46%
Who cares? The most intriguing thing about this so-called thriller is why it doesn't seem to be edited properly. Oddly similar in many ways to the equally underwhelming Tangerine.
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
The Plot - Jean Hanff Korelitz
68%
I should have been reading something worthy but this exuberant journey into a writer's fragile psyche was much more fun. The eponymous plot wasn't all that exciting but the unlikely story of the (allegedly) stolen story unfolded and - importantly - ended pleasingly. Not high literature, despite its pretensions, but a good read.
Note: another new label: writers on writers. As good as this was, authors often fall back on what they know best: writing. When a character is a writer, you can't help thinking - enough self-reference! Get out and get some proper life experience!
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.
Magpie Murders - Anthony Horowitz
15.05.18
Another ingenious, slightly postmodern and very English novel from the prolific Horowitz. It was clever, and pleasing from my point of view to have an editor act as detective, but somehow ultimately unsatisfying.
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair - Joël Dicker
05.10.16
Books in translation and books about books always ring my warning bells. Sure enough, the stilted, unnatural dialogue clunked away as poorly edited translations do, and the writing about writing about writing was tediously self-indulgent. The story was OK if you're into overblown thrillers but 'book of the year'? I don't think so.
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