Customer Reviews

The Dwarves of Death

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Like other reviewers, I had read 'The House of Sleep' and absolutley loved it, so I was a bit disappointed when I read 'The Dwarves of Death'.

The blurb lead me to believe this would be more about the actual murder that William witnesses, instead it was more of an exploration of his relationship with Madeline.

There were some nice observations but I wouldn't say it was up to Coe's usual standard.

The bits about the different notes and keys of piano music also left me a bit cold.

I do disagree with the other reviewer about the loose ends though. One of the things I love about Coe's books are the structure...how different threads are picked up and tied up neatly by the end.

Sorry...but not his best work. If you haven't read his stuff before go with 'The House of Sleep'instead.

I am a big fan of Jonathon Coe. I read this book after enjoying "What A Carve Up !" and "The House Of Sleep". I found it a little disappointing.

The story has to be shoehorned into shape for it to make any sense, and some of the characters are drawn a little too roughly. The plot requires a good deal of imagination to make it fly, and it seems as if it haad been added rather late in the process.

That said, it also contains the writer's honest eye for detail, and he captures the ordinariness of life in many well-drawn scenes.

I think this is an example of the early work of a writer who now produces extremely enjoyable, meaningful, challenging and accessible work. He doesn't deliver it in this early work, but you can see the early signs of it here.

I couldn't in all honesty recommend it to anyone but his biggest fans, despite the fact it is streets ahead of most of the c**p that litters the booksellers nowadays. Compared to the quality of his later work, this book does not deliver. Only for those who are truly fascinated in the work of this talented writer.

I've read a few of Jonathan Coe's books, so was pleased to find this one in a charity shop. Unfortunately, I found it to be pretty much unreadable. No character development, ridiculous plot and a very irritating habit of including music scores throughout. Go for The Rotters Club, What A Carve Up or even The House of Sleep, but avoid this one.

Uninteresting and repugnant characters, complex implausible plot. Good thing that his elegant style shines through, or I wouldn't have bothered finishing it, short though it is.

This is a very jauntily written, entertaining book. An oddly aimiable lad gets into (barely credible) scrapes, and gets out of them (equally incredibly). Who cares, it's funny and entertaining and rolls along, quite skillfully twisting and turning, recapping, anticipating, contantly addressing the readers as if he knew them personally, presupposing their sympathy, which is indeed hard to refuse him. (The four stars possibly over-rates it, but I definitely liked it and it is more than OK)

Didn't really follow (or appreciate) the musical motif. Didn't fancy any of the women. Did he? East, West, home's best (if it's Sheffield). This was a bit of a cop out.

This book seems to be marketed as a mystery, but reads more like a Nick Hornby lager saga. At the end of the book lots of things suddenly fit together but, unlike with a proper mystery book, there are still some loose ends that are not explained. Maybe because it's easier to explain a murder committed by a pair of dwarves than it is to explain what women mean by "nothing". Im which case I'm glad I'm not the only one.

Overall, definitely not up to the standard of the Carve-up, the Club or the House, but worth 3 stars.

Since I first brought this book when I was 16 I've had to re purchase it four times - and I still don't have a copy. Its one of those books where you feel compelled to tell everyone to read it, then they do, then they don't give it back or lend it to someone else and its lost again. Compulsive to read, eminently re-readable, I'll just have to go out and buy it again - and never lend it to anyone else

When you pick up a book, and then put the book down two days later with blisters on your fingers from turning the pages to quickly you know that you have hit a winner. I can tell you that every finger on my hands were burning after reading Coe's epic novel. As with the "The House of Sleep" he catches the very life of his subject, not only describing the environment but making it and the characters come alive. The subtle humor is enough to have you smiling for days without over stating its apperance. Jonaton Coe is one of a new bread of writers who deserve to be noticed and stood on a pedistal. If you liked any of his other books you will adore this book, If you are new to Coe's work you will be out buying the rest within a week. This easy to read masterpeice should be on every bookshelf in every home in Britain. Buy. Buy now,

this is more of a caution for those who want to read some J. Coe. I have not read this particular book, but i do think he was honing his craft a little in his first few novels. I first read the House of Sleep and loved so much i bought three copies, two as presents but still. i then found a touch of love and the accidental woman, bought both and was somewhat disappointed. Not deterred, i read the rotter's club and loved it, all to the last page, but you'll have to check that out for yourself, it is great.
I'm now reading What a carve up! and so far, it's great too. so the two star rating and only review of Dwarves will hopefully find a context.

the man is a very talented author, take that away if nothing else