The film was amazing and the book doesn't disappoint. Jennifer Lawrence's Tiffany is a whole lot more kick-ass, and Pat's childlike and charming narra...moreThe film was amazing and the book doesn't disappoint. Jennifer Lawrence's Tiffany is a whole lot more kick-ass, and Pat's childlike and charming narrative in the book is somewhat eclipsed by... Bradley Cooper, which was different but no bad thing. Like the life of pi which I saw then read the weekend before seeing this, it is a beautiful and profound novel told in a simple and straightforward way, with lots of touching observations on life.(less)
This one has no Bertie and Jeeves only 'oils' in a few times, but it's still a great farce on the usual themes of love and money. The modern world is...moreThis one has no Bertie and Jeeves only 'oils' in a few times, but it's still a great farce on the usual themes of love and money. The modern world is starting to creep in a bit at this point in the series with television, calories and the welfare state poking their heads into the story. The landed gentry are becoming too poor to support the existence of feudal butlers like Jeeves, and it's almost sad to read. Like Chekhov but with likeable characters...(less)
As the only character not afflicted by a susceptibility to romance, Bertie's is the perfect lens through which to observe its chaotic effect - both on...moreAs the only character not afflicted by a susceptibility to romance, Bertie's is the perfect lens through which to observe its chaotic effect - both on his young flighty courting friends and his battleaxe-pecked older relatives. Ridiculous plans that go horribly wrong... occasionally an utterly idiotic plan that goes right for all the wrong reasons. Bertie is once again victim to the bizarre and unpredictable whims of everyone he rubs up against. Wodehouse = comic genius.(less)
I read this after seeing the film, which I think was a beautifully presented retelling that got to the heart of the story in a way that felt even more...moreI read this after seeing the film, which I think was a beautifully presented retelling that got to the heart of the story in a way that felt even more profound for its simplicity. (view spoiler)[Taking care of Richard Parker gave me purpose and fear of him kept me alert. The things which keep us alive. (hide spoiler)] The film missed out all the wonderful observations on animal behaviour though. I love the message that there are many paths to 'god' or 'truth', the ambiguity at the end, and being left to draw the conclusion that the precise version of events is not the most important thing anyway. It was funny watching this right off the back of Mulholland Drive.(less)
The first two books mapped the evolution of Christian's moderately warped psche, which was quite engaging, but the random collection of events intersp...moreThe first two books mapped the evolution of Christian's moderately warped psche, which was quite engaging, but the random collection of events interspersed with baby gubbins that was book three was a bit tiresome. Not everything has to be a trilogy! Glue the first two books together, cut out some of the repetition, and you'd have a decent standalone novel.(less)
The plot and odd bits of humour reminded me of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. A bit less surreal and a bit more hard sf than Douglas Adams t...moreThe plot and odd bits of humour reminded me of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. A bit less surreal and a bit more hard sf than Douglas Adams though. There was some interesting exploration of disaster/societal breakdown in the first half, and of the course of evolution in the second, though nowhere near enough of either to feel 'improved' by. It would make an intelligent YA novel. Though I've not read any Stephen Baxter I suspect this book came out as less than the sum of its parts - ideas and intentions diluted rather than expanded, something I've felt with other literary collaborations.(less)
I loved the first sequel. Like the second, this was an enjoyable enough historical bawdy romp which benefited from severing all association with the o...moreI loved the first sequel. Like the second, this was an enjoyable enough historical bawdy romp which benefited from severing all association with the original because what she does with the characters grates too much.(less)