I read this to get a sense of whether I would enjoy the much heftier Luminaries, last year's Booker winner. On the basis of this, I would have to say no. The story centers around relationships between young women and older men, with an older observing woman at the core. The whole thing feels contrived, very much an exercise in artistry. It is full of characters saying things no one ever would, and it tries to be both a story of a scandal and a coming-of-age story.
Apparently it was originally a creative writing assignment, and that is exactly what it feels like to read.
Apparently it was originally a creative writing assignment, and that is exactly what it feels like to read.
