The Interpretation of Murder

November's title was The Interpretation of Murder. Now, I'd read this book before but was happy to do so again as I recalled it being a good read (let me tell you, I don't do this very often). Fast forward six years and yes, I'm glad I reread it.
 
The novel is set at the turn of the 20th century, at a time when New York is booming wtih demonstrations of wealth, particularly through construction. Freud is invited to the US to give a lecture and his arrival sees him become embroiled with a high society murder.
 
We all agreed that the premise of the novel was great, but that it didn't quite deliver on its potential. There were so many big names in one place, yet we only scratched the surface in getting to know Freud and Jung.
 
The historical elements, particularly focussing on the construction of Manhattan bridge and the powerful families running New York, were fascinating. Yet overall there were too many red herrings squeezed into the story and as such the plot felt somewhat contrived.
 
By the way (thanks for the tip off Reading Group), the author is married to Tiger Mom: 
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/01/20/amy-chuas-tiger-dad-where-was-husband-jed-rubenfeld.html
 

According to this article, we have Tiger Mom to thank for the inspiration/command for Jed to write this novel!

 

Other titles that were recommended:

The Incident by Kenneth Macleod ('a searingly powerful novel about fate' according to the cover blurb).

Skellig by David Almond (about a strange creature in the garage)

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

The Free World by David Bezmozgis

The Collaborator by Mirza Waheed

Out of It by Selma Dabbagh

Casual Vacancy by J K Rowling

 

For those that missed the BBC programme on Ian Rankin's writing process, here's a link to a related article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-20179518

 

We also talked briefly about Ken McClure for his scientific/medical thrillers and Kate Atkinson as another general recommendation.

 

Today the Costa Book Awards shorlist was announced. There are several categories, but I've listed the shortlisted novels:

Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
Life! Death! Prizes! by Stephen May
The Heart Broke In by James Meek
Days of the Bagnold Summer by Joff Winterhart

It will be good to see what we make of that list! If you want to find more out about the Costa Book Awards shorlist: http://www.costabookawards.com/this-year.aspx

Of course, next year we have Andrew Miller's Pure to look forward to, last year's Costa winner.
Next time:
Miss Garnet's Angel by Sally Vickers (library copy - available from Emily Jamieson) or Easter Island by Jennifer Vanderbes
9th January 2013