2023/2 Discussion of D. A. Mishani's The Missing File

[Stacey B]

LA wrote: "Yes, Kerry's comment makes a lot of sense. I don't think I knew that police are disproportionately Sephardim/ Mizrahim but it fits, especially since it's set in Holon (rather than, say, North Tel A..."

They do??
What are they saying?

[David]

Thanks for your comment Kerry. I haven't read any crime novels in years so this was somewhat refreshing, especially when the story is placed in locations I've visited. Author teased me to the last page with a twist I didn't see coming. I haven't seen The Policeman.

[Jan]

LA wrote: "I did not perceive this book as particularly character driven. (Also it's genre fiction- mystery- plot driven almost by definition- supposedly.) True enough I do prefer plot driven. But I loved To ..."

Laurie, I've seen several reviews talking about all the stuff going on in the main character's head, describing him as "brooding," etc. Sounds to me like could be a case of character development. Of course there's got to be some plot there. Anyway, I got tired of waiting. Although there's a queue, the library shows not due til some time in mid-April! Found a used copy for around $6 and grabbed it. So maybe around a week now.

All the discussion has made me more interested than I was in the beginning. :)

[Jan]

A long time ago there used to be a TV ad where two boys make the youngest brother taste the new breakfast cereal 1st. The punchline is, "Mikey likes it!" Well, re this book, Jan likes it. I don't care for ordinary crime/police stories, but this I do like. Definitely better than the ordinary. Especially that very last (possible) twist at the end.
So thanks for the initial negativity. You provoked my interest.
My only concern is that a reader who just looks at the early comments could be warned away. We want to be the famous Jewish Book Club, not the infamous book club that badmouths writers.

People are social animals and when several concur, all of a sudden we were saying not so good, better luck next time--as though a verdict has now been reached and the book stamped as not good. But that is not the ultimate conclusion, for those who read further down the thread.

What to do? Yes, voice your opinion. That is one reason authors aren't supposed to talk about their books here. Then it would be like an author interview, and that would change the dynamic.

Remember, Jonathan saw his books being talked about here. So maybe D. A. Mishani did too. Be kind, be thoughtful, be curious, and no cabals passing judgment, if we can help it.
Remember, no two people wade in the same book.

I have given a one-star review to two books. I think that's all. In both cases it was over misinformation. In one case I maybe got bent out of shape and wasted a lot of energy. In the other I also used a lot of energy. One fiction, one nonfiction. Did I do the right thing? I thought so at the time! 🤓

[David]

Jan, I really enjoyed it too and gave it 5 stars. Liked the twists and turns and especially the 'left of field' moment at the end.
Support your helpful guidance regarding respectful feedback

[Jan]

David wrote: "Jan, I really enjoyed it too and gave it 5 stars. Liked the twists and turns and especially the 'left of field' moment at the end.
Support your helpful guidance regarding respectful feedback"

Glad you enjoyed, and thanks, David.
Entire society struggling w/the helpful feedback thing, not just regarding books. Every little step helps. 🤠