‘The Casual Vacancy’, by J.K. Rowling

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Get your coffee, and let’s get start it! 😉

Discovery:

For a long time I couldn’t get myself to read this ‘non-Harry-Potter’ book of J. K. Rowling because of the numerous negative critics I’ve seen. Then after years I finally made myself do it as I was in fact very curious (though scared a little) what she creates in the non-magical territory. I knew that this was gonna be what decides if I consider her a “good writer”, the kind of one who is not only the master of building up fantastic worlds, but also of words.

Brainstorm:

As I said, I was afraid of this book a little, and I have to admit, I was very skeptical at the beginning. I wasn’t sure if the idea, this plot, was for me. As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about, though. I didn’t even realize and I was already more and more involved, spiraling down towards the ending, and by the time I got to the second half of the novel, I was bothered if I had to put it down. There were twists I did not expect, the phrasing touched the right places at the right times in my soul and I couldn’t help but admire her character building! This novel deals with serious and relevant social issues, and shows how our modern world’s cruel reality is behind even such a seemingly dull scene as a classic and common English village. It happened to be way better than I thought it would be, and I am so glad I finally decided to take it out from my TBR pile!

Let’s give it a grade!

1. Story: 5/5
2. Characters: 5/5
3. Style: 5/5
4. The Subjective Factor: 5/5

• GPA: 5

Uniqueness:

What now I think makes any of Rowling’s novels unique, is her amazing style and incredibly believable and real-like characters. She somehow manages to be poetic, eloquent and blunt all at the same time. She knows when less is more and when more is more. She’s a rare talent.

Recommend to:

I’ve read several favorable comments about The Casual Vacancy which, though expressing positive opinions, did not recommend it to those who would have expected a Harry Potter-like enchantment from it – because they would be disappointed. I don’t necessarily agree with this. I think it depends on what one really loved in the HP books. If it is particularly the magic, the fantastic world that (seemingly) leaves the reality behind, then this book is sure enough not for them. However, those who were charmed by the meticulous elaboration, the perfectly painted atmosphere by using only a few words or sentences, the poignantly authentic portrayal of the characters that have dynamic, subtle relations with each other… those will find the magic in this novel just as much. (At least I did.)

Drink tip:

Whiskey. Scotch. A lot.

Music room:

The Rolling Stones (No, not a pun. Seriously.)

Future:

It is done: J. K. Rowling has kept her place among my favorite authors. From now on, I will yearn for every new book she writes (if she does) just as I did for the Potter books. And I am about to read all her novels written by her nome-de-plume Robert Galbraith.

 

I hope you enjoyed this post, as well as your coffee! (Mine is for sure as hell happily gurgling in my stomach.) Don’t forget to comment or contact me, if you have any thoughts to share! 😉

Hugs 🙂

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