Black Swan Green

I find writing reviews of very popular books difficult. I know that there are creative reviews that are so good that I have to admit that I not just enjoy reading them but I find myself envious as well. This is my forth David Mitchell book. I have read them from his debut and in order and have had trouble putting forward my thoughts on them to be honest. Ghostwritten and Number9dream were for me very good. Cloud Atlas was verging on genius such was its impression on me. I thought that Black Swan Green would be a considerable let down. Was it hell!

What it proved to me is that David Mitchell is a superb author. He can tell great stories and write them with a magnificent seamlessness even when there are differing styles within the book. I am hooked and dread the day that I might be disappointed with a novel he writes.

I recall one goodreads friend telling me that I did not have to read his books in order but it did help to. I agree with that totally as his ability to weave previous characters from book to book is a joy to this reader. Considering that Black Swan Green is so radically different a novel in both style and substance than Cloud Atlas to me David Mitchell has shown a deft touch in bringing in one specific character from the past that makes for a remarkable chapter.

In the end though this coming of age story is one of the best I have read. Semi-autobiographical, I think, the full gamut of a 13 year olds emotions are to the fore and for anyone who recalls that horrible time in their life there is a lot to relate to. Schoolboy bullying, the opposite sex suddenly looming on the radar, parents have marital problems, all this and more loom large in this fine book. Some memories came flooding back that I had personally not thought of for years such was the power of this Bildungsroman.

Again though the star rating seems meaningless. This is not Cloud Atlas and David Mitchell was smart enough not to attempt another book of that density and delivery. Cloud Atlas should be remembered forever in my view. Coming of age novels are hardly new territory. Be that as it may this is one heck of a good book and recommended to anyone that likes this type of story.