Edwin. I assume the 'punctuation' was an attempt to cast aspersions on the 'real' number of books a person that could not appreciate this dull book has actually read. I do not apologise for not enjoying a book that for me tried much too hard to address too many issues in a clumsy overworked style. In my opinion it lacked direction and dynamics. There was false colouring of the characters so it was unconvincing as it had no depth or texture. Just because it won awards does not make it a pleasurable , rewarding or informative read for all. If it did there would be only one book and one writer. In that universe there would be no diversity of taste and that would destroy all creativity.
I think you may have identified my issue with the book when you said 'the motifs were there very clearly, early and often.'
I did 'grasp the essentials' and then as they were laboured again and again and again....I wanted to scratch my own eyes out.
I remember now...
If you haven't read it maybe take Edwin's advice - skim read it ...REALLY quickly then if it captures your imagination go back and read it thoroughly.
Bet you don't!!
Bet you pretend you've read it and go and find another book.
Sylvia- 'Goulds book of fish' was the second book. Ironic thing is that i have been given 3 copies of it. I have some very witty but cruel friends.
Carrie...ZS is NOT one of the "top 20 most influential people in Great Britain". I have no intention of naming the hundreds of thousands of people that are more influential than her but i do think that even for a real ZS fan this is a slightly ambitious number. I do wish her all the best in her future career however...happy reading.
If ZS does not help your insomnia I really do recommend Goulds Book of Fish. (that won loads of awards too so it MUST be good).
Nicola- googling it is just cheating. I WOULD be interested to hear your summary if you ever decide to read (and finish) 'the book'. See whether you can write a review of the first third of the book, then the second third and then the final third. That way others could jump in at a bit where that got up to.
Just thought. There is a fantastic collection of 'unfinished works'. Now this is sadly normally due to the death of the author or composer but in ZS's case it would give a totally different twist on the category.
All the best.
Stay safe
