Folly: The gorgeous family saga by bestselling author and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh

This is a tale of what I call a 'Then' & 'Now' story. The then is set in 1949 at Oxford University and 'Now' Bath 2007 with a few years in between. As with other of Alans books each chapter begins with a quote from other famous writers.5 students become firm friends 4 Males and Elenor who are reading art. We enter the world of art, painting, buying selling, auction houses. Elenour, and two of the males meet a well known artist before finishing at Uni. We follow the lives, loves of all 5 of the students. In the now part of the story Jamie snd 'Missy' meet and fall in Love. By this time Harry, Richard and Elenour now living in Bath and in their 80's some 60 years after Uni. However Missy is told that she and Jamie have the same Grandfather 'Harry'It is a sad and happy story all in one. I found the start of the story very hard going. I was a ;ittle confused when 'Missy' and then 'Artemis' were mentioned, perhaps I missed something but they are one of the same person. But as the story progreed I managed to really enjoy it and could not wait to see how the story woul end. I was not sure how many stars to give 3 or 4. in the end it was 4 another good read from Alan.

Having thoroughly enjoyed Alan Titchmarsh's "The Haunting", I was looking forward to reading another of Alan's books. The three-generation/two era format worked well and the art world background was well researched; although it did seem rather strange to incorporate a real person - the artist Sir Alfred Munnings - as a character in a work of fiction.However, it rather lost it for me when the perceived "impediment" (which wasn't an impediment at all) took over the story. I got so annoyed I wanted to knock the characters' heads together and say something like: "there really is no problem here, so just get on with it." The way the author dealt with the "impediment" at the end of the story to his own satisfaction, was just too ridiculous for words.A good story spoiled by the last few chapters.

Telling story of friends across the years as an engrossing background to present day love story of childhood friends who battle against family feuds to separate them, with the ongoing saga of a previous generation's lives connecting everybody through art and auction houses and humanity. Loved the insight into their world.

Having been hooked on BBC's 'Fake or Fortune' for the last couple of series I was pleased to find a book on a similar subject. A bit slow in parts, and with a predictable (but happy) ending, it was nevertheless a good read and kept me entertained.

Alan is not I thought a story writer as he is a gardener. I was wrong he is brilliant. I think I have read almost all his books. I took two on holiday with me last year and read them both. In fact my hubby had finished his book and started to read Alan's book as well and he was surprised at how good it was. The characters come alive in your mind. Well done Alan.

Book arrived in excellent condition - looks perfect

Unusual setting. His books are always brilliant.

I've always enjoyed Alan Titchmark's books and this one was no exception. The way he interweaved his characters and the detailed description of the art world and auction houses was superb. I didn't want to put down! I will certainly be recommending to my friends.

Thoroughly enjoyed it! I may have given it a 5 or 4.5 (if that were possible) if the ending had not made me question one thing _ why the painting resembled Artemis. Otherwise, great writing again (this is the second book I've read by this author) and quite a bit of suspense in trying to figure out the connections. It's about love and misunderstandings.

Fun English story and phraaing

Another great read from Alan, I enjoy his books the are always different and keep you wanting more and not wanting to put the book down..