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steg's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nerdatronic's review against another edition
Like being immersed in a haze of a grimy London in the 1930s with a bunch of douchebags. You can't help but root for the ineffectual protagonist whose pathetic unrequited obsession rings a little too true for anyone who's been in love with the wrong person. Funny and tragic simultaneously, the last sentence is probably the most heartbreaking and hilarious of the entire book.
ellaamelia's review against another edition
4.0
A look into dark prewar London following an obsessive, lonely, troubled man dissatisfied with his life. It’s hard to put into words all the emotions and questions raised by Hamilton throughout whilst also presenting a seemingly clear cut plot. Long story short, I really enjoyed delving into a gritty, booze-ridden London full of characters that will stay with me.
paulcowdell's review against another edition
5.0
Relentless, unbearable - the sort of book you want not to be reading, to be somewhere else, but that is so grim and compelling in its hideousness that you have to keep on. You'll feel horrible for reading it, and I mean that as a compliment to the book.
johnclough's review against another edition
3.0
This did get better towards the end but was not particularly inspiring for most of the way.
megan92smith's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bibliomaniac2021's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
muggsyspaniel's review against another edition
5.0
Actually gets better on a second reading. A tremendous tale of drunkenness, obsession and mental illness on the eve of the second world war. Earms Court and Brighton are the settings and the main characters are George Harvey Bone and Netta Longdon. Netta is the cut price femme fatale, never rising before 11 and then heading straight to one of the countless pubs of the area. Bone is the hopelessly infatuated laughing stock of Netta and her boozy chums who is prone to mental blackouts during which he continues his activities but can remember nothing when he comes out of them. It is a heart breaking story but a story full of pitch black comedy. 100% recommended with no reservations.
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