31 August 2009

Review: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut book coverI finished this book a few weeks ago, but I've been procrastinating big time about writing my review. I fell in love with the book A Confederacy of Dunces after Marieke Hardy recommended it on the FTBC, and when I heard her say that Slaughterhouse-Five was also an all-time favourite of hers it hit my TBR (to be read) pile immediately.

It's been on the pile for months though because it's a science fiction book, which isn't my preferred genre but I finally picked it up a few weeks ago and started reading.

I was deeply disappointed and didn't enjoy it, as it goes. The narrator jumps around in time at random intervals without a hint of a solid plot line. I would have liked to explore some of the threads within the story however they were wrenched away without further development and so it lacked depth for me. The novel was relatively short, so I believe there was scope for further development but perhaps I just 'didn't get it'. The only gem I took from the author were the notions of memory experienced through the main character.

I found it jumped around too much, was quite bizarre in parts and quite shocking in others. I found the use of the phrase 'so it goes' a few times on every page was utterly and completely infuriating. Argh!

I didn't enjoy this book at all and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Sorry Marieke.

My rating = **

Carpe Librum, so it goes!
12 August 2009

Review: Odd Hours by Dean Koontz

Odd Hours by Dean Koontz book coverThis is the fourth in the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz and it was a very pleasant read. I'd have to say that this book was more of a thriller than a 'para-normal thriller' which sets it apart a little from the others in the series.

I found myself wanting more of the 'supernatural themes' that Koontz writes so well, but having said that, this novel certainly had suspense and was a quick and enjoyable read.

Odd Hours could be read as a stand alone, however will be enjoyed more by those who are familiar with the Odd Thomas series in my opinion. The ending opens the possibility of a fifth book in the series which I'd be very much looking forward to.

My rating = ***

Carpe Librum!