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2.56 AVERAGE
2.56 AVERAGE
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Alas, I did not care for this book, despite the fact that it was read by one of my very favorite narrators, Jill Tanner. In fact, the ONLY reason I finished it at all was that Tanner was narrating. The book drags terribly. The main character is not sympathetic--he is an un-self-aware jerk who uses women and constantly reassures himself that he does not. Maybe that is the take we're supposed to have, but then what is there to make us stick with the nearly 400 pages? (Except Jill Tanner) The ending is fairly abrupt, and we are left with no clue as to how all the drama that got us here is going to work out. We get the fantasy in Gabriel's head, but no real feel for any resolution. I won't be looking for more of Ali's work.
From the NYT review: "Gabriel is a small man on a big stage. By the novel’s end, he looks minuscule, a pipsqueak tyrant screaming for the reader’s attention. The temptation is overwhelming to slam the book shut and squash him like a bug." Yeah. What he said.
From the NYT review: "Gabriel is a small man on a big stage. By the novel’s end, he looks minuscule, a pipsqueak tyrant screaming for the reader’s attention. The temptation is overwhelming to slam the book shut and squash him like a bug." Yeah. What he said.
Completely underwhelmed by this over-hyped novel. Felt no empathy for the lead character.
To be fair I was listening to the audioversion. The first 2 discs were fine but the third disc was blank/nonfunctional and the 4th disc badly scratched. That said, the story neither caught nor interested me in the portion I heard. Most mysteries ensnare you enough to at least wonder about the murderer. Not so this one. Gabriel is a self-centered character who I doubt will grow endearing. His self-interest over-rides everyone else's welfare. When the audiversions are scratched or damaged in someway I will return them to the library with a note to that effect and try them again later. I will not be revisiting this one.
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this book, although it took a while to like the characters enough to want to stay with it. I put it down a few times, but was ultimately really glad I finished it. I'm a sucker for tales of redemption.
slow-paced
Not my favorite from Monica Ali, but still an enjoyable read. Slow to get into and full of multiple themes that seem a little forced at times. Had to suspend disbelief at some crucial moments in the plot.
The book grew on me as I read it, but there were flaws of characterization and POV speckled throughout, enough so that I didn't entirely believe in the book, and the beginning ran a bit slowly, and the end was a tad predictable, but it did all hold together and pick up enough that I rate it as an okay read. Kitchen details were fascinating and seemed believable.