I’ve only read one Harry Potter. That makes me an awful human being in
the eyes of many, but that also means that I’m not disappointed at the lack of
magic in this book by J.K. Rowling.
The Casual Vacancy is daring but enjoyable. Its characters for one
reason or another are mostly unlikable (maybe with the exception of the Walls
and of Andrew?) but remain interesting. The plot is not something that leaves
the reader on the edge of the seat – I mean, these are local elections after
all… – but the novel is quite an acute portrayal of contemporary Britain.
So in all fairness I think J.K. Rowling should be given credit for
writing this book (and for making a number of points that are surprisingly and commendably
political). It was really quite good. Had it had a bit more irony or humour in
it (nothing really brought a smile to my face, except maybe for old and drunken
Samantha snogging teenage Andrew) perhaps it would have even been “really” good…
