Not All Tarts Are Apple

I picked up this book off my shelf randomly and I am quite delighted that I did so. Not All Tarts are Apple by Pip Granger tells the story of Rosie, a young girl in 1950's England whose mother abandoned her when she was born. Although the book involves prostitution, gambling, addiction, and all other aspects of low-life and seediness, I found it to be surprisingly upbeat and angelic. Because the story is told from the point of view of a child, the reader is re-introduced into the innocent mindset that they once had themselves. This view is refreshing, to say the least! You find yourself disliking the lowly and vulgar characters such as wife-beaters and pimps along Rosie's entire neighborhood, rooting for them to get "slaughtered" and "bounced off walls and pavement" (65). Any book that sparks the reader's involuntary reactions so strongly is definitely a great one and a must read. The family atmosphere created by the characters in the book also forces the reader to love it. Everyone loves and looks after Rosie as if she is his or her own child, and in turn the reader also loves Rosie. How could you not love an innocent child that maintains devotion and sincerity among a world of crooked adults? Rosie draws out the child in every reader regardless of age. In addition, the language used in this book is very enjoyable and fun. You find yourself beginning to think and talk in a British slang after only a few minutes of reading, which I consider another indication of the lasting affects this book has on you. Overall, this book warms your heart and leaves you with no option but to love it. I would recommmend this to anyone and everyone!

I loved this book! Even though I'm not British, the characters were believable and multi-dimensional. They all had their flaws; no one was perfect but they were irresistable all the same! You really couldn't feel sorry for seven year old Rosie who was abandoned by her alcoholic, hooker Mother. She was completely loved and nurtured by so many people! What a fortunate child! You don't expect a book that includes an abandoned child, rape, prostitution, organized crime, substance abuse and kidnapping to be hilarious or sweet. This book was both. Don't miss reading this!

Loved it! Can't say enough about it. I'm bad about getting stuck in certain "genres" of fiction. I had this selected into my Wish List for quite a while, & finally decided to try it. What a refreshing treat it was! The book certainly is beguiling & whisks you up & away immediately. I must say I also learned some new vocab from those crazy Brits. Call me dumb, but I didn't know what they were referring to at first when they'd use the word "tart"! Rosie is an adorable little character. So loveable, you find yourself feeling she's real, & think about her when you're not reading the book. (A sign of a great book is not only does it capture your thoughts while reading it, but when you put it down.) I can't wait to read more of Rosie's further adventures in Granger's next novel.

To use the words that come to mind in describing this book - beguiling, enchanting, charming - make it sound cuter than cute, sweeter than sweet. It's not. What it is is ... just wonderful. Give yourself a treat and read it. Go ahead, be beguiled!

I read Not all Tarts are Apple when it first became available in England, and I was enchanted by it. Rosie and her wonderfully eclectic group of grown-ups draw you into their circle and make you feel welcome. I found it in turns very touching, edge of your seat exciting and down right hilarious.Can't wait for Mrs Granger's next work!