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Post by JonSpice on Sept 13, 2004 22:02:13 GMT
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Post by mikemk on Sept 14, 2004 9:07:38 GMT
I've just started it, and am very impressed. I don't normally like novels that jump about in time, but this does seem to work, perhaps owing to the very strong characterisation.
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Post by klee on Sept 14, 2004 9:30:13 GMT
Astonishing stuff considering it's a debut too. Read her other stuff if you haven't already. A lot of people like it less than Behind The Scenes. . . but to my mind that's a bit like asking her to write the same novel over and over again.
What's especially admirable about Behind The Scenes is the way it stands up so well to subsequent readings, given that much of it hinges on a plot twist quite far into the novel.
Not The End of the World, her collection of short stories, is all kinds of ace, especially seeing as most of the stories namecheck Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And it's always nice to see the superior parts of pop culture getting their dues.
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Post by mikemk on Sept 14, 2004 9:51:35 GMT
What's especially admirable about Behind The Scenes is the way it stands up so well to subsequent readings, given that much of it hinges on a plot twist quite far into the novel. Arghhh, now I daren't look back at this thread in case someone gives it away! And I must stop trying to guess what the twist will be... |
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Post by klee on Sept 14, 2004 9:56:31 GMT
Well I won't give it away, scout's honour.
And it's a good twist, by the way. Not an M Night Shalyaman affair.
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Anna
Su Pollard
I've never been to Cuba
Posts: 336
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Post by Anna on Sept 14, 2004 10:08:07 GMT
Is this the one where the little girl and her family live in a shop? If so I saw the twist coming from about the 2nd chapter. Still didn't stop it being ace, though.
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Post by JonSpice on Sept 21, 2004 20:19:29 GMT
Is this the one where the little girl and her family live in a shop? If so I saw the twist coming from about the 2nd chapter. Still didn't stop it being ace, though. Yes, it is. And without spoiling the twist for other people, DO try to explain how you knew so early on! |
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Post by jamie on Sept 23, 2004 17:00:46 GMT
I liked this book. The bit before she was born I really loved but then I felt that it went downhill from there on.
I don't remember the twist but I read it last Summer.
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Post by Alderman Alfred Logan on Dec 3, 2004 16:05:11 GMT
The bit before she was born I really loved but then I felt that it went downhill from there on. god, i've missed this board... kate atkinson's great, aye. and not the end of the world is her crowning glory. such stylistic diversity, but somehow it still hangs together. and all the stories are, once you've gotten used to the first few, entirely believable. which is most odd. |
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Post by elmsyrup on Dec 3, 2004 18:38:22 GMT
I've just finished Case Histories. It was good but it wasn't, you know, breathtaking. Still better than most other writers but it is a bit weird when someone is a genius like this. You expect absolute magic and are disappointed when it's just an enjoyable book. Oh well.
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