literary author Jane Smiley does a murder mystery, which is cause enough for interest. the central character is fascinatingly and realistically deluded in her understanding of the events unfolding around her and in her lack of comprehension of the inner character of her lifelong friends. this is much more of a slow-burning character study and a depiction of an emotionally intricate set of relationships than a suspense-filled mystery. however, the sequence in which the heroine finally finds herself to be a target is nerve-wracking, tensely-paced, just expertly accomplished overall - and would not be out of place in a well-done but more traditional thriller. a part of that sequence takes place in a kitchen, which was certainly an amusingly sardonic commentary on a traditional gender role - a commentary which is an undercurrent throughout the novel (as it also appears to be throughout the rest of Smiley's work). also of interest: the atypical characterization of the secret villain - one whose nature turns out to be both sinister and, somehow, bovine. in sum, a minor but intriguing novel: a successful whodunit and an oddly barbed meditation on how still waters often run quite deep indeed.
target acquired
agent mark monday standing by
literary author Jane Smiley does a murder mystery, which is cause enough for interest. the central character is fascinatingly and realistically deluded in her understanding of the events unfolding around her and in her lack of comprehension of the inner character of her lifelong friends. this is much more of a slow-burning character study and a depiction of an emotionally intricate set of relationships than a suspense-filled mystery. however, the sequence in which the heroine finally finds herself to be a target is nerve-wracking, tensely-paced, just expertly accomplished overall - and would not be out of place in a well-done but more traditional thriller. a part of that sequence takes place in a kitchen, which was certainly an amusingly sardonic commentary on a traditional gender role - a commentary which is an undercurrent throughout the novel (as it also appears to be throughout the rest of Smiley's work). also of interest: the atypical characterization of the secret villain - one whose nature turns out to be both sinister and, somehow, bovine. in sum, a minor but intriguing novel: a successful whodunit and an oddly barbed meditation on how still waters often run quite deep indeed.
