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Readers' Comments for 'TIL THE WELL RUNS DRY

In May, a select group of readers who participated in one of our Women's Fiction contests won copies of 'TIL THE WELL RUNS DRY by Lauren Francis-Sharma. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight into this book.

 

 

 

Betty S., of Ormond Beach, FL

Marcia Garcia, (rhyming name) of a small village in Trinidad is a teen left to care for twin, mentally-challenged small boys. (We learn of their relationship much later in the story.) Farouk Karam, a policeman from another village is immediately smitten when he sees Marcia and begins to court her. She is not interested until he decides that his journey is fruitless. Then, she returns his affections. Everything is good between them; they decide to marry. However, Farouk is afraid to tell his parents about the coming marriage. And the villagers spread gossip about Marcia and “her brothers.” Marcia and Farouk never marry but often share a bed. Over the next several years Marcia has other children by Farouk. When the children are old enough to leave semi-alone, she goes to the United States for a job, planning to send for her children when she saves enough money. Marcia works hard for little money and has no contact with the outside world. This situation could be straight out of the headlines of any U.S. newspaper in reference to third-world immigrants being held as slave laborers. The portrayal of Trinidad --- its people, music, culture and lush scenery --- are portrayed well by Francis-Sharma. By use of the vernacular, sparingly, she captures the Island’s atmosphere. The West Indian, folksy, idioms are quite descriptive and beautiful. *Two examples: Marcia is visited by a crony of Uncle Linton who tries to convince her to go to America so that she will not reveal what she knows of Linton’s dirty dealings. “I does put tea in my own cup.” (I don’t need help from anyone; I take care of myself...” ‘You never miss the water ‘til the well runs dry,’ she said. Plenty people t’ink they’ll be fine until the person they need does be gone.’” (I will not leave my children at this time even if they think they are too grown up to need my help.) {Marcia, pp85-86} Marcia is very loyal to her birth family --- she does not reveal the family secret and as a result suffers rebuffs and humiliation. She is loyal to her own family --- she is gruff but tells them in words and actions that she loves them very much. And she is loyal to cowardly Farouk as she always accepts him back when he is down and out.*(Spoilers) She once made him a promise; she must keep it.

 

Janet K., of Tigard, OR

I just finished reading, TILL THE WELL RUNS DRY, by Lauren Francis-Sharma, which I won in your contest.  It was an amazing story of one woman's struggle to just survive in Trinidad Tobago.  It spans about 30 years and depicts a very hard life. Many of her challenges result from personal choices; however, we discover that these choices also result from family history and culture.  The writing is beautiful, keeps one interested and allows the reader to experience the locale. I would definitely recommend this to friends and my book group as I know it would lead to some lively discussions. Thank you for offering these books through your contests.

 

Marilyn T., of Hamden, CT

I received this book through a contest at the end of May. The postcard that accompanied it (and that I'm using as a bookmark) asks for reviews within 30 days. Thought I'd send a note because I am currently reading the book. I was traveling earlier in June and did not carry any hardcover books with me. I will send a review when I've finished the book which will likely be sometime next week.

 

Asha S., of Lincolton, NC

The book takes me back to the Islands and the history I would have read. And since I'm an Islander - Barbados --- I understand the feeling with which Ms. Francis-Sharma is able to combine history with her creative writing.

As for recommending the book, friends have already read my copy and my book club will also be reading it.

 

Debbie C., of Jefferson Hills, PA

The novel TILL THE WELL RUNS DRY takes place in the beautiful and mysterious place, Trinidad and is a tale of love, heartbeat, ad joy. At the beginning of the novel we meet a young woman name Marcia who is taking care of two young boys. She meets and falls in love with a police officer name Farouk. Let the mystery and the intrigue begin! 

The book flips chapter to chapter from different characters' perspectives. From this point of view we learn what Farouk and Marcia are thinking about as their separate (yet sometimes together) relationship changes and grows. After Marcia has had enough of this relationship she moves to American where she once again is faced with heartbreak and hardness.

I would recommend this novel to anybody who loves reading stories about the lives and relationships of people of different cultures and times. It's a love story, a mystery, and even a little bit of history. It's the "whole package". 

 

Melissa M., of Lawrence KS

I am reviewing this book at the request of Jane Robshaw, who was requested to write a report but asked if I could read the book and review it.  I have read the book and am forwarding my comments.  

This was not an easy or pleasant book to read, and I can't agree it illuminated "a complex and beautiful Trinidad…" It is a story of grinding poverty, incestuous sexual abuse, and the institutionalized sexism of a society that blames the child or woman who is a female for the crimes committed against her by men.  Still, Marcia Garcia shows herself a woman to face the reality, bear the heartbreak and work tirelessly for herself, her children, and sometimes even for the men who treated her so badly. It is also a picture of the culture of the island and the beauties of her homeland. 

Marcia is a woman who can tell her story to an American woman, Mrs. Silverman, and say "I won't tell you a sad story because my story isn't sad. It's just a story. Like yours." Her perceptions of America doesn't make that country seem wonderful either, but she eventually finds a little more opportunity there than in Trinidad, although she never stops missing her home country. This is a book that captures the reader in spite of the anger it inspires toward the people who work against her. I put it down several times, but always came back to find out what happened to Marcia and her family. A well-written and inspiring book in the end. 

 

Faye A., of Las Vegas, NV

I loved the free book I received, TIL THE WELL RUNS DRY.  There was always the unexpected turn of events on the next page. Marcia was quite the woman. The only thing I myself found distracting, and I know it is me, as I have a problem with accents, is reading them. Aside from that, the book was an easy read and enjoyable otherwise and I am handing it down to my book club to read so we can discuss it at our monthly meetings.

 

Linda A., of Westfield, NJ

I won TIL THE WELL RUNS DRY and was asked for my feedback after reading the book. I absolutely loved the book! It grabbed me and I could not put it down. I would never have bought this book because I would not think I would like it however, I would have been wrong. I do think that maybe a page in the beginning explaining some of the native sayings would have helped. Like "cheupsed". Never heard that before! The characters were believable and endearing. Marcia was a bit tough but I guess she needed to be in order to survive. I would have like a little better ending to know where they went and how they made out in America and if Mr. Aldous ever made it to Jackie. Did Farouk and Patsy stay in Trinidad, did Farouk even make it out of the hospital. It was a great book especially from a first time author. Kudos to Ms. Sharma.

 

Anne S., of El Paso, TX

First, let me thank you for the book --- what fun to win a contest. I found the book to be just an OK book.  Would I recommend it to a friend? Probably not, which surprises me because a friend of mine just finished it the week I received it and she liked it very much; she did not want the book to end. So I had expected to like it as well. I found parts of the book to be quite poignant, especially when Marcia was trying to find her way in New York. However, the story was peopled with almost only those with a very hard life and the secrets they kept from each other only made their lives more difficult.  Also, I did not care for the ending. I do not need a book to tie up all loose ends, but I found too many unanswered scenarios in the final pages. I also feel the book did not show Trinidad in a very flattering light, although that’s obvious the way the author sees it. But I would suspect that many Trinidadians would take exception to the generalizations. Once again, thank you for the opportunity to read this book. 

 

Jane M., of Edgewood, WA

I received the above book and was so pleased to be selected to receive it. I finished reading it within a week or so and enjoyed it very much although as it got further into it, I found it a little difficult to follow all of the characters back and forth.

I have been to Africa but have not been to the Caribbean so not quite as familiar with the history or people there.

Having been to Africa many years ago, I certainly could relate to the transportation and life there. I visited some villages and could visualize them and the people in them. I can see the children as described in the book and so admire the tenacity and will of Marcia as portrayed within. The book was very believable to me seeing the small villages, huts, etc and the faces of families living there and will be a benefit to those who decide to read it.

I will be sharing this book with my daughter and will get her thoughts as well and then will pass it on to my book club as one to read. I believe it will bring up an interesting conversation about a fascinating culture. 

 

Diane H., of Hernando, FL

Reading groups might do well to start with discussing the title. This book is rich in many ways. The plot centers around a very complicated family in a very mixed environment. Set in Trinidad, starting in 1943, the story covers over 20 years of conflict within the family, and within the government. Life is hard, but sometimes happy.  There are hints of color and race prejudices, as well family secrets to be preserved.

Technically, I loved the way the author presents her story. It is written in the first person, with each chapter titled with the character who's continuing the tale. The reader feels a lilt to her sentences, as the dialogue uses Trinidad patois to full advantage.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction, and/or wish to learn more about other cultures.  It's a tribute to a woman's success with so many odds against her. While this is a familiar theme, there are many unusual twists.

 

Diane G., of Black Mountain, NC

This novel is a fast-paced and compelling read. Lauren Francis-Sherman’s unique approach included dividing her novel into eight sections by date from 1943-1965. Each section has enigmatic titles and authors. She also has three points of view which reveal the main characters’ fears and brief triumphs. Racism and classism in Jamaica and America rear their ugly heads repeatedly. I will recommend this novel to members of my book clubs.