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BotM 2016 - [April] The Cuckoo's Calling, by Robert Galbraith - Part 1
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Section of book: 0-25% (Roughly through Part 2 Chapter 9)
Notes:
- Each member is asked to end with a question for the next member. So your fifth question comes from the person above you.
- If the person above you forgets to pose a question then just pick a different one from above (make sure you indicate which one you're answering!)
- If some other question from above moves you then feel free to answer as many as you want. It is a discussion after all! ;)
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!
I'm so happy this is book of the month. It's also in my challenge. :) I can participate and knock off a challenge option. Awesome.
I read it in January, so I won't be reading it with you, but it's still fresh enough in my mind so I can participate. I'm curious to see the new systems for questions!
Sophie wrote: "I read it in January, so I won't be reading it with you, but it's still fresh enough in my mind so I can participate. I'm curious to see the new systems for questions!"I hve been meaning to get back to it as I listened to about the first 75-100 pages on audio. However, I find it difficult to listen to another ten hours of it or so, so I am just going to buy a copy of the book I think now. Perfect timing.
This is great I've been meaning to start reading it, but I kept postponing it, glad this is book of the month
I read nothing by Rowling except HP so it will be interesting to try this one, even if it wasn't in my top 3 in the poll. As it's big, I'll read a translation.
Zaz, I read it in English, and if the writing is good, I would have been ok reading it in French (now that I'm thinking of it, I might do it for the next ones).
I haven't read anything by Rowling that wasn't HP or HP related either, Zaz. I'm a little nervous but excited too.
I've really been trying to find a place for this, but it doesn't look like it will be possible. I've already either finished or have something else that I want to read more in mind for the categories that it could fit. To be fair, I'm kind of going back and forth about whether I really want to read it or if I just want to because everyone else will be. Maybe I'll add it as an extra read toward the end of the year, and just go back to look at the discussions later.
I've started it early and I'm enjoying it :)
Rachel, I've read it at the beginning of the year and can tell you it is a good book. Not the best mystery I've ever read, but definitely a good read. If you have time to read it as a side-read, I would totally recommend it, if just to be able to discuss it with everyone.
After not getting the last book of the month until the month had finished (on hold from the library) - this one has come in early and I have it in my hands now! I've got a few others to read so will start it in April in line with the BOTM. Now where to fit it into the reading challenge?
Read this one when it came out (and in fact read the most recent in the series for books written by authors with a pen name) so I won't be rereading, but I am looking forward to seeing what others say in the discussion.
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?I think that a factor in her decision was that a lot of the negative reviews of The Casual Vacancy were based on the fact that the book wasn't anything like Harry Potter. I think she chose a male name because wasn't she told by a publisher when she wrote Harry Potter to not publish it under Joanne Rowling instead of J. K. because it would turn a lot of male readers away? I swear I read that somewhere. Anyway, I really do understand why she wanted to write under a pseudonym, I found her rejection letters from publishers that she got writing as Robert Galbraith absolutely hilarious.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I really like Strike, he is endearing to me. I really want to learn why his relationship crumbled with Charlotte and more of his backstory. I like the fact that he is older and pretty dumpy looking with a prosthetic leg. I like how he's down on his luck at the moment also. He's just a very interesting character to me.
I'm not sure what to make of Robin. Her personality hasn't really shone through too much at this point of the book. She seems to be fascinated by detective stuff though, and she seems very proficient at her job. I think she complements Strike well.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
I think there is more to it then suicide. I mean it would be a boring book if it does turn out to be suicide after all. There has to be more to the story.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
Hmmm, it's too soon to tell.... Maybe it had something to do with the security guard, Wilson and her driver, Kieran? I think Rochelle knows a lot. I don't think it's the boyfriend Duffield because it's too obvious.
5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!
I can't really do this as I think I am the first to post so my question is...
What do you think makes Lula's suicide suspicious? Do you think there is a lot for Strike to work with?
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?I would guess she wanted the book to be judged on it’s own merits. I know she published A Casual Vacancy before this under her own name, but I think being so well known as an author of children’s books would be difficult to be taken seriously as a writer in a very different genre. She released some of her rejection letters this week, so it would appear that she actually shopped it around under the Galbraith name.
I do think it is significant that she chose a male pseudonym for this series. This is a gritty detective novel with a male protagonist. Much like publishing Harry Potter under an initialized name so boys would read it, I think she guessed there were people who wouldn’t pick up this type of novel written by a woman.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I like Strike and Robin. I was a little worried by their first meeting, it seemed a sort of cheap and forced bit, but I think it moved on well from there. They make a good team. Strike is smart, if a bit rough around the edges. Robin brings a lot to the table and I like that Strike realizes that right away. And I love her enthusiasm for the job.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
I think she was murdered. I don’t know that there would be much of a story if she killed herself.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
I don’t think we have enough information at this point to make a good guess, but my guess at this point is the neighbor, Freddie Bestigui.
5. What do you think makes Lula's suicide suspicious? Do you think there is a lot for Strike to work with?
I don’t think it seems particularly suspicious at this point, but since it is a mystery novel there must be a mystery. The driver seems like he might not be telling everything he knows. There are a lot of people Strike hasn’t talked to yet, so I’m sure there will be more for him to work with as the story moves along.
My question:
Why do you think Strike and Charlotte broke up?
I'm done with Part 1 and not sure, if I would continue reading this book by myself. I have problems getting into it; I have the feeling nothing much has happened so far. I would have been tempted to skip to the end and just look what happened, but the group read keeps me going.1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?
I think it has something to do with her writing about a male character. Katy wrote "wasn't she told by a publisher when she wrote Harry Potter to not publish it under Joanne Rowling instead of J. K. because it would turn a lot of male readers away? I swear I read that somewhere. I read that somewhere too.
Beth wrote "This is a gritty detective novel with a male protagonist. Much like publishing Harry Potter under an initialized name so boys would read it, I think she guessed there were people who wouldn’t pick up this type of novel written by a woman." I fully agree with that.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I like Strike as a character but I feel his skills as an investigator leaves something to be desired. I like what I have seen of Robin so far (her interest in research, her structured work) and I hope she evolves into something more than just the pretty face.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
In reality I wouldn't believe him. There are to few facts to support his theory. But that would be a boring book.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
At this point it is wildly speculative so I will do just that - speculate wildly: Right at the beginning we meet Bristow's girlfriend Alison. At the end of chapter 4 she is described in a way that lots of authors use to suggest this woman could be strong enough to kill another woman: She was almost as tall as Bristow, large-framed, with a surly expression and big, mannish hands." Maybe she did it, because she had a disagreement with Lula and it is a kind of accidental murder situation.
5a. Katy wrote: What do you think makes Lula's suicide suspicious? Do you think there is a lot for Strike to work with?
I think Strike has nothing to work with. The only really suspicious people are Lula's family and his client probably won't let Strike investigate them. Bristow wants Strike to confirm his wild suspicions about the running guy and is not really interested in anything else. That is not a good basis for an investigation.
5b. Beth wrote: Why do you think Strike and Charlotte broke up?
I think Charlotte told Strike she was pregnant and then that she lost the baby and he does not believe her. That is a deal breaker for him.
My question:
Do you think Robin will still be engaged to Matthew at the end of the book or will they seperate because of a disagreement about Robin's work with Strike?
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?To take the magical pressure off her shoulders. It could just be that she's used to it? She did choose "J.K" instead of Joanne to blur her sex. I'm not entirely sure.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
Strike is not what I expected as a main character detective. He seems to be defeated already. He has skills, but it's not enough for him to get a lot of clients. It's very different from Sherlock Holmes or even Hercule Poirot.
I liked Robin. I like that she's intelligent and is experiencing a childhood dream job.
Matthew seems like an asshole, though.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
I believe Bristow because it doesn't seem like there would be much of a story if Lula really did commit suicide.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
Kieran Kolovas-Jones seems a little sketchy, but at this point, I think the murderer hasn't been introduced in the story yet. It might have a connection to Lula's biological family.
5. Do you think Robin will still be engaged to Matthew at the end of the book or will they seperate because of a disagreement about Robin's work with Strike?
Although I hated Matthew at that moment, it's kind of normal in a relationship. And I doubt Matthew knew this was Robin's childhood job. If he did, I don't think he would have belittled it like that. So...I think they'll still be together, but I really hope Matthew won't be a jerk anymore.
My question:
LulaMyInspirationForeva.com asked a lot of questions about the case, but one that also had me wondering was "Why was Lula wearing a different outfit to the one she came home in when she fell off the balcony?" And I don't think it's pajamas since it was made by a fashion designer, right? What do you think?
Anne Katrin wrote: "...Beth wrote: Why do you think Strike and Charlotte broke up?I think Charlotte told Strike she was pregnant and then that she lost the baby and he does not believe her. That is a deal breaker for him...."
I think so, too. Charlotte seems like a terrible character. I'm glad they broke up, even though it's depressing Strike for now.
And that's too bad that you're not enjoying it. I hope you'll change your mind further into the book.
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? I think probably due to the fact that Casual Vacancy had some quite strong criticisms about not being Harry Potter. And as for male, well it's still a male world in some senses.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I like Strike and Robin. Strike seems down on his luck but willing to give this a good go. Robin is intelligent and is doing a great job.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
Hmmm I think it was a murder.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
I never get these things, I mustn't have a mystery bone in my body. Right now I have no idea (and guarantee until it's right in my face I will have no idea).
5. LulaMyInspirationForeva.com asked a lot of questions about the case, but one that also had me wondering was "Why was Lula wearing a different outfit to the one she came home in when she fell off the balcony?" And I don't think it's pajamas since it was made by a fashion designer, right? What do you think?
This got me thinking too. I think she was in some other fancy outfit when she fell off the balcony, and it is a very curious question, so then puts the fashion designer in question given clothes people die in become very popular.
My question:
What do you think happened between Lula and Rochelle in their 15 minute meeting the day before Lula died?
Ana A wrote: "And that's too bad that you're not enjoying it. I hope you'll change your mind further into the book.Thank you, I am still hanging in there. But part 4, chapter 9 was the first time that I thought "now this is getting interesting". I can't quiet put my finger on what's putting me off. How do you like it so far?
Ana A wrote: LulaMyInspirationForeva.com asked a lot of questions about the case, but one that also had me wondering was "Why was Lula wearing a different outfit to the one she came home in when she fell off the balcony?" And I don't think it's pajamas since it was made by a fashion designer, right? What do you think?
That is a good question. Everybody seems to think she was changing because she was meeting a man. But why would she change out of a sexy dress if she was meeting a guy? Wouldn't she have kept it on? Pants... maybe she wanted to look more dignified?
Anne Katrin wrote: "Ana A wrote: "And that's too bad that you're not enjoying it. I hope you'll change your mind further into the book.Thank you, I am still hanging in there. But part 4, chapter 9 was the first time..."
I think the 2nd part of the comment needs spoiler tags. Also (view spoiler) I'm almost halfway through the book.
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?Like everyone else said, I think it was used to distance herself from Harry Potter. I wish that I didn't know this book was by her. I'm finally starting to get into it, but for the first 50 pages or so I kept thinking about Harry Potter and trying to compare it. Like when Strike was interviewing the security guard, I was totally thinking about Hagrid/how she would write when he was talking.
Once again, I think she chose a male name to distance herself even further from HP, whether or not it was intended to gain more male readers or not. My thought for the male name is that (1) it is well known that J.K. is a woman so seeing initials might cause the readers to assume that initials for a first name=woman; (2) for this book she refrained from using initials and she used a male-only name (as far as I know), so no one would have any reason to believe the author is a woman aka she can't possibly be JK Rowling.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I really like Strike and Robin. I love that Strike isn't a typical hero. He's homeless, in debt, doesn't have much work, and just got out of a bad relationship. I can't explain why I like Robin..maybe because her dream job is being a detective? or maybe because she is organized? or that she really likes this unexpected job?
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
I definitely think it was murder, otherwise there wouldn't be a book!
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
I always guess wrong, but my crazy guess is that the neighbor (Freddie Bestigui) and the driver (Kieran Kolovas-Jones) were in on it. Maybe Bestigui promised Kieran he could get an acting job if he helped him. So Kieran gave the body guard food poisoning (he was friendlier with that body guard, so he had the other one switch shifts with him), then he brought Deeby to that particular club which he knew would be busy/occupy him for a while. Then he called Bestigui to let him know Deeby was at the club, then called the paparazzi, giving Bestigui plenty of opportunity to kill Lula! HAH!
5. What do you think happened between Lula and Rochelle in their 15 minute meeting the day before Lula died?
I'm not really sure what happened between Lula and Rochelle. Based on John Bristow's attitude when Strike mentioned her it doesn't seem like he was a huge fan. Maybe when Lula was visiting her mother she told her family she couldn't stay long because she was visiting Rochelle, causing a huge argument. So maybe Lula thought her family was going to do something to Rochelle to keep her out of Lula's life. So maybe the blue paper had directions or an address that Rochelle could go to and hide out.
My question: do you think Robin will go to her interviews, or continue to work for Strike?
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? As other are saying, I think she wanted a pseudonym for these books which are so different from the Harry Potter books. And I think she wanted to attract male readers. She didn't want men thinking the book was a cozy mystery!
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I like both characters especially Strike. I like his messy personal life and his background which is being slowly revealed to us. In contrast, he is very orderly in his professional life. I like Robin but hope she follows her own instincts about what she wants to do with her life.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
I don't think Lula committed suicide.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
Right now it seems like the neighbor, Freddie Bestigui, is the main suspect to me. He is not presented as a very nice character.
5. Do you think Robin will go to her interviews, or continue to work for Strike?
I think Robin will go to her interviews but will eventually end up staying with Strike. She loves the detective work so much, I hope she stays with it.
My question: What do you think of Strike's style when he interviews suspects/witnesses?
reply | flag *
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? She probably thought that the book wouldn't have enough appeal to adults who read mysteries if they saw the author of Harry Potter's name on the cover. Choosing to use a male name also helps guarantee more sales in this genre. It is so frustrating that women still have to think about these issues in the twenty-first century.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I love both of them! Strike reminds me of a detective from a film noir. Troubled backstory, flawed romance, money issues. But yet still mangages to capture the reader's heart. Robin needs to get rid of Matthew! Her organizational skills and her research skills seem like they will become extremely helpful to Strike. He needs someone like her beside him.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
I believe Bristow. She had to have been murdered.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
I felt the same way as Anne Katrin above. Alison seemed super suspicious when we were introduced to her. I wouldn't be surprised if she was involved somehow.
5. What do you think of Strike's style when he interviews suspects/witnesses?
I love Strike's investigative style. He can read people really well and asks a lot of questions even if they don't seem relative. He stays up all night analyzing his notes in order to find out which questions he should ask next. He seems very thorough and dedicated.
My question: When/if Strike finds Rochelle, do you think she will be as indifferent to Lula's death as Carrianne says?
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? I don't mind a book written by a woman but I know many men avoid them because "beware a romance can hide in the book!". I suppose she chose a pseudonym because of this and also wanted to separate this work from HP. I find the writing more crude than what I usually read by women, so maybe it's also a good reason to write under a male name.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I don't care about them. Strike seemed fine but Robin's thoughts were often shallow and judgmental, which bothers me.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
Looking at the way she died, a suicide seems strange, so I'll go for a murder or an accident.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
Plenty of suspects but we know nothing about them for the moment and most people are presented in a bad way (so I'm expecting a nice person to be the killer :p).
5. When/if Strike finds Rochelle, do you think she will be as indifferent to Lula's death as Carrianne says?
I don't think so, but it's possible she's in danger so she'll prefer to show indifference rather than risk her life.
My question: In your opinion, who's lying about what happened during the night Lula died?
Mod
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?
I did not know it was her! Which is good cause I needed a book for writer who uses two names! I've read interviews where she discussed the name, so that is cheating. But she seems to favour the male thing- she does write as JK, not Joanne.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I am so busy casting them movie! Russell Crowe or Philip Glenister for Strike and Amy Adams or Isla Fisher for Robin.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
I had my theory after the interview but then I saw spoilers and I'm right so I won't say
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
I'm right, so not saying!
5. In your opinion, who's lying about what happened during the night Lula died?
I think everyone is lying! Maybe not the annoying ex boyfriend or guard but in little ways, everyone.
My question: What do you think Charlotte did? And will it have any bearing on this or any of the future books?
I am on page 48, enjoying so far, particularly the character descriptions - "pubehair" made me chuckle, also the various other names Strike is being called. Liking Robin so far as well. Will get to questions when done with 25%.
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? She wanted a fresh start, to be judged based on the work, not on her name. I think the male name is to further distance herself. Perhaps also to slip inside a different writing persona, I think she might have wanted to imagine what it would be like writing as a man.
I don't think it was a marketing thing. Plenty of successful mystery/detective novels have been published by women lately.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I like them. And I am reminded how great JKR is at character description. She is so spot on!
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
She was not suicidal. Also, her apartment was not high enough to guarantee death. In fact, I kind of think her neck was already broken before she was thrown out. I am also thinking Tansy knows more. Maybe she was outside the flat and that's how she heard. Or maybe her husband went out and left the door open.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
I don't think we know enough at this point. Probably someone who has not been introduced yet.
5. What do you think Charlotte did? And will it have any bearing on this or any of the future books?
I have not given it much thought. I am thinking she might have done drugs or had an affair or did not tell him something important. I HOPE it does not have much bearing on the rest of the book. Charlotte seems like background story, the woman who makes Strike broody and broken and weary of relationships.
My question: What is it that you like most about the book so far?
I am going to answer it - it is the character descriptions. They are often hilarious, and so vivid I can picture the people.
@Ana A, @Anne Katrin: I was wondering about the outfit, too. It seems like she was dressing to go out again. Why else would she be wearing a sparkly designer outfit? Certainly not to go to sleep in.
Mod
I'm thinking her husband does- that he was waiting for that rapper to arrive in the sitting room or something. Cause he was clearly not asleep!
I'm glad this was chosen for this month's read. I really enjoyed this first book.
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? To separate her books from Harry Potter. I liked Casual Vacancy, but I remember most of the comments were directed to the fact that how come so hideous characters and story could come from the same pen that the lovely characters of HP. People were expecting something similar, but we are not expecting anything yet of Robert Galbrath. It's a kind of new start. And I don't know about her choice of a male name, maybe she just wanted to separate even more this new pen name of herself. 2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin? I love Robin! She's a perfect companion, she is efficient and still has her dreams alive. That's wonderful. About Strike, I don't know. I still think of a him as a very enigmatic character.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide? I think Lula didn't commit suicide, but I don't think the theory of Bristow about the man running is correct.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer? I was thinking about her friend Ciara Porter (the other model). We don't know anything about her yet, but it was interesting to know that she was not so good as Lula. I am thinking also in Bestigui, for no reason at all :P
5. What is that you like most about the book so far? I love how is written.
My question: Why do you think this book is called The Cucko's Calling?
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? I read somewhere that K.K. Rowling said that she was channeling her "inner bloke" when she was writing this book, so I think that the pen name probably had as much to do with setting the tone for Strike's character as it did with sales.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
Strike's a real sad sack, and he really needs Robin's efficiency and optimism.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
Oh, definitely murder.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
Either the Bestiguis or the a--hole uncle. (Roughly 30-35% through right now)
5. Why do you think this book is called The Cuckoo's Calling?
I think it's a reference to (view spoiler) I also think that's why she changed her clothes; she knew what he thought about her partying so changed into something less sexy.
Was that really Evan in the wolf mask the whole time?
I started this book yesterday and just made it to Part 2, Chapter 10:1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?
As others have said, it was to ensure that people would pick up the book without prejudgement. There was an excellent post on tumblr awhile ago that talked about the sexist implications of her having to change her name.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
Strike seems like a guy who needs a firm purpose--the army gave him structure and then he had structure with Charlotte, but now he has nothing.
Robin seems like a sweet girl who also needs some kind of firm purpose/structure and maybe she thought Matthew would give her that purpose. But maybe now the job will give her purpose?
(I think there's a vibe that Robin and Matthew will break up which annoys me--it'd be nice to have a steady couple in a book like this.)
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
There has to be some murderous elements in the event. Even if she DID commit suicide, there's has to be a larger, more sinister reason for it.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
Right now I think it's the driver Kolovas-Jones based on him acting suspicious at the end of his interview with Strike.
5. Was that really Evan in the wolf mask the whole time?
That is actually an excellent question that I did not consider--I just took it for granted that it was Evan. But yes, it's just as likely that Evan was NOT in the wolf mask. Hmmmmmm.
My question is: What do you think happened that caused Strike to leave the army? He said losing his leg was just a small part of whatever it was that made him leave.
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? Like everyone else has said so far, it's to distance herself from Harry Potter and also from A Casual Vacancy. Harry Potter is a tough act to follow. I think anything she writes from now on will be compared, even if it is radically different. And A Casual Vacancy suffered because of these comparisons, so choosing a new name gives her a chance to make a fresh start and have the books judged on it's own.
I'm not sure if I'd call it significant that it's a male name, but there must be a reason for it. I still find it completely baffling that people judge a book based on whether the author is male or female. It really doesn't matter to me who the author is, as long as the book is good. I don't see why women can't write from a male perspective sometimes, and vice versa. I've made a similar comment in other threads elsewhere, and it still really confuses me.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
I haven't quite connected with either of the characters very strongly yet. I find Robin pretty interesting but I also feel like we haven't seen enough of her yet to really get a strong impression. Strike seems to have a lot of backstory that we haven't heard yet, so it could be interesting to read that too. I like that he's not automatically the Sherlock Holmes-type genius detective, and actually has to put in real work (and gets a lot of help).
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
The evidence is pretty sparse so far, but I'm leaning toward murder. I think at this point we are kind of biased because we've only heard Bristow's view and a few references to "everyone else believed it was suicide." Nothing so far has convinced me that she had any reason to commit suicide. I'm thinking probably murder, or a death by accident.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
I'm not sure why, but I'm pretty suspicious of Deeby Macc. He's mentioned so many times throughout the section, but doesn't seem to really have any purpose yet. It just seems like an extra character with minimal role, yet his name keeps showing up. Evan and the neighbours are all too predictable.
5. What do you think happened that caused Strike to leave the army? He said losing his leg was just a small part of whatever it was that made him leave.
Honestly, Strike's role in the army didn't really leave much impression on me. It was mentioned that he'd lost his leg and that he left, and there were a couple of other details scattered, but it didn't really seem like a huge part of his character.
I would guess something to do with Charlotte influenced him to leave. In one of the earlier chapters, there was a bit of a reference to an argument with Charlotte. It seemed to me like she had faked a pregnancy, and then a miscarriage. I think Strike may have left the army partly because he thought he was going to have a family, hence why he commented that "it was over before there was any evidence it had been real" (pg. 53). Maybe he resented her for apparently lying to him, and making him give up his place in the army for nothing.
My question: Do you think the Runner is really related to Lula's death, or just a red herring?
I already finished. I was late to the party so I am going to answer this as I would have when I was at that point. :x1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? I remembered reading somewhere that J.K. Rowling used her initials when the Harry Potter series was being published because there was concern that using her name (Joanne) would make the book less desirable for males to read. Little did they know... I wonder if that's the reason why she chose a male pseudonym for a series about a brawny male detective. Perhaps the publishers, or she herself, felt that male readers wouldn't buy into the character if he was female written. It's a bit sad that people still think this way. As for using a pseudonym at all, well, she isn't the first famous author to use a pseudonym to avoid having her celebrity status taint her work. I'd assume that to be the reason she chose to use a pseudonym. The Casual Vacancy didn't exactly get a warm reception. She was outed pretty quickly though so...
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin? I really like them both and I think they compliment each other well. I love that Strike is a complete mess.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide? Strike didn't want the case and advised Bristow that it was highly unlikely that the police were wrong so I doubt it ends up being a suicide. That would be the most disappointing twist - 455 pages of build up to find out that it was all on the level? No way!
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer? I'm leaning towards Freddie Bestigui. He seems super shady.
5. Do you think the Runner is really related to Lula's death, or just a red herring? Red herring all the way. It's too convenient.
I'm not including a question because I was late to start this and I don't want to spoil now that I'm already done. :x
I'm (as usual) behind on this, and only finished the first quarter last night.1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name?
Everything that I think has already been answered already, pretty much.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin?
Eh. I think they're ok, but I haven't particularly warmed to either of them. Considering how much I love J.K. Rowling's characters from Harry Potter, I find this quite interesting (and disappointing).
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
Like many others have said, it would be a bit of a let down to find out that it was suicide.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
I found it interesting that when Strike was questioning the security guard, that he said he heard "the body" hitting the ground. I believe that him using those words could be significant, because that implies she was already dead when she went over the balcony. It was also noted how fleshed out his answers were, so I think he possibly had some kind of involvement.
My question (for anyone behind like me): Who do you think writes the Lula Forever blog? And do you think we'll find out?
1. Why do you think J.K. Rowling used a pseudonym for the book? Is it significant that she chose a male name? I think she used a pseudonym so people would not judge the book before reading. Authors are associated with their writing so its hard for them to explore other genres once they are well known for a particular type of book. I'm not sure if choosing a make name us significant. Perhaps it was because make authors are held higher in the thriller/mystery genre even though some great books in threw area are women.
2. What are your opinions on the characters so far? First impressions of Strike and Robin? I like both if them. Strike us a lost soul right now just trying to keep his life from falling apart any further. It will be interesting to see how he develops as the story continues. Robin starts out as apathetic to the job as it is only temporary until she funds a "real" job. Now that she is doing a little investigative work, which happens to be her secret dream, she us enjoying herself and becoming more likable.
3. Do you believe Bristow or do you think that Lula did actually commit suicide?
I'm not sure yet. I don't think we have really been given enough clues to really formulate an opinion.
4. If it was murder, what is your prediction for the killer?
It could be anyone right now, including her doorman who conveniently was in the restroom when everything happened.
5. If anyone had yet to read this, then my question is do you think it may have something to do with Lula's biological mom and do you think we will meet her?
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Casual Vacancy (other topics)The Cuckoo's Calling (other topics)
Discussion of the book will begin on April 1. There will be a new topic for each quarter of the book, with all sections posted at the beginning of the month, allowing members to read at their own pace and enter the different threads as they progress.
Moderators will begin the conversation but we're trying something new this month! If you post an answer to these questions then please post your own question at the end. Then the person after you answers your question and posts their own. This will create a chain of questions/answers, much like the style of "Person Below Me".
For more information about the book of the month, see the Introduction post.
Spend the remainder of March finding a copy of the book and maybe fitting it into existing challenge plans :)
WARNING: The book does include some strong language. Reader discretion is advised.
Part 1: 0-25% (Roughly through Part 2 Chapter 9)
Part 2: 26-50% (Roughly Part 2 Chapter 10-Part 3 Chapter 9)
Part 3: 51-75% (Roughly Part 3 Chapter 10-Part 4 Chapter 9)
Part 4: 75-100% (Roughly Part 4 Chapter 10-End)