David Best

A strange but enjoyable tale of a “grumpy” old man descending into ever worse behaviour as he seeks to live a new life.

This is not a bad book, just a nothing book. It has a very predictable story arc, albeit an arc which is extended way beyond its merits.

I was bored after about 10%. Initially, I continued in the hope it was going to do something interesting. Thereafter, I carried on simply numbed by its lack of invention.

The ‘down and out' chapters were good - sympathetic, without being rose-tinted.

The grammar, and policy chapters were strangely placed; they both broke the flow of the narrative and seemed better suited as appendices.

I'm late coming to this book. I'm not quite sure why. Alongside The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, for me this is absolutely masterful.

I first read this nearly 40 years ago and really liked it.

Coming back to it now, after so many years, I have been delighted to discover that it still captures me. Yes, it seems seriously weak on its imagining of technology so far ahead, but I don't care: the Shakespearean level of familial and political skullduggery on a solar system scale does it for me.

I am perplexed that I can love Howard's End so much, yet A Room with a View (which many seem to regard as his best work) I found so unpleasant, overdone and rather tedious. Reading it was a chore.

This isn't quit a 5 star Wow but it is pretty close. I loved its humour and humanity.

An enjoyable sci-fi thriller. A bit more “shoot-em” action as the plot progresses than I wanted, which moved it from a 4 to a 3 star. That said, I think I will look for the next in the series.

An enjoyable sci-fi thriller. A bit more “shoot-em” action as the plot progresses than I wanted, which moved it from a 4 to a 3 star. That said, I think I will look for the next in the series.

Probably 3.5. The storyline became a little extreme, but I really liked the development of Gunther in this book. Also, the Chandleresque wisecracking was far more restrained.

Coming to this from only knowing the film The Pride and the Passion, the book was not what I was expecting. (Essentially the film and the book have only the gun itself and Spain in common).

I enjoyed the book, though the tale was told in a very matter of fact, passionless way - but I have come to expect and accept this from Forester.

This was disappointing.

I learned quite a bit about being rubbed down with a cold towel because of the intense, overbearing heat. In all other respects, it left me cold.

This was disappointing.

I learned quite a bit about being rubbed down with a cold towel because of the intense, overbearing heat. In all other respects, it left me cold.

This started out well but became rather too silly, incredible and shallow for me. There was not enough in this to encourage me to read any others in the series.

This started out well but became rather too silly, incredible and shallow for me. There was not enough in this to encourage me to read any others in the series.

The story started off so well but, for me, increasingly lost impact as Chilli became Mr Nice Guy.

Reading this for the first time in 2019, what to say?

I don't mind the dryness. I don't have a problem with the story telling in a rambling recall. However, the inherent gender, social, religious and racial bigotry is difficult to stomach.

Reading this for the first time in 2019, what to say?

I don't mind the dryness. I don't have a problem with the story telling in a rambling recall. However, the inherent gender, social, religious and racial bigotry is difficult to stomach.

I enjoyed this novella; however, even for a novella the actual story is very slight.

Perhaps I had raised expectations because of all the positive reviews, but I found this book to be no more than ‘OK'.

For such a short book, boy does this pack a punch.

The abuses, deprivation and horrors of war and the holocaust are told in such a matter of fact way because they are seen through the eyes of Izolda, and she has just one purpose - to seek to ensure the man she loves survives the war.

For such a short book, boy does this pack a punch.

The abuses, deprivation and horrors of war and the holocaust are told in such a matter of fact way because they are seen through the eyes of Izolda, and she has just one purpose - to seek to ensure the man she loves survives the war.

Possibly a 2.5.

Having enjoyed the first 2 Le Floch books, this one was rather disappointing with an underwhelming dénouement and the strange inclusion of a possession and exorcism.

Possibly a 2.5.

Having enjoyed the first 2 Le Floch books, this one was rather disappointing with an underwhelming dénouement and the strange inclusion of a possession and exorcism.

At times I found myself wishing this book was not so detailed; having finished it, I am glad for that detail.

A tip for readers - have a notepad and pen handy so that you can note, for easy reference, the names and roles of the various ambassadors and ministers that keep popping up.