This is a tough book to analyze... I found it painful reading, as the characters and plot are so unsympathetic. I'd have to epitomize much of the book as sordid and squalid. Makes one think village Britain is not a very nice place. On the other hand, Rowling displays her usual expertise at strong character development. I have to wonder how Rowling's own life experience has figured into this painful story.

Book is reserved for kenj.

Horrible book, horribly written. Characters run from totally umsympathetic to pathetic. The only hope for any of the characters is to move away from this petty little community. Rowling should stick to young adult literature. I would definitely keep this book away from teenagers.

Received at February 2012 meeting. Thanks!

Inside discoverbooks.com donation box outside Nob Hill Foods, 919 East Stanley Boulevard, Livermore, California.