Shadowplay - Joseph O'Connor

 

59%

20.02.21 

Well, it was a confidently written reimagining of the relationship between three very interesting (real) people that got me checking their achievements on Wikipedia. The possible influences on the development of 'Dracula' were cleverly handled. It was also on the wrong side of pretentious and went on even after the main story had ended. And on. And on some more. 

Star of the Sea - Joseph O'Connor

61%
29.08.14

A novel about the impact of the Irish potato famine is always going to be a difficult sell so you might as well do a good job of it. And it is an accomplished novel, with remarkably complex (male) characters who keep playing with readers' expectations. It's not exactly an enjoyable novel, though - more one to admire.