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Book Jacket

 The Earth Hums in B Flat
by Mari Strachan

Publisher: Canongate Books
Publication date: 06/03/2009.
Novels, 336 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 18
Readers' Consensus: 4.5
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First Impressions: Page 1 of 3
Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Marge B. (Dunedin, FL)

Like to see another book from this author
This book is fabulous. I LOVED IT. Mari Strachan paints the most amazing pictures of life in Wales. The characters are quirky and interesting. This first novel offers a winding mystery, wrapped in unusual neighbors and families who love each other 'warts and all'... told with delicious narrative and down-to-earth humor. I hope the author writes a sequel -- I'd really like to know the 'next chapter' with these people.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Nancy L. (Denver, NC)

Amazing book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not just the premise of it, but the writing. There's quite a lot of drama and action, but it's written in a very serene manner.

I love the main character, Gwenni and her brave father (Tada). I've known of people like her mother, but it was so unfair for someone like Gwenni to have a mother like she had. The book has a lot of Welsh words and language, but it wouldn't be as good without it. All the characters are believable and entertaining.

Can't wait for Mari Strachan's next book. She's now one of my favorite authors.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Jean O. (DePere, WI)

The Earth Hums in B Flat
The stage between childhood and adolescence is uncomfortable and often painful. The author does a beautiful job describing this with Gwenni's voice. Gwenni is full of a child's eagerness and innocence. Bright, imaginative and inquisitive, she flies right into one's heart and into the beginning of adult understanding. I enjoyed the book and fell in love with Gwenni.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Linda G. Manager Lafayette Book Store CA

A Stellar Debut...
"The Earth Hums in B Flat" is a magical, literary and thoroughly enchanting debut. The location is a small village in Wales in the 1950's, and 12 year old Gwennie narrates. Her voice is perfect, she's charmingly naive and we learn about life along with her as she maneuvers through the complex and quirky characters of the story. Gwennie's tale has somewhat of a 'Harriet the Spy' feel to it as she attempts to take on a local missing persons case. The village secrets that slowly begin to unfold make for a very compelling story. The last 50 pages nearly took my breath away they were so beautiful. This book will also make a terrific young adult crossover, perfect for mother-daughter book clubs. I loved it!!

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Beverly B. (Tallahassee, FL)

A Magical, Soaring Adventure
This first novel by a sixty-two-year-old former librarian is a stunning debut. A family story told from the point of view of "odd" 12-year-old Gwenni, will keep you on the edge of your seat. While investigating a murder, Gwenni uncovers deep, dark secrets in her own family and must then decide what to do with the information and whether she should dig deeper. Strachan makes the tiny Welsh village where the story is set come alive. Hopefully this will not be the last we hear from her. Bravo!!

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Vicki R. (Casa Grande, AZ)

A wonderful coming-of-age story set in Wales
I was captivated by this magical story of Gwenni Morgan, a 12-year-old Welsh girl who uncovers painful family secrets as she learns the truth about the death of a neighbor. It's painful to witness the loss of Gwenni's innocence, but you can't help but fall in love with her loving and unique spirit.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Marcia F. (Batavia, IL)

The Earth Hums in B Flat
This was a truly enjoyable book! I loved it and hope that Ms Strachan will write a sequel. I had the women from my Welsh club explain "The Toby Jugs" and other Welsh words to me (possibly there should be a glossary for this in the book) to clarify my reading. Gwenni is a typical 13 year old beginning to outgrow her childhood imagination and enter into adolescence. I loved her loyalty and protectiveness of her friends and family as she discovered their secrets as well as the special relationship she has with Tada. Ms Strachan made me feel I was in Wales throughout the entire book with her wonderful descriptions of the country. A truly delightful read.

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