Monday, 15 April 2013

Lust, Money and Murder - Mike Wells


 

This book was a total change from what I have just read and was a free recommendation from people via Twitter. I thought I'd give it a go as it's not something I would 'normally' read (although I am no longer sure what that is).

The first part of this book wasn't great for me. The author tries to cram in a lot of back story as his main character grows from little girl to adult. Key events are mentioned and highlighted but most of this is done in narrative form. While this is very well written, it prevents the reader from getting to know the character very well. I thought it erected a barrier between myself and the protagonist and made it difficult for me to get to know her properly. Don't get me wrong though, the narrative is very well written, there isn't a word there that doesn't belong and neither does it drag on and on, or ponder over insignificant details.

Narrative takes a sharp exit at about half way, which was when I truely started to enjoy the book. We see things from the point of view of a well developed, flawed character. She finds herself with the wrong person despite her best efforts to do the right thing. Nor is she perfect at everything, she had things she isn't so good at and it makes it easy to like her. It is the opposuite of the first half of the novel and is well worth the wait.

The pacing picks up during the second half of the novel and after this I found myself unable to stop reading, despite a tent needing to be packed and such other matters. I was a little disappointed with the ending but that's a personal preference. It's not about closure, the ending just snuck up on me and I was expecting things to be a little more rounded. I guess I'll have to read the second one to find out what happens. A cunning marketing ploy from Mike Wells no doubt - it worked. Go and read this book, its worth a go!

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

HMS Surprise - Patrick O'Brian



This is the third installment of O'Brian's series and as I have enjoyed the last two, I thought I would go for the next to see if it was as good as the last.

The novel built on the themes and characters of the last two novels and introduced some new ones too. It was a joy to read even though it was written along similar lines to the last. The parts I found most amusing was Jack's inability to remember cliche sayings. He often merged two together and got them totally incorrect. As well as adding an amusing aspect to the character it shows genius on O'Brian's part for using cliches in a new way. Jack was rather hurt when other characters pointed out his failings and couldn't quite understand what he was doing wrong. It built on his already well established character and was enjoyable.

This time, the characters found themselves in India and the description of the setting is vivid and a credit to the author. I could almost smell the places they visited, feel the warmth of the humid sun and hear the cries of different people as they explored their surroundings. O'Brian is a master at conveying meaning through the eyes of his characters. The same scene is described totally differently depending on who is leading that particular section of narrative - it really is a treat to read. The sea battles are written in such a way, you can't read fast enough, you have to know what happens and the suspense is fantastic.

Also much improved in this novel is the time/location jumps. Many of the long sea voyages are glossed over - who wants to read about the monotonous six month voyage from England to India one day at a time? Important events are well written and this time, instead of just jumping forward, there is an explanation. The transition is much smoother and it makes a better read. The naval jargon is still there but at this point, I have learned enough to know the difference between sets of sails so it no longer seems to be much of an issue (for me anyway).

I am going to take a break form the series however, I don't want to have too much of a good thing! It's not finished though, I shall return to it in time. They really are worth a read!