an altogether new light. . . . Lively delivers her story about these intertwined lives with faultless dexterity, sly humor, keen insight, and deft economy . . . A feel-good masterpiece that will delight faithful fans as well as those new to the work of this consummate storyteller."
-Library Journal (starred review)
"Whatever your age, How it All Began is a splendid tonic."
-The Telegraph
"Lively is now nearly 80 but, as How It All Began shows, there is no diminution in her skills. It is an autograph work in which she shuffles her familiar topics as adroitly and satisfyingly as ever."
-The Financial Times
"More stylish than many writers half her age . . . Lively knows a thing of two about storytelling. Her veteran understanding of the function of narrative in our lives is impressive but lightly worn. . . . Her candour is refreshing, and reminds us that you don't have to lie to yourself to live life finely until the very end."
-The Times (London)
"As always, Lively has a precise control of the comic, and an ear for dialogue honed over more than 40 years of writing."
-The Independent on Sunday
"Lively remains a sublime storyteller. . . . She has us riveted with curiosity as to what will happen next, yet also keeps us consistently aware of the nature of the illusion."
-The Guardian
"A deftly constructed, always enjoyable novel."
-The Sunday Times
"Approaching her 80th year, Lively's sense of humour lives up to her name. . . . Whatever your age, How It All Began is a splendid topic."
-The Sunday Telegraph
"A kaleidoscopic picture that disintegrates and then reassembles itself, in a manner that is surprising and completely satisfying . . . Lively's style has a beautiful economy, and she can be wickedly funny. . . . This is classic Penelope Lively-deeply comical, essentially kind-hearted, wonderfully written and seasoned with a rare wisdom."
-The Literary Review
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