The Casual Vacancy

Here comes the first one!

The Casual Vacancy, by J.K. Rowling:

The small town of Pagford is the main character in J.K. Rowling's last book. She introduced herself to the world as the creator of Harry Potter but now she has evolved to a whole new level.

The story is set in modern day England, and as you may know it deals with politics, drugs, sex, ethics, etc.

Some expected fantasy and the magic of the Potter series and were disappointed. This is not a book to read in a sit. It actually takes time to get to know the people in it, decide whether you like the characters or not.

The story is simple and at the same time complex, it goes from the smallest idea to the greatest war-without-weapons placed in a single town I have ever read. You can see why Rowling is considered a great writer, even to those who considered this one a minor book should feel that. Every character is perfectly described from the first moment you get to know them, the little town of Pagford seems as idyllical as one could wish for (until you start getting into the story), and it's witty humour amuses you and at the same time it makes you think about what's really going on.

There's one issue about the book that kept me saying up until i had read half of it "I'm not sure whether I like it or not". That is the "teenage chapters" which at the beginning did not seem very interesting compared to the juicy story going on with their parents.

Overall, I loved this book and I highly recommend it, but remember, don't even think that you will find any magic in it.

MadHatterSays: Read it!

4/5