Customer Reviews
A rare treat - By: J. MACDONALD, 17 Jun 2008 
Read this book if you want to revel in a world of home comforts, colour & simple pleasures. Jane writes beautifully & articulates what many women feel about being at home & the whole range of domestic activities - but perhaps find it hard to express. If you want a practical craft book, as a couple of these reviewers seem to, there are hundreds you can buy. This is not what Jane Brocket is offering - & thank goodness she isn't.
A gentle read, not a DIY manual - By: F. POINTER, 29 May 2008 I adored this book. In fact I'm still reading it. This is a lazy sunday afternoon book that you want to indulge yourself. I pick it up & put it down & just flick through the pictures or just read a chapter out of order if I fancy.
It is full of wonderful colouful pictures of snuggly quilts & socks that makes me a) want to go make them & b) snuggle in them whilst reading this book.
A lot of people are disapointed by the lack of instruction in the book but I get bored with instruction & lust after beautiful inspirational pictures & musings. I would save this book from a housefire!!
Blog into book doesn't work - By: Mrs. M. K. Thompson, 18 May 2008 
I was looking forward to the book as I had frequently visited the blog & enjoyed the photographs...however when I started the book I realised a blog doesn't translate into a book. While a blog is a diary (of sorts), a book is a much more concrete & lasting evidence of one's literary efforts (that cannot be changed, once commited to print). These two concepts somehow clash in the book, giving us a picture & a commentary on privilege & choice (someone else made that comment but I hope they don't mind me using it here). Domesticity is not an art, it's a job, & if we're lucky or priviledged enough we may make pretty things out of beautiful, expensive yarns & beautiful, expensive fabrics!
The term used in the title is repeated so often through the book, it became very annoying & lost the meaning altogether. I must confess that I didn't finish the book, I looked at the pictures & flicked through the last 70-odd pages, but the book just became more of the same to me - rather simplistic & self-centred. I do appreciate the fact that alll literary output IS, in fact, subjective, but there could have been a balance somewhere there; so maybe the title of the book should have been "The gentle art of domesticity according to me".
I , too, knit, crochet, sew, quilt, bake, try my hand at different crafts, as this is what they are. They probably amount to domesticity, but I wouldn't calll them art.
The 2 points I give the book are for the photographs - very good for a coffee table type book.
Inspiration not instruction - By: LJ, 26 Mar 2008 I bought this book in the spirit in which (I think) it was written - as a homage to the gentle arts & an insight into a creative life. I sadly have no talent in those directions but I reallly enjoyed the book, the colours, the writing & don't think the lack of "instructions" is an issue - it is not a "how to" book. It is inspiring though & I visited Jane's blog for the first time as a result - quite addictive.
The only book I adore... - By: MummyK, 21 Feb 2008 I love many books & go back to them often but this book I truely adore. If I could only have one book it would be this one - although I have to admit to some focused book-buying since I've read it!!! It certainly does inspire you to read & explore the books Jane recommends!
I love the colour, the life, the focus on family & home (did I mention the colour!!!) & the shear enjoyment of the simple things around us. It is refreshing to have a highly educated woman celebrate, rather than apologise for, the creative outlets in her life.
Unlike other reviewers, I love the fact that there are no patterns. It alllows more space for Jane's wonderful philosphy on life. It also alllows me to enjoy the book, & feel inspired, without any 'pressure' to create. I don't have to feel guilty about only using one or two patterns in yet another craft book! This is the 'Gentle' Art of Domesticity, after alll.
