Customer Reviews: Read 122 more reviews...
 Richard & Judy Would Love This July 18, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I don't know if this comedy (I use the term loosely) made it on to one of Richard & Judy's book lists but it is exactly the kind of vaccuous, trite, middle-class nonesense that I'd expect them to choose - on a par with A Starter For Ten which was equally underwhelming. I can almost picture the gruesome twosome rolling around on the sofa at the sheer side-splitting hilarity of it - except that, like "Starter", it's neither funny nor entertaining. It would, however, be perfect for one of those dreary comedy serials so favoured by BBC2 and Channel Four that usually feature Rob Brydon.
The characters are, at best, irritating. The "will they, won't they (get married)" plotline would only be interesting if I actually gave a damn. Frankly, my dear, I didn't.
I forced myself to read through to the end as a good friend bought it for me as a present and I felt obliged. Moreover, I thought that if they had bought it expecting me to like it then it must have some redeeming feature. I thought wrong.
If you like the film comedies of Richard Curtis then you'll probably love this. I don't, I think they stink. To be fair, this book doesn't stink but it does whiff a bit.
 A spot of bother July 17, 2008
So different from his first novel! The first novel was a "cross-over novel" suitable for all age groups. Not so "Spot of Bother" which is quite pornographic in places. Mark Haddon has great insight into gay culture and life it would seem. But the book's main theme is what caught my attention - how a retired man manages to get his life together and become a better person. The book kept me entertained and reading. Quite memorable.
 Sheer boredom! July 4, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I purchased this book on the strength of a few reviews which made it appear promising.
Boy do I regret it!
I do not like giving up on books and read this one right through; it was a painful experience. I was bored silly.
The second half was a real trawl.
About a somewhat dysfunctional family, it's full of tired cliches and overworked scenarios - it is just plain tired.
I expected laughs and stylish writing; neither materialized.
Sorry - I cannot find any kind words for this book - I wish I could.
An author I am now likely to avoid!
 Sheer Brilliance June 29, 2008
This story continues in the same sort of way as The curoius incident, with a similar family based sotryline, brilliant, and even better than the curoius incident!
 surprisingly gruesome but thoroughly enjoyable story May 30, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have read the mixed reviews on here with some interest. While the unanimous verdict seems to be that Curious Incident is far superior, I am going to branch out by saying I disagree. The premise of C.I is fascinating and the book does a lot to increase awareness of an often misunderstood condition. However, I found the main character stilted, a walking list of symptoms associated with autism, without any personal characteristics.
A spot of bother, on the other hand, is peopled with fully rounded, unique and flawed characters. One reason this book may be open to criticism is that it doesn't have the original and fascinating premise of C.I (which renders the book somehow impossible to criticise without feeling somehow ashamed). It only has good old fashioned quality-of-writing to fall back on. The style of Spot may not be to everyone's taste; it is very literal and realistic, with random details thrown in, and descriptions of mundane activities and conversations. It is designed to represent real life as closely as possible - and in my opinion, that is one of the book's greatest achievements. It allows you to imagine the events exactly as you would imagine them if they happened to you. It is not possible to read with detached interest. Love it or hate it, it is impossible to read about George cutting himself without wincing, or feel Jamie's frustration when Tony walks out on him. The gay story in particular I feel did a service to the gay community. As a gay person myself, I get tired of reading cliched stories about gay stereotypes, who often exist purely as someone's best friend and never have sex or a life of their own.
One reason I haven't given it 5 stars is due to the gruesome scenes. Everyone's different but I found it difficult to read without feeling sick, and found myself thinking about it throughout the day afterwards. It's not a feeling I particularly want from an otherwise excellent book.
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