The main lesson from this week's batch of reader reviews seems to be that length is not the only form of strength. In a bout of enthusiasm unprecedented on the site, dylanwolf roared through what might appear to lesser folk to be a year of reading. His review of Peter Carey's True History of the Kelly Gang is a case in point: short and to the point in its appreciation of "a novel to be experienced rather than read".
Only slightly longer is scubadoc's review of Nick Harkaway's Angelmaker, which emphasises the "corvid-clever accumulation of odd, abstruse and glittering ideas", though you have to go back to an earlier review, by BookAvatar, for chapter and verse on the novel's, um, chapters.
He points out that the review is an abridged version of one on his own site, Bookmasque.com, which is fine by us – especially given his enthusiasm to proselytise to the bigger readership available on Guardian books. For BookAvatar:
"Automata, clockwork and ancient mechanical devices have an allure for us that melds delight and intellect. In Angelmaker, Nick Harkaway gives us all three, with a cracking story for good measure.
This is a book that powers along on the author's wit, and his willingness to grab and an idea and let rip with it; actually, a parade of ideas, each a highly decorated, multi-coloured float to delight us. Harkaway's writing is rich but not convoluted; his humour is sharp and dry, wry and playful. He likes words, the sounds they make and the clicks and whirrs they can set off in the brain; and he treats us generously to the fruits of his playfulness. Fortunately, he likes ideas as well, but is wise enough not to let them become a burden to his story."
A quieter enthusiasm is evident in RedBirdFlies's review of Susan Hill's In the Springtime of the Year – a reflection, perhaps, of how reviewing style can be affected by the content under review. As the novel goes "rambling along in its quiet way, poetic line by line", according to RedBirdFlies:
"Ruth's perceptions change so subtly that when there is an actual event, it seems all the more dramatic for its contrast with the inner world we have been languishing within … I would not suggest you read this if you're looking for action, pace or plot; this is an inner journey. And it's perfect as it is."
As, in its communication of an enjoyable reading experience, is this review.
Do drop me a line on claire.armitstead@guardian.co.uk if I've mentioned your review, and I'll find you something excellent on our shelves. Thanks again for all your reviews – see you next week.
