"Christine Falls" by Benjamin Black - book for June 2008

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"Christine Falls" by Benjamin Black - book for June 2008

Post by Clare Bookclub Mod » Mon May 26, 2008 10:43 am

“Christine Falls” is a crime-fiction book involving family secrets and missed opportunities. The author is Man Booker Prize-winner John Banville, writing under the pen name Benjamin Black.

Set in the 1950s, it involves the Crawford family in America and the Griffin family in Ireland, two American sisters and two Irish brothers, one adopted. In fact, the theme of adoption is central to a story that begins with the smuggling of a baby and continues as an investigation into parentage and the Catholic Church.

Investigating is pathologist Dr. Quirke, adopted son of Judge Griffin. The chief suspect is Quirke's adopted brother Mal, a consultant gynaecologist. When Quirke finds Mal interfering with the pathology report of a recently dead woman called Christine Falls, his suspicions are aroused.

His questioning takes him to America where more dark secrets are revealed. The plot is somewhat obvious. Nonetheless it is a well-written, easily read story that moves along at a steady pace and readers of this genre will find it entertaining.

mikebmulligan
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Re: "Christine Falls" by Benjamin Black - book for June 2008

Post by mikebmulligan » Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:29 am

An over-rated novel, and disappointing coming from the alter-ego of John Banville. A very flat writing style that adds nothing to the genre. There won't be any rush to acquire the movie rights for this one!

Maryb
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Re: "Christine Falls" by Benjamin Black - book for June 2008

Post by Maryb » Fri Jun 13, 2008 4:11 pm

The second book in the series The Silver Swan is equally dull and predictable. If he wanted to write under a pseudonym why tell the world?

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