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3.63 AVERAGE

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This was the second time I read this book. It’s difficult to not picture the characters as seen in the hit movie, but this mystery novel still holds up 4 decades after it was written.

Crazy entertaining, esp if WFRR? was a pivotal piece of your childhood nostalgia. Definite noir with a wacky twist, and given the genre, some of the blatant fetishism that exists actually kinda works? A few dings for a kookoo ending, and a general sense of dead tropes dragging down strong writing, but all in all, what a fun read easily finished in a single sitting!

This was fun. It's not often I can see a movie [many many times] then read a book and enjoy both on each their own merits. Sometimes the movie is better, not often but it does happen. Most times it's the book that way outshines. Sometimes each is fine on their own.
I added this to my Audible library after seeing it as an option that I didn't even know was out there. I love watching Who Framed Roger Rabbit so I hesitated a bit. Once started, it didn't take long for me to get into it.
Humans and Toons, Roger Rabbit and Jessica Rabbit, Eddie Valiant...a lot of characters are there, but the story is different...and nifty. I like the dialogue, especially my favorite line that did make it into the movie, "I'm not bad....I'm just drawn that way."
I can recommend this book, especially in audio format. I will look for the rest of the series.

lord_petros's review

3.0
funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

The book is alright. The movie is much better (and very different). It's not often I say that.  But some of the "toonishness" is just tougher to get through on paper. Still, I'm happy I read it after loving the movie for years.
lior34's profile picture

lior34's review

2.5
dark mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

If you're expecting the same experience as the classic "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" then prepare to be shocked. The Disney film still pushed the boundaries of 'family friendly', but there's no doubt that the novel is clearly for adults as it explores some non child friendly subjects. All the familiar characters are interpreted differently and I personally prefer the book's version of Roger Rabbit as he's much less annoying. The film and the novel are so different that the only common ground is that humans and toons live alongside one another. The book is written as a parody of the crime genre which only strengthens the humour. It's full of dry humour and silly puns which made it a joy to read.

I felt the friendship between Eddie Valiant and Roger Rabbit blossomed in a much deeper way in the novel and without spoiling anything, I felt stronger emotions towards the characters, whether it was positively or negatively. Yes the toons were still cartoony, but it showed a very different side to these characters outside of the business. The novel explores concepts that the film never touches upon and adds a layer of complexity to the story.

There was one aspect that let the book down a great deal for me because it felt incredibly out of place. I felt it affected the story too much and if it was removed, the story could have been wrapped up more succinctly. Despite this, I still recommend "Who Censored Roger Rabbit" because it's an enjoyable parody of the crime genre that will especially surprise you if you're a fan of the film.

2.5 stars, the ending sucks balls, and the whole book just kind of meanders with an interesting idea. The ending is stupid, and just felt like an excuse to never give an actual answer to the questions posed, and just feels so thrown together. The movie is leagues better. The balls to just introduce magic, and the genie as the killer with no buildup, along with making it still be roger who killed the guy feels just stupid.

Started it out of curiosity, but it was surprisingly absorbing. It's a great fun read!
dark funny mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes