Started Early, Took my Dog
by Kate Atkinson.
No claims were made for this book as a great work of literature though many of us found it an enjoyable read.
Several of us were strangers to the detective novel and some found the multiplicity of story strands and the characters’ complex back stories somewhat hard to follow – as was the dipping in and out of different time periods and situations.
There were flaws in the story – in particular an over-reliance on improbable coincidences.
Nonetheless some found the layers of plot fascinating and the characters well-rounded and sympathetically drawn. As with last month’s book familiar locations occasioned some affectionate discussion.
There were loose ends which were a disappointment to some of us.
While some looked forward to a resolution in future stories in the sequence, others professed themselves quite happy to have no further contact with Jackson Brodie.
NS August 2011
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