Case Histories: entry 1
Influenced again by the lit blogs, I am reading Kate Atkinson’s book Case Histories. A few years ago I read her first, Behind the Scenes at the Museum, which won the Whitbread. I liked but didn’t love it. I thought the ending felt contrived, though I had enjoyed the book as I read it. That book, as well as Smilla’s Sense of Snow, taught me not to recommend a book until I’ve finished it. Endings are hard to do, and even harder to do well. Bad endings have the unfortunate ability to cast their shadow over that which went before them. But I am drawn to the idea of a variety of passionate and intelligent readers writing their reaction to a book, so I decided to give Case Histories a go when the Lit Blog Coop picked it as their Summer 2005 “Read This” recommendation.
As of page 128, I’m happy I gave Atkinson another try. There are three mysteries involving three families, and one investigator who has looked into two of them as of my reading to page 128. The characters are engaging and complex, the writing is strong, and the mysteries are intriguing. I put the book down when I must, but I do not wish to draw out this reading experience. Several passages have stood out to me, making me wish for my own copy to underline. This is an uncharacteristic urge, since I have lately enjoyed the freedom from book ownership and cost afforded by my local libraries. I will post more on the book as my reading progresses. I’m hoping that the ending does not disappoint.
[Michelle] was driven by something, only she didn’t know what it was but she was sure that if one day she could get everything finished then she’d be free of whatever it was that was driving her. “You’ll never get everything perfect, Michelle,” Shirley said. “That’s impossible.” But it wasn’t. Given enough time you could make anything perfect. P. 41.
June 5th, 2005 at 9:47 am
I’d avoided a bunch of Kate Atkinson books since “behind the scenes” because I loved it, and the reviews of subsequent books were not so strong. But I was encouraged by the press on “case histories” and so asked for, and received, it for christmas. I really enjoyed it. The gradual way that the stories knit together, and the complex but believeable characterisation were all well worthwhile. Not so sure about the ending. Let me know what you think when you get there.
June 7th, 2005 at 8:39 pm
I had read someone who said the ending felt rushed. I was quite afraid it would be bad, since the novel was so complex and I was so engaged with the characters. I found it a bit tidy, and had a question about Michelle’s sister, but overall felt it ended strongly. I believe I’m going to purchase the book so I can read it again soon. Now that I know what happens, I want to read it again for its crafted writing.