Laagland
Format: paperback
ISBN:
9789023440529 (9023440528)
Publish date: February 2009
Publisher: De Bezige Bij
Pages no: 298
Edition language: Dutch
Along with the NYT, I counted this as one of my own best reads of 2008--which was, by the way, a complete surprise, since the blurb struck me as wholly unexciting and almost pretentious. However, the book was a thorough delight: gorgeous, tragic, full of a lasting emotional resonance.
I don't get it. I like to flatter myself that I'm not a particularly unperceptive reader, but when it comes to this book, I don't get it. I don't get anything about it. I don't hate it, but I have no idea what this book is about. I have no idea why it won so many prizes.I don't get it.(Disclaimer: I...
This book was ok! I didn't connect with the story when cricket was involved, although I do understand when someone seeks refuge for the world and its problems in a game. But I really liked the parts about Hans' relationships with his wife, mother and friends. Hans seems to be seeking... something...
This is a well written book covering some difficult and very emotive subjects. Joseph O'Neill writes well, though I did find it difficult to connect with some of the characters in the book. Perhaps the events of the book have so much depth and poignancy that it's difficult for the characters to stan...
I see that others loved this book, me, not so much. The main character was just so lethargic, so uncaring of the world around him. Actually, he didn't even seem to care about himself. His wife (another winner! Very self absorbed) left him and he couldn't seem to do anything about it. He had no frien...