The Imperfectionists product reviews

The characters and locations in this novel are instantly so vivid and real the story plays into your mind like a movie ™ shot mostly in close up. The prose in present tense adds to the feeling of being an invisible observer just a few feet away from the main character in the current 'scene-.

Each chapter is like a short story, swiftly revealing a different and incredibly 'real- person; tragic; flawed; compelling (with the exception of Snyder who is only objectionable). There-s not really anyone to especially like (except maybe Pickles), but they all have redeeming features. You wonder briefly if you should close the book, but you can-t put it down. Gradually, you piece together the relationships connecting these individuals through the hub of a failing newspaper. The entire cast and their quest are both hopeful and hopeless. It shouldn-t be funny at all, yet there is a sense of underlying comedy. As the drama unfolds you find yourself variously sighing Â"Oh that is just sad...Â", or marvelling at the insight of somebody-s comments and breathing out Â"That is so trueÂ-Â", or cringing and nearly falling off the edge of your chair with embarrassment as you gasp Â"Oh God, noÂ-.Â"

I ended up reading start to finish in a single sitting! I-m not one for sad songs or wretched tales, but this is unquestionably compelling reading and as entertaining as life ™ a great debut novel. Tom Rachman demonstrates very skilful writing; excellent character development in particular ™ a brilliant example of show not tell.