Reviews

El lémur by Benjamin Black

ridgewaygirl's review against another edition

4.0

This is such a slender book that I kept looking at the pages remaining unread, trying to figure out how the author was going to tie up the various intrigues before the book's end. He does, but it turns into a much simpler tale than that alluded to in the first hundred pages. The Lemur is marvelously written; I kept rereading sentences for the enjoyment of reading them again. The writing is anything but lazy; each word is carefully chosen and fits perfectly with those around it, part of the book's slender size is surely due to the author's unwillingness to set down a single unnecessary phrase.

On the other hand, the plot begins by hinting at an immense complexity involving big business, an important charitable foundation, a shady internet researcher, journalists discovering dark secrets, infidelity and the CIA. This is pared down to a much simpler story, not always to the benefit of the story; much remains unexplained or reduced.

judyward's review against another edition

3.0

This is a short, two hour, read by Booker Prize winning author, John Banville. Writing as Benjamin Black, Banville has written several mysteries either taking place in Ireland or starring Irish characters. The plot is thin in places, the surprises are few, but the ability of the author to create characters and mood override these shortcomings. If you had to choose a Benjamin Black book to read, I would choose Christine Falls, but this one isn't bad.

stacialithub's review against another edition

2.0

A quick, short book that was interesting enough that I read it, but bland enough that I probably won't remember it by next week. Probably ok as a pool or beach read if you want a short thriller type book.

urlphantomhive's review against another edition

2.0

READ IN DUTCH

Bored, that's what I felt reading this book. It's very short, only about 150 pages, and still, it was too long for the story that was being told.



I just couldn't care for the story. I'm not planning on reading more books by this author, and wouldn't recommend them.



Something I do think is interesting - although it doesn't really has to do with this particular book - is why Irish authors apparently all choose a pseudonym ".... Black". Fascinating...

nocto's review against another edition

5.0

Just the kind of thing I was in the mood for. Well written, plotful, good characters and not too long. Not too long is probably pushing the boundaries of definition actually, it's a really short book. But that makes it better rather than seeming like a half arsed attempt at stretching a short story into novel. Like the author knew just exactly how much to put in to tell the story and didn't add anything else just for the hell of it.

I don't want to mention the plot at all - it didn't go where I was expecting it to go but after finishing it I can't imagine how I ever thought it was going anywhere else.

Oh, and really good, highly recommended. Future classic, quite possibly. And probably the only book I've ever read that mentions websites by name and it doesn't feel like the author's just trying to seem hip and trendy.

"Well," Riley said, "let's say I go way beyond Wikipedia."

Quite.

happy_hiker's review against another edition

2.0

I still don’t really care for short stories. This book was 3-1/2 disks in length, and as all short stories seem to do, it just ended. This was better than most, because it was long enough to have some character development. Although I didn’t like this as much as the author’s full length novels, I really did like it until its abrupt and disappointing ending. I really liked the narrator.

malongorose's review against another edition

mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jeraccoon's review

2.0

2,5

jillianm's review against another edition

3.0

John Banville writes an really tight quick mystery, the abrupt and disappointing ending kept it from being 4 stars.

harmless_old_lady's review against another edition

4.0

Sneaky. Short and very readable, an Irishman at sea in Manhattan, married to wealth and caught up in murder. Fine convoluted ending, lies and treachery, destroying family ties. Great.