The first 10 chapters of this great thriller introduce us to the main characters of the two narratives the novel interchanges: Inspector Zé Coelho and Klaus Fensen. Though we know their stories will eventually be connected, there is no hint of that connection so far... Or is it?
What do you think about these two characters? What about the Portugal depicted in the stories? How do you like having a first person narrator in one of the narratives and an omnipresent narrator in the other? Do you like one of the stories better than the other?
Looking forward to reading your comments!
Although I had not read a criminal novel in years, I have realized that I like the type. I am enjoying the narrative style in this one, and how it makes you want to keep on reading.
ReplyDeleteI find both stories interesting, but if I had to say which one I like the most, I would say the Inspector Zé's one. Probably because I like the first person narration and perspective and also I like Zé's character better, as well as the characters around him (agent Carlos Pinto and Zé's daughter, Olivia).
So far, it feels like reading two different books, with the scenario of Portugal as the only link. I have no clue on how Inspector Zé and Felsen are to be connected. However, if it is going to be a revenge-based link, there are many components on Felsen' story that I guess could lead to crimes and resentment, although I don't know how they will connect with the drama of the life and murder of Catarina Sousa… We'll see in the coming chapters!
I am with Macarena, I also like the Inspector Zé's story better, for the same reasons. Also, so far, I am more curious to find out what happened to the girl and why her father and mother are acting so strangely.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little behind in my reading but almost finished chapter 10. I like the stories, although I was quite puzzled the first time we changed "scenario". I have my suspicions of where the stories could link, but I don't want to spoil anything in case I'm right!
ReplyDeleteSo far, I can't tell which part of the story I like better, because the historical part of the nazis against the british in Portugal it's really interesting and at the same time I have the feeling there won't be much more novelties around it (feels like I've seen too many WWII movies), but the Inspector's Ze part although intriguing so far, it still needs to develop a little more to see what's all about it, because I hope there is something else than one murder related to sex and family. I'm really hoping that the story is not what I have already imagined, that would be deceiving!!!!
I am quite ahead in my reading (mainly because I find it difficult to put the book down) and still I have no idea on how the stories could connect!!
ReplyDeletePlease, Rocio, give us some hint of your guessing! So at least it helps boost my lack of imagination on the issue...
I agree with Arantxa that there is something weird and dark with the Oliveira family relationship pattern...
Sorry Macarena, I won't publish my theories of the linking point of both stories... because, if I do, and I'm right, I will be spoiling your reading, and if I'm completely wrong you will be laughing at me for some time :-) keep reading to discover it!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I will confirm my first impression, the book is a page turner, but it is not exquisite literature, which doesn't have to bad anyway.