The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Since I can’t give this 3.5 stars on Goodreads, will knock it down to 3. I can’t, in good conscience, give it 4 starts. That would be blasphemy. The book does get better as it progresses, but this is not Potter and Rowling does appear foreign.

I full heartily feel as though the first 85% of this book is a rough draft. Did the Harry Potter series take all of the good writing out of her? Was she even in the mood to write this book? Or was Harry Potter so amazing that everything else will be rubbish?

I have the same problem with Scott Spencer. Endless Love was a masterpiece and Ship Made of Paper is good but not amazing.

The last 15% of this book made my review go from 2 stars to 3- along with the younger characters who I ended up really connecting to their story lines.

The BBC is making this into a television series. I will end up watching just for the adolescent characters and because I’m curious to see how they adapt it.

I wouldn’t spend money on this book. Borrow it from the library or from a friend. I even hate to say this but- just wait for the tv series. Save your stack for books more worthy of reading.

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