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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
BBC Radio 4 Audiobook. An interesting romp through the last 10 years of history but otherwise no literary merit!
The definitive Brexit novel which will be read in 20 years' time as evidence of the events of the 2010s.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As a reader in 2024 I thought this book aged really well. Very enjoyable and also informative (as someone not from Britain).
Middle brow Middle England. I found this pretty lacking. When you have Tim Shipman's books on Brexit for analysis, John Crace's sketches for satire and black humour, the place of a novel must be different in covering the 'state of the nation'.
But overall, there was just so much that was extraneous. And there are many characters, few of whom are necessary. I'd even argue that many of the women (and how they are portrayed/ speak) are far from equal, well-rounded, or empowering.
I really couldn't buy the possibility of the relationship between Sophie and Ian.
And every time there's a misunderstanding, a disagreement, a clash of views and meeting of representatives of 'social tribes', it's just far, far too obvious a cause/ signifier/ metaphor of or for Brexit.
That said, some examples of Coe's wonderful talent as a writer:
- The dialogue is brilliant and funny between Doug the journalist, and Nigel the government comms adviser. The whole 'Brixit'/ 'Brexit' exchange, and Nigel's meltdown especially.
- the telling of the day of Jo Cox's murder
- the description of Marseille (especially the light 9, Aix, and the heat of a lustful interaction
- the whole character of Coriander as proto-middle class Momentum activist
- the journalist's interview and portrayal of Benjamin
But overall, there was just so much that was extraneous. And there are many characters, few of whom are necessary. I'd even argue that many of the women (and how they are portrayed/ speak) are far from equal, well-rounded, or empowering.
I really couldn't buy the possibility of the relationship between Sophie and Ian.
And every time there's a misunderstanding, a disagreement, a clash of views and meeting of representatives of 'social tribes', it's just far, far too obvious a cause/ signifier/ metaphor of or for Brexit.
That said, some examples of Coe's wonderful talent as a writer:
- The dialogue is brilliant and funny between Doug the journalist, and Nigel the government comms adviser. The whole 'Brixit'/ 'Brexit' exchange, and Nigel's meltdown especially.
- the telling of the day of Jo Cox's murder
- the description of Marseille (especially the light 9, Aix, and the heat of a lustful interaction
- the whole character of Coriander as proto-middle class Momentum activist
- the journalist's interview and portrayal of Benjamin
Finished the last (or is it?) of The Rotters Club series. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the characters. Coe’s narrative blends the politics of the time so easily with rapier like precision. Several times I laughed whilst reading, and at another time I almost had tears in my eyes. Knowing Birmingham a little better now, the geographical references were easier to imagine.
It goes without saying that I will no seek out the other works of Jonathan Coe.
It goes without saying that I will no seek out the other works of Jonathan Coe.
I read this book because it came up as an ad on Facebook. (Gosh, have I been manipulated by Russians?) and it’s cover was similar to All Among the Barley by Melissa Harrison. (I preferred her book but I have ordered this author’s first book , where these characters were developed.)
Was this fiction or journalism? I couldn’t quite decide. Very well observed anti-Brexit rant, which appealed to my politics. I enjoyed it overall, except for the description of a young woman with pouting lips, breasts spilling sexlessly from her vest top.
Was this fiction or journalism? I couldn’t quite decide. Very well observed anti-Brexit rant, which appealed to my politics. I enjoyed it overall, except for the description of a young woman with pouting lips, breasts spilling sexlessly from her vest top.
funny
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love a book that attempts to take the pulse of a nation. This is perfect post-Brexit reading and a wonderful multi-voice narrative though there were a couple of characters I preferred over others.