Trigger warning: murder and suicide
Despite the fact I bought this is in New York's Strand bookstore this book is British. It's about a teacher who goes into assembly one day and goes and kills three people. It follows the police woman in charge of the case and her working out why the teacher did this atrocity.
The book is written from two different types of perspectives; one is the third person following the police advancements of the case and the other is the dialouge from the testimonies. This is where the writing really really shines. They are woven together really well. Each character has a very distinct voice and this is probably the book's strongest point.
This book is gorgeously British, from references to supermarkets to the education system. I loved it for that. I don't think it would have had the same effect if it was set in the USA as they have a much stronger gun culture and school shootings are much more regular (which is just awful). It was shocking and the response was so strong because it never happens.
It was very gripping and paced really well. The narrative added to the pace in a really positive manner. It was just a really good crime novel that isn't too gory.
There was a lot about prejudice and bullying cultures throughout the book which felt like a social commentary. This part in the book especially was very dark and wasn't exactly a summer read. Most definitely an adult book.
I would recommend this if:
You want a non-gory entry into crime
You would like a book on crime that is very British
You want a book that is a caricature of British senior schools.
I gave this four stars.
Buy it here
It was very gripping and paced really well. The narrative added to the pace in a really positive manner. It was just a really good crime novel that isn't too gory.
There was a lot about prejudice and bullying cultures throughout the book which felt like a social commentary. This part in the book especially was very dark and wasn't exactly a summer read. Most definitely an adult book.
I would recommend this if:
You want a non-gory entry into crime
You would like a book on crime that is very British
You want a book that is a caricature of British senior schools.
I gave this four stars.
Buy it here
This seriously looks like a really good book, and Simon Lelic also wrote 'Rupture', didn't he? If this book is half as good as Rupture than yes, I really do have high hopes for it, and will definitely be taking it out.
ReplyDeleteOh, and that coverwork is awesome - I LOVE IT.
Amy // The Blog Hermit