When Will There Be Good News?: A Novel
by Kate Atkinson
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Book Reviews of When Will There Be Good News?: A Novel
Book Review: A Great Read
Summary: 5 Stars
Every chapter is like a little novel. You're drawn into a world where coincidence lies at the very heart of this great writer's bag of tricks. Yes, there are many coincidences, but what a great loss it would be if they weren't there; the intertwining of past relationships, of past and present tragedies -- this is what makes this book so special.
And Reggie -- she's like a fairy tale come true. She's so small that no one can believe that she's sixteen, but she has the heart and soul of someone beyond all years. Her relationship with Jackson, which comes at the latter half of the book is as moving as her relationship to Sadie ( a very smart and loyal dog). There are many other characters that could be mentioned that are key to the story -- the cynical, down-at-herself Louise, the wonderful Joanna, playing a role for thirty years, etc. But this is, in essence, a suspense novel and it build to a tremendous climax. Yes, at some point and in some lives, there is some good news, but not for most of us.
Book Review: Mystery takes a back seat
Summary: 4 Stars
Most of the "mystery" in this book takes place toward the end. Nine-tenths of the novel is devoted to characterization, to plot and to the continuation of themes common in Atkinson's stories: women and their relationship to various men; infidelity; parenting (protective and indifferent); children fending for themselves; and faithful pets, among others. Resolution of the mystery takes place in a quick few pages. The entire book is full of crackling good writing and story telling. Suspend belief for the duration and accept that all these characters' lives have indeed intersected. Thus the author has created the engine to move this intricate, though improbable, story through to its conclusion (for this book). I am certain some of Atkinson's characters will appear again in subsequent stories: Jackson and Louise at minimum, and with any luck, Reggie. (Any 16-year-old translating Ovid deserves a second appearance.) This was a very enjoyable book. I look forward to the next installment.Book Review: Dark well written suspense
Summary: 5 Stars
Read the first twelve pages of When Will There Be Good News? By Kate Atkinson, and I predict that you will continue reading to the last page. The story begins with a tale of childhood and an explosion of violence, and continues years later, as the present intersects with the past.
Sixteen year old Reggie steals the show with her charm, wit and courage ; Jackson Brodie, Detective Inspector Louise Monroe, and Dr. Joanna Hunter have key roles to play, and charm of their own.
Several stories interweave and the reader needs to pay attention. David Needler is a violent husband, Neil Hunter a cypher of a husband, and Andrew Decker a madman, all with key roles to play.
Sadie the dog plays her part, as does Reggie's criminal brother Billie, and her eccentric tutor and friend Ms. MacDonald. All in all, a satisfying and well written novel.
The charismatic Jackson Brodie starred in two earlier novels, and now I am drawn to read her other books.
Book Review: Captivating.
Summary: 5 Stars
Atkinson is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Her writing is outstanding, and her humor is genius.
This was my favorite Brodie novel to date. What I admire so much about this book, is that Atkinson didn't fall into the trap that many authors do when writing a series - turning out the same book again and again. The writing was top notch, and the story engrossing.
When Will There Be Good News was full of the complexity and detail that made Behind the Scenes at the Museum: A Novel such a great read. There were a lot of characters, but they were fascinating and likeable, and there were a lot of threads to the story which were woven together excellently.
I hope Atkinson turns out some non-Brodie fiction again in the future, but I will eagerly await the next installment in the series as well.
Book Review: Reggie Will Enter Your Heart
Summary: 5 Stars
I want more Reggie Chase!!! Kate Atkinson is a witty genius when creating characters that amuse, touch and STICK WITH YOU. I was already hooked on Jackson Brodie and now we have young beleaguered Reggie Chase to know and love and worry about. I hope Kate will bring her back in future novels (hint! hint!)
Third of a series of "sort-of" mystery novels set in Scotland and England, "When Will There Be Good News?" is the best and the wryest. It's not so much plot driven, and if you just can't suspend your disbelieve for some unbelievable coincidences, well, maybe this isn't the series for you, but if you CAN, you will be richly rewarded with a panoply of well drawn characters and, despite some of the horrible happenings, humor at every turn.
I'll be pre-ordering Kate Atkinson's next novel...I hope to re-meet Reggie there, but even if I don't, I know I will meet someone else to love.