novella
Active Member
Ugh, I had to put this book down halfway through. I actually did something I've never done before--skipped to the last chapter to see if anything actually happens. Even worse, I was glad I did that, because the most predictable ending happens and there's just a load of hot air in between.
Frayn is known mostly as a playwright. This is his first novel, and I was really surprised at the lack of dialogue and action, given his play experience. The book involves an art historian and a painting he thinks may be valuable. The whole idea is that he doesn't want to reveal his suspicions, so goes through all kinds of machinations to conceal his find. On top of that, there are huge digressions on Belgian and Dutch medieval paintings, especially the various Breughels. Whoa, it was the most boring book I've picked up in years.
Well, who am I to say? It got decent reviews . . . maybe it's just not my thing. I was just starved for dialogue or for something to happen.
Anyway, on to greener pastures.
Frayn is known mostly as a playwright. This is his first novel, and I was really surprised at the lack of dialogue and action, given his play experience. The book involves an art historian and a painting he thinks may be valuable. The whole idea is that he doesn't want to reveal his suspicions, so goes through all kinds of machinations to conceal his find. On top of that, there are huge digressions on Belgian and Dutch medieval paintings, especially the various Breughels. Whoa, it was the most boring book I've picked up in years.
Well, who am I to say? It got decent reviews . . . maybe it's just not my thing. I was just starved for dialogue or for something to happen.
Anyway, on to greener pastures.