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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
This was an usual book for me to read. Its a political thriller - political in the wider sense. Birnam wood is a gardening collective in New Zealand - they take over spare pieces of land and plant and cultivate vegetables. All very young and idealistic, after a chance meeting with billionaire Lemoine, Mira the founder enters into a strange alliance. The ending was shocking to say the least.
An interesting book with multiple twists I did not see coming - especially the ending!! I like the critique of the characters on the left and sparked interesting discussions with others who have read the book.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
dark
tense
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
While Catton is able to add depth to characters straight out of an airplane novel, the inner monologues to do so feel much more tell-y than show-y. And honestly I just don't think it's possible to turn an Elon Musk-esque billionaire into a believable character.
The interpersonal dynamics within Birnam Wood feel very real, and I appreciated her trying to turn leftist debate into action in the novel. But I think this just adds to the overall tell-y vibe.
Once the very slow burn ultimately picks up 2/3 off the way through, the villain arc is really where trying to go the thriller route just feels particularly strained. It does come together well in the end though.
Overall I thought this was good, but I definitely was expecting something more than what I feel like I got, especially considering the intricacies of her other work.
The interpersonal dynamics within Birnam Wood feel very real, and I appreciated her trying to turn leftist debate into action in the novel. But I think this just adds to the overall tell-y vibe.
Once the very slow burn ultimately picks up 2/3 off the way through, the villain arc is really where trying to go the thriller route just feels particularly strained. It does come together well in the end though.
Overall I thought this was good, but I definitely was expecting something more than what I feel like I got, especially considering the intricacies of her other work.