The Casual Vacancy

Publisher: Sphere

Datt:e Published: 2013

Format: Paperback I purchased myself

Star Rating: 4/5 I liked it a lot, and recommend

About Book: When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty facade is a town at war.Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils... Pagford is not what it first seems.And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?A big novel about a small town, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling's first novel for adults. It is the work of a storyteller like no other.

My thoughts:This is a completely different territory for J K Rowling. She weaves a complex narrative that explores complexities and struggles of normal people going about their business in a small community. Rowling also delves into the multifaceted lives of residents unearthing their secrets, desires and grievances.

One of the standout aspects of the book is Rowling’s ability to create diverse and realistic characters, while interweaving their stories, creating a web of interconnected lives.

The book for me, does however, seem to unfold slowly, but does eventually build tension revealing deep seated prejudices that lurk beneath the surface. The book explores a variety of themes such as class division, addiction, abuse and sheds light on some harsh realities that people face in their lives.

The book showcases Rowlings’s ability for storytelling with attention to detail and vivid descriptions. However, the pacing can feel a little slow at times as it seems to focus on character development rather than the plot. The other drawback for me is that there were too many characters, with intersecting storylines that I sometimes found challenging to keep track of everyone and their individual journeys.

In conclusion, a thought-provoking book that delves into the flaws and struggles of humanity. An interesting read for those who like small town politics and the vagaries of human nature.