Bibliography: Atkinson, Kate. (2004). Case Histories. New York: Little Brown and Company. ISBN: 978-0316740401 (hc) 9780316010702 (tpb) 9780316033480 (mmpb)
Review: I read a lot of books, especially mysteries. And, as I realized the other day when discussing it with another blogger, I can almost always find something I like about any book. I think maybe it comes from years in the public library where I almost never read anything without thinking about what kind of patron would enjoy it, what other authors or books was it like. This usually means that after I’ve read something, I can be quite articulate about it as well.
Every now and then, I stumble across a book that makes such a strong impression on me that I am left rather tongued tied. This is one of those books. It is a mystery, that is, there is a private investigator and there are cases of people and families that have been touched by violence and are seeking closure to their own private nightmares. But as much of more than that, this is a story about family and love and connections with people you might be completely unaware of but somehow have something in common with you. Some people will scoff at what seems like too many coincidences, but I argue that sometimes life really is like that.
Beautiful writing, especially in the beginning when each of the cases is set up and described, and great pacing and narrative flow. Switching viewpoints adds interest. I absolutely LOVE that Atkinson doesn’t feel the need to tell EVERYTHING, and is content to leave loose ends a plenty. Watching the pieces fall together, it feels so right, and I didn’t want to book to end. Thank goodness there is a series featuring Mr. Brodie. This was not just the best book I have read this year, but it is the best book I have read in a long time. (And I read ALL the time and tons of mysteries.) I hope people are picking this up and reading it, as I am afraid again I have found another great book that defies genre conventions and categorization.
Review Excerpts: “The humility of the extraordinary, unabashed characters is skillfully revealed with humor and surprise. Atkinson contrasts the inevitable results of family dysfunction with random fate, gracefully weaving the three stories into a denouement that taps into collective wishful thinking and suggests that warmth and safety may be found in the aftermath of blood and abandonment. Atkinson’s meaty, satisfying prose will attract many eager readers.”–Publisher’s Weekly
“…combines a compelling narrative drive with sophisticated psychological portraits and telling detail. Artfully exploiting the conventions of the detective novel while also sending them up…Playful humor, an impressive technique, and an offbeat detective with a penchant for weeping are the most obvious pleasures of a page-turner that succeeds in being both brainy and thoroughly entertaining.” –Booklist
“”Not just the best novel I read this year, but the best mystery of the decade.” –Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly
Reviewed from public library audio book
