tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533677737021490096.post786427361466874930..comments2024-03-28T09:00:59.909+11:00Comments on The Vince Review: 'The Casual Vacancy' by J.K. RowlingPaula Vincehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533677737021490096.post-90844967051328007892015-09-07T14:26:49.356+10:002015-09-07T14:26:49.356+10:00Oh no, all I meant was that adoption was one of th...Oh no, all I meant was that adoption was one of the prolific themes in the novel. But now I see that appearing on the list with all the other themes which were less than positive, how it must have looked. That was totally unintentional, and I apologise, Jenny. In fact, the adoption thread was one of the few positive ones in the novel, especially from the POV of the character's parents. I didn't mean to give it the same tinge of negativity at all, and might make that clear. Thanks for drawing it to my attention.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533677737021490096.post-22030723230782963792015-09-07T12:54:47.633+10:002015-09-07T12:54:47.633+10:00I've put off reading this one too though I hav...I've put off reading this one too though I have read her two Robert Galbraith novels - I enjoyed The Cuckoo's Calling particularly. The nature of the crime in The Silkworm was particularly unsavoury and both books tended to explore the darker side of human nature though Comoran Strike and his assistant Robyn are flawed but likable people. <br /><br />I will say that I was a little bit taken aback at 'adoption' being popped in a list of the overall ‘secret nastiness and hypocrisy in many human hearts'. Granted that adoption does raise significant issues and angst, especially as it was practiced some 40 to 50 years ago (sometimes forced, often in secrecy and with little acknowledgement of the need to know about and/or connect with the birth family). Even in the best of circumstances there is a wound – not so much of being adopted but of being relinquished - but as an adoptive parent and knowing the deep love and commitment of adoptive parents and children, it can also be a beautiful thing out of the ashes of difficult circumstances. I also honour the women who don't choose to abort their babies but rather give them a chance of a full and happy life. I wouldn't put adoption on par with 'domestic violence, rape, cyber-bullying, infidelity, OCD, slashing/cutting, ... drug addiction, gluttony'. Which I'm sure was unintentional on your part, Paula. I tossed up whether to say something but I think in today’s society, many do see it as an unmitigated evil and question the reality of the bond in adoptive families (adoptive parents aren’t ‘real’ parents). I find that sad.<br /><br />Anyhow, sorry to go about that. Thanks for your thoughtful and enlightening review, Paula. It confirms much what I though this book might be like. I may get around to reading it one day, but am in no particular hurry :)<br />Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533677737021490096.post-20576448445559576372015-09-07T11:40:45.813+10:002015-09-07T11:40:45.813+10:00Yes, I can certainly why readers were so polarised...Yes, I can certainly why readers were so polarised when this book came out. She can cover a wide range, that's for sure.Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533677737021490096.post-78916564133424099342015-09-07T11:36:34.948+10:002015-09-07T11:36:34.948+10:00Ha Ha! Loved the pun about Harry Potter. 'It d...Ha Ha! Loved the pun about Harry Potter. 'It didn't have the same magic as Harry Potter.' <br /><br />It's hard to depart from what you have grown to expect from an author. The book is still sitting on my shelf—unread. Now i may just have to pick it up!<br /><br />Great review, Paula. Elaine Fraserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15724607299832750567noreply@blogger.com