Last night, I finish J.K. Rowling's "The Casual Vacancy". The book has gotten mixed reviews, with many claiming it's too boring, involves to many "taboo" subjects, and again, is boring. Last night, a friend asked me what I thought of the book. I told him that I liked the book, but subconsciously, I might have an obligation to like the book because of who wrote it. Does that make sense?
I will admit, this book does not have the fabulous, can't put it down, Harry Potter-esque plot line, but the way Rowling develops the characters is classic for her. You know these characters intimately, and while I couldn't personally relate to any of them (their life situations and mine don't jive) I honestly felt like I knew each and every one of them.
The story, set in a small English town, begins with the death of Barry Fairbrother, a town councilman. Suddenly, the council has a void, and three men step up to run for the position. These men, and their families, are put through the political paces, with scandal touching each one of their lives. It's hard to explain the "plot" of this story, because there really isn't one - the timeline is basically that of the political race. The books follows these expertly crafted characters through their days, and trials and tribulations.
If you're looking for a thrilling and exciting read, this is definitely not the book for you! But, if you love characters, and live and breathe with them, and enjoy living someone else's day-to-day life every once in a white, this is one to put on your list!
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