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.
Thanks, Sarah. The water tower is a significant location for the climatic action of the novel between Harriet and Danny. I can't get too into it here because it would spoil the ending! I agree that there are many novels that are just too long. I don't mind long novels when they make sense, and when every word moves the story forward, but that didn't happen here for me. It's weird because at times this book races along, but then slams on the breaks. I do love a good short book. I read a couple over winter break and have a few more on deck!
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!!
Thanks, Martha! I was glad Tartt went in another direction with this one, and there is definitely a lot to like here. Let me know what you think of it if you end up reading it. So far so good on 'Dust Tracks.'
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.
lol! I love that!! Yes, it definitely dragged in parts. But it's worth finishing. I'd love to hear your thoughts about the ending!
I too love the acknowledgements section. I like waiting until the end to read it - like it’s a treat for finishing the book 🍬
Yes! Everyone should read the acknowledgements!
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.
Thanks, Mary! The Strand is the best!
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.
Thanks, Kate! I was surprised how much this book dragged. It had good moments, but there were definitely lulls between them.
I also make stories in my head about the marks and stains previous owners did on a used copy. Can’t help it 😂
It's so much fun!
"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. :')
Thanks, Nia! Second-hand books are so much fun! So many mysteries to puzzle out from weird stains, little notes and rumpled pages!
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.
Thanks, Sarah. The water tower is a significant location for the climatic action of the novel between Harriet and Danny. I can't get too into it here because it would spoil the ending! I agree that there are many novels that are just too long. I don't mind long novels when they make sense, and when every word moves the story forward, but that didn't happen here for me. It's weird because at times this book races along, but then slams on the breaks. I do love a good short book. I read a couple over winter break and have a few more on deck!
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:)
Thanks, Renee. If you end up reading Donna Tartt this year, I'd love to know what you think!
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!
Thanks, Eve! I hope you read it, and I'd love to get your take. Especially on how it ends.
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!!
Thanks, Martha! I was glad Tartt went in another direction with this one, and there is definitely a lot to like here. Let me know what you think of it if you end up reading it. So far so good on 'Dust Tracks.'