After having skipped some middle discussion, we get to the end of the book and the scheduled Final Discussion post (although Rocio already posted a great final one previous to this - be sure to read it if you are done with the book!).
The last chapters and pages of the novel are intense and full of information. There are important clues and pieces of the story along the last chapters, however it is not until the very end that we know the why, who and how of the crime. Does this give the story more mystery? Does it make the book more exciting? Does it make the denouement more shocking or, on the other hand, too hasty?
One comment for a critic to consider: "But whatever the story suggests about the violent legacies of fascism, it is the story, the high drama and low motives, and the strong writing that make the story live". Do you agree?
What it seems to be a common feeling is that the book is a page-turner, as Rocio put it.
Looking forward to reading your comments to this or any previous post!
First and foremost, I enjoyed reading the book. I also finished it ahead of schedule because I agree it is a page-turner. For me, that already makes a book worth reading.
ReplyDeleteI found it easy to read and well written. At the beginning I did not like the Portuguese words mixed in the sentences, but I am not sure if it was because they felt artificially “inserted”, as Rocio suggested, or because I don't speak Portuguese and therefore I didn't like not being able to understand while reading. By the end, however, the insertions didn’t bother me and, on the contrary, they felt like a continuous reminder of the Portuguese story line and roots.
Being a thriller, I found the characters were interesting and I liked how we got to know them quite intimately; particularly inspector Zé and Eva. The latter, although being a secondary player in the story, is key to learn more about Felsen.
I think the plot is good, but I felt everything happened a little bit too fast at the end. Though I agree there are too many coincidences, I think the author has worked in describing moments, personal circumstances and characters enough in detail so at the end the pieces fit together. Also, it makes sense that in a relatively small city like Lisbon, people and facts in certain circles are connected somehow. I believe coincidences happen in real life too.
If somebody asks me to recommend a thriller, I would recommend this one, and if myself I feel like reading another one, I will consider Robert C. Wilson.
Happy New Year to everyone!
ReplyDeleteI agree with some things already said here. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and that is enough for me too. Easy to read and well structured, I found it entertaining. Though I am not sure I will read this author again. In fact, he has an easy name but I keep forgetting it: getting old or lack of interest? (this is a rhetoric question, no need to answer it! :-)
I agree with Rocio that some of the coincidences are too forced. The tie thing was like “yeah, come on!” or the fact that the two girls were best friends.
Like Macarena, I found that everything happened too fast at the end. Answering the question, in my opinion, it makes the denouement too hasty.
I never said that the book was not entertaining!!! but just, maybe, not enough!
ReplyDeleteThat is so funny, Arantxa. I have the same issue with the author's name. Though it is easy, I keep forgetting it!
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