Robert Wells > Status Update

Hey Rob. I noticed that you were reading this book. I read it too and wrote the review below. When i went to Montreal i toted three books there with me and hated them all, so i bought this book while i was there. Here's what i thought:


I am about 1/3 of the way thru ( on page 295 of 841) and this is not quite the book i expected after reading all the rave reviews. It still feels like the plot is being set up. There are so many characters to keep track of - even the main character keeps saying this! It is the kind of book that has a family tree and you have to keep going back to refer to it. I wish it had a map as well becasue most of the characters live on an island and the author is constantly referring to where their houses are.

One of the reviews said "I doubt you will read a better book this year."
I am not compelled to pick it up but i am continuing to read it in the hopes it gets better.

Ok now one day later...

I actually just got chills from this book ..... ! Just after i made the earlier post, the book suddenly did a complete turn around and i am hooked. I am supposed to be getting ready for a party but i want to stay home and read!!!

Yea, Jill, I'm barely at page 100 (if that) and yes, there seems to be more introduction to characters and character development than actual plot, but I feel that this may make the book more intense (or at least I'm hoping). Lisbeth was just brought in about 30 or so pages ago, and she's the main reason I'm reading the book. Also, check out December's Vanity Fair, there's a nice essay by Christopher Hitchens on Larson, this series of books and the allegedly mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. It's available online.

allegedly mysterious circumstances, huh? yes i'll have to read that!