Finished the book a few minutes ago. It was near perfect. It rivalled the best books I've ever read. I daresay that Greenglass House is better than moFinished the book a few minutes ago. It was near perfect. It rivalled the best books I've ever read. I daresay that Greenglass House is better than most Harry Potter books. It was a wonderful read. What is funny is that I am - even now - lacking words to praise this magical book.
I cannot sit still writing this review. Saying this book is grimdark would not be true, but even if it were to be so, it is so much more than that. This book is a historical fiction, a Fantasy, a book about riddles and mysteries, a book about magic, a book about loneliness, a book about Christmas and friendship and kinship.
I now realise why I stopped writing longer reviews at various points on this site. It is because at these points, a few monumentally superb books came along, and sapped my synapses' ability to be teeming with ideas to share. I will try to be verbose just a while before contemplating the sequel, which might be just equal in terms of Epicurean currencies, to its predecessor.
I have also to deal with the sneaky suspicion that the book affected me in this way and placing me in a crowd of minority. It seems like this book affected me strongly because it was compatible with me. There is no Greenglass.com, AFAIK. There is no fanfic around this series. Though I am not sure of the veracity of these statements I am sure you know what I am hinting at. Let us proceed.
The book is set in the real world but with magic just round the corner. It reminds me of witches and wizards forgetting their spells, of Rapunzels never being rescued. Of Griffins dying out, of dragons' bones being mistaken for dinosaurs. Of magic carpets and lamps staying in their caves forever. The book reminds me of the first human to turn 80, lifting his eyes to the sun that now did not seem so shiny new anymore.
Kate Milford would do amazingly well if the sequel is as good as book 1. Greenglass house has a Chinese main character, and the jade like name for the book is no coincidence. I think that there is only one way book 2 would be as good as book 1, and that if the author has deeply thought about it before sending book 1 to her editor.
Finally I am concluding by not promising if this book will strike a similar chord with others. This is a book about children having an adventure, but does it make the book for children? I think so, because the adults, especially the latecomers and the parents of the MC, are barely detailed. This is a discrepancy just because I myself am an adult. And maybe therein lies its lack of catching fire for the larger reading community. Harry Potter was a success because it had people of all ages sharing space. Here I think the book is not set in its time enough for it to please most. I don't think it is always the timeless books that gain notoriety and immortality. It is the carved wooden figure that becomes a more valuable chess piece, not a plastic nor the ivory ones. It is the Vinyl records that have greater shelf life, not the gramophones nor the laser discs....more
Ken Follett seems to enjoy a longevity that would be the envy of Kafka or Nietzsche. If you weren't aware, I'm talking about his long life, not his heKen Follett seems to enjoy a longevity that would be the envy of Kafka or Nietzsche. If you weren't aware, I'm talking about his long life, not his hegemony. Follett is also without doubt a very successful author, who has hundreds of thousands of fans around the world. I'm not going to join that particular club.
Follett's book, Winter of the World, has clues littered over its face as to the secret of its success, just like a naughty kid has crumbs over his maws after pilfering the cookie jar. The first book, Fall of Giants, got one star from me. So maybe I should stop reading his books? But I have avoided the lure of his historical thrillers successfully. To this day therefore, I cannot tell you why I ceded to this WW2 book.
The deaths of the innocent is the fuel which drives the mechanism of this book. The stakes ought to be high, but this ambitious book about multi-generations and rendezvous with history seems stuffy as the stage of a high school. Follett tries to camouflage the deaths which (perhaps) seemed right and logical to him, with deaths that are not vindictive or strangely fateful. This book is very limited.
Every single woman that is interesting meets a tragedy in one form or other. While there are men who risk their lives daily in the war to end all wars - haha - the women are either boring hopefuls whose aim is to get their men, or monosyllabic geniuses who somehow untangle their tongues to narrate convenient past familial tragedies.
The men are dealt a farcical card, in a universe, that, when guided by Follett's pen, seems jocularly simplistic. The sole intriguing fact about this book are the couples and maybe happy marriages that survive their acid tests. The unions in this book are devoid of romance. Even the most focused of romances, which ought to feel like a mini slice of harlequinism (that word ought to exist) are as famous as the year your warm beer was made. Dusting off my review of Fall of Giants, it seems that the author has continued in creating characters that have a life that looks like the high school overachiever. All the characters, without fault, have the most exciting part of their lives when they are 21.
While some arcs have less melodrama than others, those that don't, just ruin the effect of danger that the book strives to have. The plot is logical when it is convenient, and its opposite when it is inconvenient. The lack of respect for the reader means that many who have given this book a positive score have ignored or been unaware of it. Congrats Kenny, you know the odds, if not your audience.
The worst things about this book is that it lets major bias from the author creep in. First of all, one character keeps the love child of a rapist. Her revenge is that she will raise her kid to be someone you know, who treats men and women equally respectfully. Banzai! Also, Truman thought he was the king of the world? The truest and most honest man to hold any kind of office in world history?
This book lacks the cruelty of Pillars of the Earth, for which I am personally thankful. But its senseless romance, its staged suspense, its deliberate putdown of women, its unawareness of what is clever and what is stupid, all undo the hard work of the research to which Follett has probably had access to. This is the work of a successful, prolific, inspiring, and experienced writer. It feels like the work of an AI who has been programmed to imitate the writing style of a combination of a 16th century Calvinist monk and Barbara Cartland. Follett, take up a hobby and enjoy your twilight years, there's a good lad....more
For the last couple of decades, many emerging authors have managed to make of me their follower. Capable authors in even the most niche genres gettingFor the last couple of decades, many emerging authors have managed to make of me their follower. Capable authors in even the most niche genres getting or recycling ideas above their station or experience. Natasha Pulley is such an author.
Pulley is a writer who has a command of language and form. She is a full fledged narrator. The Kingdoms is a work that I feel, is one of the rare ones released this year that will be a classic. This is a historical mystery that has time travel in it. That's not a spoiler.
This book showcases the Napoleonic wars. Who said the French are bad at warfare? Not this book! You'll know when you read it. The characters though, are wonderfully shown. You get to realise more about them as the pages flip by. It feels like these are people of blood and bones. It feels that way to me. I like this book. Hope you read it....more
Hamartia, thy name is Coincidence. One of the reviews I glanced at said that Maisie Dobbs was an amalgam of Mother Theresa, Mata Hari, and Supergirl. Hamartia, thy name is Coincidence. One of the reviews I glanced at said that Maisie Dobbs was an amalgam of Mother Theresa, Mata Hari, and Supergirl. I wish. Calling someone Mother Theresa is like laughing at Gandhi being in hell in that South Park movie. If Maisie was like Mother Theresa, she would make for a fascinating and kaleidoscopic character.
Jacqueline Winspear sinned enough times for me not to lose count but still it's many. Like I hinted at, there are astounding coincidences in this book. Also, there was a gun in the book. I understand that it was not of the Chekhov brand, since it hasn't been used, which is the coolest thing the author has done with her book.
I wanted to give up and move on to the next book. What prevented me from doing so was the curiosity regarding how the authoress wrote a book that was a commercial success, has excellent critical response, and has been professionally written. The latter was a dealmaker for me. Ever since I wanted to write books, I've been trying to guess what I could get away with, creatively speaking. I think I have part of the answer at least.
Going back to the book, I think I frowned on the reconstruction of the Nazi salute and Hitler, nebulously depicted as he was in this book. Hitler has stopped getting breaks ever since he offed Rommel, but still, it's tricky to depict him both in reel life and in print. The most successful depiction of the Fuhrer was done admirably by Herman Wouk in The Winds of War. In this book, which I picked up only because of its WW2 plot, Hitler seems having more blood ties with Harry Potter's Dementors than a being of flesh and blood.
In conclusion I must admit not getting the following Winspear has among her faithful. About 6 or 7 years ago, I tried to read the first book in this series, simply titled, Maisie Dobbs. I did not last long then , unlike now. But regardless, the lack in quality in both books is a mystery that has roots in the question, what is the making of a successful author? The first book was forgotten until I knew the existence of Journey to Munich. Journey to Munich is poor fare. It's inferior literature, and it's professional but somehow lazy writing. It's not atrocious though. It's simply a missed opportunity....more
Harmless but sleight of the hand manipulation story about nothing in particular. It looked like the authors compressed a sparse plot into a purposefulHarmless but sleight of the hand manipulation story about nothing in particular. It looked like the authors compressed a sparse plot into a purposefully sparser page count to tout it as substantive.
The Maharani's Pearls aren't lost so that Bess Crawford can look for them. But to know what their role is, is up to you if you still want to fork wonga for this short story.
I'm a guy of Indian ancestry, though I live in Mauritius. I think the mutiny of 1857 is seen by Indians as noble and by the British as nightmarish. This discrepancy in ideas has never been addressed. Not that I expected this humble book to do so. Just throwing it out there for some musing. Bye for now....more
Don't understand the high ratings. What a rip-off. The writing is good, but it looks like marble was used to build a grain silo.
The book seems very weDon't understand the high ratings. What a rip-off. The writing is good, but it looks like marble was used to build a grain silo.
The book seems very well grounded in its time frame. As a historical fiction, it hits the target. But as a police procedural and as an adventure it falls flat.
My interest in this series killed right here. Instead of solely concentrating on who wore what fabric, efforts should have been made in giving life to the characters. The best books do that....more
Stephen King once said that writing can be learned, but can never be taught. Well, here come the Cazalet Chronicles, to - almost - make a fool out of Stephen King once said that writing can be learned, but can never be taught. Well, here come the Cazalet Chronicles, to - almost - make a fool out of King.
This series of books, bound in one omnibus has taught me so much...about people, about history, about writing, about time, and about time too! What can I say? There is a corner of my heart where the five books combo have displaced the other books to stay as my favorite.
We'll see if that lasts. This story is too vast to be summed up in a review. I have lost the ability to write long reviews, but I've tempered that with the newly gained inclination to write lengthier stories.
You could do worse than read this series. The author, Elizabeth Jane Howard lived a long life (nearly 91 years), but has created characters that will live much longer than that, in our minds....more
Review to come. So far this has been an engrossing read. I remember watching the movie an having mixed feelings about it, but the book has less of thoReview to come. So far this has been an engrossing read. I remember watching the movie an having mixed feelings about it, but the book has less of those moments when you are kind of exhorting the plot to stop plodding. It really puts into perspective how we are the products of our culture. This is definitely five-star material.
Finished the book finally. What a chunkster! What a story! The words kept coming, and I kept being riveted all the way. A slight complaint is that the main character Scarlet has too much grief to bear, and there's no respite for her. The last chapter took me 10 hours to complete. It was so unrelenting in tension. But people labelling it as a romance is sometimes a disservice. It's so much more. This large but singular book (Margaret Mitchell did not write a Go Set A Watchman) is viscerally yours to enjoy. That's it from me....more
Defend and Betray has a very sudden ending, as if it has outstayed its welcome. That's not true, but I liked it anyway. I've read somewhere that the aDefend and Betray has a very sudden ending, as if it has outstayed its welcome. That's not true, but I liked it anyway. I've read somewhere that the author is very malignant. Of course we must judge a book on its own merit and not on the character of the author. But, then, I realised that those on the side of the angels are not very angelic. They are frail characters, especially William Monk, after whom the series is named.
The book is basically about a scandal in the gentry. First, a murder, then God knows what. The world of this 19th century London is developed to a great degree. I don't know how authentic it is but it makes for some terrific reading. The clothing of the major persons is described, but only those who are about to set the ball rolling in this book.
For once, I don't want to summarise the book or give spoilers away. I want you readers to start afresh. People might think that I don't expose the plot, but I do, in my own way. The big reveal doesn't happen until 70% in, so there is a lot of thorough, patient, demure, elusive, bare, and fruitful investigation going on. There seems to be an influence of Dame A. Christie in the way the peripheral women are painted. But the author, who naturally has a limited number of brushstrokes at her disposal, planned wisely, indeed. It's a book that is among my top 50 best books ever....more
The author makes his presence known towards the end of the book. It was both eerie and uncanny. He kept breaking the fourth wall, then he conjured thaThe author makes his presence known towards the end of the book. It was both eerie and uncanny. He kept breaking the fourth wall, then he conjured that apparition of his in one of the last chapters.
Vanity Fair contains no real heroes. That was a fact that Thackeray himself stated, and who am I to dispute that. This book of his is quite droll in its stitching together. There is a threat of a continuum, then everything is put back into question.
Classics are a strange beast. With them, I feel attachment like it's the result of Stockholm Syndrome. My delight at finishing these Mesozoic beasts is unique to the genre. Long may it continue....more
What sets Herman Wouk apart from his successors is his understanding of both characterization and plotting. He is great at both. The Winds of War bookWhat sets Herman Wouk apart from his successors is his understanding of both characterization and plotting. He is great at both. The Winds of War books, appearing more than 20 years from The Caine Mutiny, are equally brilliant. The man was a prodigy.
The Caine Mutiny, happens on an old rustbucket of a tow ship called the Caine. Thoughout the book, Wouk teases us, making us hungry for the moment when the crew of the ship blows its collective gasket. It was long in coming, but when it did, the courtroom scenes didn't disappoint.
The book revolves around Willie Kieth, who is the only character whose private life is shown. If he is the main character, he is marginally so. His friends are Steve Maryk, and Tom Keefer, and his antagonist is Commander Queeg. I had a lot of fun reading this book. The verisimilitude laces and binds the mechanism of life in the Navy, during WW2. What an experience. A fully deserved Pulitzer Prize....more
The Pillars Of The Earth is a curious beast. Before writing this review, I read a few reviews others have posted, specially those who had rated it oneThe Pillars Of The Earth is a curious beast. Before writing this review, I read a few reviews others have posted, specially those who had rated it one star. This book made me miserable and provided me with a fleeting enjoyment, probably a feeling associated with junkies. Unlike most long books, I can't fault Follet for stretching out his story with filler and padding. In fact, most of my decision for rating the book 4 stars comes from the fact that most chapters feel integral to the book.
The major divergence with many fans is what is balefully called the collateral damage generally, in the book. There is too much suffering. The numbers are only partly the reason for my distaste. It's not also that true justice and ample revenge was late in coming - in my opinion it never did - it's also the senselessness of the violence. The fact that we're supposed to shrug this off and put our onus on the main characters' particular saga against William Hamleigh intensified this malaise. This reminded me of bloody books of the YA genre that I've read. Exampli Gratia would be the 5th Wave, where most of humanity was wiped out in days and civilization was uprooted like that. To temper the blow of savagery, maybe, the character Jack, in the presence of the monk Phillip is made to wonder about reality in the future, where everything would be better. Allow me to scoff.
This book possesses flaws from both the grimmest of realistic books, and the fluffiest of escapist ones. The suffering goes on and on, more than the hanging scenes - or rather scenery - in the Game Of Thrones books. But the invincibility of the main characters in such a feral environment, the serendipitous pairing of the two major personages, Jack and Aliena, the fulfillment of a desperate oath, the selective trait whereby most of the good guys have a high IQ, the parable like twist where the wicked are undone by the very victims they helped populate, all of this result in a book that I don't like. The reasons of my respect for this book are themselves quite unsound. The ease of the writing, the uncomplicated, two dimensional characters, and the suspenseful exposure to danger between such characters are what made me feel hypocritical to rate the book 2 stars. That's a rating I would give, but I cannot ignore the reluctant pleasure the book gave me. It's a book I will never ever touch, as it's one in a long line of disillusionment and disappointments in my recent experiences as a reader. I celebrate, hail, and acknowledge the reviews of people who have rated the book one star, and I envy their immunity to the rural and cynical charms of it....more
Jeffrey Archer has proven himself many times. As The Crow Flies proves that he hit the ground running and was already a very good storyteller while yoJeffrey Archer has proven himself many times. As The Crow Flies proves that he hit the ground running and was already a very good storyteller while young. He knows that even if he repeats himself, as long as there are enough new twists to the plot of any of his book, he'll be forgiven, and his works, enjoyed.
I was thoroughly entertained reading this book which has a few lulls, but which forced me to have stakes in the story at a time when I felt temporarily indifferent. After all why should I care if a millionaire (even self made) is risking his benefits and at worst, would be a bit poorer. No skin off MY nose! Well the author had other thoughts. He made me care.
I no longer think Kane And Abel is this writer's best book. That praise went to Be Careful What You Wish For...now...I'm no longer sure. This book, which I've just read, is one of the strongest 5 star books I've ever rated. The plot points, fleshed out through the way characters behave, present themselves and motivate themselves, generate inexhaustible supply of surprises. Everything is perfectly clear in the book. As The Crow Flies defies any gross accusation that can be thrown at it. It deserved to be read. It's pure entertainment, of the type that can only be offered by books and their makers....more
What a disappointment. Why is it that in most books' reviews, only the marginal niche fans vote massively, upholstering the average score so unfairly.What a disappointment. Why is it that in most books' reviews, only the marginal niche fans vote massively, upholstering the average score so unfairly. Unless, it is the romantics who do read diversely that in their unbiased way, gave the book four to five stars. Even people who gave the book the same score as me must have done so for different reasons. Maybe the ending threw them. Maybe I'll never know. I'm left scratching my head as to why this book is considered the best historical fiction on this site.
I'll pool all my misgivings from the last third of the book in this paragraph. Chiyo's outlook towards life is delusional, and is vindicated by her being united with her beau. I wonder what friends I myself would have had my life been more successful. Chiyo's memories of her past are very selective. Sometimes she wants to be a geisha, but anyway she has no choice. Her heart breaks and reseals itself over her journey in becoming one. Her infatuation with the Chairman and her laughable dressing of her repulsion to Nobu sums up the genre of romance. The book is an ungodly mess in its themes. The analogies and lesson-like counsel that passed for wisdom at the end made it all clear. This book's just an escapist dream for delusional romantics of all genders and ages. My reason for my score is mainly that at not one point did the book reel me in. I was never hooked.
I have to consider Hatsumomo, most of the book's main archenemy. She is described as stupid, but reveals herself as cunning. The latter attribute is proved beyond doubt. But her stupidity, abetted by drunkenness, only comes at the end. This was a missed opportunity to dress up a promising character. When Hatsumomo mars a kimono belonging to her rival, it's almost an act of vandalism. But we are never allowed to get the insight whether the act itself has the fuel of 30% meanness and 70% stupidity, or the other way round, or some other permutation.
I first intended to write more than I'm doing. But I want to put this book behind me quickly. I want to make two points (which is more than my favorite team can make at the moment). First, I knew that such a dishonest and cowardly book would make of the tragic Pumpkin, a mean spirited person. I knew it! Her separation from Chiyo should have been temporary. Instead, she estranges herself from joy and purpose in life in the most random way. She is very wimpy in her decision to "join the dark side". It's just not that convincing. Maybe her scavenging act early on foreshadows what the author did with her. It's not an excuse though. Second thing, the stupid and bizarre episode between Chiyo and the Baron. It should have had consequences, but it seemed like the mother of all treaties had been signed between all parties. Very inexplicable. Inexplicable but quite welcome. It's an occurrence that made me distance myself from the narrator. I don't have to be concerned with her when she troubled trouble.
This book, were it a flawed masterpiece and dealt with a genre I detest, would still have gotten more than two stars. But at no point did Memoirs reach a pinnacle or peak of sorts. No event was reciprocal, there was no theme except from a rags to riches story. Nature sometimes was described richly, but new objects of unfamiliarity and technology were glossed over, which is cool, as we're all aware of modern contrivances. It's just that everything I've mentioned makes the narrator fake. It's just sad. It means I'll never read this book again. Neither it nor I deserve it....more
I have read some of the less glowing reviews here and then decided to read the book. I feared that I would be influenced but this mystery impressed meI have read some of the less glowing reviews here and then decided to read the book. I feared that I would be influenced but this mystery impressed me enough. For more knowledgeable people this book had warts and all, but I can only relay what I felt. Had I not had my spoilers I would have had more praise for this Parisian whodunit.
During the first fifth of the story I couldn't gloss over the boorishness of Molly's husband. Married life is fraught with desensitization, compromise, or rebellion. Molly has a finger in each of those pies. Daniel Sullivan was a charming man who courted his belle with conviction. His misogyny showed a bit even then. But only here have we readers been subject to his loutish laugh. In the light of the bombing(awful pun, I know) the opinion I have of him does not change. Sadly this portrait of married life is the most realistic aspect of this book.
I was looking forward to the voyage across the Atlantic. However, the author could not capture the spirit of the journey. She could not relay the quaint nature of ships of the time. Unlike other books, Molly regularly finds the stepping stones that are nice people during her entire adventure in this novel. Mrs Pinkerton was one of them. Madeleine, herself in France, would be another. I have read a couple of reviews about Molly's trivial view of her duties as a mother. What can I say? I agree, but I would never have picked on that by myself.
The description of Paris is where the writer has a modicum of gusto and enthusiasm. The shameless and ridiculous use of past visual artists like Pablo (heavy Spanish accent, paints raggedly, paints in blue) Picasso is distracting and removes us from what makes the story real. I thought, and I may be wrong, that so many future celebrities make the coincidence seem surreal. Not only that, but the city of Paris itself looks to be very little. Like a two-bit burg. The presence of recurring character Justin Hartley adds to this feeling. The latter was unnecessary to the plot and brought nothing to the table.
I liked both Sid and Gus. I now can differentiate between the two. The locals of France had their speech presented in English. That's a welcome decision for non speaking English readers. The locals did not have their own voice. They didn't have distinctive traits. That complaint was buried whenever the detective aspects of Molly Murphy was on the rise, though. I guessed the murderer's identity way sooner than to my liking. Like everything French, it was a crime of passion. Very cliche, but there you go....more
Several things have changed since the third tome, A Bitter Truth, of the series. The language is less winsome, flowing, less formidable. I've gone on Several things have changed since the third tome, A Bitter Truth, of the series. The language is less winsome, flowing, less formidable. I've gone on record saying that I embrace low brow potboilers and dime novels. It's still sad to witness this book and consequently its authors finding it necessary to up the stakes, to add exponential action and to provide parody-like happenstances. Charles Todd was a name I've come to associate with quality and bravery. One can only repel the lure of ease for only so long.
The number of times people survive gun wounds in this story seems greater than the great unwashed's fatal brush with the Spanish Flu. The myriad times of such situations bordered on the farcical. I also didn't like the insinuations that great men by default survived war and that grades in the military was solely based on meritocracy. Charisma cannot substitute for luck and connections in the real world. I wondered if the authors wanted its audience to believe what should be called a deception.
The authors did well to shroud the chilling multi murderer in darkness. Ralph Mitchell was nothing short of a terminator. The mysterious man brought about a smoother climax than any of the previous books. Danger had dogged the heels of the heroine so often that the ending didn't seem forced. While I couldn't keep much concentration in the early chapters, I could keep a hawk like focus on the ever increasing cast of new names that kept adding. I'm a bit hazy about why the killer had embarked on a rampage and the motive escapes me for now. I'm glad I didn't waste my time reading this book - you know what I mean. It was a very good book, and I'm glad I'll remember parts of it forever....more
After reading all of the story and part of the afterword, I can understand that The Death of Riley is a twofer that links up to the death of Presiden After reading all of the story and part of the afterword, I can understand that The Death of Riley is a twofer that links up to the death of President McKinley. I also understand that many of the quips were referenced ideas that will strike the funny bone of people more cultured, amenable, or aware than me. That does not make this premise less of a headscratcher in terms of vitals, twists, showdowns, and cliffhangers.
I was lulled into a sense of insecurity from the senseless violence and action undertaken against the life of the heroine. In the end the entire death of Riley, and his last words were futile. This book is a major downgrade from the first book. Take the "code" deciphered by Molly. It was totally transparent. I know books that are entirely sub par - this is one of them. The entire premise of detection is all for naught. This reader feels cheated. The book is a cozy in name only. There's nothing that was deduced. It's a mercy that the writer didn't leave clues for the discerning reader as that would register as a major bungle as well.
The writer comes into her own while describing the features of almost 19th century New York. A landscape that depicts buildings that still exist to this day, next to forgotten ones that no one alive knows. I do happen to think that the parts of the misfortunes of the children weren't badly written. Also the nod towards the burgeoning horizons of Molly's mind having encountered gay people were skillful. Whether that makes this book worthwhile is a decision totally unto fans of cozy mysteries. For me, this book was another door closed....more
Pretty uneven effort from Jeffrey Archer with this sequel to Kane and Abel. Some of the blandest chapters reside in the spine of The Prodigal Daughte Pretty uneven effort from Jeffrey Archer with this sequel to Kane and Abel. Some of the blandest chapters reside in the spine of The Prodigal Daughter. It needn't have been so. Maybe it was the eighties, and like John Le Carre and Stephen King, the author simply had to lay a thick book. Two striking events in the book makes it rise above the forgettable dreck of its generation.
First, is that salutation between Kane and Abel. It was written into the prequel, but the details weren't sketched yet. The circumstances revealed for this key event were very much inspired. Secondly, the deception of who Jessie is, is nothing short of a masterstroke. It could work so well on film. These two moments carried my interest forward. Without them, I might have abandoned this book. I think it deserves nothing more or less than three stars.
I knew before that Florentyna would be president, yet the way things turned out brought ample surprise. And poor Richard. Poor him, so forgotten that I nearly forgot myself to mention him. I who regret his early exit. The unbelievable way he is forgotten by the heroine, plus the easy way the latter shrugged into calling Edward "darling" makes me wish the book had ended with Richard's recovery. I'm still on the fence in my mind about how often to read unread Jeffrey Archer books. His latest output was up to par. We'll see....more
Lots of thoughts crossed my bored mind while reading this grey historical fiction where people have modern comforts, regardless of class, or income. Lots of thoughts crossed my bored mind while reading this grey historical fiction where people have modern comforts, regardless of class, or income. The story felt woolly to me. It was as if I was meant to tell what laid beyond the linen from the firmness of a mummy's handshake. Apart from money, it seemed that everyone in the story had the same amount of integrity and personality. Everyone was clumsy, seemingly, in their social interactions. I found that the standout point of this book. A book that would probably have been called The Notebook, had not the title been taken....more
With this glowing rating for Inferno, I seal my place among the cheap thrill seeking, easy going, instant gratification demanding readers. I welcome tWith this glowing rating for Inferno, I seal my place among the cheap thrill seeking, easy going, instant gratification demanding readers. I welcome that the other Robert Langdon books follow the same tired schema. Parts of the plot made no sense but it was all for the benefit of twists. My poor brain can't decode plot holes. I know some sense had gone AWOL in this book, but I have read many bad books, and many books that I'm not qualified to sully but I can't enjoy, but this book is the polar opposite of everything that I find boring, too complex and too obscure.
Despite all the positives, I couldn't picture well the attic scene bit, and I fully intend to await the movie to see what the hell happened. This book was low on casualties, which will be dealt with in the movie. Too bad. The clue for the virus's properties are in the very sterile passages that are part of the chase scenes. It was the one clue that overshadowed all the symbolism and parallelism of Dante's The Divine Comedy.
I was startled by the kiss that Sienna planted on Robert. It seemed so out of sync. A kiss not warranted is anathema to the best kiss possible, which is a stolen kiss. That kiss bugs me, I admit. It was so unnecessary. I would like to ask the author. Oh well, maybe his editor made him write that.
Luffy (Oda's Version)
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