THE VOTES ARE IN: NO NOT THAT ONE
The most important vote of the last week is in. The Eurocrime reviewers have spoken on their favourite European reads of 2007, and their verdict can be seen at:
I was particularly pleased that two of my selections The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indridason, and Reasonable Doubts by Gianrico Carofiglio were on top of the pile.
A little bit more about about my reasons for picking these and my other selections next week after I have had a chance to digest my fellow reviewers' choices.
Concerning the other vote last week in Iowa, you would have thought with all those reporters hanging around they might have found the lost British driving licence information.
"I think I might as well give up so far as being a candidate. There are so many people in the country who don't like me."
President William Howard Taft 22 July 1912
posted by Uriah Robinson at 4:31 AM
6 Comments:
I haven't read Reasonable Doubts yet - shocking I know - but if it's anything like the last two then it would be have been in my top ten.
I am shocked ;)
But you will definitely enjoy it.
Unlike most of these lists, I have actually read all three of the "winners" and think they are all fab. I would have voted for Draining Lake but chose Voices instead as I reviewed it in 2007: my review of Draining Lake is not up yet. I think it is even better than Voices. Indridason just keeps getting better with each book (I've read all 4) in my opinion.
Looking forward to your views, Norm, I really enjoy "chewing over" books that I and others have read, seeing angles that hadn't occured to me before or just seeing the same book through other people's eyes.
I liked your review of Suffer the Children this week, I agree with your view of the book. I think her next will be better (they seem to alternate between very good and excellent!).
Well done to Karen for putting that list together, though, it must have been a lot of work.
Karen certainly does a fantastic job with Eurocrime. I had not realised there were so many different reviewers from far away places.
I too have read all the Indridasons and I still get the spelling wrong!
The Draining Lake I particularly liked because of the way he created that atmosphere of fear in the East German passages. I must watch Lives of Others some time.
I try not to read other reviews before I read and review a book, and was pleased that we agreed about Suffer the Little Children.
Although your review seemed to flow and was much more literate than my amateur blunt effort.
You are far too modest, Uriah, your reviews are insightful and always hit the spot. You completely "get" the books you review. I admire this quality in your writing very much. I have started reading the Camilleri and Sjowall/Wahloo books (rather than the million others demanding my attention) because of the analyses you write, which go much further than a typical "review" even though your comments are brief. And I have found my faith in your opinion to be well justified, as they are both marvellous series of books about the human condition. It is fascinating, as on the surface, Montalbano and Beck are very different, yet they are soulmates, inextricably. And if it hadn't been for you, I would never have had the joy of experiencing these books. Thank you.
Keep on reviewing!
Maxine I am overwhelmed and heartened by your praise. I rate your opinion very highly especially as you have reviewed for the Philly Enquirer ;).
My own journalistic exposure has been limited to being interviewed before Christmas by the North Devon Gazette about the closure, oops sorry relocation of CARE Blackerton.
This could be the new Mafia terminology. Montalbano could investigate the disappearance of an anti Mafia prosecutor, who has been relocated to the foundations of the Palermo-Catania motorway.
Certainly after your comment I may need an even bigger hat size. :)
I am very pleased that you enjoy Montalbano and Beck so much, because I have enjoyed so many of the books recommended by you and other bloggers.
Post a Comment
<< Home