Rich

Legacy sequels rarely work, but it's the hope each and every time, you know? Its good to be back in Brentford again.

I have a theory that every time JRRT was given an editorial note from a publisher he added another chapter of laborious backstory because fuck you.

Murder enfused chicken soup for the soul

• I potentially enjoyed the fact I was reading this book more than I actually enjoyed reading it.
• Please keep telling me the primary protagonist is "The cleverest woman in Europe". Maybe one more time.
• Pre-Regency era Lois Lane doesn't like being married to Clark Kent.

I mostly kid. It's fine.

As a big fan of the initial Brentford trilogy's humour, characters, and style, this made me want to go re-read those again.

A fun nostalgia trip that doesn't quite engage me as much as the original did, but still a fun revisit to the glorious town of Brentford, and I'll be continuing the series.

Deeply smart and enjoyable. Takes the premise and runs hard with it. Structurally it's very good; starting with something resembling a suite of short stories before pivoting into something larger. The midpoint lull is manageable and sticks the landing with a lovely existential-dread-inducing finale.

If one squints, there's definitely some gems in here, but I suspect only in retrospect. Unfortunately outdated enough that even the most mature codebases will likely be migrating away from the toolsets evangelised here.

An enjoyable and well informed trip through England's medieval rulers though the cosy lens of the national treasure that is David Mitchell. That it took me over 2 years to finish is no indication of quality. Each chapter was mostly dedicated to a single individual, and each could stand up well on their own.

This did mean, for me at least, that it provided opportunities for prolonged leisurely breaks from the book where I'd distract myself with more cliffangery reading materials for months at a time.. but I'd always be able to come back, returning into the welcoming world of a numbered Richard, Henry or Æthelstan, and their somewhat storied lives. Glad I took the time, would completely recommend.

I made peace very early with the fact that the flurry of locations, transportation methods and routes would wash over me, and enjoyed the ride!

For me, the message is clear and perennially accurate; the story dragged.

Essential reading for anyone who wants more than sport to talk about with Dad while you're both waiting for Mum to come to the phone.