I know I'm pretty provincial when it comes to this sort of thing, but I know that swearing will turn me off almost any book immediately. Due to my upb...moreI know I'm pretty provincial when it comes to this sort of thing, but I know that swearing will turn me off almost any book immediately. Due to my upbringing, the sound of any swear word, said or read grates upon the ear. If the story had been one iota more exciting or the characters one bit less believable and likable, I'd have dumped the book back in the drop.
One thing I disliked was how the author would summarize his next section in one sentence before explaining the actual events. "It was three o'clock the next day when the guard saw Tyler." He then explains how the guard seeing Tyler comes about. It's done numerous time and began to bother me.
Other than that, the book was amazing. It was a great book to add to my dossier of knowledge concerning other cultures.(less)
I had to read this book for my European History class and hated it. I've already given by theory on what makes a good book, and this didn't meet any o...moreI had to read this book for my European History class and hated it. I've already given by theory on what makes a good book, and this didn't meet any of my criteria. Even for educational purposes, the book, to my mind, wasn't worth the time it took me to read it. The character wasn't believable and wouldn't have been likable if he had been. I'm not one for fantasy, but I've got an open mind toward it. This book, though, had a horrible plot. I think I laughed once, and felt no sympathy whatsoever. The language was the only redeeming factor, and that only for it's mediocrity. (less)
The book gets an easy five stars. It's hard to impress me with a book that uses cuss words, just because of who I am, but this book did that and more....moreThe book gets an easy five stars. It's hard to impress me with a book that uses cuss words, just because of who I am, but this book did that and more. Set in World War II Germany, we get to hear the story from an interesting point of view--Death. Death tells us this story of the little book thief. Read the end in privacy, unless you aren't afraid to cry in public.(less)
**spoiler alert** I really hate to say this, but I was actually rather disappointed in this Russell novel. I may have read it too fast and missed it's...more**spoiler alert** I really hate to say this, but I was actually rather disappointed in this Russell novel. I may have read it too fast and missed it's redeeming features, but on my first reading, I found it hard to believe the vibrant and exciting Russell from Apprentice was the same lackluster and unimaginative woman found in the Language.
I DID love how the tantalizing tidbit from the Regiment was finally addressed, that piece that has driven me mad with questions for years now. Holmes has a son.
I also rather enjoyed getting to know Mycroft better, now that Russell has overcome her Big Brother view of him.
This, I am quite sure, is the improper way to write a review, but it's the best way I know how.
Probably the most eye-catching and involving portions of the novel were the Holmes/Adler conversations while the two are out and about. Sensing a bit of the fathering instinct in Holmes was almost preposterous, but that it worked so well.
Putting a "To be Continued" note on the last page of a novel is like punching a reader in the gut with a grand smile on your face.
Overall, I'd say the book fits in well with the rest of the series. Well-written, good plot, wonderful characters, but it was, in my opinion, not up to the level of The Beekeeper's Apprentice, A Monstrous Regiment of Women and O Jerusalem, which have long been my favorites.(less)
Fabulous ending to "The Language of Bees"! I was disappointed in "Language" and looked forward to "God of the Hive" with misgiving, lest my love of Ma...moreFabulous ending to "The Language of Bees"! I was disappointed in "Language" and looked forward to "God of the Hive" with misgiving, lest my love of Mary Russell come to an end, but I was shocked back into my Russellian infatuation by this book. Please, please let there be more to come!(less)
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