Christine Falls: A Novel
by Benjamin Black, John Banville
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Book Summary Information
Author: Benjamin Black, John BanvilleEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Published)
Format: Bargain Price
Published: 2007-03-06
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Book Reviews of Christine Falls: A Novel
Book Review: A Better Mystery
Summary: 4 Stars
I only recently, that is within the last 2-3 years, begun to read mystery novels. The term "mystery" here refers to a broad scope of writing in which some particular deed propels the action until a denouement is reached, usually by a central protagonist versus antagonist progression. Hmm, let me think about that. Continuing... although there is much worthwhile material out there (Chandler et. al.) , unfortunately there is much junk, particularly in the mass market area, junk food for the mind. Recently however I've found several novels that are a step above the usually formulaic mediocrity and Christine Falls is one of them. This is actually a novel with a mystery, in the sense of an unknown to be derived, contained within and propelling the action. The characters are well drawn as is the milieu in which the novel takes place. Quirke, the protagonist, is, in my opinion, a bitt odd yet has some saving graces. The repression that made up his early life lasted a little too long; thus Quirke shares himself only with himself. He cannot bring himself to act spontaneously save at the very end to no lasting effect. I think the mood captures the conservative, repressed atmosphere of Ireland in the 1950's. The novel's stimulation emanates from Quirke's lurching involuntary advance in discovering the truth about Christine Falls. The characters and their further adventures are picked up in The Silver Swan where we find a continuation of Quirke's insular curiosity once again discovering a truth and, in the process, revealing a little more of himself. I give this book a B+. Definitely worthwhile as is the sequel, The Silver Swan.
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