This is a really good book. I wouldn't have picked up this booked based on the description. I like historical novels, but the par...moreI admit it: I cried.
This is a really good book. I wouldn't have picked up this booked based on the description. I like historical novels, but the particulars just didn't grab me. But, I had basically heard too many good things about it, so I gave it a try. It's just so well-done, so well-written, that I got sucked in and enjoyed it all. (less)
An un-novel-like book. Or maybe I should say a novel of ideas. Hmm, but some of the characters were pretty strong too. And there were riots and explos...moreAn un-novel-like book. Or maybe I should say a novel of ideas. Hmm, but some of the characters were pretty strong too. And there were riots and explosions, so I can't exactly say nothing happens. More that many (long) scenes, consisted of one or two characters having a debate about some issue. About politics or morality (personal or political) rather than exploring these ideas through their actions. For the most part, I was interested in what they were saying and how they were saying it. I appreciated the thoroughness of the created (at least, I assume it was created and is not extant) setting - the peras peludas, the wind flutes, the awful landscape and soul-less architecture. (less)
Well, we're certainly off to a good start! This certainly kept me listening and, as other reviewers have mentioned, it did pass the Bechdel test. I th...moreWell, we're certainly off to a good start! This certainly kept me listening and, as other reviewers have mentioned, it did pass the Bechdel test. I think my biggest problem/annoyance was the inconsistency of Myfanwy's character --how she would break out into fits of Bridget Jones whenever it was convenient. But, otherwise, fun, entertaining, fast-paced, etc.(less)
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit I keep reading these books, but they keep being pretty good. The mystery aspect of this was pretty low key, with a lot...moreI'm a bit embarrassed to admit I keep reading these books, but they keep being pretty good. The mystery aspect of this was pretty low key, with a lot more of Maisie's personal life and, as always, attention to detail in time and place. (less)
Honestly, I wouldn't have read this if I hadn't seen it on the Honor List for this year's Tiptree Award. But it's really kind of fun. And funny. And s...moreHonestly, I wouldn't have read this if I hadn't seen it on the Honor List for this year's Tiptree Award. But it's really kind of fun. And funny. And sharp. I'm listening to the audiobook, read by the author, and there's no mistaking the real-life model for character Ladybird Hope.(less)
Really interesting in the beginning, kind of went on too long. A complete vision of a unique (almost fantastical) world set inside the real world. Als...moreReally interesting in the beginning, kind of went on too long. A complete vision of a unique (almost fantastical) world set inside the real world. Also, as a life-long cynic and naysayer, I didn't buy the optimistic forgiveness stuff at the end. Just sayin'.(less)
So, I didn't have the jacket copy anymore and I kept thinking this was a supernatural mystery (City of the Dead, right?) and for the first couple of c...moreSo, I didn't have the jacket copy anymore and I kept thinking this was a supernatural mystery (City of the Dead, right?) and for the first couple of chapters I was waiting for the genre to come out of the closet and ghosts to start talking and the detective to journey to the underworld or something. And there's all this stuff about the Indians of New Orleans, and mysterious clues about parrots and drug hallucinations and dream-talking...but it never crossed the line. 'The City of the Dead' *is* New Orleans. And there's lots of woo-woo stuff, but none of that is ever taken for granted like it would be in an urban fantasy. No matter how many supernatural trappings, people are shot with 9mm, not savaged by werewolves. Well, okay, except for that resurrection story. But I was busy cleaning when I was listening to that bit and I may have misheard. It was probably a metaphor. (less)
Solid Nordic mystery/thriller without the knee-jerk misogyny that comes with some (ahem). Characters are vivid and their personalities believable. The...moreSolid Nordic mystery/thriller without the knee-jerk misogyny that comes with some (ahem). Characters are vivid and their personalities believable. The initial premise of the boy in the station locker is captivating, and though the payoff is slightly less so, the final scenes are full of tension, withholding the exact turn out until the last minute. A brief epilogue adds a nice bit of texture and explanation.
While set mostly in Denmark, there's a fairly big Lithuania angle, as both victims and evil-doers are Lithuanian. I have a fantasy soft spot for Lithuania, so bonus points for catering to my personal taste.(less)
Really funny and good except for the awful portrayal of the main character's wife. That bothered me so much that I docked a star.
...And I totally bet...moreReally funny and good except for the awful portrayal of the main character's wife. That bothered me so much that I docked a star.
...And I totally bet the romance will turn out differently in the movie.(less)
I enjoyed it pretty well, but so many characters prevented getting to know any of them as much as I would have liked. I would have been happy to have...moreI enjoyed it pretty well, but so many characters prevented getting to know any of them as much as I would have liked. I would have been happy to have spent the whole novel with Jenni and Gabriel. I could have done without the made-up names for websites, businesses & etc. Seemed unnecessary.(less)
While listening to this book, I would find myself thinking, "How incredibly brave," then moments later, reminding myself that the hardscrabble young f...moreWhile listening to this book, I would find myself thinking, "How incredibly brave," then moments later, reminding myself that the hardscrabble young farming couple literally fighting their way across Africa, losing farms, pets, and children with depressing regularity,...didn't have to be brave at all. They had put themselves in harm's way BY CHOICE, when at any time they could have gone safely home to England (or Scotland). They *chose* to move to Rhodesia when it was an international pariah. They *chose* to become involved in a brutal, horrific, civil war. They *chose* to support racist policies and oppose a native population fighting for self-rule.
This contradiction makes the senior Fullers worse people, but makes a better book. However, a couple of reviews I've read recently focus only on the adventure, failing to acknowledge this darker aspect, which seems to me immoral. I was fortunate to hear the author speak a few weeks before I read this, and I am pleased to report that she did not once let this dark side slip out of view, even as she recounted charming anecdotes.
"Cocktail Hour..." gives the background on the life of the indomitable Nicola Fuller of Central Africa, anti-hero of "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight." This isn't quite the outstanding book that was, but still very engaging and entertaining. Author Alexandra, still thankfully not making excuses for her mother, is here closer to forgiving her. (less)
A quiet, reflective novel. Science, community, globalization, bitterness, pride and hubris. Love and relationships from a wide angle. I enjoyed it. Th...moreA quiet, reflective novel. Science, community, globalization, bitterness, pride and hubris. Love and relationships from a wide angle. I enjoyed it. The thing about this book that will stick with me the longest is the idea of one's own body as one's "life's companion."(less)
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