Interesting.
There are hundreds of reviews for this little book and they all seem to compare it with Mark Haddon's previous and very successful novel, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time' but as far as I can see, the similarities end with the Author's name.
This book is a snapshot, a voyeuristic look at an estranged brother and sister, who come together with their respective families for a weeks holiday.
Set near the border town of Hereford, the remote setting gives the reader a sense of isolation and we learn quickly, that all is not well.
There's divorce, infidelity, teen angst, and an eight year old that'll make you laugh.
Angela and Richard have lost their mother and the holiday is a way of Richard trying to reconcile their differences, but things don't quite go to plan.
Richard's step daughter finds out that someone she's bullying at school has tried to commit suicide, whilst Angela's son thinks he might fancy her. Angela secretly comfort eats in the middle of the night, whilst her husband tries to sever ties with his mistress. Richard's second wife has doubts about their relationship as Angela's daughter kisses Richard's step daughter, thinking she might be a lesbian, and whilst this is all going on, her eight year old brother, is making you laugh.
This is good writing, making what could have been a rather monotonous week in the country, into a rather entertaining yarn, so why only three and a half stars?
Because essentially, the book doesn't go anywhere. It starts on a train one Friday afternoon and ends a week later. All the characters interact in their own special way, and then at the end, without much ado, they go their separate ways.
There are hundreds of reviews for this little book and they all seem to compare it with Mark Haddon's previous and very successful novel, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time' but as far as I can see, the similarities end with the Author's name.
This book is a snapshot, a voyeuristic look at an estranged brother and sister, who come together with their respective families for a weeks holiday.
Set near the border town of Hereford, the remote setting gives the reader a sense of isolation and we learn quickly, that all is not well.
There's divorce, infidelity, teen angst, and an eight year old that'll make you laugh.
Angela and Richard have lost their mother and the holiday is a way of Richard trying to reconcile their differences, but things don't quite go to plan.
Richard's step daughter finds out that someone she's bullying at school has tried to commit suicide, whilst Angela's son thinks he might fancy her. Angela secretly comfort eats in the middle of the night, whilst her husband tries to sever ties with his mistress. Richard's second wife has doubts about their relationship as Angela's daughter kisses Richard's step daughter, thinking she might be a lesbian, and whilst this is all going on, her eight year old brother, is making you laugh.
This is good writing, making what could have been a rather monotonous week in the country, into a rather entertaining yarn, so why only three and a half stars?
Because essentially, the book doesn't go anywhere. It starts on a train one Friday afternoon and ends a week later. All the characters interact in their own special way, and then at the end, without much ado, they go their separate ways.
No comments:
Post a Comment