extraordinary, true to life, understated, powerful, 29 Oct 2008
This is an extraordinary book. It is like eating delicious very rich dark chocolate - I found I couldn't read too much in one go; I wouldn't have wanted to rush it. I lived near Loughborough Junction about 20 years ago - reading this book brought back the day to day experience of it, so vividly. Stella Duffy has a wonderful understanding of craftsmanship, human nature, what real life is actually like.
State of happiness, her other book I've read (so far!) is fabulous too.

total let down, 28 Jul 2008
I was looking forward to this book having read (and enjoyed) several of Ms Duffy's previous novels. Then there was the added incentive of it having been shortlisted for awards. What a disappointment it turned out to be. I'm rather surprised I actually stuck it out till the end as the first half of the book seems to move along aimlessly detailing the day-to-day lives of several people. It's like the written version of 'Lost in translation' where the story moves along in no particular direction. There is no build up to any sort of climax and you are left wondering what the point of the tale was.
The last half-ish of the book is more interesting (not brilliant but certainly better than the first bit) and I did enjoy reading it.

I don't think I'll be recommending this to anybody, especially first time Stella Duffy readers.

A love letter to London, 28 Apr 2008
I love London. The buildings, the tube, the bustle. A few years ago I finally went to South London and discovered a different London. One that doesn't come with map, that is louder, stranger, a mish-mash of cultures - sounds, smells and sights - squashed next to each other in shops less picture postcard and even more alluring for that.

`The Room of Lost things' is set in this area, which is painted in a loving yet real fashion, with no grotty archway or uncomfortable issue (race/sex/politics)glossed over in favour of making it seem desirable to outsiders, and the descriptions in this book are almost poetic at times.

Stories with too many characters can be confusing and distracting, but this, although heavily casted, is not like that. You can picture Stefan the commitment-phobe dancer; Akeel the terrified and conflicted father to be, Marilyn with her tight clothes and massive appetite, and of course, there's Robert, the protagonist - owner of the dry cleaners and many, many secrets.

His story had me going. I couldn't wait to find out more about him, but this wasn't because of any overly dramatic devices or cheesy revelations. Like the character his story was slow, steady and well-thought out.

I've been a fan of Duffy's since finding Immaculate Conceit in Manchester's Central Library many years ago, and her writing has matured, progressed and is even better, which as I love her other books, was a lovely surprise.

A great book, 28 Apr 2008
I loved this. The Room of Lost Things is a departure for Stella Duffy, as it's a portrait of a place as well as a novel, but it may well be her best yet.

Duffy's London magic, 28 Apr 2008
This is a book about London as its people know it - the London the tourists don't see, but the inhabitants live. The focus of the book is the story of a local dry cleaner who's spent his whole life there, cleaning people's clothes, keeping their secrets, observing their lives. Now he's passing on his business to another Londoner - young to his old; Muslim to his atheist; Asian to his white. The landscape, the river and vignettes of the people they encounter along the way are the background to their growing friendship, richly and skillfully drawn.

The Room of Lost Things is a gorgeous evocation of the spirit of South London; a compassionate portrait of its people and their changing lives, beautifully written, funny, clever and moving. I can't recommend it highly enough.

extraordinary, true to life, understated, powerful, 29 Oct 2008
This is an extraordinary book. It is like eating delicious very rich dark chocolate - I found I couldn't read too much in one go; I wouldn't have wanted to rush it. I lived near Loughborough Junction about 20 years ago - reading this book brought back the day to day experience of it, so vividly. Stella Duffy has a wonderful understanding of craftsmanship, human nature, what real life is actually like.
State of happiness, her other book I've read (so far!) is fabulous too.

total let down, 28 Jul 2008
I was looking forward to this book having read (and enjoyed) several of Ms Duffy's previous novels. Then there was the added incentive of it having been shortlisted for awards. What a disappointment it turned out to be. I'm rather surprised I actually stuck it out till the end as the first half of the book seems to move along aimlessly detailing the day-to-day lives of several people. It's like the written version of 'Lost in translation' where the story moves along in no particular direction. There is no build up to any sort of climax and you are left wondering what the point of the tale was.
The last half-ish of the book is more interesting (not brilliant but certainly better than the first bit) and I did enjoy reading it.

I don't think I'll be recommending this to anybody, especially first time Stella Duffy readers.

A love letter to London, 28 Apr 2008
I love London. The buildings, the tube, the bustle. A few years ago I finally went to South London and discovered a different London. One that doesn't come with map, that is louder, stranger, a mish-mash of cultures - sounds, smells and sights - squashed next to each other in shops less picture postcard and even more alluring for that.

`The Room of Lost things' is set in this area, which is painted in a loving yet real fashion, with no grotty archway or uncomfortable issue (race/sex/politics)glossed over in favour of making it seem desirable to outsiders, and the descriptions in this book are almost poetic at times.

Stories with too many characters can be confusing and distracting, but this, although heavily casted, is not like that. You can picture Stefan the commitment-phobe dancer; Akeel the terrified and conflicted father to be, Marilyn with her tight clothes and massive appetite, and of course, there's Robert, the protagonist - owner of the dry cleaners and many, many secrets.

His story had me going. I couldn't wait to find out more about him, but this wasn't because of any overly dramatic devices or cheesy revelations. Like the character his story was slow, steady and well-thought out.

I've been a fan of Duffy's since finding Immaculate Conceit in Manchester's Central Library many years ago, and her writing has matured, progressed and is even better, which as I love her other books, was a lovely surprise.

A great book, 28 Apr 2008
I loved this. The Room of Lost Things is a departure for Stella Duffy, as it's a portrait of a place as well as a novel, but it may well be her best yet.

Duffy's London magic, 28 Apr 2008
This is a book about London as its people know it - the London the tourists don't see, but the inhabitants live. The focus of the book is the story of a local dry cleaner who's spent his whole life there, cleaning people's clothes, keeping their secrets, observing their lives. Now he's passing on his business to another Londoner - young to his old; Muslim to his atheist; Asian to his white. The landscape, the river and vignettes of the people they encounter along the way are the background to their growing friendship, richly and skillfully drawn.

The Room of Lost Things is a gorgeous evocation of the spirit of South London; a compassionate portrait of its people and their changing lives, beautifully written, funny, clever and moving. I can't recommend it highly enough.

must read, 11 Nov 1999
This is a frothy hot chocolate of a book. This book contains all the elements of the modern World. Plus it's a good old fashion story tale about good and evil. Priness Cushla desends from a faraway land to wreck havoc on couples that are happy and in love. I could not put this book down.

I love Forrest Gump, 06 Jun 1999
This is my favourite novel by my favourite author. It tells the tale of an idiot who is kind and sweet at heart. His life is extraordinary and I was gripped from the start. If you don't read this book you will be truly gutted.

Modern day fairy-tale, 16 Feb 1999
A beautiful princess, a handsome prince. a king and a queen. Sounds like your typical fairy story? Well this definately isn't! This is the story of a Princess without a heart, who decides to break up three happy couples that she meets. But then her heart begins to grow, and the Prince is hot on her trail. Will she get her comeuppance? Will she learn to love? You'll be pleasantly surprised by this rather nasty tale.

Cynical, witty view of modern relationships, 18 Jan 1999
The plot is basically this .... Cushla, the fairy princess without a heart (the compassion fairy was late) has come to earth with one mission .... to break up loving relationships. To do this she seduces one of the parties to a relationship and we, the reader, get to watch the demise of that relationship and all the guilt, hatred and desparation that follows. Hillarious, with plenty of perceptive observations as to the nature of relationships today. Read this book, especially if you've just come out of a relationship and are feeling, how shall we say, slightly twisted.

extraordinary, true to life, understated, powerful, 29 Oct 2008
This is an extraordinary book. It is like eating delicious very rich dark chocolate - I found I couldn't read too much in one go; I wouldn't have wanted to rush it. I lived near Loughborough Junction about 20 years ago - reading this book brought back the day to day experience of it, so vividly. Stella Duffy has a wonderful understanding of craftsmanship, human nature, what real life is actually like.
State of happiness, her other book I've read (so far!) is fabulous too.

total let down, 28 Jul 2008
I was looking forward to this book having read (and enjoyed) several of Ms Duffy's previous novels. Then there was the added incentive of it having been shortlisted for awards. What a disappointment it turned out to be. I'm rather surprised I actually stuck it out till the end as the first half of the book seems to move along aimlessly detailing the day-to-day lives of several people. It's like the written version of 'Lost in translation' where the story moves along in no particular direction. There is no build up to any sort of climax and you are left wondering what the point of the tale was.
The last half-ish of the book is more interesting (not brilliant but certainly better than the first bit) and I did enjoy reading it.

I don't think I'll be recommending this to anybody, especially first time Stella Duffy readers.

A love letter to London, 28 Apr 2008
I love London. The buildings, the tube, the bustle. A few years ago I finally went to South London and discovered a different London. One that doesn't come with map, that is louder, stranger, a mish-mash of cultures - sounds, smells and sights - squashed next to each other in shops less picture postcard and even more alluring for that.

`The Room of Lost things' is set in this area, which is painted in a loving yet real fashion, with no grotty archway or uncomfortable issue (race/sex/politics)glossed over in favour of making it seem desirable to outsiders, and the descriptions in this book are almost poetic at times.

Stories with too many characters can be confusing and distracting, but this, although heavily casted, is not like that. You can picture Stefan the commitment-phobe dancer; Akeel the terrified and conflicted father to be, Marilyn with her tight clothes and massive appetite, and of course, there's Robert, the protagonist - owner of the dry cleaners and many, many secrets.

His story had me going. I couldn't wait to find out more about him, but this wasn't because of any overly dramatic devices or cheesy revelations. Like the character his story was slow, steady and well-thought out.

I've been a fan of Duffy's since finding Immaculate Conceit in Manchester's Central Library many years ago, and her writing has matured, progressed and is even better, which as I love her other books, was a lovely surprise.

A great book, 28 Apr 2008
I loved this. The Room of Lost Things is a departure for Stella Duffy, as it's a portrait of a place as well as a novel, but it may well be her best yet.

Duffy's London magic, 28 Apr 2008
This is a book about London as its people know it - the London the tourists don't see, but the inhabitants live. The focus of the book is the story of a local dry cleaner who's spent his whole life there, cleaning people's clothes, keeping their secrets, observing their lives. Now he's passing on his business to another Londoner - young to his old; Muslim to his atheist; Asian to his white. The landscape, the river and vignettes of the people they encounter along the way are the background to their growing friendship, richly and skillfully drawn.

The Room of Lost Things is a gorgeous evocation of the spirit of South London; a compassionate portrait of its people and their changing lives, beautifully written, funny, clever and moving. I can't recommend it highly enough.

must read, 11 Nov 1999
This is a frothy hot chocolate of a book. This book contains all the elements of the modern World. Plus it's a good old fashion story tale about good and evil. Priness Cushla desends from a faraway land to wreck havoc on couples that are happy and in love. I could not put this book down.

I love Forrest Gump, 06 Jun 1999
This is my favourite novel by my favourite author. It tells the tale of an idiot who is kind and sweet at heart. His life is extraordinary and I was gripped from the start. If you don't read this book you will be truly gutted.

Modern day fairy-tale, 16 Feb 1999
A beautiful princess, a handsome prince. a king and a queen. Sounds like your typical fairy story? Well this definately isn't! This is the story of a Princess without a heart, who decides to break up three happy couples that she meets. But then her heart begins to grow, and the Prince is hot on her trail. Will she get her comeuppance? Will she learn to love? You'll be pleasantly surprised by this rather nasty tale.

Cynical, witty view of modern relationships, 18 Jan 1999
The plot is basically this .... Cushla, the fairy princess without a heart (the compassion fairy was late) has come to earth with one mission .... to break up loving relationships. To do this she seduces one of the parties to a relationship and we, the reader, get to watch the demise of that relationship and all the guilt, hatred and desparation that follows. Hillarious, with plenty of perceptive observations as to the nature of relationships today. Read this book, especially if you've just come out of a relationship and are feeling, how shall we say, slightly twisted.

a gem of a find, 10 Jan 2008
I'm surprised Ms Duffy isn't more famous than she is. I never see her books in people's lists of recommended lesbian fiction but she isn't half bad. The book was a bit predictable but I love the way the wrote the part not of Saz, the main character, but Maggie. Maggie is narrating her own story but it is bitty, deep and poetic. To try and piece together what she is getting at takes time but one soon realises how it is going to intersect with Saz which is a real shame.
The characters are nice and I found myself getting attached to them, especially Saz's friends who are hilarious in their gentle bickering. It sticks to some generalisations that I've picked up from lesbian themed books but one thing I do feel like patting her on the back for is including a couple of stable lesbians in ordinary long-term relationships. Not many authors do that and most stories include players / women who've been hurt etc etc who aren't interested in settling down and so on and so forth. ... a breath of fresh air.

In terms of the plot: Saz is a PI who gets asked by a Mr Clark to help him find a lady he considers a dear friend. Only, he doesnt know her real name, has never been to her house, doesn't know where she works and has no details about her private life! A tough order but Saz takes on the case and is soon calling in favours from various friends who happen to have access to certain channels of enquiry. The mystery takes her to the States and back and soon she is uncovering a crime bigger than a simple missing person.
As I said at the same time we get this almost random and out of place narration from Maggie but once you get the hang of the writing style it is very moving and also very relavent.

Can't wait to get my hands on the next one as have been pleasently surprised to find out there are more in the series. Hope it only gets better.

I fell in love withSaz Martin..., 13 Nov 2001
This is one of those rare books that makes you feel grateful for having discovered the author. If you like strong women characters that aren't quite infallible, you'll fall for Saz as I did. An utterly gripping read � exciting, tender, loving and oh, so real.

extraordinary, true to life, understated, powerful, 29 Oct 2008
This is an extraordinary book. It is like eating delicious very rich dark chocolate - I found I couldn't read too much in one go; I wouldn't have wanted to rush it. I lived near Loughborough Junction about 20 years ago - reading this book brought back the day to day experience of it, so vividly. Stella Duffy has a wonderful understanding of craftsmanship, human nature, what real life is actually like.
State of happiness, her other book I've read (so far!) is fabulous too.

total let down, 28 Jul 2008
I was looking forward to this book having read (and enjoyed) several of Ms Duffy's previous novels. Then there was the added incentive of it having been shortlisted for awards. What a disappointment it turned out to be. I'm rather surprised I actually stuck it out till the end as the first half of the book seems to move along aimlessly detailing the day-to-day lives of several people. It's like the written version of 'Lost in translation' where the story moves along in no particular direction. There is no build up to any sort of climax and you are left wondering what the point of the tale was.
The last half-ish of the book is more interesting (not brilliant but certainly better than the first bit) and I did enjoy reading it.

I don't think I'll be recommending this to anybody, especially first time Stella Duffy readers.

A love letter to London, 28 Apr 2008
I love London. The buildings, the tube, the bustle. A few years ago I finally went to South London and discovered a different London. One that doesn't come with map, that is louder, stranger, a mish-mash of cultures - sounds, smells and sights - squashed next to each other in shops less picture postcard and even more alluring for that.

`The Room of Lost things' is set in this area, which is painted in a loving yet real fashion, with no grotty archway or uncomfortable issue (race/sex/politics)glossed over in favour of making it seem desirable to outsiders, and the descriptions in this book are almost poetic at times.

Stories with too many characters can be confusing and distracting, but this, although heavily casted, is not like that. You can picture Stefan the commitment-phobe dancer; Akeel the terrified and conflicted father to be, Marilyn with her tight clothes and massive appetite, and of course, there's Robert, the protagonist - owner of the dry cleaners and many, many secrets.

His story had me going. I couldn't wait to find out more about him, but this wasn't because of any overly dramatic devices or cheesy revelations. Like the character his story was slow, steady and well-thought out.

I've been a fan of Duffy's since finding Immaculate Conceit in Manchester's Central Library many years ago, and her writing has matured, progressed and is even better, which as I love her other books, was a lovely surprise.

A great book, 28 Apr 2008
I loved this. The Room of Lost Things is a departure for Stella Duffy, as it's a portrait of a place as well as a novel, but it may well be her best yet.

Duffy's London magic, 28 Apr 2008
This is a book about London as its people know it - the London the tourists don't see, but the inhabitants live. The focus of the book is the story of a local dry cleaner who's spent his whole life there, cleaning people's clothes, keeping their secrets, observing their lives. Now he's passing on his business to another Londoner - young to his old; Muslim to his atheist; Asian to his white. The landscape, the river and vignettes of the people they encounter along the way are the background to their growing friendship, richly and skillfully drawn.

The Room of Lost Things is a gorgeous evocation of the spirit of South London; a compassionate portrait of its people and their changing lives, beautifully written, funny, clever and moving. I can't recommend it highly enough.

must read, 11 Nov 1999
This is a frothy hot chocolate of a book. This book contains all the elements of the modern World. Plus it's a good old fashion story tale about good and evil. Priness Cushla desends from a faraway land to wreck havoc on couples that are happy and in love. I could not put this book down.

I love Forrest Gump, 06 Jun 1999
This is my favourite novel by my favourite author. It tells the tale of an idiot who is kind and sweet at heart. His life is extraordinary and I was gripped from the start. If you don't read this book you will be truly gutted.

Modern day fairy-tale, 16 Feb 1999
A beautiful princess, a handsome prince. a king and a queen. Sounds like your typical fairy story? Well this definately isn't! This is the story of a Princess without a heart, who decides to break up three happy couples that she meets. But then her heart begins to grow, and the Prince is hot on her trail. Will she get her comeuppance? Will she learn to love? You'll be pleasantly surprised by this rather nasty tale.

Cynical, witty view of modern relationships, 18 Jan 1999
The plot is basically this .... Cushla, the fairy princess without a heart (the compassion fairy was late) has come to earth with one mission .... to break up loving relationships. To do this she seduces one of the parties to a relationship and we, the reader, get to watch the demise of that relationship and all the guilt, hatred and desparation that follows. Hillarious, with plenty of perceptive observations as to the nature of relationships today. Read this book, especially if you've just come out of a relationship and are feeling, how shall we say, slightly twisted.

a gem of a find, 10 Jan 2008
I'm surprised Ms Duffy isn't more famous than she is. I never see her books in people's lists of recommended lesbian fiction but she isn't half bad. The book was a bit predictable but I love the way the wrote the part not of Saz, the main character, but Maggie. Maggie is narrating her own story but it is bitty, deep and poetic. To try and piece together what she is getting at takes time but one soon realises how it is going to intersect with Saz which is a real shame.
The characters are nice and I found myself getting attached to them, especially Saz's friends who are hilarious in their gentle bickering. It sticks to some generalisations that I've picked up from lesbian themed books but one thing I do feel like patting her on the back for is including a couple of stable lesbians in ordinary long-term relationships. Not many authors do that and most stories include players / women who've been hurt etc etc who aren't interested in settling down and so on and so forth. ... a breath of fresh air.

In terms of the plot: Saz is a PI who gets asked by a Mr Clark to help him find a lady he considers a dear friend. Only, he doesnt know her real name, has never been to her house, doesn't know where she works and has no details about her private life! A tough order but Saz takes on the case and is soon calling in favours from various friends who happen to have access to certain channels of enquiry. The mystery takes her to the States and back and soon she is uncovering a crime bigger than a simple missing person.
As I said at the same time we get this almost random and out of place narration from Maggie but once you get the hang of the writing style it is very moving and also very relavent.

Can't wait to get my hands on the next one as have been pleasently surprised to find out there are more in the series. Hope it only gets better.

I fell in love withSaz Martin..., 13 Nov 2001
This is one of those rare books that makes you feel grateful for having discovered the author. If you like strong women characters that aren't quite infallible, you'll fall for Saz as I did. An utterly gripping read � exciting, tender, loving and oh, so real.

amazing surprise, 25 Apr 2008
Usually I never read crime books. But I picked this one up because I'm interested in stories about girls that have been bullied, but are now successful and are looking back on their past. This book was an amazing surprise on the subject. A lot of tension without getting into the "poor me"- state.

an excellent read, 13 Jan 2007
Is it possible to put everthing behind and go on pretending that the bad never occurred?
The answer given by Stella Duffy is definitely no. Sooner or later that past will come back and knock at your door. And this is exactly what happens to Saz, the protagonist of the book.
In this book Stella Duffy deals with the dark sides of the human soul without moral judjement.
At the same time she analyses the psychology and relationships of teenagers, their need to belong, the difficulty of fitting into a predetermined pattern.
Stella Duffy has a gift for writing, her style is gripping and original- I can't wait to read another of Stella Duffy's novels!

Duffy at her best!, 22 Aug 2005
I have just read this book in 7 hours,so good i couldn't put it down!
The story is easy to follow,once you get used to the 2 different styles of writing that Duffy uses in this book.The characters of Saz and Molly are well written,and you really like them as a couple and you want their relationship to work.
MOUTH OF BABES points out very well that most people have painful episodes in their lives,and it's important to concentrate on the present.
I can't wait for Duffy's next book!

The Best Yet, 27 Jul 2005
I think Duffy has produced her best novel to date with Mouths of Babes. It has a depth that her earlier stuff sometimes lacks.Her characterisation is strong but believeable. I was stunned by the final chapter it is worth the cover price for that alone, its really shocking.
If you have read the others in the Saz Martin series then you have to buy it, if you haven't dont worry this is a great stand alone read.

Duffy at her best, 24 Jul 2005
Mouths of Babes is the fifth Saz Martin book, long awaited and fulfilling every expectation.

Saz and Molly's baby is a few months old, and they are still adjusting to a recent death, when a 'friend' from Saz's childhood turns up on the doorstep, leading to revelations and truths that Saz had hoped never to have to confront.

This is a complex book, beautifully written, dealing with the ways in which we survive childhood, and those who fall by the way. It's illuminating on bullying and the strategems both victims and bullies use to get by, and the compromises we make to become the adults we want to be.

This latest Saz mystery is fast-paced, intelligent, mesmerising and makes you shiver. Duffy's take on relationships is spot on, and the events grow so naturally out of the people involved that the story's horrifying conclusion seems just one more logical, inexorable step.

Read it - you'll love it, and want to buy it for yourself. Easily the best Saz story so far.

extraordinary, true to life, understated, powerful, 29 Oct 2008
This is an extraordinary book. It is like eating delicious very rich dark chocolate - I found I couldn't read too much in one go; I wouldn't have wanted to rush it. I lived near Loughborough Junction about 20 years ago - reading this book brought back the day to day experience of it, so vividly. Stella Duffy has a wonderful understanding of craftsmanship, human nature, what real life is actually like.
State of happiness, her other book I've read (so far!) is fabulous too.

total let down, 28 Jul 2008
I was looking forward to this book having read (and enjoyed) several of Ms Duffy's previous novels. Then there was the added incentive of it having been shortlisted for awards. What a disappointment it turned out to be. I'm rather surprised I actually stuck it out till the end as the first half of the book seems to move along aimlessly detailing the day-to-day lives of several people. It's like the written version of 'Lost in translation' where the story moves along in no particular direction. There is no build up to any sort of climax and you are left wondering what the point of the tale was.
The last half-ish of the book is more interesting (not brilliant but certainly better than the first bit) and I did enjoy reading it.

I don't think I'll be recommending this to anybody, especially first time Stella Duffy readers.

A love letter to London, 28 Apr 2008
I love London. The buildings, the tube, the bustle. A few years ago I finally went to South London and discovered a different London. One that doesn't come with map, that is louder, stranger, a mish-mash of cultures - sounds, smells and sights - squashed next to each other in shops less picture postcard and even more alluring for that.

`The Room of Lost things' is set in this area, which is painted in a loving yet real fashion, with no grotty archway or uncomfortable issue (race/sex/politics)glossed over in favour of making it seem desirable to outsiders, and the descriptions in this book are almost poetic at times.

Stories with too many characters can be confusing and distracting, but this, although heavily casted, is not like that. You can picture Stefan the commitment-phobe dancer; Akeel the terrified and conflicted father to be, Marilyn with her tight clothes and massive appetite, and of course, there's Robert, the protagonist - owner of the dry cleaners and many, many secrets.

His story had me going. I couldn't wait to find out more about him, but this wasn't because of any overly dramatic devices or cheesy revelations. Like the character his story was slow, steady and well-thought out.

I've been a fan of Duffy's since finding Immaculate Conceit in Manchester's Central Library many years ago, and her writing has matured, progressed and is even better, which as I love her other books, was a lovely surprise.

A great book, 28 Apr 2008
I loved this. The Room of Lost Things is a departure for Stella Duffy, as it's a portrait of a place as well as a novel, but it may well be her best yet.

Duffy's London magic, 28 Apr 2008
This is a book about London as its people know it - the London the tourists don't see, but the inhabitants live. The focus of the book is the story of a local dry cleaner who's spent his whole life there, cleaning people's clothes, keeping their secrets, observing their lives. Now he's passing on his business to another Londoner - young to his old; Muslim to his atheist; Asian to his white. The landscape, the river and vignettes of the people they encounter along the way are the background to their growing friendship, richly and skillfully drawn.

The Room of Lost Things is a gorgeous evocation of the spirit of South London; a compassionate portrait of its people and their changing lives, beautifully written, funny, clever and moving. I can't recommend it highly enough.

must read, 11 Nov 1999
This is a frothy hot chocolate of a book. This book contains all the elements of the modern World. Plus it's a good old fashion story tale about good and evil. Priness Cushla desends from a faraway land to wreck havoc on couples that are happy and in love. I could not put this book down.

I love Forrest Gump, 06 Jun 1999
This is my favourite novel by my favourite author. It tells the tale of an idiot who is kind and sweet at heart. His life is extraordinary and I was gripped from the start. If you don't read this book you will be truly gutted.

Modern day fairy-tale, 16 Feb 1999
A beautiful princess, a handsome prince. a king and a queen. Sounds like your typical fairy story? Well this definately isn't! This is the story of a Princess without a heart, who decides to break up three happy couples that she meets. But then her heart begins to grow, and the Prince is hot on her trail. Will she get her comeuppance? Will she learn to love? You'll be pleasantly surprised by this rather nasty tale.

Cynical, witty view of modern relationships, 18 Jan 1999
The plot is basically this .... Cushla, the fairy princess without a heart (the compassion fairy was late) has come to earth with one mission .... to break up loving relationships. To do this she seduces one of the parties to a relationship and we, the reader, get to watch the demise of that relationship and all the guilt, hatred and desparation that follows. Hillarious, with plenty of perceptive observations as to the nature of relationships today. Read this book, especially if you've just come out of a relationship and are feeling, how shall we say, slightly twisted.

a gem of a find, 10 Jan 2008
I'm surprised Ms Duffy isn't more famous than she is. I never see her books in people's lists of recommended lesbian fiction but she isn't half bad. The book was a bit predictable but I love the way the wrote the part not of Saz, the main character, but Maggie. Maggie is narrating her own story but it is bitty, deep and poetic. To try and piece together what she is getting at takes time but one soon realises how it is going to intersect with Saz which is a real shame.
The characters are nice and I found myself getting attached to them, especially Saz's friends who are hilarious in their gentle bickering. It sticks to some generalisations that I've picked up from lesbian themed books but one thing I do feel like patting her on the back for is including a couple of stable lesbians in ordinary long-term relationships. Not many authors do that and most stories include players / women who've been hurt etc etc who aren't interested in settling down and so on and so forth. ... a breath of fresh air.

In terms of the plot: Saz is a PI who gets asked by a Mr Clark to help him find a lady he considers a dear friend. Only, he doesnt know her real name, has never been to her house, doesn't know where she works and has no details about her private life! A tough order but Saz takes on the case and is soon calling in favours from various friends who happen to have access to certain channels of enquiry. The mystery takes her to the States and back and soon she is uncovering a crime bigger than a simple missing person.
As I said at the same time we get this almost random and out of place narration from Maggie but once you get the hang of the writing style it is very moving and also very relavent.

Can't wait to get my hands on the next one as have been pleasently surprised to find out there are more in the series. Hope it only gets better.

I fell in love withSaz Martin..., 13 Nov 2001
This is one of those rare books that makes you feel grateful for having discovered the author. If you like strong women characters that aren't quite infallible, you'll fall for Saz as I did. An utterly gripping read � exciting, tender, loving and oh, so real.

amazing surprise, 25 Apr 2008
Usually I never read crime books. But I picked this one up because I'm interested in stories about girls that have been bullied, but are now successful and are looking back on their past. This book was an amazing surprise on the subject. A lot of tension without getting into the "poor me"- state.

an excellent read, 13 Jan 2007
Is it possible to put everthing behind and go on pretending that the bad never occurred?
The answer given by Stella Duffy is definitely no. Sooner or later that past will come back and knock at your door. And this is exactly what happens to Saz, the protagonist of the book.
In this book Stella Duffy deals with the dark sides of the human soul without moral judjement.
At the same time she analyses the psychology and relationships of teenagers, their need to belong, the difficulty of fitting into a predetermined pattern.
Stella Duffy has a gift for writing, her style is gripping and original- I can't wait to read another of Stella Duffy's novels!

Duffy at her best!, 22 Aug 2005
I have just read this book in 7 hours,so good i couldn't put it down!
The story is easy to follow,once you get used to the 2 different styles of writing that Duffy uses in this book.The characters of Saz and Molly are well written,and you really like them as a couple and you want their relationship to work.
MOUTH OF BABES points out very well that most people have painful episodes in their lives,and it's important to concentrate on the present.
I can't wait for Duffy's next book!

The Best Yet, 27 Jul 2005
I think Duffy has produced her best novel to date with Mouths of Babes. It has a depth that her earlier stuff sometimes lacks.Her characterisation is strong but believeable. I was stunned by the final chapter it is worth the cover price for that alone, its really shocking.
If you have read the others in the Saz Martin series then you have to buy it, if you haven't dont worry this is a great stand alone read.

Duffy at her best, 24 Jul 2005
Mouths of Babes is the fifth Saz Martin book, long awaited and fulfilling every expectation.

Saz and Molly's baby is a few months old, and they are still adjusting to a recent death, when a 'friend' from Saz's childhood turns up on the doorstep, leading to revelations and truths that Saz had hoped never to have to confront.

This is a complex book, beautifully written, dealing with the ways in which we survive childhood, and those who fall by the way. It's illuminating on bullying and the strategems both victims and bullies use to get by, and the compromises we make to become the adults we want to be.

This latest Saz mystery is fast-paced, intelligent, mesmerising and makes you shiver. Duffy's take on relationships is spot on, and the events grow so naturally out of the people involved that the story's horrifying conclusion seems just one more logical, inexorable step.

Read it - you'll love it, and want to buy it for yourself. Easily the best Saz story so far.

Quite moving, 19 Apr 2008
I read this on aeroplane and wish I hadn't - I cried! I had to sniffle away quietly at one or two places in order to not attract any attention. It is such a moving book and one I came across completely by chance. This is the first book I've read by Stella Duffy, although I do own another one and I am really looking forward to reading that.

In the beginning, the characters don't seem real, quite one dimensional. Suddenly, they become very different and I can't put my finger on what it was but I became hooked. That could well have been due to the fact that I was a captive auidence to a certain extent as I had nothing else to do for my two and a half hour flight.

It is difficult to discuss the plot without revealing what happens throughout the novel but the journey the characters go on is special. I couldn't recommend this book enough. It is touching but in such a way that it isn't wishy washy, it's quite a stark reality actually. Beautifully written, it packs a punch and holds nothing back.

Honest and unflinching, 18 Apr 2007
I've always loved planning and studying maps, which is maybe why I understood the workings of cartogropher Cindy, who meets journalist Jack in New York, falls in love, and then moves to LA where everything changes.

Although Cindy and Jack are described plainly, in both their movements and feelings towards each other, traits such as Jack slobbing about in a Man City top and Cindy's obsession with pistachios add warmth to characters which could have been made cold in the wrong hands.

Rather than relying on twists and turns, the plot is set out logically and calmly, mirroring Cindy's reaction to her diagnosis, and her illness is described with unflinching honesty, without a hint of mawkishness or melodrama....but saying that, as i finished this book, it didn't stop me crying, both at the ending and the description of her last map.

If you read just one book in your life make it this one, 21 Sep 2004
I'm sure any review will not do this book justice. Should have been a bestseller on its release, but I believe it will still get there by word of mouth. This book is captivating and really tugged at my heart strings, the saddest book I have read. The main character creates maps and her enthusiasm for this means she maps her everyday life, this is as fascinating as her struggle through her illness. Beutifully written a different angle on love and death, a satisfying read but keep a box of tissues by your side for the tears.

Fresh Flesh is a controversial, modern crime story that delves into the lives of the young, rich and glamorous where cocaine is seen as a trendy vitamin supplement.

Saz, the intrepid PI, and her girlfriend, Molly, are having a baby with their best friends: Chris and his boyfriend Marc. Through in vitro fertilization, Chris' sperm has fertilised Saz's egg, which has been implanted into Molly's womb. And they are all eagerly awaiting parenthood. Not the most traditional of families but happy nonetheless.

Her latest case, however, isn't as rosy. Chris is the son of adoptive parents and with fatherhood pending becomes curious about his real birthparents. Saz sets out to discover the identities and whereabouts of his real parent, but rather than a routine search, she finds herself struggling to unravel a complex mesh of relationships.

Information is scarce and those who may be able to help are giving nothing away. Georgina Leyton, the ice-cool, beautiful lawyer knows something but is as slippery as greased gavel. And another adoptee, Luke Godwin, the temperamental owner of a popular new bar, is sending mixed signals. If that was not enough, she ends up taking on a similar case for the notorious celebrity cook, Patrick Freeman, who's also looking to find his birthparents.

With the aid of her friends, she finds herself having to pull dangerous stunts (including break-ins to government offices) to get to the bottom of the mystery. Doing so, she uncovers a bizarre set of transactions involving the sinister exploitation of women--which forces her to consider the morality of her own actions in her attempts to fulfil her desire to procreate: "The dividing line between right and wrong was even less clear than she usually found it. Much as part of her wanted to run away, just to play happy families and refuse to look at any of this, Saz had no choice. China shops and blind bulls came to mind." --Neelam Dongha

extraordinary, true to life, understated, powerful, 29 Oct 2008
This is an extraordinary book. It is like eating delicious very rich dark chocolate - I found I couldn't read too much in one go; I wouldn't have wanted to rush it. I lived near Loughborough Junction about 20 years ago - reading this book brought back the day to day experience of it, so vividly. Stella Duffy has a wonderful understanding of craftsmanship, human nature, what real life is actually like.
State of happiness, her other book I've read (so far!) is fabulous too.

total let down, 28 Jul 2008
I was looking forward to this book having read (and enjoyed) several of Ms Duffy's previous novels. Then there was the added incentive of it having been shortlisted for awards. What a disappointment it turned out to be. I'm rather surprised I actually stuck it out till the end as the first half of the book seems to move along aimlessly detailing the day-to-day lives of several people. It's like the written version of 'Lost in translation' where the story moves along in no particular direction. There is no build up to any sort of climax and you are left wondering what the point of the tale was.
The last half-ish of the book is more interesting (not brilliant but certainly better than the first bit) and I did enjoy reading it.

I don't think I'll be recommending this to anybody, especially first time Stella Duffy readers.

A love letter to London, 28 Apr 2008
I love London. The buildings, the tube, the bustle. A few years ago I finally went to South London and discovered a different London. One that doesn't come with map, that is louder, stranger, a mish-mash of cultures - sounds, smells and sights - squashed next to each other in shops less picture postcard and even more alluring for that.

`The Room of Lost things' is set in this area, which is painted in a loving yet real fashion, with no grotty archway or uncomfortable issue (race/sex/politics)glossed over in favour of making it seem desirable to outsiders, and the descriptions in this book are almost poetic at times.

Stories with too many characters can be confusing and distracting, but this, although heavily casted, is not like that. You can picture Stefan the commitment-phobe dancer; Akeel the terrified and conflicted father to be, Marilyn with her tight clothes and massive appetite, and of course, there's Robert, the protagonist - owner of the dry cleaners and many, many secrets.

His story had me going. I couldn't wait to find out more about him, but this wasn't because of any overly dramatic devices or cheesy revelations. Like the character his story was slow, steady and well-thought out.

I've been a fan of Duffy's since finding Immaculate Conceit in Manchester's Central Library many years ago, and her writing has matured, progressed and is even better, which as I love her other books, was a lovely surprise.

A great book, 28 Apr 2008
I loved this. The Room of Lost Things is a departure for Stella Duffy, as it's a portrait of a place as well as a novel, but it may well be her best yet.

Duffy's London magic, 28 Apr 2008
This is a book about London as its people know it - the London the tourists don't see, but the inhabitants live. The focus of the book is the story of a local dry cleaner who's spent his whole life there, cleaning people's clothes, keeping their secrets, observing their lives. Now he's passing on his business to another Londoner - young to his old; Muslim to his atheist; Asian to his white. The landscape, the river and vignettes of the people they encounter along the way are the background to their growing friendship, richly and skillfully drawn.

The Room of Lost Things is a gorgeous evocation of the spirit of South London; a compassionate portrait of its people and their changing lives, beautifully written, funny, clever and moving. I can't recommend it highly enough.

must read, 11 Nov 1999
This is a frothy hot chocolate of a book. This book contains all the elements of the modern World. Plus it's a good old fashion story tale about good and evil. Priness Cushla desends from a faraway land to wreck havoc on couples that are happy and in love. I could not put this book down.

I love Forrest Gump, 06 Jun 1999
This is my favourite novel by my favourite author. It tells the tale of an idiot who is kind and sweet at heart. His life is extraordinary and I was gripped from the start. If you don't read this book you will be truly gutted.

Modern day fairy-tale, 16 Feb 1999
A beautiful princess, a handsome prince. a king and a queen. Sounds like your typical fairy story? Well this definately isn't! This is the story of a Princess without a heart, who decides to break up three happy couples that she meets. But then her heart begins to grow, and the Prince is hot on her trail. Will she get her comeuppance? Will she learn to love? You'll be pleasantly surprised by this rather nasty tale.

Cynical, witty view of modern relationships, 18 Jan 1999
The plot is basically this .... Cushla, the fairy princess without a heart (the compassion fairy was late) has come to earth with one mission .... to break up loving relationships. To do this she seduces one of the parties to a relationship and we, the reader, get to watch the demise of that relationship and all the guilt, hatred and desparation that follows. Hillarious, with plenty of perceptive observations as to the nature of relationships today. Read this book, especially if you've just come out of a relationship and are feeling, how shall we say, slightly twisted.

a gem of a find, 10 Jan 2008
I'm surprised Ms Duffy isn't more famous than she is. I never see her books in people's lists of recommended lesbian fiction but she isn't half bad. The book was a bit predictable but I love the way the wrote the part not of Saz, the main character, but Maggie. Maggie is narrating her own story but it is bitty, deep and poetic. To try and piece together what she is getting at takes time but one soon realises how it is going to intersect with Saz which is a real shame.
The characters are nice and I found myself getting attached to them, especially Saz's friends who are hilarious in their gentle bickering. It sticks to some generalisations that I've picked up from lesbian themed books but one thing I do feel like patting her on the back for is including a couple of stable lesbians in ordinary long-term relationships. Not many authors do that and most stories include players / women who've been hurt etc etc who aren't interested in settling down and so on and so forth. ... a breath of fresh air.

In terms of the plot: Saz is a PI who gets asked by a Mr Clark to help him find a lady he considers a dear friend. Only, he doesnt know her real name, has never been to her house, doesn't know where she works and has no details about her private life! A tough order but Saz takes on the case and is soon calling in favours from various friends who happen to have access to certain channels of enquiry. The mystery takes her to the States and back and soon she is uncovering a crime bigger than a simple missing person.
As I said at the same time we get this almost random and out of place narration from Maggie but once you get the hang of the writing style it is very moving and also very relavent.

Can't wait to get my hands on the next one as have been pleasently surprised to find out there are more in the series. Hope it only gets better.

I fell in love withSaz Martin..., 13 Nov 2001
This is one of those rare books that makes you feel grateful for having discovered the author. If you like strong women characters that aren't quite infallible, you'll fall for Saz as I did. An utterly gripping read � exciting, tender, loving and oh, so real.

amazing surprise, 25 Apr 2008
Usually I never read crime books. But I picked this one up because I'm interested in stories about girls that have been bullied, but are now successful and are looking back on their past. This book was an amazing surprise on the subject. A lot of tension without getting into the "poor me"- state.

an excellent read, 13 Jan 2007
Is it possible to put everthing behind and go on pretending that the bad never occurred?
The answer given by Stella Duffy is definitely no. Sooner or later that past will come back and knock at your door. And this is exactly what happens to Saz, the protagonist of the book.
In this book Stella Duffy deals with the dark sides of the human soul without moral judjement.
At the same time she analyses the psychology and relationships of teenagers, their need to belong, the difficulty of fitting into a predetermined pattern.
Stella Duffy has a gift for writing, her style is gripping and original- I can't wait to read another of Stella Duffy's novels!

Duffy at her best!, 22 Aug 2005
I have just read this book in 7 hours,so good i couldn't put it down!
The story is easy to follow,once you get used to the 2 different styles of writing that Duffy uses in this book.The characters of Saz and Molly are well written,and you really like them as a couple and you want their relationship to work.
MOUTH OF BABES points out very well that most people have painful episodes in their lives,and it's important to concentrate on the present.
I can't wait for Duffy's next book!

The Best Yet, 27 Jul 2005
I think Duffy has produced her best novel to date with Mouths of Babes. It has a depth that her earlier stuff sometimes lacks.Her characterisation is strong but believeable. I was stunned by the final chapter it is worth the cover price for that alone, its really shocking.
If you have read the others in the Saz Martin series then you have to buy it, if you haven't dont worry this is a great stand alone read.

Duffy at her best, 24 Jul 2005
Mouths of Babes is the fifth Saz Martin book, long awaited and fulfilling every expectation.

Saz and Molly's baby is a few months old, and they are still adjusting to a recent death, when a 'friend' from Saz's childhood turns up on the doorstep, leading to revelations and truths that Saz had hoped never to have to confront.

This is a complex book, beautifully written, dealing with the ways in which we survive childhood, and those who fall by the way. It's illuminating on bullying and the strategems both victims and bullies use to get by, and the compromises we make to become the adults we want to be.

This latest Saz mystery is fast-paced, intelligent, mesmerising and makes you shiver. Duffy's take on relationships is spot on, and the events grow so naturally out of the people involved that the story's horrifying conclusion seems just one more logical, inexorable step.

Read it - you'll love it, and want to buy it for yourself. Easily the best Saz story so far.

Quite moving, 19 Apr 2008
I read this on aeroplane and wish I hadn't - I cried! I had to sniffle away quietly at one or two places in order to not attract any attention. It is such a moving book and one I came across completely by chance. This is the first book I've read by Stella Duffy, although I do own another one and I am really looking forward to reading that.

In the beginning, the characters don't seem real, quite one dimensional. Suddenly, they become very different and I can't put my finger on what it was but I became hooked. That could well have been due to the fact that I was a captive auidence to a certain extent as I had nothing else to do for my two and a half hour flight.

It is difficult to discuss the plot without revealing what happens throughout the novel but the journey the characters go on is special. I couldn't recommend this book enough. It is touching but in such a way that it isn't wishy washy, it's quite a stark reality actually. Beautifully written, it packs a punch and holds nothing back.

Honest and unflinching, 18 Apr 2007
I've always loved planning and studying maps, which is maybe why I understood the workings of cartogropher Cindy, who meets journalist Jack in New York, falls in love, and then moves to LA where everything changes.

Although Cindy and Jack are described plainly, in both their movements and feelings towards each other, traits such as Jack slobbing about in a Man City top and Cindy's obsession with pistachios add warmth to characters which could have been made cold in the wrong hands.

Rather than relying on twists and turns, the plot is set out logically and calmly, mirroring Cindy's reaction to her diagnosis, and her illness is described with unflinching honesty, without a hint of mawkishness or melodrama....but saying that, as i finished this book, it didn't stop me crying, both at the ending and the description of her last map.

If you read just one book in your life make it this one, 21 Sep 2004
I'm sure any review will not do this book justice. Should have been a bestseller on its release, but I believe it will still get there by word of mouth. This book is captivating and really tugged at my heart strings, the saddest book I have read. The main character creates maps and her enthusiasm for this means she maps her everyday life, this is as fascinating as her struggle through her illness. Beutifully written a different angle on love and death, a satisfying read but keep a box of tissues by your side for the tears.

Saz Martin: book 4, 05 Feb 2008
Ms Duffy has made a leap from good book to very good book with the 4th installment in the Saz Martin series. Much more gritty and dark especially since Saz herself is quite close to her client and the case. The book doesnt begin anywhere near the ending of the last one which is a bit sad because 'Beneath the blonde' had Saz cheating on Molly while she was away and things not being quite hunky dory at home. 'Fresh flesh' however has Molly pregnant with Saz's (and Chris as sperm donor) baby. Chris who is adopted is suddenly interested on finding out who his biological parents were and enlists Saz's help. Unfortunately, neither one of them know that they are opening a can of worms that will have far reaching effects.


Defintely the best of the series so far and unlike mainstream books with central lesbian characters this is foremost a crime/thriller book. The characters just happen to be lesbian. This makes a fabulous change from all the typical romance novels that come out in droves.
Only one book to go unfortunately and then I'll have to find a new series to keep me company. :(

extraordinary, true to life, understated, powerful, 29 Oct 2008
This is an extraordinary book. It is like eating delicious very rich dark chocolate - I found I couldn't read too much in one go; I wouldn't have wanted to rush it. I lived near Loughborough Junction about 20 years ago - reading this book brought back the day to day experience of it, so vividly. Stella Duffy has a wonderful understanding of craftsmanship, human nature, what real life is actually like.
State of happiness, her other book I've read (so far!) is fabulous too.

total let down, 28 Jul 2008
I was looking forward to this book having read (and enjoyed) several of Ms Duffy's previous novels. Then there was the added incentive of it having been shortlisted for awards. What a disappointment it turned out to be. I'm rather surprised I actually stuck it out till the end as the first half of the book seems to move along aimlessly detailing the day-to-day lives of several people. It's like the written version of 'Lost in translation' where the story moves along in no particular direction. There is no build up to any sort of climax and you are left wondering what the point of the tale was.
The last half-ish of the book is more interesting (not brilliant but certainly better than the first bit) and I did enjoy reading it.

I don't think I'll be recommending this to anybody, especially first time Stella Duffy readers.

A love letter to London, 28 Apr 2008
I love London. The buildings, the tube, the bustle. A few years ago I finally went to South London and discovered a different London. One that doesn't come with map, that is louder, stranger, a mish-mash of cultures - sounds, smells and sights - squashed next to each other in shops less picture postcard and even more alluring for that.

`The Room of Lost things' is set in this area, which is painted in a loving yet real fashion, with no grotty archway or uncomfortable issue (race/sex/politics)glossed over in favour of making it seem desirable to outsiders, and the descriptions in this book are almost poetic at times.

Stories with too many characters can be confusing and distracting, but this, although heavily casted, is not like that. You can picture Stefan the commitment-phobe dancer; Akeel the terrified and conflicted father to be, Marilyn with her tight clothes and massive appetite, and of course, there's Robert, the protagonist - owner of the dry cleaners and many, many secrets.

His story had me going. I couldn't wait to find out more about him, but this wasn't because of any overly dramatic devices or cheesy revelations. Like the character his story was slow, steady and well-thought out.

I've been a fan of Duffy's since finding Immaculate Conceit in Manchester's Central Library many years ago, and her writing has matured, progressed and is even better, which as I love her other books, was a lovely surprise.

A great book, 28 Apr 2008
I loved this. The Room of Lost Things is a departure for Stella Duffy, as it's a portrait of a place as well as a novel, but it may well be her best yet.

Duffy's London magic, 28 Apr 2008
This is a book about London as its people know it - the London the tourists don't see, but the inhabitants live. The focus of the book is the story of a local dry cleaner who's spent his whole life there, cleaning people's clothes, keeping their secrets, observing their lives. Now he's passing on his business to another Londoner - young to his old; Muslim to his atheist; Asian to his white. The landscape, the river and vignettes of the people they encounter along the way are the background to their growing friendship, richly and skillfully drawn.

The Room of Lost Things is a gorgeous evocation of the spirit of South London; a compassionate portrait of its people and their changing lives, beautifully written, funny, clever and moving. I can't recommend it highly enough.

must read, 11 Nov 1999
This is a frothy hot chocolate of a book. This book contains all the elements of the modern World. Plus it's a good old fashion story tale about good and evil. Priness Cushla desends from a faraway land to wreck havoc on couples that are happy and in love. I could not put this book down.

I love Forrest Gump, 06 Jun 1999
This is my favourite novel by my favourite author. It tells the tale of an idiot who is kind and sweet at heart. His life is extraordinary and I was gripped from the start. If you don't read this book you will be truly gutted.

Modern day fairy-tale, 16 Feb 1999
A beautiful princess, a handsome prince. a king and a queen. Sounds like your typical fairy story? Well this definately isn't! This is the story of a Princess without a heart, who decides to break up three happy couples that she meets. But then her heart begins to grow, and the Prince is hot on her trail. Will she get her comeuppance? Will she learn to love? You'll be pleasantly surprised by this rather nasty tale.

Cynical, witty view of modern relationships, 18 Jan 1999
The plot is basically this .... Cushla, the fairy princess without a heart (the compassion fairy was late) has come to earth with one mission .... to break up loving relationships. To do this she seduces one of the parties to a relationship and we, the reader, get to watch the demise of that relationship and all the guilt, hatred and desparation that follows. Hillarious, with plenty of perceptive observations as to the nature of relationships today. Read this book, especially if you've just come out of a relationship and are feeling, how shall we say, slightly twisted.

a gem of a find, 10 Jan 2008
I'm surprised Ms Duffy isn't more famous than she is. I never see her books in people's lists of recommended lesbian fiction but she isn't half bad. The book was a bit predictable but I love the way the wrote the part not of Saz, the main character, but Maggie. Maggie is narrating her own story but it is bitty, deep and poetic. To try and piece together what she is getting at takes time but one soon realises how it is going to intersect with Saz which is a real shame.
The characters are nice and I found myself getting attached to them, especially Saz's friends who are hilarious in their gentle bickering. It sticks to some generalisations that I've picked up from lesbian themed books but one thing I do feel like patting her on the back for is including a couple of stable lesbians in ordinary long-term relationships. Not many authors do that and most stories include players / women who've been hurt etc etc who aren't interested in settling down and so on and so forth. ... a breath of fresh air.

In terms of the plot: Saz is a PI who gets asked by a Mr Clark to help him find a lady he considers a dear friend. Only, he doesnt know her real name, has never been to her house, doesn't know where she works and has no details about her private life! A tough order but Saz takes on the case and is soon calling in favours from various friends who happen to have access to certain channels of enquiry. The mystery takes her to the States and back and soon she is uncovering a crime bigger than a simple missing person.
As I said at the same time we get this almost random and out of place narration from Maggie but once you get the hang of the writing style it is very moving and also very relavent.

Can't wait to get my hands on the next one as have been pleasently surprised to find out there are more in the series. Hope it only gets better.

I fell in love withSaz Martin..., 13 Nov 2001
This is one of those rare books that makes you feel grateful for having discovered the author. If you like strong women characters that aren't quite infallible, you'll fall for Saz as I did. An utterly gripping read � exciting, tender, loving and oh, so real.

amazing surprise, 25 Apr 2008
Usually I never read crime books. But I picked this one up because I'm interested in stories about girls that have been bullied, but are now successful and are looking back on their past. This book was an amazing surprise on the subject. A lot of tension without getting into the "poor me"- state.

an excellent read, 13 Jan 2007
Is it possible to put everthing behind and go on pretending that the bad never occurred?
The answer given by Stella Duffy is definitely no. Sooner or later that past will come back and knock at your door. And this is exactly what happens to Saz, the protagonist of the book.
In this book Stella Duffy deals with the dark sides of the human soul without moral judjement.
At the same time she analyses the psychology and relationships of teenagers, their need to belong, the difficulty of fitting into a predetermined pattern.
Stella Duffy has a gift for writing, her style is gripping and original- I can't wait to read another of Stella Duffy's novels!

Duffy at her best!, 22 Aug 2005
I have just read this book in 7 hours,so good i couldn't put it down!
The story is easy to follow,once you get used to the 2 different styles of writing that Duffy uses in this book.The characters of Saz and Molly are well written,and you really like them as a couple and you want their relationship to work.
MOUTH OF BABES points out very well that most people have painful episodes in their lives,and it's important to concentrate on the present.
I can't wait for Duffy's next book!

The Best Yet, 27 Jul 2005
I think Duffy has produced her best novel to date with Mouths of Babes. It has a depth that her earlier stuff sometimes lacks.Her characterisation is strong but believeable. I was stunned by the final chapter it is worth the cover price for that alone, its really shocking.
If you have read the others in the Saz Martin series then you have to buy it, if you haven't dont worry this is a great stand alone read.

Duffy at her best, 24 Jul 2005
Mouths of Babes is the fifth Saz Martin book, long awaited and fulfilling every expectation.

Saz and Molly's baby is a few months old, and they are still adjusting to a recent death, when a 'friend' from Saz's childhood turns up on the doorstep, leading to revelations and truths that Saz had hoped never to have to confront.

This is a complex book, beautifully written, dealing with the ways in which we survive childhood, and those who fall by the way. It's illuminating on bullying and the strategems both victims and bullies use to get by, and the compromises we make to become the adults we want to be.

This latest Saz mystery is fast-paced, intelligent, mesmerising and makes you shiver. Duffy's take on relationships is spot on, and the events grow so naturally out of the people involved that the story's horrifying conclusion seems just one more logical, inexorable step.

Read it - you'll love it, and want to buy it for yourself. Easily the best Saz story so far.

Quite moving, 19 Apr 2008
I read this on aeroplane and wish I hadn't - I cried! I had to sniffle away quietly at one or two places in order to not attract any attention. It is such a moving book and one I came across completely by chance. This is the first book I've read by Stella Duffy, although I do own another one and I am really looking forward to reading that.

In the beginning, the characters don't seem real, quite one dimensional. Suddenly, they become very different and I can't put my finger on what it was but I became hooked. That could well have been due to the fact that I was a captive auidence to a certain extent as I had nothing else to do for my two and a half hour flight.

It is difficult to discuss the plot without revealing what happens throughout the novel but the journey the characters go on is special. I couldn't recommend this book enough. It is touching but in such a way that it isn't wishy washy, it's quite a stark reality actually. Beautifully written, it packs a punch and holds nothing back.

Honest and unflinching, 18 Apr 2007
I've always loved planning and studying maps, which is maybe why I understood the workings of cartogropher Cindy, who meets journalist Jack in New York, falls in love, and then moves to LA where everything changes.

Although Cindy and Jack are described plainly, in both their movements and feelings towards each other, traits such as Jack slobbing about in a Man City top and Cindy's obsession with pistachios add warmth to characters which could have been made cold in the wrong hands.

Rather than relying on twists and turns, the plot is set out logically and calmly, mirroring Cindy's reaction to her diagnosis, and her illness is described with unflinching honesty, without a hint of mawkishness or melodrama....but saying that, as i finished this book, it didn't stop me crying, both at the ending and the description of her last map.

If you read just one book in your life make it this one, 21 Sep 2004
I'm sure any review will not do this book justice. Should have been a bestseller on its release, but I believe it will still get there by word of mouth. This book is captivating and really tugged at my heart strings, the saddest book I have read. The main character creates maps and her enthusiasm for this means she maps her everyday life, this is as fascinating as her struggle through her illness. Beutifully written a different angle on love and death, a satisfying read but keep a box of tissues by your side for the tears.

Saz Martin: book 4, 05 Feb 2008
Ms Duffy has made a leap from good book to very good book with the 4th installment in the Saz Martin series. Much more gritty and dark especially since Saz herself is quite close to her client and the case. The book doesnt begin anywhere near the ending of the last one which is a bit sad because 'Beneath the blonde' had Saz cheating on Molly while she was away and things not being quite hunky dory at home. 'Fresh flesh' however has Molly pregnant with Saz's (and Chris as sperm donor) baby. Chris who is adopted is suddenly interested on finding out who his biological parents were and enlists Saz's help. Unfortunately, neither one of them know that they are opening a can of worms that will have far reaching effects.


Defintely the best of the series so far and unlike mainstream books with central lesbian characters this is foremost a crime/thriller book. The characters just happen to be lesbian. This makes a fabulous change from all the typical romance novels that come out in droves.
Only one book to go unfortunately and then I'll have to find a new series to keep me company. :(

avoid, 01 Dec 2007
book about lies, lies that we tell to ourselves and to the world around us. set in the world of hollywood which is fuelled by lies. found it was tedious and it didnt really hold my interest, felt the characters werent very interesting. i would not recommend this book and i dont agree with the other reviews

Sex, lies and celebrity, 01 Apr 2005
I enjoyed reading this and previous novels of Stella Duffy's so much I went along to hear her at my local library.

Duffy says her publisher is selling this book as an exploration of our notion of celebrity in today's society, but she's selling it as the story of two lesbians in Hollywood.

She's (deliciously) subverting the crime genre even more than previously: there is a dead body but no obvious come-uppance. She uses the murder story-line to write about the complex personal adult interactions of relationships rather than the romantic first-thrill rush of getting together. As in previous novels, she also examines the lies people tell each other - inside relationships just as much as to the celebrity-hungry outside world.

A must!, 04 Feb 2005
Parallel Lies is a fast-paced concoction that shoots you straight underneath the drug-fuelled, sex-obsessed Hollywood masquerade and, after a lesson in life skills the Tinsel Town way, gradually reveals the truth behind the layers of deception which the main characters hide behind.

The story's beautifully written, the characters true to life (even if it's a more glamorous life than most of us are used to!) and the plot leads you through a series of twists so subtly that the denouement hits you with all the shock the characters feel in the book.

It's a cracking read, very funny and sad in spots - a twisted love story turned murder mystery with a series of angles that has you wondering at the end what's going to happen to the characters once the book's closed and it's back on the shelf. A study of truth and lies and the perils of ambition.

Highly recommended - I enjoyed it thoroughly. Buy it now, or you'll miss out!

extraordinary, true to life, understated, powerful, 29 Oct 2008
This is an extraordinary book. It is like eating delicious very rich dark chocolate - I found I couldn't read too much in one go; I wouldn't have wanted to rush it. I lived near Loughborough Junction about 20 years ago - reading this book brought back the day to day experience of it, so vividly. Stella Duffy has a wonderful understanding of craftsmanship, human nature, what real life is actually like.
State of happiness, her other book I've read (so far!) is fabulous too.

total let down, 28 Jul 2008
I was looking forward to this book having read (and enjoyed) several of Ms Duffy's previous novels. Then there was the added incentive of it having been shortlisted for awards. What a disappointment it turned out to be. I'm rather surprised I actually stuck it out till the end as the first half of the book seems to move along aimlessly detailing the day-to-day lives of several people. It's like the written version of 'Lost in translation' where the story moves along in no particular direction. There is no build up to any sort of climax and you are left wondering what the point of the tale was.
The last half-ish of the book is more interesting (not brilliant but certainly better than the first bit) and I did enjoy reading it.

I don't think I'll be recommending this to anybody, especially first time Stella Duffy readers.

A love letter to London, 28 Apr 2008
I love London. The buildings, the tube, the bustle. A few years ago I finally went to South London and discovered a different London. One that doesn't come with map, that is louder, stranger, a mish-mash of cultures - sounds, smells and sights - squashed next to each other in shops less picture postcard and even more alluring for that.

`The Room of Lost things' is set in this area, which is painted in a loving yet real fashion, with no grotty archway or uncomfortable issue (race/sex/politics)glossed over in favour of making it seem desirable to outsiders, and the descriptions in this book are almost poetic at times.

Stories with too many characters can be confusing and distracting, but this, although heavily casted, is not like that. You can picture Stefan the commitment-phobe dancer; Akeel the terrified and conflicted father to be, Marilyn with her tight clothes and massive appetite, and of course, there's Robert, the protagonist - owner of the dry cleaners and many, many secrets.

His story had me going. I couldn't wait to find out more about him, but this wasn't because of any overly dramatic devices or cheesy revelations. Like the character his story was slow, steady and well-thought out.

I've been a fan of Duffy's since finding Immaculate Conceit in Manchester's Central Library many years ago, and her writing has matured, progressed and is even better, which as I love her other books, was a lovely surprise.

A great book, 28 Apr 2008
I loved this. The Room of Lost Things is a departure for Stella Duffy, as it's a portrait of a place as well as a novel, but it may well be her best yet.

Duffy's London magic, 28 Apr 2008
This is a book about London as its people know it - the London the tourists don't see, but the inhabitants live. The focus of the book is the story of a local dry cleaner who's spent his whole life there, cleaning people's clothes, keeping their secrets, observing their lives. Now he's passing on his business to another Londoner - young to his old; Muslim to his atheist; Asian to his white. The landscape, the river and vignettes of the people they encounter along the way are the background to their growing friendship, richly and skillfully drawn.

The Room of Lost Things is a gorgeous evocation of the spirit of South London; a compassionate portrait of its people and their changing lives, beautifully written, funny, clever and moving. I can't recommend it highly enough.

must read, 11 Nov 1999
This is a frothy hot chocolate of a book. This book contains all the elements of the modern World. Plus it's a good old fashion story tale about good and evil. Priness Cushla desends from a faraway land to wreck havoc on couples that are happy and in love. I could not put this book down.

I love Forrest Gump, 06 Jun 1999
This is my favourite novel by my favourite author. It tells the tale of an idiot who is kind and sweet at heart. His life is extraordinary and I was gripped from the start. If you don't read this book you will be truly gutted.

Modern day fairy-tale, 16 Feb 1999
A beautiful princess, a handsome prince. a king and a queen. Sounds like your typical fairy story? Well this definately isn't! This is the story of a Princess without a heart, who decides to break up three happy couples that she meets. But then her heart begins to grow, and the Prince is hot on her trail. Will she get her comeuppance? Will she learn to love? You'll be pleasantly surprised by this rather nasty tale.

Cynical, witty view of modern relationships, 18 Jan 1999
The plot is basically this .... Cushla, the fairy princess without a heart (the compassion fairy was late) has come to earth with one mission .... to break up loving relationships. To do this she seduces one of the parties to a relationship and we, the reader, get to watch the demise of that relationship and all the guilt, hatred and desparation that follows. Hillarious, with plenty of perceptive observations as to the nature of relationships today. Read this book, especially if you've just come out of a relationship and are feeling, how shall we say, slightly twisted.

a gem of a find, 10 Jan 2008
I'm surprised Ms Duffy isn't more famous than she is. I never see her books in people's lists of recommended lesbian fiction but she isn't half bad. The book was a bit predictable but I love the way the wrote the part not of Saz, the main character, but Maggie. Maggie is narrating her own story but it is bitty, deep and poetic. To try and piece together what she is getting at takes time but one soon realises how it is going to intersect with Saz which is a real shame.
The characters are nice and I found myself getting attached to them, especially Saz's friends who are hilarious in their gentle bickering. It sticks to some generalisations that I've picked up from lesbian themed books but one thing I do feel like patting her on the back for is including a couple of stable lesbians in ordinary long-term relationships. Not many authors do that and most stories include players / women who've been hurt etc etc who aren't interested in settling down and so on and so forth. ... a breath of fresh air.

In terms of the plot: Saz is a PI who gets asked by a Mr Clark to help him find a lady he considers a dear friend. Only, he doesnt know her real name, has never been to her house, doesn't know where she works and has no details about her private life! A tough order but Saz takes on the case and is soon calling in favours from various friends who happen to have access to certain channels of enquiry. The mystery takes her to the States and back and soon she is uncovering a crime bigger than a simple missing person.
As I said at the same time we get this almost random and out of place narration from Maggie but once you get the hang of the writing style it is very moving and also very relavent.

Can't wait to get my hands on the next one as have been pleasently surprised to find out there are more in the series. Hope it only gets better.

I fell in love withSaz Martin..., 13 Nov 2001
This is one of those rare books that makes you feel grateful for having discovered the author. If you like strong women characters that aren't quite infallible, you'll fall for Saz as I did. An utterly gripping read � exciting, tender, loving and oh, so real.

amazing surprise, 25 Apr 2008
Usually I never read crime books. But I picked this one up because I'm interested in stories about girls that have been bullied, but are now successful and are looking back on their past. This book was an amazing surprise on the subject. A lot of tension without getting into the "poor me"- state.

an excellent read, 13 Jan 2007
Is it possible to put everthing behind and go on pretending that the bad never occurred?
The answer given by Stella Duffy is definitely no. Sooner or later that past will come back and knock at your door. And this is exactly what happens to Saz, the protagonist of the book.
In this book Stella Duffy deals with the dark sides of the human soul without moral judjement.
At the same time she analyses the psychology and relationships of teenagers, their need to belong, the difficulty of fitting into a predetermined pattern.
Stella Duffy has a gift for writing, her style is gripping and original- I can't wait to read another of Stella Duffy's novels!

Duffy at her best!, 22 Aug 2005
I have just read this book in 7 hours,so good i couldn't put it down!
The story is easy to follow,once you get used to the 2 different styles of writing that Duffy uses in this book.The characters of Saz and Molly are well written,and you really like them as a couple and you want their relationship to work.
MOUTH OF BABES points out very well that most people have painful episodes in their lives,and it's important to concentrate on the present.
I can't wait for Duffy's next book!

The Best Yet, 27 Jul 2005
I think Duffy has produced her best novel to date with Mouths of Babes. It has a depth that her earlier stuff sometimes lacks.Her characterisation is strong but believeable. I was stunned by the final chapter it is worth the cover price for that alone, its really shocking.
If you have read the others in the Saz Martin series then you have to buy it, if you haven't dont worry this is a great stand alone read.

Duffy at her best, 24 Jul 2005
Mouths of Babes is the fifth Saz Martin book, long awaited and fulfilling every expectation.

Saz and Molly's baby is a few months old, and they are still adjusting to a recent death, when a 'friend' from Saz's childhood turns up on the doorstep, leading to revelations and truths that Saz had hoped never to have to confront.

This is a complex book, beautifully written, dealing with the ways in which we survive childhood, and those who fall by the way. It's illuminating on bullying and the strategems both victims and bullies use to get by, and the compromises we make to become the adults we want to be.

This latest Saz mystery is fast-paced, intelligent, mesmerising and makes you shiver. Duffy's take on relationships is spot on, and the events grow so naturally out of the people involved that the story's horrifying conclusion seems just one more logical, inexorable step.

Read it - you'll love it, and want to buy it for yourself. Easily the best Saz story so far.

Quite moving, 19 Apr 2008
I read this on aeroplane and wish I hadn't - I cried! I had to sniffle away quietly at one or two places in order to not attract any attention. It is such a moving book and one I came across completely by chance. This is the first book I've read by Stella Duffy, although I do own another one and I am really looking forward to reading that.

In the beginning, the characters don't seem real, quite one dimensional. Suddenly, they become very different and I can't put my finger on what it was but I became hooked. That could well have been due to the fact that I was a captive auidence to a certain extent as I had nothing else to do for my two and a half hour flight.

It is difficult to discuss the plot without revealing what happens throughout the novel but the journey the characters go on is special. I couldn't recommend this book enough. It is touching but in such a way that it isn't wishy washy, it's quite a stark reality actually. Beautifully written, it packs a punch and holds nothing back.

Honest and unflinching, 18 Apr 2007
I've always loved planning and studying maps, which is maybe why I understood the workings of cartogropher Cindy, who meets journalist Jack in New York, falls in love, and then moves to LA where everything changes.

Although Cindy and Jack are described plainly, in both their movements and feelings towards each other, traits such as Jack slobbing about in a Man City top and Cindy's obsession with pistachios add warmth to characters which could have been made cold in the wrong hands.

Rather than relying on twists and turns, the plot is set out logically and calmly, mirroring Cindy's reaction to her diagnosis, and her illness is described with unflinching honesty, without a hint of mawkishness or melodrama....but saying that, as i finished this book, it didn't stop me crying, both at the ending and the description of her last map.

If you read just one book in your life make it this one, 21 Sep 2004
I'm sure any review will not do this book justice. Should have been a bestseller on its release, but I believe it will still get there by word of mouth. This book is captivating and really tugged at my heart strings, the saddest book I have read. The main character creates maps and her enthusiasm for this means she maps her everyday life, this is as fascinating as her struggle through her illness. Beutifully written a different angle on love and death, a satisfying read but keep a box of tissues by your side for the tears.

Saz Martin: book 4, 05 Feb 2008
Ms Duffy has made a leap from good book to very good book with the 4th installment in the Saz Martin series. Much more gritty and dark especially since Saz herself is quite close to her client and the case. The book doesnt begin anywhere near the ending of the last one which is a bit sad because 'Beneath the blonde' had Saz cheating on Molly while she was away and things not being quite hunky dory at home. 'Fresh flesh' however has Molly pregnant with Saz's (and Chris as sperm donor) baby. Chris who is adopted is suddenly interested on finding out who his biological parents were and enlists Saz's help. Unfortunately, neither one of them know that they are opening a can of worms that will have far reaching effects.


Defintely the best of the series so far and unlike mainstream books with central lesbian characters this is foremost a crime/thriller book. The characters just happen to be lesbian. This makes a fabulous change from all the typical romance novels that come out in droves.
Only one book to go unfortunately and then I'll have to find a new series to keep me company. :(

avoid, 01 Dec 2007
book about lies, lies that we tell to ourselves and to the world around us. set in the world of hollywood which is fuelled by lies. found it was tedious and it didnt really hold my interest, felt the characters werent very interesting. i would not recommend this book and i dont agree with the other reviews

Sex, lies and celebrity, 01 Apr 2005
I enjoyed reading this and previous novels of Stella Duffy's so much I went along to hear her at my local library.

Duffy says her publisher is selling this book as an exploration of our notion of celebrity in today's society, but she's selling it as the story of two lesbians in Hollywood.

She's (deliciously) subverting the crime genre even more than previously: there is a dead body but no obvious come-uppance. She uses the murder story-line to write about the complex personal adult interactions of relationships rather than the romantic first-thrill rush of getting together. As in previous novels, she also examines the lies people tell each other - inside relationships just as much as to the celebrity-hungry outside world.

A must!, 04 Feb 2005
Parallel Lies is a fast-paced concoction that shoots you straight underneath the drug-fuelled, sex-obsessed Hollywood masquerade and, after a lesson in life skills the Tinsel Town way, gradually reveals the truth behind the layers of deception which the main characters hide behind.

The story's beautifully written, the characters true to life (even if it's a more glamorous life than most of us are used to!) and the plot leads you through a series of twists so subtly that the denouement hits you with all the shock the characters feel in the book.

It's a cracking read, very funny and sad in spots - a twisted love story turned murder mystery with a series of angles that has you wondering at the end what's going to happen to the characters once the book's closed and it's back on the shelf. A study of truth and lies and the perils of ambition.

Highly recommended - I enjoyed it thoroughly. Buy it now, or you'll miss out!

amazing surprise, 25 Apr 2008
Usually I never read crime books. But I picked this one up because I'm interested in stories about girls that have been bullied, but are now successful and are looking back on their past. This book was an amazing surprise on the subject. A lot of tension without getting into the "poor me"- state.

an excellent read, 13 Jan 2007
Is it possible to put everthing behind and go on pretending that the bad never occurred?
The answer given by Stella Duffy is definitely no. Sooner or later that past will come back and knock at your door. And this is exactly what happens to Saz, the protagonist of the book.
In this book Stella Duffy deals with the dark sides of the human soul without moral judjement.
At the same time she analyses the psychology and relationships of teenagers, their need to belong, the difficulty of fitting into a predetermined pattern.
Stella Duffy has a gift for writing, her style is gripping and original- I can't wait to read another of Stella Duffy's novels!

Duffy at her best!, 22 Aug 2005
I have just read this book in 7 hours,so good i couldn't put it down!
The story is easy to follow,once