Phil Preston
This story has many beautiful passages and pontifications on life and, overall, I found it to be a highly charged ball of energy that was hard to put down. I could imagine the writing style might be too intensely descriptive for some. Not for me, though, as there was expediency to go with it. Lauren has nailed some of the great truths of life through the 'girl' without appearing heavy handed or retro-fitting today's values to yesterday's world. It is loosely based on the Jamestown colony in Virginia 1609-1611 which is a sad tale that ended badly. If you haven't read it and feel unsure, do yourself a favour and give it a go because it may just be one of the best books you'll ever read.
A fantastic narration of the Cadbury journey and there was clearly a lot of research that went into it. In terms of the conclusion about the dangers of short term shareholders, I would add that going public gave benefactors liquidity (who later sold down and diversified) and that was the root cause of that problem. The story had extra interest for me as my great grandfather George Frappell came from England to Tasmania in 1921 to help set up the factory, and relatives Basil and Keith Wells worked most of their life in that plant.
It obviously works on some level and if you know what that level is, please let me know. Whilst we can have a little laugh about the undefined nature of the Koob-Sassen project and how a raft of talentless people have an influence in society, there is not much else to take away for mine. Devoid of character development and general interest. At least it was short and easy reading!
An exceedingly boring story for much of it, and it was the last 100 pages that saved it. I found the plot to be very linear and repetitive and, given the nature of the ‘alien' characters, there was not a lot of joy to be found in character development. It was also seemed highly implausible that so many hitchhikers disappeared before the authorities caught on.
The use of words that the reader didn't entirely understand was more annoying than clever. Having said all that, it did become interesting as the central character had to deal with adverse events and a visit from a higher authority. Thank goodness for that!
Reading the synopsis of the movie, it barely resembles this book.
Mr Pip - What I liked: Quite a simple setting and easy story to follow (no Luminaries-style mental gymnastics). Thought it was a nice twist at the end where we were presented with the possibility that this was a performance / acting assignment by Watts. Also, good to find out the source of the trolley pulling! Really good to read a story set in Australia's backyard - a country / community that we don't know much about and this was a good mechanism.
Liked the theme of tolerance in Watts character, versus Matilda's Mum who was judgemental (although redeemed herself through bravery / defiance perhaps). I wish I could be more like Wattsy! Easy uto see how it would make a good screenplay.
Things I struggled with:
- I don't think I had a great grasp of Matilda even though the story was told through her eyes. I know what she was thinking and going through but feel like I didn't know her that well
- I also thought that, early on, the village as a whole were pretty laid back when all around there was the potential for danger.
It was an enjoyable read. Complemented by the fact I read Great Expectations not so long ago too. And my score ....
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3.5 (very good but not life changing!)
