lørdag den 6. marts 2010

Kate Atkinson, One Good Turn (2006)


[Dansk titel: En god gerning (2007)]

This is the Scottish writer´s second Jackson Brodie novel.

The plot is rather complex as we experience four days seen from several different points of view. The story begins when “Paul Bradley” (one of many characters who is not what he seems in this drama) has to brake because a pedestrian steps out in front of his car. The Honda behind him hits his bumper, and what seems to be an insignificant occurrence sets off a chain reaction.

This novel is well-written and carefully planned, but perhaps not the best choice for a very busy week. The complex plot is supposed to be funny, but I just saw the many turns and twists as unrealistic and confusing.

See my review of Atkinson´s debut, Case Histories, which I enjoyed very much.

Have you tried having very high expectations to a book which could not really live up to it?

10 kommentarer:

Jose Ignacio Escribano sagde ...

As the saying goes One good turn deserves another.

Kelly sagde ...

Nothing worse than highly anticipating a book only to be disappointed.

This sounds fairly interesting, but sometimes I don't want to have to "work" at reading a book.

Dorte H sagde ...

Jose: yes, but I didn´t need ten twists and turns :D I think her next book is better, though.

Kelly: it is probably a really good book, and I know that it is funny so perhaps the main problem for me was that it was so different from her first.

Anonym sagde ...

You're right, Case Histories was better, but I really liked One Good Turn as well.

Have you read Behind the Scenes at the Museum? It's on my shelf, but haven't had a chance yet.

Dorte H sagde ...

Cathryn: I think the novel is good, but I was just unable to appreciate it this week. I need something less complex right now. I have only read these two Jackson Brodie novels yet, but I have not given up on her at all. I have read so many enthusiastic reviews of When Will There Be Good News.

Beth F sagde ...

I haven't read any of her novels yet, but they are on my list.

Heather sagde ...

I read Case Histories a few weeks back and really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading this one.

Dorte H sagde ...

Beth, I have heard so much good about them, especially the first and third in the series so I think it is just my mood that wasn´t right for this one.

Heather: Case Stories impressed me very much. I hope you are going to enjoy this one also.

Sandra sagde ...

Funny enough, I just read the first Chapter of When Will There Be Good News online and I simply must know what happens!
I'm going to get it from the library and I'll try her others when my mind needs something lighter. Thank you for writing about this author. I'll go read your other review of her work too.

Dorte H sagde ...

Sandra: When Will There Be Good News is high on my list as I have seen so many excellent reviews of it. The first was also great, and I suspect that if I had been more motivated, I would also have enjoyed this one. I was just washed-out and found it messy.