georgieb

This is an incredibly moving book about the innocence of children against a backdrop they should never have to experience. Originally marketed as a children's book, it has recently been repakcaged for adults but I can't work out who it's really for - I think most of the stunning impact would be lost on children, but who knows what they get taught these days? All I know is that when I realised what was happening my jaw literally dropped and stayed open until I realised that my mouth was starting to fill with tears. Powerful.

This book had the potential to be awesome. Admittedly, the huge (and not entirely deserved) success of The Beach, cast a shadow over all Garland's future offerings, but still, Coma could have been awesome. Only, it wasn't - reading it was a little like being a Spurs fan. It started off so well; the concept and style were there, along side the potential, and so I begin to read. The plot thickens etc etc and I mentally prepare myself to be blown away, and that Garland was going to pull off something spectacular. But 50 pages and a few weak points later, my high hopes are dashed.
However, this was a long time ago and optimism has slowly been eked out by realism and tomorrow I'm going to go to the library and give Coma a second chance. Hopefully it won't leave me wistful for what could have been...

The thing about Auster is I just can't read anything by him without wanting to run away to New York. His prose is unique and mesmerising but at the same time completely accessible and I'm constantly recommending the New York Trilogy. Nobody has disappointed me so far! Brooklyn Follies is far more easy going, and although Auster returns to some of his favourite themes, it doesn't really need analysis. I agree, it's a hugely absorbing and enjoyable read which elicits just enough faith in a happy ending. Awesome stuff, how about The Book of Illusions?