It's not as fun reading the book after you have watched the movies in a rapt awe and quick succession. But the premise of the book makes for a wonderful story - complex criminal connections, history, drama, lust, that tenuous thing called a conscience and your own ethical code. The world is vividly described and the twists and turns of the plot amuse and shock and terrify the reader - but there was ultimately a quality in the film which made it rise above the book... maybe sometimes it's better to know a little less about characters like Don and Michael Corleone; it adds some mystery. ]]>
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"It's interesting so far. Not totally gripping, but some beautiful lines and heart wrenching themes, especially for a young person. "
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bookshelves: currently-reading
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It is very strange reading the book after having fallen in love with the television series - sadly, I have to say I definitely prefer the TV.
The characters seem more fully formed - Chuck isn't so ridiculous and definitely doesn't have a parrot, Nate is much more likeable without his pot and his wavering conscience, and the same with Serena, Jenny and Dan. Of course, if I don't compare and just enjoy - it certainly has it's moments, and I did enjoy reading a book where I didn't really sympathise with any of the characters, just enjoyed the story - from stalkery existentialist!Dan to stupid!Serena to whiny!Blair and high!Nate. The dangerous high life always makes for an exciting tale, and this was no exception. ]]>
The 20 second synopsis is basically that it is Pride and Prejudice - pretty much exactly the same story, only England (and most of the world, I think) has been invaded by infected zombies, which will either tear you to shreds or infect you too. Darcy (and Lizzie and the entire Bennett family) are super!awesome ninjas - no, seriously - and fight zombies when they can.
Initially, the concept just seemed vaguely ridiculous, like all Grahame-Smith had really done was insert zombies or zombie references at random intervals. But the whole infusion of Japanese Samurai culture and random bits of violence start to become much more amusing (and disturbing!) later on in the book - Lizzie's character seems much more hardened
For example - the wonderfully evil Aunt Catherine just happens to be one of the most famously deadly ninjas there ever was (aside from being rich etc) and keeps paying out Elizabeth because she was trained in Japan and not in China.
I wouldn't have bought it and I won't be reading it again, but it was rather amusing as a book to read on the bus. :) ]]>
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