The Likeness by Tana French
I sometimes have the greatest difficulty getting into a book. I'm never sure whether it is because of the mood I am in or the jumble of thoughts whirling in my mind at the time. With me it is unlikely that it is because of any imperfection in the author's style or content. I can say this because some of the best books I have read have been difficult for me to get started and then to build up that crucial (for me) momentum of absorption and interest that gets me glued in for the duration.
Tana French's The Likeness is one such book for me. And what a book! Ms French delves deep into her characters' psyches and chooses fascinating themes to explore so one gets a great deal more than just a good who-dunnit. Amongst the many aspects of the book that had me enthralled was her exploration of charisma emanating from people whose characters are deeply flawed and her examination of the ease with which we can become caught up and controlled by the magnetism of another person. It is her skill to enable the reader to personally identify with her characters in an internal deeply personal way.
Ms French has an ability to almost magically draw the reader into her descriptions of place and character. It's that peculiar lyricism of her writing - like water flowing over mossy pebbles - which is so very, very Irish and which is so intoxicating for the reader. Well, I can't speak for others but she surely intoxicates me!
No comments:
Post a Comment