Readers Place

I didn’t enjoy this one at all, I’m afraid. I found it quite boring and the writing didn’t distinguish itself in any way. Too sentimental for me.

Posted by Linda on 2012-02-09

I didn’t enjoy this one at all, I’m afraid. I found it quite boring and the writing didn’t distinguish itself in any way. Too sentimental for me.

Posted by Linda on 2012-02-09

Let me start by saying I did enjoy reading this book, more so at the start than nearing the end. The build up towards some of the revelations in Harold’s private life was well done and sometimes quite surprising.
What I didn’t like so much where the characters joining Harold in his walk, I just didn’t find them as interesting and it felt the story-line dragged a bit at that point.
It was a fairly quick and light read, despite the serious subject matter, possibly suited for people who like Mark Haddon.

Posted by Claudia on 2012-02-08

It took me a fair few pages to get into ‘The Orphan Master’s Son’, but I am glad I hung in there.
I don’t think this book is for everyone, but it offers interesting thoughts about living somewhere Orwellian. It felt a bit rough around the edges sometimes, but I would be interested to read more by this author and I would recommend this to any experienced reader who is in for a change.

Posted by Claudia on 2011-12-05

The quotes of Jennifer Egan and David Mitchel, two of my favorite authors made me curious about The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson and I looked forward to reading it. What a disappointment… I couldn’t get into the book. The story is fragmented and it doesn’t take off. I also kept thinking Johnson didn’t get the historical facts correct. The characters didn’t feel ‘real’ and I ended up not caring what would happen to Jun Do. Never a good sign if you don’t care what happens to the main character…
I must admit, being a spoilt reader with piles of books waiting for me I couldn’t bring myself to finish and gave up after 100 pages. If somebody want to know more about North Korea I would happily recommend them ‘Nothing to envy’ by Barbara Demick.

Posted by Eva from Sterling Books, Brussels on 2011-11-25

I find that writers who produce novels that are epic in scope often get compared to David Mitchell but Mitchell’s talent lies not just in his ability to produce complex sweeping plots, but also in his ability to write truly beautiful and startling prose. For me there is no comparison between Mitchell and Johnson. Johnson’s book is well-written but I didn’t find his style particularly arresting. I found it slow to start, it took me at least 100 pages to get into the book. I did enjoy it though, any glimpse into life in North Korea is obviously fascinating and he is certainly skilled at depicting horrific scenes in a very restrained and ungratuitous manner. Good, but I didn’t love it.

Posted by Linda on 2011-11-22

Mary Lawson, you are a beautiful writer. I am in high school and we read your book, The Other Side of the Bridge in English class. I loved it! It’s such a incredible read! Thank you!

Posted by Erin on 2011-10-27

I think it was a great book! Loved it!

Posted by Karolina on 2011-08-20

I liked the night circus from page one. as i read on it was like watching a movie, that is what i like about the style of the writing. i really don’t know what else to say than. i will totally reccomend it in my bookshop. and i hope there will be a german translation, so all my friends here in switzerland can read it too.

Posted by Kate; Thalia Bookshop St. Gallen on 2011-08-19

This remarkable debut I enjoyed reading very much. A literary novel written in a very beautiful poetic style with elements of a fantasy novel.
The magical circus appears at night and nobody knows where it comes from. Visitors often get addicted to the circus and they try to get information about the next place it will appear.
It’s very gripping to read how the two main characters Celia and Marco are being trained since they were a child to become each other’s opponent in a game where finally the one has to kill the other to be the winner. But before the game can take place they fall in love with each other. This was not meant to be and needs a solution. The way Erin Morgenstern finishes the novel makes it one of the most beautiful love stories I have read in years.
This novel deserves to win literary prizes and it is absolutely the literary sensation of 2011

Posted by Guido Gezelle on 2011-08-19

The Night Circus is a visual feast! The setting is so beautifully described that it fills the imagination but leaves just enough ambiguity to allow the reader to fill in the gaps and create the world of the circus in our own minds.
I found myself wanting to become a rêveur and follow the circus on its journey from country to country. Definitely one that could make a superb film with the right direction.
I have urged all my friends to read it as I hope they will enjoy it as much as I did. Definitely go read it if you haven’t already – You will be spellbound!

Posted by Justin on 2011-08-18

Absolutely brilliant, really enjoyed this book. Was a great end to the series of Victoria. Definitely worth reading all 4 books in this series. Especially those interested in history fiction

Posted by Claire on 2011-08-15

The Night Circus is probably one of the best books I’ve ever read in my life! I couldn’t stop and I was always totally absorbed when reading it. Towards the end I slowed myself down because I didn’t want to finish it. Erin has created a true master piece and I like the way the book ends, especially that it’s not a disappointment (which happens a lot with other books). I agree with Claudia concerning the readership for the book. We’ve got a great buzz going in our bookshop at least 15 staff members (out of 30) have read the book and everyone loves it! There was a waiting list for the proof copies! It’s a unique story and I’m sure it’ll sell really well.

Posted by Julia on 2011-08-12

I absolutley loved this book. I read the first book on Queen Victoria by Jean Plaidy called The Captive of Kensignton as well as the second and they have both been really really good and a very interesting read. The third book gives you a really insight into the realtionship between Victoria and Albert and how devoted they were to one another. I am very much looking forward to the fourth book in the series which is called The Widow of Windsor

Posted by Claire on 2011-07-11

This really ought to be an engaging story and a touching tale of young Enaiat’s life, but something is missing. It’s told in a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of way, but the pace is really only slowed down by the author’s conversation with 21-year old Enaiat. These interruptions serve no real purpose, because the reader already knows that this is a true tale, and doesn’t need that constant reminder. Neither could I decide whether this is a book for children or adults (not that it matters, really, but still). Somehow I think the story is worth a better way of being told to the world than this. As important as it is, it didn’t quite manage to move me, and it really should! To few illegals get to tell their horrendous stories and show us how incredibly lucky we are to live where we do, and the way that we do. That being said, there really were some passages of the book that had my full attention and some characters that stayed in my memory for more than the time it took to read the book.

Posted by Stina on 2011-05-28

I just finished the book, finally. It took me quite some time to read even though it was a small book but I could not get into it at all. There were some moments that I thóught I was getting into it, e.g. the part where they climbed the mountains to Turkey, but then it dragged on for too long and I lost interest again. I think the characters lacked depth and I didn’t like the language very much. There was something about this child’s narrative that annoyed me a bit. And oh, I particularly didn’t like the parts with Fabio. I didn’t see the purpose of it at all. But the story is remarkable enough indeed and it is a story that needs to be told, only to make us realize in what horrendous conditions illegals find themselves, in search of a better life.

Posted by Jane on 2011-05-28

This is clearly a remarkable story and I am full of admiration for Enaiat, but the book did not really draw me in. It never engaged me emotionally because it never dwells on any one person or situation or even country for very long. Obviously it’s difficult to cram five years into one book but this felt like an over-simplification of his story. By the end I felt like I had read a long and rather bland newspaper article rather than a book.

Posted by Linda on 2011-05-27

I felt quite soon after starting reading the book that this was not a book that suited me. The language annoyed me quite a bit; it felt like the author wanted the language to be so special that it got too much. For me it just felt like a grown-up trying to write a kid’s diary by writing it with hardly any descriptions at all. It was just a long journey without any feelings. People died in the story, but there were hardly any reflections about that at all. For me that was not realistic and it gave me the feeling that I never got into the book. The author just scratched the surface in his story and never getting to know any of the people nor the places, left me without any connection with the main character and his story. That is sad, since it is a nice little story about a boy and his struggles for survival.

Posted by Karolina on 2011-05-27

Dear Colleagues,
Fabio Geda’s book pulled me in from the first page on. So I read it in almost one sitting. The language is sparse and minimalistic. All the stations of young Enaiatollah’s odyssey seem very real and authentic to me, not as full of cliches as so much of the western literature about the orient. In particular the parts about Afghanistan/Pakistan sounded very authentic, suggesting that the story could be true. Who knows and who cares, because such fates of individuals are happening a thousand times every day in our world. What I didn’t like were the interviews between the writer and the narrator, which are a little too didactic and artificial. Also, the characters are not the strength of the book, apart from the main one.

Posted by Thomas Schaal, Marga Schoeller Buecherstube, Berlin, Germany on 2011-05-26

I read this book on holiday, and it didn’t take me long to finish it. It reminded me a bit of “curious incident…” since the language used it quite simple. (I am swiss and not a native english speaker)
I didnt like the way the story was told in. I prefere to get to know the charakters and I like it if I can picture the suroundings.
The story of the boy is interesting and i think i will reccomend it as a bookseller for fans of “kite runner”

but personally I didn’t enjoy reading it. but I finished it never the less.

Posted by Kate on 2011-05-24

This book had already been published in Dutch and had quite a lot of buzz attached to it, so I was really pleased when it was chosen as our next book.

I had a lot of trouble putting it down – it’s the sort of book you read going up and down stairs, on your way to somewhere else, unwilling to leave its pages. It wasn’t just the amazing story that drew me in – I loved Enaiat’s voice, which was strong, amiable, and direct. I think Geda’s spare prose was bare enough to really let his Enaiat’s voice shine. The only device he uses is to include conversations that they had together, which, rather than detract from the story, remind the reader that Enaiat is a real boy, and that the tale he is telling, no matter how improbable or disturbing, is actually true. It can’t be easy as a novelist, to leave yourself out of your writing to this degree, but Geda seems to have done a great job.

The other strength of this book, which has no doubt contributed to its success, is that despite the subject, it’s ultimately uplifting. It’s genuinely funny in places, and contains so many examples of human goodness and fortitute that you cannot help being cheered by it.

A quick, and memorable read with an unforgettable narrator.

Posted by Hayley on 2011-05-18

The Poet`s Wife will be a fantastic read with our bookclubs.

Posted by Marie Boland on 2011-04-10

Due to the fact that I didn’t start early enough reading this book, I haven’t finished it yet. I’m more than halfway through now, so I have read enough to form an opinion. This is my second Atkinson, and sofar I’m not enjoying it as much as Case Histories that I’ve read some years ago during a holiday. It took me some time to get into this book, like so many others of you, and sometimes I wanted Atkinson just to get on with the story instead of introducing another character. She is a very skilled writer, and I do like her writing style, but at times I was slightly annoyed with her frequent use of text between brackets.

I do want to find out how the story ends so in that respect the story is compelling enough and the flawed characters engaging enough for me to keep on reading. I think I also like to read the two previous Brodie novels, since the references made in this novel made me curious about the other women in Brodie’s life. All in all, an entertaining read.

Posted by Jane Pattiselanno on 2011-03-25

Some of the characters in Started Early.. are just fantastic. I warmed to Tracey, Harry and Jackson immediately and really enjoyed reading about them. Unfortunately there are a lot of other characters in the story, and these jostled for attention. There were so many that I found it hard to keep track.

The different storylines were interesting, but there were quite a few of them and they jumped around a lot. I found myself lost quite a few times, found it hard to follow everything that was going on. This spoiled the ending for me. Everything at the end of the book was wrapped up in a rather rushed way. Atkinson tells us rather than shows us the aftermath, which gave the impression that she had run out of steam and was eager to get rid of the characters I had come to like so much.

I do, however, really like her chatty style, even though it almost entirely belies the writing skill that was apparent in her first books.

I imagine that Started Early… is a lot more coherent when read in a couple of long sittings, on the beach, with no distractions. I think I could have enjoyed it a lot more that way.

Posted by Hayley on 2011-03-24

“Started Early, Took My Dog” is the first book I have read of Kate Atkinson. It appears to be the fourth book of the Jackson Brodie series. It took me a while to get into the story because of the jumpy style and the switching between the three characters which are important in this novel and the digging in their past. Jackson Brodie, a private investigator and Tracy Whitehouse, a former police officer and now managing security in a shopping centre and finally Tilly, an elderly actress. All three are searching for something. It is only halfway the book that you get to know what these people are searching for and what their connection is with each other. For me this was a little too long and it started boring me. The end of the story did not give me the satisfaction I expected. This is just not my kind of read.

Posted by Guido Gezelle on 2011-03-23

I have been a Kate Atkinson fan for many years, way back before she switched to writing crime. When the first Jackson Brodie novel ‘Case Histories’ was first published I have to say I was slightly sceptical, not sure if such a genre change would work and suit Kate’s style but I was pleasantly surprised. What I love about the Brodie books including this new one is that it’s not just another generic crime series, it has depth, intricate narratives and is very well written. I do agree that it took a little while into and to get to know the characters, but nevertheless there was enough to keep me reading and you do get hooked in. I would say that sometimes the chopping and changing between characters was slightly frustrating but all in all in was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next Jackson Brodie book.

And Jan – out of interest, the BBC are making the books into a 6 part series to air in the UK this autumn. Jason Isaacs who plays Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films is due to play Jackson. What do you think of the casting…?

Posted by Nikki Griffiths on 2011-03-22

It took me a while to get into this, and I do wonder if the fact that it was an A-format made me prejudge the book somewhat, I felt predisposed to not like it. Her style took a little getting used to, the sentences tend to be very short, it impeded the flow a little for me at the beginning. I got into the story though, there are lots of plot twists to keep you reading although sometimes the pace is uneven, action, action, action and then two pages of Jackson contemplating nature and his surroundings. I also found it a bit annoying, not to mention unbelievable, that practically every character had a penchant for spouting poetry. And I didn’t like that some information is clearly being withheld for the next book, like, who is Courtney? I quite enjoyed the book, and I’m curious about Courtney’s background but not enough to make me read the next book. Nevertheless, a diverting read, made my commute speed by!

Posted by Linda on 2011-03-16

Dear Madam/Sir,
This was the first book by Kate Atkinson I have ever read. At the beginning the narrative went into too much detail, a little bit too descriptive, too chatty.
However after a while I became more involved, because the many stories were skilfully woven together.
The dialogues and situations were very witty and entertaining throughout. She writes with an exceptional easyness about traumatic experiences.
There were some implausible plot twists, such as the encounter between the two main characters Tracy and Jackson on a foggy röad. Also I think it is not quite necessary to put every current subject which you find in the newspaper in one novel. Apart from that is was a gripping read.

Posted by Thomas Schaal – Marga Schoeller Buecherstube, Berlin, Germany on 2011-03-12

It was my first Kate Atkinson and I’ve become a fan!! I love her writing style and the mixture of comedy and tragedy! The way she tells different stories in one book makes you want to jump the chapters sometimes to continue one story but at the same time you want to know what happens with the others. I’ve already recommended it to all of our staff.

Posted by Julia Wieler on 2011-03-04

I am interested to know why Tremain’s book does not reveal the fact that the Duchess of Windsor was a black woman who was passing for white. She has family still living in the Baltimore area.

Posted by Jo Blomberg on 2010-12-31

Why has Dracula endured so well?

Posted by Andrea on 2010-12-08

becca you ledgend!! i did the same thing with my family. the children, chris and i all read the book and decided to get the film. we were all so scared but it also gave me a chance to snuggle up with my husband. susan hill you are an astounding person and i wish to be as successful as you in my acting x

Posted by ana on 2010-11-18

i loved the novel and the film although i thought the novel was definetly better! a good read x

Posted by ana on 2010-11-18

I just wanted to say I absolutely loved reading your book, A Mile of River. I was 16 in 1976 and so many of your observations rang true. I was totally absorbed and felt the heat on my back as I read about the searingly hot summer of that year. I remember it well. It is now on my list of favourite books.
All the best for future publications.

Posted by Ange Barton on 2010-11-07

Your “points for discussion” are all mixed up – there is nothing about India in These Foolish Things by Imogen Parker. (there might be in some book by Deborah Moggach?)

Posted by Gillian on 2010-09-21

Brilliant! Inspiring!

Posted by Margaret Parsons on 2010-09-07

Enjoyed, but thought there would be more to it.

Posted by P.Hemmans on 2010-08-17

Everyone should read. Common sense and infinite wisdom. Big topic.

Posted by . on 2010-08-02

9/10.
A bit dated now. Didn’t like southern dialect printed.
Has things to say – racism/class/discrimination.

Posted by Pat on 2010-08-02

Had read condensed version in past and found full verion harder to follow. Slow read. Didn’t like scout’s responsibility aged 7 and a half. Found ‘too old’.
 5/10

Posted by Pat on 2010-08-02

Censored in the south at some point.

Posted by . on 2010-08-02

I had not read this book or seen the film. Such a serious subject yet in parts quite funny – the children were so interesting and Atticus almost too good.

Posted by … on 2010-08-02

A book that deserves its status as a classic – and one of the few written by a woman. Perhaps it needs reading with the knowledge that it is a historical novel of its time/context. Published in the 60’s and based on a real life incident from 30’s but it still deserves to be read for what it says about racism/discrimination/class. It shows what it is like to cope with people who are different/outsiders and how the innocence of childhood can be destroyed.

9/10. Excellent.

Posted by … on 2010-08-02

I just finished “The Religion.” What a great book. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.

Posted by Kathy Nelson on 2010-07-22

I read this – To Kill a Mocking Bird – many, many moons ago., and have a copy in my library. My hope is that the book you are promoting will be the full version and not a edited down one.
This is not just about racial points of view, but is also a thriller and a court room drama, with great child characters. Take it slowly to savour the whole atmosphere and the time of the action too.
Much has not changed – you will know that when you watch or watched a tv documentary last night with the comments of a very bigoted man to the coloured election candidate.
To be greatly recommended to readers of all ages.

Posted by viviennebentley on 2010-06-07

This is my pal Kirstan and former neighbour! Very proud to know her – she is a wonderful talent, blends the magic of true imagination in grounded realism but never loses the sense or wonder of love.

Posted by catherine anne lamond on 2010-05-25

hey Id like to know who took this interview?

Posted by clarissa on 2010-04-28

Hmm, I’m not sure what to make of this book. I am a big fan of Ian McEwan and eagerly anticipated this new novel. I thought the first section was brilliant – witty, surprising and outstanding writing. However the book started to lose me after that. I had so little empathy for Beard that I didn’t care what happened to him, and so found the rest of the book a bit disappointing. Perhaps I missed something. What does anyone else think?

Posted by Jon Unger on 2010-04-08

What a surprising book! I found the first 100 pages really boring, and then the plot was ridiculously complicated (how many characters do you need??). Despite this, I loved it and couldn’t put it down for the last few chapters and have gone straight on to read the following 2 books. Lisbeth Salander is a fantastic creation!

Posted by SusyB on 2010-04-08

I reviewed this book for NewBooks Magazine last year, at the time it was still loose-leaf and had no cover.
I adored it and look forward to reading more by Kirstan.

Posted by Anne Cater on 2010-03-19

Loved the book!

Posted by Amy on 2010-03-02

While toying with editing my first novel One Apple Tasted, I thought it was a nifty idea to add a pretentious quotation to EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER. Luckily my friend the austere French novelist Fabric Pataut told me just what you said and I sliced them away with a willing hand. Your book sounds fascinating. I read a forgotten novel from early 60s based on the writer’s grandmother’s experience as a young wife in Mexico, that sounds like it has something in common with yours. Good luck with it.

Posted by Josa Young on 2010-03-01

I can not tell you how absolutely thrilled I am to find The Day the Falls Stood Still as a Readers Place Book of the Month. If your book club is reading my book, I am happy to skype in. Just contact me here: http://cathymariebuchanan.com/contact/

Posted by Cathy Marie Buchanan on 2010-02-04

This is the best book that I ever read.

Posted by neoka on 2010-01-27

This book is an absolutely gripping read! I was hooked from the first chapter, and finished it within a week. The character of Steven is really well written, and demonstrates great understanding and sympathy for the difficulties of a child growing up with such a dreadful tragedy in the family. The portrayal of the murderer is blood chilling, showing insights into the mind of a monster. The author has obviously researched the subject well and there is some very disturbing background information.

This is a cracking thriller which I will definitely be recommending to my friends.

Posted by Ros on 2010-01-19

Jane, I have just read your book and saw myself in you. Reading your book, before I embarked on my own adventure, would have caused me to think a little before I leapt headlong into some situations which proved self destructive and painful for my fragile ego. I’m of a different generation and used a different means of advertising, but the experiences were similar. However, I was lucky enough to find a man I liked, had a lot of sex with him, married him and still like having a lot of sex with him! Thank you and good luck.

Posted by Kate Magnay on 2009-12-02

I could not put this book down- I think the key to its success/readability is its simplicity. This also makes the impact of the story greater- and the ending even more poignant.
This should be on every school reading list

Posted by JILL CRAVEN on 2009-11-11

a greatbook!

Posted by jane on 2009-11-04

Fantastic

Posted by Susan on 2009-10-01

sebastian faulk create a sense of time and place in birdsong?!

Posted by lucy on 2009-09-23

I loved this book! Couldn’t put it down I have been recommending it right and left. The dark and the light, the magic of life.

Posted by Sue Hedin on 2009-09-12

A perfect read for the beach!

Posted by Nicole on 2009-08-26

Thanks for this interview – will make use of it when we’ll be reading her book next month!

Posted by Sophie on 2009-08-19

Our next online chat will be with Tim Clare on 25th August – we’ll be discussin his book We Can’t All Be Astronauts.

Posted by Nicole on 2009-08-19

A huge thank you to Tony Black who joined us live to discuss his book with reading groups. If you missed the online talk, you can read up on Tony’s answers and comments here: http://bit.ly/VdnUA

Posted by Nicole on 2009-08-04

Will you perhaps write anymore books like Women’s Murder Club other than what you have already written?

Posted by Ladylu on 2009-07-02

Brilliant interview, thank you!

Posted by Nick Dunn on 2009-06-26

Even though the story has a Victorian setting, the voice is very modern and contemporary. A very good prose!

Posted by Andy on 2009-05-05

This was a terrific book with a touch of magic. I was inspired by the book trailer and not disappointed at all when reading the book. One of my favourites!

Posted by James on 2009-04-18

So amusing!

Posted by Pete on 2009-04-18

So glad Audrey Niffenegger will have a new novel out soon – it’s been such a long wait since The Time Traveler’s Wife!

Posted by Paula on 2009-04-18

I liked The Outcast a LOT – can’t wait to read Sadie Jones’s next book!

Posted by Joanna on 2009-04-18

I loved the characters – they were so charming!

Posted by Jenny on 2009-04-18

Very cute

Posted by Katie on 2009-04-09

Hilarious!

Posted by Nicole on 2009-04-01

Fantastic

Posted by Nicole on 2009-03-23

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