Matthewsmum

I loved it! I've read a few of Mary Wesley books and always enjoyed them. This is the first I've heard on Audible, being narrated by Samuel West was such a delight

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3 people found this helpful

Loved it!

Years ago I read each of Mary Wesley’s books as they came out, but I seem to have managed to forget this one, entirely! I loved her sure, delicate hand, guiding me carefully through this charming tale! Samual West was the perfect narrator! Can’t understand people complaining about it being ‘far fetched’ - of course it was - but utterly entrancing all the same!

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4 people found this helpful

A lovely read

I really loved this book but wished it had been longer. Narration was perfect too.

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Totally brilliant

Having read most of Mary Wesley's other titles many years ago, I seemed to have been put off this novel without any good reason. I'm glad I changed my mind. This is definitely the best Mary Wesley title of all. Samuel West's narration is brilliant, and almost all of the characters are seemingly lovely people. Robert was my favourite character, followed by Juno and Ann, and I would thoroughly recommend this as a lovely way to pass either a wet and windy day indoors or, on a sun drenched day in your back garden on the sun lounger. I was hooked from start to finish.

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2 people found this helpful

Perfect marriage of great characters with great narration

I love this book. Juno is a great character who maybe naïve and ignorant of some things, but the important thing is she isn't stupid; she is resourceful and resilient, and she actively looks to learn. She stands up for herself and her beliefs, and once she's in a supportive and caring environment, she flourishes even more.

And it's not just Juno; all of Mary Wesley's characters feel real and fleshed out, even those we only meet for one or two scenes, and this gives Samuel West, who narrated the audiobook, a lot to play with and sink his teeth into. Priscilla, the long-time friend and former lover of Robert, is a particular delight. She is infuriatingly interfering at points, but when her talents are aimed at a justified target, you root for her, and she ultimately takes to Juno. 

Then there's the romance. Which for me hits on all levels. And I do not care that it is an age gap romance. I will defend Robert and Juno as a couple; I will die on that hill because they are undeniably suited, and I believe in them as a couple. Everything about them shows us that they will be a supportive, loving, and caring couple.

And then there's the ending. I still cannot believe this book ends in the way that it does.

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Excellent book ... unusual and interesting

A well written tale. My favourite of Mary Wesley's books; the main character Juno is beautifully penned. The audible narration is excellent.

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2 people found this helpful

Enjoyable, but rather far-fetched

Would you listen to Part of the Furniture again? Why?

I thought I'd read all Mary Welsey's novels, but seemed to have missed this one. Although her atmospheric scene setting and quirky characters are all there as you would expect, I found the storyline extremely far-fetched and often found myself thinking "No, surely not...!" It was extremely well read by Samuel West and the whole book was a pleasant distraction, but certainly not one of her better novels in my view.

Would you recommend Part of the Furniture to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes

Which character – as performed by Samuel West – was your favourite?

Mr Copplestone senior, whose name I have forgotten...

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

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4 people found this helpful

Loved it

First Mary Wesley book I’ve ever read…. Never come in my radar before, but I loved it. Really connected with all the characters and the narration was perfect.

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Story that weaves its way round you

Mary Wesley wrote some great stories of people and relationships that make me want to be in that world. This is no exception. Excellent narration

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1 person found this helpful

The best Mary Wesley I have read

Listened at every opportunity. Lovely and intriguing story, more raunchy than her usual Aga Saga .Samuel West is always comfortable to hear and I enjoyed his narration.

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