A review by silverliningsandpages
The Dig by John Preston

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I picked The Dig for my real life book club, having watched the film on Netflix.  Based on true events, it’s a restrained, beautifully written account of an archaeological discovery just before war in 1939 Suffolk.  I think the male author has characterised the two women characters very well, and it’s a thoughtful story about rivalry, class division, dignity and fame.

It’s unusual for me to say so, but I prefer the film by a long stretch.  The cinematography is gorgeous, and it takes risks in going slightly further than the b ook to fill in certain gaps and deal with dilemmas.  I found it very satisfying and romantic, and the philosophical way in which it dealt with life and mortality really spoke to me. I loved watching the film - it was an emotional, cathartic experience, but one that didn’t make me feel like I’d been put through the wringer!