R.I.P. Challenge book #5
My last book in this year's Challenge is a reread. In 1996 I borrowed Knollekop (Bucket Nut) by Liza Cody from the library, and loved it so much that when I came across it at the annual Centraal Boekhuis book fair the next year, I picked up a copy.
( Read more... )
I think what I mean is that thrillers are generally plot-driven, while I prefer character-driven novels. The latter usually pay more attention to style too, IMO. Which is also why I liked this book so much. The plot is rather flimsy, but Eva is a great character.
Funnily enough, I love Agatha Christie's cosy mysteries as comfort reading, and I'm just sorry there aren't any new ones for me to discover, since I know most of them practically by heart.
how by a few twists of fate things could have been much different.
I guess I don't like twists of fate, because they have a tendency to make me sad (see The Cave and "A Good Man Is Hard to Find"). :)
I think most books are thrillers in some sense of the word
You're probably right there, a lot of books are indeed suspenseful in one way or another. I think the alternative would be a book in which nothing happens. That'd be a boring read!
I love Donna Tartt's books. I think you could call them thrillers, but they are also beautifully written. Win/win!
Reply
I prefer character-driven novels as well. Great characters can make up for a weak plot, but the best plot can be destroyed by flimsy characters.
I love Donna Tartt's books. I think you could call them thrillers, but they are also beautifully written.
I loved Secret History but didn't like The Little Friend, although I can't exactly remember why just now. I couldn't get into it and dropped it after 60 or so pages - could be I just wasn't in the mood for it at the time. That sometimes happens to me with books. I realize the book is good but it isn't working for me, so I figure the problem is me and not the book and I usually go back to the book at a later time and end up enjoying it - that is exactly what happened with The Thirteenth Tale. Gave up after 20 pages on the first try but felt I wasn't giving the book a fair chance. Second attempt...I plowed through it, lol.
Reply
In the case of The Little Friend it is probably the book, because I only know of a very few people besides me who not only finished it, but also loved it. Most people gave up.
Personally, I thought it was great. Completely different from The Secret History though.
I particularly remember a scene towards the end of the book, which took place near a water tower. It had me on the edge of my seat.
Reply
Leave a comment