I read this for a book group. Historical fiction is not my favourite but the main problem was the writing style. So much description of appearance andI read this for a book group. Historical fiction is not my favourite but the main problem was the writing style. So much description of appearance and demeanour, scenery, backstory, motive, everything. Nothing left to the reader’s imagination. Plot was predictable, cliched and weak. Surprised it scored so highly on here. Very disappointing. ...more
Great start to the year! I loved this book. Such a refreshing novel style. Anyone who has ever lived in a tight community will understand this book. IGreat start to the year! I loved this book. Such a refreshing novel style. Anyone who has ever lived in a tight community will understand this book. It’s set in Belfast or a city in Northern Ireland (unnamed as everything and everyone is) during the troubles but really this book is about community, social pressures and the madness, paranoia, alternative reality and unpredictable priorities that develop as a consequence. It’s like any average community really but extra because of the political backdrop, guns violence and social norms for females during this era. This makes it perfect reading. Relatable but ten times more bonkers. The writing style is fantastic. I honestly don’t know how she did it. ...more
Not my bag. Cheeky price for a short story. Not even sure this could be called a novella. Also I listened to it on audible which maybe didn’t help. A Not my bag. Cheeky price for a short story. Not even sure this could be called a novella. Also I listened to it on audible which maybe didn’t help. A voice actor might have been a better choice. ...more
Och I wanted to love this. I gave the last 2 books by him 5 stars so I thought I was in for another cracker. Plus I like books set in the 30s and 40s.Och I wanted to love this. I gave the last 2 books by him 5 stars so I thought I was in for another cracker. Plus I like books set in the 30s and 40s. But twas not to be. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood but this book was just ok for me. There were lots of little clever moments but after a while the quick witted one liner dialogue grated. ...more
Don’t understand the hype around this book. Idea was a good one and that was it for me. Badly written or maybe translated- very clunky, no depth to chDon’t understand the hype around this book. Idea was a good one and that was it for me. Badly written or maybe translated- very clunky, no depth to characters, predictable chapters. I am being quite generous with my 2 stars but it was a quick and fairly painless read. ...more
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