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The Narrowboat Summer


From the author of Meet Me at the Museum, a charming novel of second chances.
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Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

Created: 02/11/21

Replies: 12

Posted Feb. 11, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

One of the unexpected joys for Eve of narrowboat travel is that all of her problems are immediate: "As long as she needed to think ahead only as far as the next tap, the next locks, the next mooring, Eve had no room to worry about the next month, the next year." How is life different for Eve and Sally on the Number One? Do you see the appeal of that lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?


Posted Feb. 11, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
djcminor

Join Date: 03/14/19

Posts: 208

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

Especially in these days of being housebound because of COVID-19, I could certainly find appeal in being on a narrow boat and sailing along to different ports. One could still be isolated from the community at large, but would be able to see and talk with others at social distances. In ordinary times, though, I would not wish to live on a narrow boat, only use one for a vacation.


Posted Feb. 11, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
suzi

Join Date: 11/13/19

Posts: 4

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

Absolutely! I love to imagine myself living the lives of the characters in my favorite books. Stepping away from my 8-5 office job and traveling the waterways of the countryside sounds like a dream! Eve and Sally found purpose and companionship—two things I’m always searching for.


Posted Feb. 11, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
catherynez

Join Date: 01/27/18

Posts: 98

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

Yes, I think it would be a fun lifestyle especially if you were retired and had no kids at home. It is a little like RVing but on the water. It would be fun to have the boating community to hang out with.


Posted Feb. 12, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
clairelm

Join Date: 01/15/17

Posts: 16

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

I love the idea of getting away to find a new perspective on life! The narrowboat life offers a controlled escape- the shore is always right there, the system of waterways clearly marked. You make of it what you choose.


Posted Feb. 15, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sylviaann

Join Date: 01/14/18

Posts: 66

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

I have always thought that it would be wondrous to travel along the British canal system. I have not done this but after reading the book it did nothing to lessen my wish to do so.


Posted Feb. 19, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ABeman

Join Date: 01/14/15

Posts: 78

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

100 percent, yes. Without hesitation.


Posted Feb. 21, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sherryk

Join Date: 07/29/20

Posts: 17

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

Yes, very appealing. Until, this book, I never knew about the canal system. So, I learned while reading. Since then, I have googled and read more about the ingenuity of the canals and the designers and builders and the locks system (However, I also learned that it is very dirty and unkempt) very intriguing and a major player during the industrial revolution. Having said all that the whole scenario is very appealing to me...
I love sleeping on the boat, the freedom, feeling the boat lift and sway after the passage of other boats. Not as sure about the tunnels, however.


Posted Feb. 21, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
katherinep

Join Date: 07/16/14

Posts: 374

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

Oh, yes, I really do--i love the water, I love meeting new people, I love the countryside--it all appeals to me on so many levels. The history of it--the canal systems of the world before the Iron Horse came into existence is just so interesting. I think it would be idyllic, even with the physical work involved--that, at my age, is what would make it difficult for me. Being retired, time and money would not be big issues.


Posted Feb. 22, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
peggyt

Join Date: 08/10/17

Posts: 215

RE: Do you see the appeal of the narrowboat lifestyle? Could you imagine yourself doing what they did?

It sounds fascinating for a short trip and with somebody else to do the work. It was definitely interesting to read about.


Posted Feb. 25, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
paulagb

Join Date: 08/16/17

Posts: 173

RE: Do you see the appeal of the ...

It would be fun to do a short term working vacation such as narrow boating. Although there are other similar trip lifestyles some of them are more high risk so they are not as attractive. I sincerely doubt the serendipity of this opportunity would come along very often.


Posted Feb. 26, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
gvieth

Join Date: 02/26/21

Posts: 57

RE: Do you see the appeal of the ...

I agree with paulagb that, for the short term (like a week), it could be fun. I wouldn’t want to live on a boat, however.


Posted Mar. 08, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
SKB

Join Date: 10/28/18

Posts: 12

RE: Do you see the appeal of the ...

I think it could be fun for a summer, as you can visit different places, yet have the same bed each night. Wouldn’t want to do it long term, but definitely something to experience.


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