The Casual Vacancy - JK Rowling

Is anyone interested in JK Rowling's new novel? The Harry Potter author's first foray into adult literature is the highest pre-selling book of this year despite reviews being mixed.

I have just read a review of it on the Guardian's website. Apparently its set in a sleepy village in the West Country where everyone knows everyone, it involves teenagers swearing and having sex, the plot is driven by the death of a parish councellor and the attempts by local people to be his replacement on the council, and it is summarised as being "not bad" but no masterpiece and probably not deserving of the hype its gotten from the media.

I find Rowling to be a rather dull writer in truth, though I enjoyed the Harry Potter stories I actually lost interest in every book but the third half-way through and had to have a break before reading on - which I dont do for books I really enjoy like the Discworld or Sharpe Series - but given that it is one of the best selling books of this year I thought I'd create a thread about it.

I'm interested in reading it. First I'd heard about it, to be honest.

I see what you mean about her being a dull writer, though I thoroughly enjoy Harry Potter inside and out. I can't really say much until I have a glance at the new book, really. I doubt lightning will strike twice with her, but people will read it.

I'm just fascinated to know where one of the world's best selling authors goes after the world's best selling series.

I was surprised to read that JK Rowling was writing another book. I could have sworn that she said that she wouldn't publish another book after the Harry Potter series, which I thought was smart of her. She doesn't need the money, and it's generally good to quit while you're ahead. Like Gaboman said, I don't think that lightning will strike twice for her.

In the end the problem any successful author faces is the shadow of their former work. This problem only becomes more pronouced when the author in question has written a series.

JK Rowling will always struggle to break free of Harry Potter and no matter what she writes or how diametrically different it is those who review her work will always rate in on how it compares to the Potter series.

Yeah, I'm going to be reading it thinking of Harry Potter the whole time. It sounds like a community run drama of some sort, but could potentially have a bit of humor in it.

I'll get it when I can. This really did spring up on me...

So you plan to review it. I'd be interested to hear what you made of it, even if I never read it in my life.

Maybe, but I honestly have a huge pile of books I still need to read. Never get the time anymore.

I used to love taking the train to work. That would give me time every morning and evening to read.

My mom read this. I can't remember if she said that she liked it or not, but she did say that J.K. Rowling once more proved that she is excellent at handling and fully developing a huge cast of characters.

I almost bought it the other day but it was kind of expensive for something I probably wouldn't get around to reading for 6 months. I'll grab a paperback in a while.

I'm just not THAT excited to read it. It's only curiosity at what she does after Harry Potter that has me interested.

Really, I feel the same way. I don't think that I'll read it at all. From what I recall, the plot is about a murder (or maybe just a regular death) in a small town and the way that the people react. The doesn't really grab me. I'm reminded of the plot of Hot Fuzz and would rather watch that then read the non-hilarious version in book format.