Patrick
asked:
My first Jo Nesbo novel, I enjoyed the story more that the writing. I am wondering if this was typical of the authors writing style. Some of the things I did not care for might have been translation quirks as well. Anyone have any thoughts about how this compares to other Nesbo novels?
To answer questions about
Macbeth,
please sign up.
Annamarie
I have read all of Nesbo's novels - the Harry Hole series and the independent novels. This is completely different. A total standalone. Dark, well, like Shakespeare's Macbeth. In the Harry Hole novels, you get to sink into the character and those around him. I recommend starting with the first Hole novel - The Bat - and go in order. The third book, the Redbreast, really takes the series into the stratosphere, but the first two are necessary for background.
Sandra Rosner
I see this book as non-fiction. There is no escape from the reality being prortrayed here. This is present-day Shakespeare with no comic relief. A very soul-searching indictment of humanity.
Kimberly
You can't compare this to his original works. It's completely different, so there is a different writing style. The Harry Hole series is wonderful. This is a modern adaptation of a 500 year old story so he had some guidelines that needed to be followed, whereas his original stories gave him freedom with the characters and the story. This was written as part of a group effort for modern day authors to update old classics. I thought he did really great with it. The story is just dark and depressing, no way to cheer it up.
Hegemb
I reading it in Norwegain and, unfotunately, I don't think you can blame the translator for the language. I am reading it because one of my students is doing a comparison between this and the original, but I fear that I will not be able to read all 500 pages. NOT enjoying it. A misunderstood detective with a troubled past?? Really, that's the best he can come up with for the Macbeth character??? At least I know why I don't really read Nesbø.
Richard
A major disappointment. The Harry Hole series is outstanding - this is more like a bad graphic novel.
Darkloom
I think his writing style here is giving a nod of some sort to Shakespeare. It's more poetic and metaphorical than his Harry Hole series. I liked it for a while, and then I wished he'd let it go.
HistoryGeek 42
very different. check out the Harry Hole series and make sure you read them in order (learn from my mistake LOL)
Karen
I agree with Annamarie. I don't think this is "typical" Nesbo, nor do I rate it as his best. His Harry Hole novels are very good - I've read them all, and yes, it's definitely best to go in order. I can definitely recommend you give his other novels a try.
Ivy Pavlova
Only just started this one but the style really struck me as odd. It actually reminds me of his writing for children! Read the Harry Holes.
Anne Kilian
His other novels are much better. This one is just weird.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more