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A review by ariannam
Middle England by Jonathan Coe
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
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.