
I had planned to be swept off my feet, but although I enjoyed the book, it never really stole my heart. The characters, with the exception a wiry and lunatic homeless woman, all seemed two-dimensional to me. The plot got mired in a loop of repeated, frustrating action in the middle and didn't launch out of it for about 30 pages. The two main characters are hilarious, but I never quite overcame my urge to send them for a time out. Neil Gaiman wrote a generous and lovely introduction to the book, and while he claims to be mystified about Martin Millar's status as a slightly lesser author in the ranks of British fantasy novelists, I can see why that is. It didn't help that I was simultaneously reading a perfect short story of Gaiman's at the same time ("October in the Chair"), and so was reminded of his more masterful ability.
Still, it's not a pleasing read. The final scenes are so speedy and tie up all the gags so brilliantly, that I wasn't sorry. And I don't think you will be, either.
1 comment:
I was worried for a minute there - I treated myself to two of his books after seeing them on Dennice's blog! I'll still read them!
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