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March 2014 Group Read - The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
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Marianne
(new)
Mar 01, 2014 01:26PM
Discussion point #1--The Cuckoo's Calling was the first book I have read by J.K. Rowling. I was a bit intimidated to the read this book, because I have not read Harry Potter or The Casual Vacancy.However, after reading about bit, I found the writing style drew me into the story. How are you finding the writing style?
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I've got a copy too, so I'll try to make it on time :)
I have never read Harry Potter either but I enjoyed her writing style. It can a bit to "flowery" at times. But I really enjoyed the book.
Nikki wrote: "I have never read Harry Potter either but I enjoyed her writing style. It can a bit to "flowery" at times. But I really enjoyed the book."I liked the writing style as well, really drew me into the story!
I started this book a couple of day ago. I read all the Harry Potter series, but I tried to read it without compare the two works. I am more or less at 30% of the book, and till now is a slow gathering of information from the main characters, no action or suspance. I like the style, but for me something is missing.
Andrew wrote: "I started this book a couple of day ago. I read all the Harry Potter series, but I tried to read it without compare the two works. I am more or less at 30% of the book, and till now is a slow gathe..."I hope it picks up for you! Do you miss the "police procedural" type of plotting? This book is more dialogue driven.
I read this a while ago and agree with Andrew and David. For me the most interesting part was the developing relationship between Strike and his temporary secretary,Robin!
David wrote: "I am just about 40% through and have to say I'm a bit like Andrew.The lead character Cormoran Strike is ok and she has built him up nicely but it just lacks suspense and punch.
So far I understa..."
Interesting observations about the writing style, I loved it from there first few pages...we will see if you say the same thing when you have done the book.
Sylvia wrote: "I read this a while ago and agree with Andrew and David. For me the most interesting part was the developing relationship between Strike and his temporary secretary,Robin!"I thought the Cormoran and Robin relationship really added to this story.
Marianne wrote: "David wrote: "I am just about 40% through and have to say I'm a bit like Andrew.The lead character Cormoran Strike is ok and she has built him up nicely but it just lacks suspense and punch.
So ..."
It's clear page after page: good writing, detailed dialogues and information, but also when you should find some important revelation, lacks the master's touch, the manner in which the master knows how to keep the focus. I'm About 45%, there is still time to improves.
Discussion point #2 What do you think of the character of Cormoran Strike? For me this character, was very engaging and brought the story alive and kept me interested. Also, I found parallels between Strike and Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie. In this series, Jackson Brodie was also in the British Army and the Military Police; both were damaged and had problems adjusting to civilian life. Does Cormoran Strike remind you of another character?
Marianne wrote: "Discussion point #2 What do you think of the character of Cormoran Strike? For me this character, was very engaging and brought the story alive and kept me interested. Also, I found parallels betwe..."I found very interesting this character. It's not the usual ex marine or special forces, all action, martial arts and brute force. I'ts a man in trouble, insicure, alone but very smart and reactive.
I didn't know many other characters like this, but I like the way in which its events through the main story.
Andrew wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Discussion point #2 What do you think of the character of Cormoran Strike? For me this character, was very engaging and brought the story alive and kept me interested. Also, I foun..."Yes, I agree the events seem to spin around Cormoran and interconnect with his character's strength and weaknesses.
I think Strike makes a great detective. He asks question after question getting to the truth. He doesn't just know stuff which bothers me in some stories. Information doesn't just magically appear to Strike. Also he's flawed but not broken. He shows the stress lines of a solider but carries the burden without whining. Which I love! I think one part of his storyline just disappeared but I will save that question until everyone finishes.
Nikki wrote: "I think Strike makes a great detective. He asks question after question getting to the truth. He doesn't just know stuff which bothers me in some stories. Information doesn't just magically appear ..."Yes, he is a great detective and very real.
I finished this book today and I confirm my first impression: it's well written, rich of details and a narration clear and fluent. But the book lacks the rhythm capable of capturing the reder's attention, with more and more details and an increasing of narration until the revelation that fix the reader to his chair. Here the tone is always a little flat.But it was still an enjoyable book.
Andrew wrote: "I finished this book today and I confirm my first impression: it's well written, rich of details and a narration clear and fluent. But the book lacks the rhythm capable of capturing the reder's a..."The narration and the details are what I liked about this story. I found it was enough to keep me interested. I think the execution by the author is something you either like or don't like.
David wrote: "Like I said Coromoran is a good character but for me the book is still lacking ooomph that quality of suspense you get with a Rankin, Christie etc. I am now just over half way through and it needs ..."I hope it picks up for you, I found the ending riveting.
The pace reminded me of Colombo and Midsomer Murders.
Discussion point #3 The character of Robin is a perfect counterpoint to Comoran Strike and added another layer to the story. Do you think Robin is the classic sidekick like Dr. Watson or Captain Hastings?
David wrote: "Right I finished this earlier in the week and it got 3 stars from me.To be fair it did pick up at the end but I had worked out the culprit early on and was right. Didn't get all how it was done bu..."
I have seen your concerns about this book on other threads, Agatha Christie was about to do so much more in 275 page for And Then There Were None and it took Robert Galbraith 455 pages for only simple murder mystery.
Nikki wrote: "The pace reminded me of Colombo and Midsomer Murders." I found the pacing Colombo like, however for me, the writing style and the characters made up for it.
Sylvia wrote: "Couldn't agree more David!" I believe this book was a setup book for the series and spent more time developing the relationship of Strike and Robin and introducing the other backstories , than the actual murder mystery itself. It will be interesting to see if there is more "action" in The Silkworm?
Discussion point #4 After reading The Cuckoo's Calling, will you read The Silkworm? I will be to see where the author takes the series.
David wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Discussion point #3 The character of Robin is a perfect counterpoint to Comoran Strike and added another layer to the story. Do you think Robin is the classic sidekick like Dr. Wat..."That is a good observation, I saw her as a Dr Watson type because she is not a "professional detective" but adds some humanity, a bit of humour , and will grow into the role.
I agree David. Robin isn't on Watson's level but she played a good role in helping Strike seem more like an actual person. I really hope it doesn't lead to a love story between them. It would ruin the chemistry in my opinion. But I'm going to read the next in the series and see where that takes me.
Nikki wrote: "I agree David. Robin isn't on Watson's level but she played a good role in helping Strike seem more like an actual person. I really hope it doesn't lead to a love story between them. It would ruin ..."I think that Robin can be considered as complementary to Strike. Adds what is lacking in his personality, is more sociable and less introverted, completes him. I don't think it's the same Holmes-Watson relationship and, as noted also by Strinke, it's unthinkable another kind of relationship. I'm also curious to read the next book.
Andrew wrote: "Nikki wrote: "I agree David. Robin isn't on Watson's level but she played a good role in helping Strike seem more like an actual person. I really hope it doesn't lead to a love story between them. ..."I agree, I don't think there will be a relationship between Strike and Robin, it would ruin the chemistry.I will be interesting to see how the relationship develops in the next book.
Andrew wrote: "I started this book a couple of day ago. I read all the Harry Potter series, but I tried to read it without compare the two works. I am more or less at 30% of the book, and till now is a slow gathe..."I agree with you. She does not the grip on this series beginning like she had on Potter but if she continues with this as a series, I will certainly read it. I also read the Casual Vacancy and enjoyed Cuckoo's Calling more. The Casual Vacancy was a riskier format.
I liked Strike as a main character. She can find interesting ways of playing with his foibles. Strike follows a long line of detectives who live marginally successful lives.
David wrote: "I came across this review or comment about the book from a person called FriscoKid and have to say they are spot on and I couldn't have said it better my self."About halfway through this book I r..."
Hello David:
I think Robert Galbraith style is either you like it or you don't. I have seen similar comments on other threads. I liked dialogue, it really helped to distinguish all the secondary characters.
Correen wrote: "Andrew wrote: "I started this book a couple of day ago. I read all the Harry Potter series, but I tried to read it without compare the two works. I am more or less at 30% of the book, and till now ..."Hello Correen:
I had noted that Strike was similar the Kate Atkinson's , someone else mentioned Colombo. I think the "loser" element will add to this series. I have not read Casual Vacancy, in the TBR pile.
Discussion Point #5: There is a lot in this book about celebrity, paparazzi, fame, wannabees. Strike's father is a rock icon and his mother an infamous groupie. Lula Landry is a supermodel. Many in her circle are questioned. Do you think this adds another layer to the story or is it a reflection of J.K. Rowling's life after Harry Potter? Why is it there?
OK I finally managed to get enough reading time to read this :)I enjoyed it quite a lot. Yes it was slow, but it's not something that necessarily bothers me in books. I actually liked the "talk and talk and talk" parts ... maybe that's my girly side !
I really appreciated the style, and I'm rather fond of both Strike and Robin. They make quite an interesting pair.
I have to say I never read a Harry Potter book (shame on me ;) ) so I did not have any preconceived idea on what this would or would not be like.
Marie-Laure wrote: "OK I finally managed to get enough reading time to read this :)I enjoyed it quite a lot. Yes it was slow, but it's not something that necessarily bothers me in books. I actually liked the "talk an..."
Hello Marie-Laure:
Your comments mirror my thoughts on the book. Will you read the next book The Silkworm?
I think the fame aspect was so we would feel bad for lula. She was pretty, rich and that doesn't evoke alot of sympathy. But when you add all the layers that one with fame and money you start to feel bad for her. Those facts would probably mirror her whole life after Harry Potter. A 3 -ring circus.
Nikki wrote: "I think the fame aspect was so we would feel bad for lula. She was pretty, rich and that doesn't evoke alot of sympathy. But when you add all the layers that one with fame and money you start to fe..."Hello Nikki:
I agree, the fame aspect was to provide contrast to Lula's inner life. Perhaps, J.K. Rowling has some upset in her life after Harry Potter. She choose to write this book with a pen name.
Marianne wrote: "Will you read the next book The Silkworm? "Probably, yes, if only to see how things develop in both Robin's and Strike's lives.
Marie-Laure wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Will you read the next book The Silkworm? "Probably, yes, if only to see how things develop in both Robin's and Strike's lives."
Hello Marie-Laure:
I will be reading The Silkworm. It will be interesting to see how Strike and Robin's relationship develops and which storyline she picks up from The Cuckoo's Calling. I am hoping there is something about Strike's ex-girlfriend and the rock star father.
David, maybe the fact that he is the son (albeit estragned) of a rockstar is supposed to be the trigger that makes them talk ? But you're probably right anyway :)
David wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Discussion Point #5: There is a lot in this book about celebrity, paparazzi, fame, wannabees. Strike's father is a rock icon and his mother an infamous groupie. Lula Landry is a su..."Hello David: I saw on another thread that Strike is big and hairy and smells and he gets the model. This is not real. I have to admit, it don't know why that part was in the book. Some people did talk to him because John Bartow made the introduction. Others wanted to help because they cared for Lula.I thought Strike provided contrast to the "beautiful people"
Marie-Laure wrote: "David, maybe the fact that he is the son (albeit estragned) of a rockstar is supposed to be the trigger that makes them talk ? But you're probably right anyway :)"Hello Marie-Laure: Some people said to Strike your rock star's son and it was an ice breaker for the conversation. It helped to open a few doors, they compared Strike to the father.
David wrote: "Yes they possible would as he is a rock stars son. It depends how much you want a book to be realistic I suppose. At the end of the day there has to be some licence for the author and in the case ..."
Hello David: The rock star's son adds another element to Strike character and since he is estranged from his father, it is a storyline for the author to develop. I know what you are saying, it does seem a bit "out there", it is the author giving her self some wiggle room with the character.
Marianne wrote: "Discussion point #2 What do you think of the character of Cormoran Strike? For me this character, was very engaging and brought the story alive and kept me interested. Also, I found parallels betwe..."Hi Marianne, I have been getting notifications of comments about this book-many and had put it on my to-read list. Today, somewhere I noticed that the author was JK Rawling and removed it. I know the Whole World loved Harry Potter but a read 2 or 3 and after asking myself if I really liked them, I stopped. Thought I would give her another chance with A Casual Vacancy and actively disliked her "writing style" in that one-I would call the style Boring! Now I am conflicted-some seem to like the book and others do not and Marianne is defending it so strongly so far. Probably will not read it as there are so many I really WANT to read but I am enjoying your comments. I am happy that she can afford to keeps trying a different genre and have to say I admire her trying her hand at another murder mystery. But from the description of the main character, I would have to say he sounds a lot like it was roughly based on Inspector Ian Rutledge-not nice and Inspector Rutledge is near and dear to me. I would like to view her and author Charles Todd at a dinner party and hear the conversation. Ha
David wrote: "Right I finished this earlier in the week and it got 3 stars from me.To be fair it did pick up at the end but I had worked out the culprit early on and was right. Didn't get all how it was done bu..."
David, I love the Elvis line because it gave me such a laugh-Thanks for that. And it kind of says it all for me. What does a 3 mean for you though-for me it sort of means that I could have been reading a GOOD book.
David wrote: "Mary wrote: "David wrote: "Right I finished this earlier in the week and it got 3 stars from me.To be fair it did pick up at the end but I had worked out the culprit early on and was right. Didn't..."
Thanks David, you are kinder than I am...:). But did you not consider A Casual Vacancy to be a mystery? Why not? Dead person, who did it and all that...
It is strange that she writes really good suspense and action in the Potter books and it did seem to flow easily. Perhaps it is TOTALLY different for adult fiction. Like I said though, I do admire her for trying to break free of her comfort zone...takes guts to let all the world see that...
And I agree about Midsummmer Murders-I rarely make it through a whole episode but am drawn to it anyway.
Mary wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Discussion point #2 What do you think of the character of Cormoran Strike? For me this character, was very engaging and brought the story alive and kept me interested. Also, I foun..."Hello Mary: I am not familiar with Inspector Rutledge, so I can't compare. However, if you did not like Casual Vacancy and Harry Potter, you probably would not like TCC. From all the comments I have seen , it is a style that you either like or you don't.
David wrote: "Mary wrote: "David wrote: "Right I finished this earlier in the week and it got 3 stars from me.To be fair it did pick up at the end but I had worked out the culprit early on and was right. Didn't..."
Hello David: I stopped watching Midsummer Murders years ago, I found every show the same! Your comments are very insightful. I think the next book, The Silkworm will reveal whether this series is viable or not.
Marianne wrote: "Mary wrote: "Marianne wrote: "Discussion point #2 What do you think of the character of Cormoran Strike? For me this character, was very engaging and brought the story alive and kept me interested...."Thanks Marianne-I enjoy your comments and insights. Mary
