Comments on: REVIEW: Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris

By: Jayne

Jayne — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:34:14 +0000

Thanks for looking that up, Laura! The idea of such a law restricting what you can name your child makes me kind of bristle until I read about some fool trying to name a child “ESPN.” And I want a cookbook written by your mother-in-law. It must be against some law to still be able to fit into junior sizes after having 2 children! :)

By: Laura Florand

Laura Florand — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:22:48 +0000

She has a really strong lyrical voice, I think. Very rich and a real pleasure to read.

P.S. Jayne, I eventually looked up our question on when the law went into effect. It started end of 18th century and was only dropped a decade ago. I saw mention of a specific case of “Cerise” (Cherry), which I think was in the 80s; the parents had to go to court to get permission to name their child that. They did eventually win their case and get permission, but it was a big deal.

Now I’m just inviting someone to turn the same eagle eye to my own books, I know; I’m sure they would find something, too!

By: Jayne

Jayne — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:46:26 +0000

Deirdre, I just might have to get one of Harris’s cookbooks and give some of these recipes a whirl. Then exercise like a fiend afterwards!

By: Jayne

Jayne — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:43:44 +0000

“It also sent me on a WWII-centered, French film glom — and the writing here was strong enough that, even now, I associates the images from the films with the book.”

Meljean, which movies did you watch? And I felt like I gained pounds as well. The food is described so lovingly.

By: Deirdre

Deirdre — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:41:05 +0000

I think the cookbook you want is Joanne Harris' Own Cookbook

By: Meljean

Meljean — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:29:27 +0000

I read this one a while back, so my memory is a little bit hazy — I remember liking it very much (but obviously not enough for a re-read). One thing I recall clearly, however, is the rich and evocative language used for all things edible. (I think I gained a couple of pounds reading this book.)

I also remember not liking the narrator all that much, and wanting to slap her at a few points — but at the same time, she was a fantastic pair of eyes to see the war and the village through. (And I don’t have to really like or relate to a character, as long as their story is compelling.)

It also sent me on a WWII-centered, French film glom — and the writing here was strong enough that, even now, I associates the images from the films with the book.