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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Trespasser: Dublin Murder Squad in Books
Dec 11, 2017
Good, realistic but fairly anti-climactic
Tana French's look into the Dublin police force is gritty and rather depressing, filled with backbiting and even sabotage. It is gripping in the beginning, seeing a murder investigation almost in real time. The downfall of this book, ironically, is its length, having revealed most of the plot three-quarters of the way through the novel.
The plot of The Trespasser centres on a murder investigation viewed as a straightforward domestic with the murderer being the victim’s boyfriend, but Antoinette and Steve discover something far more sinister. The obvious suspect is subjected to interrogation in a most unorthodox and questionable manner with harsh treatment and language that is likely to be unconvincing to readers – and hopefully is far-fetched. Narrative is largely via Antoinette, and her language and dialogue are irritatingly intrusive throughout the book.
In addition to background support a third detective is added to the team who attempts to force an early arrest of the prime suspect, but Antoinette and Steve are looking elsewhere. The plot becomes hugely complex as corruption is exposed and doubts creep in that the murderer may be closer than the murder victim’s boyfriend. With that being said, the to-ing and fro-ing between three suspects becomes tedious and the big reveal as a result, is rather anti-climactic. Interesting read nevertheless.
The plot of The Trespasser centres on a murder investigation viewed as a straightforward domestic with the murderer being the victim’s boyfriend, but Antoinette and Steve discover something far more sinister. The obvious suspect is subjected to interrogation in a most unorthodox and questionable manner with harsh treatment and language that is likely to be unconvincing to readers – and hopefully is far-fetched. Narrative is largely via Antoinette, and her language and dialogue are irritatingly intrusive throughout the book.
In addition to background support a third detective is added to the team who attempts to force an early arrest of the prime suspect, but Antoinette and Steve are looking elsewhere. The plot becomes hugely complex as corruption is exposed and doubts creep in that the murderer may be closer than the murder victim’s boyfriend. With that being said, the to-ing and fro-ing between three suspects becomes tedious and the big reveal as a result, is rather anti-climactic. Interesting read nevertheless.
Fails to Disappoint :)
This book certainly deserves its status as an essential modern classic.
It provides a somewhat sinister feel, but remains thought provoking. The overall story is short, but it incorporates such strong ideas that it makes up for it being a short read. Not only is it enjoyable, but it also serves to educate the reader on the dangers of attempting a utopian society. Its concept of why it is important to retain human memories – even the bad – in order that wisdom can exist, adds to the fascinating factor.
This book would be great to spur discussion and introspection. Although fans of contemporary dystopian novels will be sure to love this series, the book isn't solely the story of a depressing utopia. It's mainly the story of the relationship between the main characters: the Giver, Jonas, and... I won't say her name, and of course, the baby Gabe. This book is a more of a mystery in which things don't much get answered- they're left to linger. That's part of the beauty and hopefulness in this book! Just read the damn book, then call me.
You won't be disappointed if you read it, because it's an enjoyable read. It contains a great plot, the community is interesting, and the ending is fantastic and JUST a little ambiguous!-- cool!
It provides a somewhat sinister feel, but remains thought provoking. The overall story is short, but it incorporates such strong ideas that it makes up for it being a short read. Not only is it enjoyable, but it also serves to educate the reader on the dangers of attempting a utopian society. Its concept of why it is important to retain human memories – even the bad – in order that wisdom can exist, adds to the fascinating factor.
This book would be great to spur discussion and introspection. Although fans of contemporary dystopian novels will be sure to love this series, the book isn't solely the story of a depressing utopia. It's mainly the story of the relationship between the main characters: the Giver, Jonas, and... I won't say her name, and of course, the baby Gabe. This book is a more of a mystery in which things don't much get answered- they're left to linger. That's part of the beauty and hopefulness in this book! Just read the damn book, then call me.
You won't be disappointed if you read it, because it's an enjoyable read. It contains a great plot, the community is interesting, and the ending is fantastic and JUST a little ambiguous!-- cool!
Ready Player One
8.9
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Soon to be a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg. It's the year 2044, and the real...
Sci-Fi Utopia
BookInspector (124 KP) rated After She's Gone in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonists in this book would be Malin and Jake, and the book is told mainly from their perspectives. Malin is a police officer, who grew up in an isolated town called Ormberg, and is back with her colleagues, to investigate a murder, that happened years ago. Jake is a teenage schoolboy, who loves dressing up in woman’s clothes, and by accident, gets hold of Hanne’s diary. I really liked most of the characters in this book, and I loved to read their personal and intriguing stories. I really liked the way Camilla Grebe shared the story of not only the main but supporting characters as well.
The narrative of this book was interesting, but it lacked suspense and excitement. Especially, the investigation part. Sometimes the chapters really dragged, particularly Malin’s parts. Her parts lacked intrigue, and her thoughts became quite repetitive after a while. I really enjoyed Jake’s parts, his secret life, his thoughts and snippets from Hanne’s diary, held this book together. The topics discussed were dementia and how the person feels while having it, bullying, sexual confusion, refugee situation from native’s perspectives, and many more.
The setting of this book is cold, gloomy, quite claustrophobic and depressing. The plot is set in the middle of forests full of snow, so it is perfect for winter lovers.
The narrative of this book was interesting, but it lacked suspense and excitement. Especially, the investigation part. Sometimes the chapters really dragged, particularly Malin’s parts. Her parts lacked intrigue, and her thoughts became quite repetitive after a while. I really enjoyed Jake’s parts, his secret life, his thoughts and snippets from Hanne’s diary, held this book together. The topics discussed were dementia and how the person feels while having it, bullying, sexual confusion, refugee situation from native’s perspectives, and many more.
The setting of this book is cold, gloomy, quite claustrophobic and depressing. The plot is set in the middle of forests full of snow, so it is perfect for winter lovers.
ClareR (5721 KP) rated We All Want Impossible Things in Books
Feb 17, 2023
What a wonderful book this is! I started reading with trepidation, but as I read, I realised that this isn’t just a book about dying, it’s about the living right up until you die. It’s a book about life - and about having a good death. It’s incredibly moving, I wouldn’t say it’s depressing or morose at all, in fact I would say that it’s life affirming.
Edi and Ash have been best friends since childhood. When Edi is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ash offers to take her home to where she lives, so that her young son doesn’t have to watch her final weeks.
The hospice that Edi stays in is full of interesting characters: from the patient who plays Fiddler on the Roof at full glorious volume, to the doctor who reminds Ash of one of the Sopranos, and a musician who can play any song you request.
This is a book of laughter and sadness, of letting go and moving on. Ash is a wonderful friend with a rather messy, frankly hilarious, sex life. Ash and Eli’s relationship is truly special.
We All Want Impossible Things is a touching novel that had me laughing and crying in equal measure, as well as bringing back memories of my own experiences.
This book really is worth reading. Utterly beautiful.
Edi and Ash have been best friends since childhood. When Edi is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ash offers to take her home to where she lives, so that her young son doesn’t have to watch her final weeks.
The hospice that Edi stays in is full of interesting characters: from the patient who plays Fiddler on the Roof at full glorious volume, to the doctor who reminds Ash of one of the Sopranos, and a musician who can play any song you request.
This is a book of laughter and sadness, of letting go and moving on. Ash is a wonderful friend with a rather messy, frankly hilarious, sex life. Ash and Eli’s relationship is truly special.
We All Want Impossible Things is a touching novel that had me laughing and crying in equal measure, as well as bringing back memories of my own experiences.
This book really is worth reading. Utterly beautiful.
Verner Latskin (74 KP) rated Deadpool (2016) in Movies
Jul 20, 2017
It's a freaking Deadpool movie (4 more)
Deadpool.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, arguably the reason he was put on this earth
It's fun, really funny, and appropriately shallow where it should be
The modest budget was very good for this film, forcing (allowing?) a focus on character
It could have been funnier still (1 more)
Not enough Deadpool.
A more than promising start to the only superhero franchise I can really get excited about anymore
After ten plus years of overly serious, dour, and sometimes downright depressing movies about silly people who choose to dress in silly outfits when they fight equally ridiculous "bad guys", we finally got Deadpool. Sure, Guardians of the Galaxy was the first one to take itself not so seriously, and it was genuinely great, but nothing beats the small scale stakes of a guy who just wants really good plastic surgery so his girlfriend will still want to f him. Because that's what Deadpool is, and it's great. It could have perhaps, possibly, still been funnier, as there are several scenes that just felt as if they were missing 'something', but that might be largely due to the fact that we don't get to Deadpool being Deadpool until almost half way through - i know a lot of people would disagree, but for me, the only real problem with "Deadpool" is that there isn't enough Deadpool. But what we get is pretty amazing.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine in Books
Sep 26, 2018
Black sheep on this one
I’m shocked by how little enjoyment this book brought to my brain and heart considering it’s high ratings/review. I was completely underwhelmed by the storyline and by Eleanor herself. This was a tragic and depressing read that didn’t bring any joy or warmth to my reading soul either through chinks of light or quality of writing.
I struggled with this book from the off. The book is narrated solely from Eleanor’s point of view and considering its clear that she has a cognitive problem of initially undetermined origin, in particular with social interaction, her train of thought was jarring and difficult to follow. This didn’t make for good narrative flow and it felt like walking through sludge at times.
There are two elements of the storyline that piqued my interest, Eleanor’s mother and Raymond. They were the only elements that kept me reading and Raymond in particular was everything normal and decent in terms of friendship. The mother element was just something I needed answers on.
The cover is clever, once I realised the connection, I really think it was excellent.
I am clearly in the minority on this book but I am also very happy to stand by my opinion on it. It didn’t capture me in any way and I feel deflated at the end.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for a honest review.
I struggled with this book from the off. The book is narrated solely from Eleanor’s point of view and considering its clear that she has a cognitive problem of initially undetermined origin, in particular with social interaction, her train of thought was jarring and difficult to follow. This didn’t make for good narrative flow and it felt like walking through sludge at times.
There are two elements of the storyline that piqued my interest, Eleanor’s mother and Raymond. They were the only elements that kept me reading and Raymond in particular was everything normal and decent in terms of friendship. The mother element was just something I needed answers on.
The cover is clever, once I realised the connection, I really think it was excellent.
I am clearly in the minority on this book but I am also very happy to stand by my opinion on it. It didn’t capture me in any way and I feel deflated at the end.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for a honest review.
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Last Full Measure (2020) in Movies
Jan 25, 2020
The main reason I saw this film was because of Sebastian Stan. Of course, the story is interesting. Stan's character is gathering evidence for a Medal of Honor for an Airman named Pitts during Operation Abilene during Vietnam.
It was interesting for the film to show portrayals of multiple cases of PTSD. It was obviously sad, and I had a headache from the tears that wouldn't stop running down my face. It definitely tugs at the heartstrings. It was also pretty depressing. But, of course, it does have a happily ever after.
I found the whole quest for a medal interesting. Since I saw 1917 last weekend, with the main character openly talking about trading his bit of ribbon from the Somme for some wine because it didn't mean anything. Also, I happen to have a bro that was glad when he didn't get a Purple Heart, and wants nothing to do with medals. I suppose the medal was sought for the parents, and because the vets from the Vietnam War were treated poorly. Though, you could argue that vets from every war haven't been treated particularly well.
I think this film was Peter Fonda's last, which shows how long ago it was filmed. I'm not sure why the release was delayed for around 2 years. I guess overall, if you're interested in war films, specifically Vietnam, you would like it. I don't think it would be for everyone.
It was interesting for the film to show portrayals of multiple cases of PTSD. It was obviously sad, and I had a headache from the tears that wouldn't stop running down my face. It definitely tugs at the heartstrings. It was also pretty depressing. But, of course, it does have a happily ever after.
I found the whole quest for a medal interesting. Since I saw 1917 last weekend, with the main character openly talking about trading his bit of ribbon from the Somme for some wine because it didn't mean anything. Also, I happen to have a bro that was glad when he didn't get a Purple Heart, and wants nothing to do with medals. I suppose the medal was sought for the parents, and because the vets from the Vietnam War were treated poorly. Though, you could argue that vets from every war haven't been treated particularly well.
I think this film was Peter Fonda's last, which shows how long ago it was filmed. I'm not sure why the release was delayed for around 2 years. I guess overall, if you're interested in war films, specifically Vietnam, you would like it. I don't think it would be for everyone.
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