How did the setting of The Greek House influence your experience of reading the novel?

BookBrowse Book Club The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies
1

How did the setting of The Greek House influence your experience of reading the novel?

2

I found the setting resulted in a relaxing mood, which made the drama feel less intense. Other than a few outbursts, most of the emotions expressed via the dialogue felt mellow to me. Tea in the gardens diminished the anger and anxiety. Other readers might have found the calming setting a distraction from the plot.

3

I loved the setting but again, found the author’s repeated details of the flora and fauna irritating and distracting at times. I enjoyed the depiction of the narrow, windy streets of the towns and of the sea.

4

I loved all the sensory details—every smell, taste, feel, scene, and sound of the Island of Corfu. It was my favorite part of the novel.

5

I loved the setting and was so happy when Thirza returned to renew the beauty of the house. I think the setting was an actual character in the story.

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6

I did enjoy the descriptions of the environment, the house, and the area. I learned something about Corfu historically. That is something that helps me to enjoy a book, being able to learn something.

7

I enjoyed reading about the setting. I have some friends that have visited Corfu and they say it is beautiful and I imagine especially at that time before it became more of a tourist destination.

8

I haven’t been to Greece yet but I think the setting was a great place for this story. It was calming against all the emotions the characters had to events.

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9

I loved the setting and it actually was one of the reasons I requested the book.

10

I loved the description of the beauty of Corfu and especially the garden descriptions at Merchant’s, and also when Thirza described the views from the beach and her windows. I also enjoyed learning a bit about the history and I think all the description was a necessary backdrop to the story.

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11

I agree with the positive comments. This was my favorite part of the book and the reason I requested it. The author’s love for this setting is evident from start to finish. And the historical setting pre WW2 and the mores and fashions of the era enhanced the narrative.

12

Greece is on my bucket list, so the setting was one of the positives for me.

13

The setting was the strongest element of the book. Corfu came alive with Jefferies’ descriptions. Unfortunately, the plot and the character development did not measure up.

14

I have always wanted to see Greece and I loved reading about the setting. I doubt I will ever be able to visit.therefore, I live Vicariously through the words written by the author.

15

Greece was a good setting for the novel. It added an atmosphere of fairytale and perfection and intensified the feeling that the family was separate from the rest of the country.