Month: January 2009

Case Histories is the second Atkinson novel I have read.  Having loved When Will There Be Good News, I had to see if they were all that good!
Admittedly, after reading through the first 3 “case histories”, I very nearly decided to take a pass on this novel.  It was so depressing!
However, I decided to continue reading, and having done so, I now think I get the type of stories Atkinson writes.  It seems many of her characters face all sorts of horrendous, heartbreaking situations, and through the course of the novel, they find a way to get past the tragedy and relearn how to embrace life.  It’s also a mystery, much like WWTBGN, as each of the “case histories” are really unsolved mysteries.
Would I recommend this book?  Yes, with the caveat that starts off pretty heavy handed with 3 sad “histories”.  Would I read another Atkinson novel?  Probably.  But I think I may take a break for a bit…

WOW! I am so glad I decided to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo!!  I really don’t want to give away any of the plot.  It is so enjoyable to read this one without knowing much about it.
In short – it’s a mystery of sorts that starts off a little slowly, but quickly gathers momentum with every page.  Before you know it you are completely hooked, and the book is over!!  I can’t believe we have to wait until July ’09 before the sequel, The Girl Who Played With Fire, comes out in its US publication.  It’s also very sad that this phenominal novelist’s life was cut short.  In any case,  this is not a book you want to miss!!!