Towards Mellbreak

This is a moving story, making a strong point about the impact of government regulation on an ancient way of life and the individuals within it. In the early chapters I did rather fear that the discussions of the changes forced on the farmers would unbalance the story, but this receded as the narrative developed.As a native Cumbrian myself, from a farming background, I found the dialect, and indeed the dialogue, well-caught, with shifts between the generations. Some of the traditions described were very familiar, others less so, particularly those relating to the church.Moving the focus from character to character was a device which worked well, although I have to admit to losing track of how the generations actually related to each other. Some of these relationships were mentioned once early in the book and then knowledge assumed later.Much will be said about the descriptions of the landscape, where the style becomes that of a prose poem, making this quite a challenging read at times. Certainly the writer knows that terrain intimately.

Such a haunting, heartbreaking story, told in the authentic voices of a Cumbrian family to whom the fells are a calling. Beautifully written; at once striking and resonant.

This is a very sensitively written book telling the story of the effect of toxins on farming families. In was slightly confused by the ending - but I think it was trying to redeeming the sorrow. Really deserves 5 stars but I read it on holiday and found it a bit depressing when I was trying to relax. Read it!

Really enjoyed beginning chapters , but further into book got a little confused with intro of letters from the past and found it threw me off the main story, I had not expected to be taken to China then whisked back to Cumbria! The ending also not too clear. Disappointed on the whole after the great first few descriptive chapters. Maybe I am not good at being able to mind read what the author meant! :)

Such a beautifully written book.Coming straight from the heart. Marie-Elsa Bragg conveys her great love for the area of her subject. Bringing home,and to life....Reminding us of the sad, and tragic consequences, caused by the ignorance and stubbornness, of persons in supposedly high places.Which sadly continues to this day !A most timely book in my opinion. Thank you. Marie-Elsa Bragg

A fully engaging Christian novel of generosity, sympathy and power.

Loved this novel. Beautifully written capturing Cumbria's atmosphere wonderfully. Some of the descriptive passages are spine tingling. I love the Newlands, Buttermere and Crummock area so it was a particularly special read for me.

I just loved this book although it is heartbreaking, with such tragic consequences for those involved. The writing is so beautiful, so gentle in the telling of the story of a an old and settled way of life.