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A review by vivisms_82
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Firstly, Lesley Manville was the perfect narrator to tell this story - she expertly captured the dry, British humour and made each character distinct. This version also featured a Q & A at the end with Marian Keyes; I do not like any of her books but she was delightful and did a good interview. I do agree with Marian that Bogdan and Joyce were my favourites too.
I did find that although the book made me smile a lot and was interesting, the tying together of all the loose ends becomes quite convoluted. I had to rewind a few times because I kept thinking "huh?" And then realised that yes, it was confusing with a lot of threads running at the same time that did and didn't overlap. Perhaps red-herrings but not quite. I eventually got it all but let me tell you, 10 mins after finishing the book, I couldn't tell you all the ins and outs without getting muddled again!
I found the regular references to DCI Chris' weight, his body and what he eats problematic. It was in no way sympathetic or necessary; it felt like casual fat shaming for the sake of some outdated comedy. Donna pretending the elevator wasn't working so he had to walk, Steven saying he could he could help him fix his belly at his gym when Chris was not even asking! I could go on and on. Don't get me wrong, we readers want to know our characters but I found this relentless and served no purpose; I wanted to protect him from further scrutiny from Richard Osman's pen!
Having worked in aged care for many years, I loved how thoughtful, realistic and unpatronising Richard Osman made his characters. Overall a pleasant read.
I did find that although the book made me smile a lot and was interesting, the tying together of all the loose ends becomes quite convoluted. I had to rewind a few times because I kept thinking "huh?" And then realised that yes, it was confusing with a lot of threads running at the same time that did and didn't overlap. Perhaps red-herrings but not quite. I eventually got it all but let me tell you, 10 mins after finishing the book, I couldn't tell you all the ins and outs without getting muddled again!
I found the regular references to DCI Chris' weight, his body and what he eats problematic. It was in no way sympathetic or necessary; it felt like casual fat shaming for the sake of some outdated comedy. Donna pretending the elevator wasn't working so he had to walk, Steven saying he could he could help him fix his belly at his gym when Chris was not even asking! I could go on and on. Don't get me wrong, we readers want to know our characters but I found this relentless and served no purpose; I wanted to protect him from further scrutiny from Richard Osman's pen!
Having worked in aged care for many years, I loved how thoughtful, realistic and unpatronising Richard Osman made his characters. Overall a pleasant read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Suicide, and Murder