I've been waiting for this one - the alert just came through on my phone and I literally said "fuck yes" out loud in the very busy coffee shop lol.
I've been about 70% done with The Little Friend for about two years now. I thought I was missing something - there are moments of brilliance and Goldfinch-ness but otherwise so much drag, and its hard to drag me. I am encouraged to finish it though now that you failed to spoil the ending.
I love The Strand . . . interesting review of what sounds like an interesting story, which might make a really interesting movie. Thanks for a great post.
Great review! Two thumbs sideways means no. I thought The Goldfinch dragged in parts, but I did enjoy The Secret History. I gave them both 4 out of 5 stars.
"Meanwhile, a pastor of a church where members take up poisonous snakes visits town with a truck full of them." This line is hysterical lol, this book sounds intense. Loved the review — as always.
I'm a big fan of buying second-hand books and seeing little inscriptions that say they were given as birthday/wedding/life achievement gifts, and I hope that the person who got the book loved it and parted with it with a heavy but content heart. All these little glimpses into someone else's life, even in the form of conjecture is fun. :')
Great piece. I read it when it came out and definitely thought it needed editing. Looking back on it, the only thing I can remember is the significance of a huge water tower...what was that about? In general US editors seem to be terrified of editing these bestselling literary novelists: Tartt, DeLillo, Franzen would all be massively improved by a spot of judicious pruning. So lucky that Strout, Pratchett and Tyler seem happy to write short books!
I have also picked up Under the Net in the last week. But it's a struggle, and I found myself yesterday completely distracted by Strout's Anything is Possible, which I consumed, or inhaled, in two hours. Bliss.
This wasn't on my tbr but it sounds like something I'd really like. I'm one of the only people out there who hasn't read Donna Tarte so I think 2024 should be the year:)
I’ve been waiting for this one!!!!! Fab review Mike - interesting it wasn’t dark academic coded. I would have totally excepted that from Tartt again! A seedy underbelly town entices me though, it’s always interesting to be submerged into I think. And try and decipher the dark energy that’s going on. Appreciate the review and am interested in giving this a read myself one day!
Ps excited for you to read and review ‘Dust Tracks on a Road’ - I’ve had my eye on that!!
I've been waiting for this one - the alert just came through on my phone and I literally said "fuck yes" out loud in the very busy coffee shop lol.
I've been about 70% done with The Little Friend for about two years now. I thought I was missing something - there are moments of brilliance and Goldfinch-ness but otherwise so much drag, and its hard to drag me. I am encouraged to finish it though now that you failed to spoil the ending.
Giphys were slapping today too.
I too love the acknowledgements section. I like waiting until the end to read it - like it’s a treat for finishing the book 🍬
I love The Strand . . . interesting review of what sounds like an interesting story, which might make a really interesting movie. Thanks for a great post.
Great review! Two thumbs sideways means no. I thought The Goldfinch dragged in parts, but I did enjoy The Secret History. I gave them both 4 out of 5 stars.
I also make stories in my head about the marks and stains previous owners did on a used copy. Can’t help it 😂
"Meanwhile, a pastor of a church where members take up poisonous snakes visits town with a truck full of them." This line is hysterical lol, this book sounds intense. Loved the review — as always.
I'm a big fan of buying second-hand books and seeing little inscriptions that say they were given as birthday/wedding/life achievement gifts, and I hope that the person who got the book loved it and parted with it with a heavy but content heart. All these little glimpses into someone else's life, even in the form of conjecture is fun. :')
Great piece. I read it when it came out and definitely thought it needed editing. Looking back on it, the only thing I can remember is the significance of a huge water tower...what was that about? In general US editors seem to be terrified of editing these bestselling literary novelists: Tartt, DeLillo, Franzen would all be massively improved by a spot of judicious pruning. So lucky that Strout, Pratchett and Tyler seem happy to write short books!
I have also picked up Under the Net in the last week. But it's a struggle, and I found myself yesterday completely distracted by Strout's Anything is Possible, which I consumed, or inhaled, in two hours. Bliss.
This wasn't on my tbr but it sounds like something I'd really like. I'm one of the only people out there who hasn't read Donna Tarte so I think 2024 should be the year:)
Great review (as per usual)!! Even though you’re lukewarm about it I’m kind of more tempted to try this one than I was before. Sneaky!
I’ve been waiting for this one!!!!! Fab review Mike - interesting it wasn’t dark academic coded. I would have totally excepted that from Tartt again! A seedy underbelly town entices me though, it’s always interesting to be submerged into I think. And try and decipher the dark energy that’s going on. Appreciate the review and am interested in giving this a read myself one day!
Ps excited for you to read and review ‘Dust Tracks on a Road’ - I’ve had my eye on that!!