Jen Coley

I am very disappointed, a close friend having insisted I read it. It isn't funny, which I'd hoped. And all the gender tropes are so well worn. I feel like saying, "Oh, spare me". Every possible gender cliche is worked in, ever old-hat situation. I am tempted to ditch it..I'm at page 74.

I only just started it. So far, twenty pages in, I'm enjoying it. I like all the bits set in Ireland particularly. I was..however.. a bit anxious when he used "hymenopterously" on the first page!!

Not an easy read. So many characters, so many places! Dense with impressive scholarliness. Amazing small details bringing personages to life. So much information is packed into every single paragraph. Take a very deep breath, and go for it!

I have just read this. I thought it was terrific. I enjoyed it immensely. Set in 'real time', it covers one morning in an office, as the title suggests. I loved the weaving together of past history of personalities and objects, and the close observation of physical actions and reactions. I could 'see' it all!!

I honestly thought this book was very poor. It failed to convince me on any level whatever. Like The Famous Five only a bit older. I am shocked that Radio 4 Book Club with the inestimable James Naughtie would waste their time (and mine).There were hundreds of times when I thought, 'hey, that doesn't make sense!' Time and time again. The only reason I am trying to finish it, and haven't thrown it with great force at the wall, is that my daughter and I agreed to read it together during lockdown (though 100 miles apart) and having bought two copies I am too mean to just use it as kindling for my log fire. Have just looked at other reviews, because I hate being a spoilsport -- and I am relieved that many folk feel as I do. Over-written in the extreme, so much unnecessary dialogue and description (maybe for the possibility of it being turned into a film -- heaven forfend!). I also did not like any of the characters. Who weren't in any way believable, in any case!!There were so many obvious areas that TF simply ignored. Like where were Dom's parents in all this? Would the police really have taken Hugo in for questioning like that? Nothing whatever in this book convinced me on any level. Normally I would not touch a book like this (I prefer proper literature), ie one where one feels compelled, and indeed entitled, to 'skip'. If a book has skippable parts, then it is not for me. The ones I like, one must read every word, twice if necessary.I just thought if James Naughtie thinks it is worth talking about, I will give it a go. Also, because I am interested in Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm my attention was attracted by its title -- normally I wouldn't go near a book like this.

I think this is the biggest waste of time and space I have ever seen. My friend bought it for my birthday, and I feel simply 'offended'.