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A review by kinklekota
Roseanna by Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahlöö
2.0
On the cover it says: "lively," "gripping," "exciting." I found the book to be none of those. The plot picked up a bit toward the end, but the first 50 pages were a real chore. And I have no trouble reading "slow" stories, as long as they're well executed. Here the narration is sprinkled with unnecessary detail, but at the same time it gives precious little detail about what really matters to me as a reader (what are those people ACTUALLY like? What does it REALLY feel like to conduct such an arduous investigation? I still don't know).
I would also like to note that I have absolutely no patience for the type of hero Martin Beck represents: brooding and shallow at the same time, unhappy with the life he has chosen for himself, but unwilling to take any responsibility for it, blaming his wife for not being the woman of his dreams. Details of his daily life do not make me sympathise with him. I do not see him as a tragic hero, if that was intended.
Also, it is impossibly aggravating that Martin Beck is ALWAYS mentioned by his full name, while other characters are mentioned by last names only. Your Martin Beck is not so friggin special. You may call him Beck from time to time, for pete's sake!
I would also like to note that I have absolutely no patience for the type of hero Martin Beck represents: brooding and shallow at the same time, unhappy with the life he has chosen for himself, but unwilling to take any responsibility for it, blaming his wife for not being the woman of his dreams. Details of his daily life do not make me sympathise with him. I do not see him as a tragic hero, if that was intended.
Also, it is impossibly aggravating that Martin Beck is ALWAYS mentioned by his full name, while other characters are mentioned by last names only. Your Martin Beck is not so friggin special. You may call him Beck from time to time, for pete's sake!