tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post215195963271462344..comments2023-10-03T11:41:21.191+01:00Comments on The Truth About Lies: Bitter Like Orange PeelJim Murdochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-17691486510405300722014-02-24T13:20:36.136+00:002014-02-24T13:20:36.136+00:00I agree totally, Luca, which is why I made mention...I agree totally, <b>Luca</b>, which is why I made mention of <i>The Road</i>, because that was another novel that really divided opinion. The good thing about this novel is that it promotes debate. Like you I also liked the fact that none of her characters are especially likeable and that doesn’t just go for this book. I completely get why she’d want to write about people like this and her story is sound. Where she falls down is when it comes to technique. She’s trying something new here and I don’t think she quite pulls it off. Is it possible to write a mystery and hide your workings? I don’t know. I’ve not read enough. Some people think the Pompidou Centre is an eyesore; others think it’s wonderful. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I didn’t find her last book plotted. Maybe it was. But this one <i>felt</i> plotted. It’s also overwritten, again a stylistic choice and I think she realises she’s overdone it; a few cringeworthy similes aren’t the worst thing in the world. The ending though… Well. I think it’s a brave ending. It’s not without its problems but at least she was willing to risk all and all credit to her. For the record I hate Marmite.Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-61582414472490846882014-02-24T12:44:17.746+00:002014-02-24T12:44:17.746+00:00Thanks for this concise overview of the critical r...Thanks for this concise overview of the critical reactions to this novel, including my own. If it's not too flippant, I'd say that this is the marmite, or as Jessica's Australian, the vegemite of novels. And I love a bit of that on my toast. British readers will get what I mean. Jamyang Thubtenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01142767897591010601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-73948356164157872252014-02-23T15:32:50.377+00:002014-02-23T15:32:50.377+00:00I think poets make good novelists, Elizabeth (have...I think poets make good novelists, <b>Elizabeth</b> (have to say that ’cause I was a poet first before I ever thought about writing novels), but not always the other way round. There’s a lot in this one to enjoy unless you’re a stickler for neat endings. Knowing where to end a book is a difficult decision. Novels aren’t real life. Real life just goes on and on and even when someone dies there are usually children to carry on the ‘story’. I recently read a book where another reviewer said that it didn’t end so much as stop and that’s what happens here. We’re left to imagine what might happen next. So much effort has gone into finding Roger and then this slap in the face. It’s a thought-provoking end. You might not like it but it will make you think. I can imagine a book group having a field day with a book like this. And that’s a good thing. It’s a sorry book where all you can say at the end of it is that you liked it.<br /><br />And, <b>Jessica</b>, you’re very welcome. I treat my reviewing very seriously as you know. It doesn’t matter who I’m reading. Friend or … well, I don’t really have any foes … they all get treated the same. I worry about where the future of book reviewing lies. I saw your comment on Facebook about Goodreads and this does not bode well. One could argue that all the one-star reviews only serve to take the edge off all the undeserved five-star reviews but it’s a cockeyed world where that has to happen. As I pointed out to another friend recently, a three-star review is not a <i>bad</i> review. I liked his book. I didn’t love it but I liked it. I liked your book. When I say I like you you’re pleased. You don’t start whinging because I haven’t said I love you or want to know how much I like you. What kind of world would that be?Jim Murdochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12786388638146471193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-42044211568600862922014-02-23T15:10:00.636+00:002014-02-23T15:10:00.636+00:00Great review. I knew Jessica was a poet, but I did...Great review. I knew Jessica was a poet, but I didn't realize she was a novelist as well. I love the quote bey Gibran. And I love mysteries. This sounds like an especially good one. Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-2816384050053462412014-02-23T14:47:08.552+00:002014-02-23T14:47:08.552+00:00PS: White Lady is also told from multiple perspect...PS: White Lady is also told from multiple perspectives but this time in first person. :-)Jessica Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10889900730906728317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327348657265652781.post-13696288576438234462014-02-23T14:45:03.516+00:002014-02-23T14:45:03.516+00:00Jim, thank you so much for this fabulous review. T...Jim, thank you so much for this fabulous review. Though it can sometimes be a little ''scary' I value your honesty!Jessica Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10889900730906728317noreply@blogger.com