SnitchSeeker.com - View Single Post - JK Rowling's "The Casual Vacancy" open discussion

WingFloo140 · 09-29-2012, 09:14 PM

I stayed up until 6 this morning finishing the book. I'm so tired, but it was really difficult to put down. So, my (hazy) thoughts ...

J.K. Rowling is genius when it comes to characterization and describing a scene. There are so many quotable analogies; I just love her writing style.

The plot and tone I'd describe as Dickensian yet, whoa, mature (really, not for kids!). The dark humor left a wry little smile on my face for much of the book, but the end really makes for misty eyes.

I found it a little frustrating that whenever I thought, "Okay, here's a character I can finally like," I end up discovering he or she has some deep flaws that make the character completely, or nearly, unlikable. You have to be forgiving and very empathetic towards most of the characters to get through the book. Some redeem themselves by the end, thankfully.

I think it was incredibly brave of J.K. to publish this book. It's raw, painful, and so very much not Harry Potter. She really put herself out there. As always, inspiring.

--

Anyone else picture Shirley as Muggle Umbridge?

09-29-2012, 09:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
WingFloo140 Murtlap Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 51 Hogwarts RPG Name: Kleodora Graystone First Year	I stayed up until 6 this morning finishing the book. I'm so tired, but it was really difficult to put down. So, my (hazy) thoughts ... J.K. Rowling is genius when it comes to characterization and describing a scene. There are so many quotable analogies; I just love her writing style. The plot and tone I'd describe as Dickensian yet, whoa, mature (really, not for kids!). The dark humor left a wry little smile on my face for much of the book, but the end really makes for misty eyes. I found it a little frustrating that whenever I thought, "Okay, here's a character I can finally like," I end up discovering he or she has some deep flaws that make the character completely, or nearly, unlikable. You have to be forgiving and very empathetic towards most of the characters to get through the book. Some redeem themselves by the end, thankfully. I think it was incredibly brave of J.K. to publish this book. It's raw, painful, and so very much not Harry Potter. She really put herself out there. As always, inspiring. -- Anyone else picture Shirley as Muggle Umbridge?