Is It Just Me.......?

[Stargazer]

I have just started reading Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson based on the fact that it won the Whitbread book of the year one year and was plastered with praise by the reviewers most of whom raved about it.

Why? Has anyone else, like me, found it banal and juvenile and does not compare with other books that have won similar awards?

[Old_Geezer]

It's seems like it's just you reading it.

[Stargazer]

Well, there are thousands of reviews in the Internet and many of them give it five stars. Some, like me, think it is worth one star only. This book is the sort of first novel I would expect but I would not expect it to receive the acclaim and awards that it has. I would e interested to know what other ABs think of it.

[margie04]

You have to remember that the narrator is a 'banal and juvenile' person, so in that way the writing is a success. However, I agree that it isn't really worth all the acclaim. Maybe 4 stars at best. Her subsequent novels are far more accomplished - don't be put off by this one. My own favourite is One Good Turn, which is positively Dickensian in the way all the ends are tied up.

[mikey4444]

Praise doesn't always denote quality or readability. " Wolf Hall " won the Booker Prize but I still find it completely unreadable.

[craft1948]

Totally agree Mikey..........

[ethandron]

The life of pi is another one, and captain correllis mandolin. I've tried with both of these but just can't get into them, regardless of the rave reviews and prizes awarded. Must admit haven't had a go at behind the scenes at the museum though..

[mikey4444]

Not just me then craft ?

[Jomlett]

Give it time...it covers 4 generations.

[mikey4444]

Sometimes on one page and that is my problem. I think she needs a good Editor.

[ethandron]

The reviews of wolf hall on amazon are enough to put you off.

[Jomlett]

Another vote for the Brodie books. Excellent reads.

[Tilly2]

Try these, all by Kate Atkinson, whom I rate very highly.

Case Histories, One Good Turn, When Will There Be Good News?, Started Early, Took My Dog.

I'm sure you will like them.

[tonyav]

You'll be able to watch Wolf Hall on tv soon.
http://tv.uk.msn.com/drama/damian-lewis-is-a-convincing-henry-viii-in-wolf-hall

[DaisyNonna]

Never finished Wolf Hall. A rare occurrence as I usually soldier on. Bored me rigid.