Stone Bruises

by Simon Beckett

My first Simon Beckett. I have to be honest, I expected more. Sure, the writing was solid enough but the story left a lot to be desired for.

First, I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable. And I couldn't really relate to anything that Sean, the central character, did or didn't do - be it in France or in the interwoven back story in London. Also, through most of the book nothing much happens. The days simply go by and I didn't get any more curious about whatever happened to Louis.

Then in the the last chapter, everything happens. And we are talking the entire history of the French family including murder and incest. Couldn't that have been spread out more? Maybe whatever happened to Louis could have come out earlier and added at least some tension to the story. Or, some more tension than the whole Gretchen angle...whatever that was supposed to be, we never quite know why she does what she does and then appears to forget about it completely. Maybe she was just being a teenager (with all that that entails).

Might well be my last Simon Beckett.

6/10

Open City

by Teju Cole

I expected this to be more about New York somehow. From the blurp on the back I get that there was going to be a lot of philosophizing and memories of childhood. But the main protagonist takes lengthy walks in New York, so...

It is a very pleasant read, anyway.

A big part of the book is set in Brussels, where the encounters become very highbrow and conversations (with someone working at an internet cafe, where all the big brained, aware people obviously work) turn to the Israel/Palestine situation. This all feels a little to constructed and unnatural.

Then, towards the end there is a rape story that seems out of place with the rest of the book and I don't quite know what to do with. It also remains unanswered and without further comment.

6/10