Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #318583 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

The Times
'Wise and beautifully written, this is a novel of great worth.'

Independent
'Cusk writes with extraordinary perception about the compromises and confusions of love.'

Daily Telegraph
'Profound and beautifully crafted...this is a quietly ambitious work that builds into a shimmering whole.'

Customer Reviews

intriguing
I have read all of Cusk's previous work, and I must preface this review by admitting that I am a fan. Except for Saving Agnes, I have found all her novels and short stories to be mesmerizing. Two particular favorites were The Temporary and The Country Life. I would say this book is a departure, but it has been my experience that every new work by Cusk is a departure. That is why she is so readable: she will constantly surprise you with each effort. I don't know if "The Lucky Ones" will be ranked among my favorites, but I wouldn't have missed it. For the masterpiece that is the chapter entitled "Mrs. Daley's Daughter", it is not to be missed. Mrs. Daley is an instantly recognizable monster, who serves herself up to the reader with chilling self-justification. The final section was also very moving, and drew me in completely, although I felt the storyline blundered slightly into both sentimentality and shock/horror in the final pages. (it sounds impossible to have both, but read it and you will see what I mean). But whatever you might say about this book, you could never call it predictable or mundane. It is like all of Rachel Cusk's work: it pulls back the curtain on things we could only guess at before. Her psychological insights are always worth the cost of her books.

utterly dreary
Having quite enjoyed A Life's Work and The Country Life, I thought this might be better given the hype over her making the Granta BOYB list. It isn't. In fact, it's one of the dreariest novels I've read for some time. Five characters are linked by knowing a human rights laweyer, and by parenthood - which they all seem to have found as depressing and unrewarding as Cusk herself. The characters range from a stupid young woman pregnant in prison to a woman journalist who moves to the country. None of the characters are remotely believeable, sympathethic or interesting.
I don't like being as negative as this about a novel, but Cusk is old enough and experienced enough by now to know better. She can write interestingly, but style alone isn't good enough for those who have forked out £15.99.

The Lucky Ones
Boring....

it was a very dreary read, characters unbelievable, situations ditto. Book did not flow. I think Rachel used this book as a vehicle to practise her literary style, which admittedly is good, but not good enough to sustain interest.