“American run of the mill thriller.
Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with this serial killer who stalks women and the chase by detectives to catch him page turner, but the characters lack depth, the plot is intended to shock and scare but didn’t.
I know readers enjoyed this book (read the reviews on Amazon) so if you are one of these people tell me what I’m missing.
Score 3/10
Date read January 2012
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“At last a new novel by the Japanese genius.
Parallel worlds and two main characters feature in this epic 3 book novel. I’ve only read the first book.
You will have to read these in order, and the first has nowhere near a conclusion, in fact at the end of book one it feels like the end of a chapter.
Is it compelling enough to take me into book 2 & 3? I’m not sure…perhaps I’ll begin book two and see how I go.
Score 6/10
Date read December 2011
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“This year the Booker Prize got a lot of stick for choosing ‘readable’ books. I applaud them for their choices.
Jamrach’s is one of these on the short list. Never imagined it could win, it didn’t, but is it worthy of reaching the last six? I’m not convinced it is.
The story has elements of truth woven into it, there is indeed a statue of Jaffy Brown and the tiger in East London. The Essex was a whaling ship that encountered disaster. I won’t elaborate the details. Part of this novel I thoroughly enjoyed, others parts felt lifeless and slow, or hurried.
Our book group had mixed feeling with 5.1/10 scored. It was however well debated so a good book club choice.
Score 5/10
Date read October 2011
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“Here’s another elderly writer who is either past it or resting on his laurels.
Out of touch characters appear in this uninteresting Russian money laundering M15 nonsense. This dragged along to a limp conclusion.
Strangely The new film Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is soon to be released.
Score 2.5/10
Date read August 2011
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