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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
This is the only Jonathan Coe book I've read and I didn't realize it was a trilogy until I added it on Goodreads. I'm not sure what it was, but I really enjoyed this book. I found myself waiting to go back to what they were up to each night, and enjoying their anectores. I wish there had been a little more time and depth given to the character, especially Sohan, Corrie and Ian. It seems like Coe was able to write a little of Sohan's book on Middle England, although only from the eyes of 'Remain' voters. I related to the surprise, confusion and frustration of the main characters. I found Sophie's arc a little disappointing and generally the ends were tied up a little too neatly, but that makes sense for an author saying goodbye to a cast he's been writing about for so long.
funny
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I don's know how Coe does it, but he 100% hits the correct tone and general mood of the country. His observations are incredibly sharp. Read it if you want to try and get an understanding for the current UK mood!
A funny and astute novel taking us through the political upheaval of England in the 2010s from the perspective of a slightly leftish family in middle England. A slower start but it was a fantastic read overall.
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
sad
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've read this because it's part of my syllabus for a course, and struggled to get to the end. It's well written, mind you, but there wasn't a single character I could really enjoy reading about, which makes for some annoying reading.
Although this is the third book in a series, it stands pretty well on its own — whenever past events are referenced, you always get a couple lines of recap, which is clearly aimed at those who, like me, picked this up without having read the first two.
This is a book that makes a statement pro-Europe and against Brexit, even though the writer clearly understands the reasoning of those who are decidedly in favour of Brexit.
One scene I was frustrated by was Colin (Tory, old, middle class, Brexiter, etc) making a long speech on how workers did not have the same rights and opportunities as before and all I could think was "VOTE LABOUR THEN YOU IDIOT" but I just had to get to the end of the page and bear with him a little longer.
One scene I enjoyed (but then was angry about, because of the old Tories in it) is that featuring the London Olympics opening ceremony. I remember that still, it was beautiful.
Although this is the third book in a series, it stands pretty well on its own — whenever past events are referenced, you always get a couple lines of recap, which is clearly aimed at those who, like me, picked this up without having read the first two.
This is a book that makes a statement pro-Europe and against Brexit, even though the writer clearly understands the reasoning of those who are decidedly in favour of Brexit.
One scene I was frustrated by was Colin (Tory, old, middle class, Brexiter, etc) making a long speech on how workers did not have the same rights and opportunities as before and all I could think was "VOTE LABOUR THEN YOU IDIOT" but I just had to get to the end of the page and bear with him a little longer.
One scene I enjoyed (but then was angry about, because of the old Tories in it) is that featuring the London Olympics opening ceremony. I remember that still, it was beautiful.
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I deeply enjoyed this book. I can also predict this is going to be my favourite read of the year, and it's only January! Who would have thought that a fictional novel about Brexit could be such a page-turner!
As a French reader/English teacher who's lived in the UK from 2012 to 2015 it feels like the author did an amazing job at encapsulating the essence of the 'Brexit Years' and infusing every pages of the book with it.
It's brilliantly done: I felt like it had the perfect amount of fictional plot mixed with political facts. I just couldn't put it done!
( Also, I didn't read the 2 previous novels in the series, but I feel like this one works just as well as a stand-alone).
As a French reader/English teacher who's lived in the UK from 2012 to 2015 it feels like the author did an amazing job at encapsulating the essence of the 'Brexit Years' and infusing every pages of the book with it.
It's brilliantly done: I felt like it had the perfect amount of fictional plot mixed with political facts. I just couldn't put it done!
( Also, I didn't read the 2 previous novels in the series, but I feel like this one works just as well as a stand-alone).