Death is Relative, aka Where There's a Will
3 journalers for this copy...
I ordered this before I discovered that I already had a copy, under an alternate title; oh, well! Two journal entries for the price of one...
[Another backlogged journal entry; I read this in early November of 2004.]
I really wish Alfred Hitchcock were still alive; he'd be just the guy to film these books. This one features a sprightly but worried septuagenarian, Frank Clarke, who's been catering to his not-sprightly-at-all mother while very quietly attempting to gain control over her estate. Complicating matters are his sister, who's been a family outcast but who might come in for a share of the cash if dear old mother pegs out too soon, and visiting cousin Estelle, a superannuated diva who has an agenda of her own. The story unfolds in a quiet, mannerly, and often very funny manner, typical of Phillips; his appreciation for his aging characters and all their faults is catching. Whether Frank is contemplating his scheme to memorialize himself with a fabulous art collection, considering accepting his friend's offer of a partnership in running a prostitution ring, or trying to conceal an untimely death, he's fascinating to watch...
[Another backlogged journal entry; I read this in early November of 2004.]
I really wish Alfred Hitchcock were still alive; he'd be just the guy to film these books. This one features a sprightly but worried septuagenarian, Frank Clarke, who's been catering to his not-sprightly-at-all mother while very quietly attempting to gain control over her estate. Complicating matters are his sister, who's been a family outcast but who might come in for a share of the cash if dear old mother pegs out too soon, and visiting cousin Estelle, a superannuated diva who has an agenda of her own. The story unfolds in a quiet, mannerly, and often very funny manner, typical of Phillips; his appreciation for his aging characters and all their faults is catching. Whether Frank is contemplating his scheme to memorialize himself with a fabulous art collection, considering accepting his friend's offer of a partnership in running a prostitution ring, or trying to conceal an untimely death, he's fascinating to watch...
Controlled release:
I'm sending this to BCer FutureCat in New Zealand. Hope you enjoy it!
I'm sending this to BCer FutureCat in New Zealand. Hope you enjoy it!
Arrived home from the meetup tonight to find an exciting parcel waiting for me, full of books (which is the best kind of parcel!)
Thanks, Gory!
^ ^
00
=+=
v
Thanks, Gory!
^ ^
00
=+=
v
I'm not sure how to rate this book - there were some brilliantly funny bits, but just as many parts where I was struggling to maintain interest. It definitely got better towards the end, though, as Frank's elaborate plots started to spiral out of his control. I was impressed with how the author manages to make you feel so much sympathy for Frank, who is actually a pretty nasty character when you think about it - maybe it's just because he seems so incredibly human...
And I did love the ending, though - it really was perfect :-)
Reserved for release at the NZBC Convention.
^ ^
00
=+=
v
And I did love the ending, though - it really was perfect :-)
Reserved for release at the NZBC Convention.
^ ^
00
=+=
v
This book is going in a goody bag for the NZBC Convention - hope whoever gets it has a fantastic convention!
^ ^
00
=+=
v
^ ^
00
=+=
v
Got this at the convention in my pack, and since this isn't my type of book I'm going to wild release it sometime during this weekend....
