Big Sky by Kate Atkinson, trying to avoid spoilers but...

[IamEarthymama]

I am listening to this, the 5th Jackson Brodie novel.

I love it but I am finding it challenging as it deals with such current and disturbing issues.
A reviewer described it as achingly sad and I think that is totally apt.

Anyone else reading/listening?

[NotAgainKen]

I've literally just finished it in the past half hour. It is achingly sad - possible even more so as an audiobook, I would imagine. But leavened with some classic Kate Atkinson humour and beautiful characterisation too.

[IamEarthymama]

I will get the book copy at some point as I thought to myself, oh nice phrase a couple of times and it’s much easier to look back at print copy

I loved Harry, I was old-headed like that as a teen.
I think I will get the others as audio books and immerse myself soon

I need a holiday to really enjoy that, in fact I could actually read them if that was the case!

[bettythebutterfly]

I'm about half way through. I am just in awe of Kate Atkinson's writing and storytelling.

"Figging Mumsnet"

[IamEarthymama]

bettythebutterfly
Yes Mumsnet mentions made me smile.

KA is a wonderful writer, listened to Transcription again recently. You are taken back to post-war Britain so well.

[Dexra]

I've just finished it. Was quite disappointed by Transcription so it was nice to see her returning to Jackson Brody and a faster narrative pace.

Really disturbing topic, but nicely tempered by how likeable a lot of the characters are. The Crystal and Harry relationship was very sweet.

Nice to see a lot of old characters returning too.

Can't really discuss anymore than that without giving away spoilers!

[Cornishblues]

I finished it in the middle of the night last night. I so love her books, the way she sets so many balls rolling and spinning along, bouncing off each other and fizzing. So many layers of humour, and all these private jokes that she sets up and that keep popping in. You’re in such wonderful company all through. I love the way I can catch some references and enjoy them, but never feel like I’m not good enough for not spotting the Shakespeare. Yes the subject matter is bleak, she’s not going to let us look away and say we didn’t know, but there is good in so many of the characters and some proper good guys so there is hope too.

Who else writes like this? I reread the previous Brodie’s in anticipation and I’m bereft now!

[growlingbear]

Can't wait to read this. I was really disappointed in Transcription too. Her Brodie novels are better imo. Is it true Reggie reappears in it? She was always one of my favourite characters. My sister and I used to discuss what happened to her. Dying to find out.

[bettythebutterfly]

Yes - Reggie is back! I was also pleased to see her.

[rosegoldwatcher]

Cornishblues I love your review.
I adored this book and didn't want it to end (sad face as Kindle % crept relentlessly towards 100%.)
I do hope that Big Sky is filmed like the earlier Jackson Brodie books. Must be Jason Isaacs though.

[givememarmite]

Cornishblues has it! I just finished this last night and yes, very sad, disturbing topic, but the characters are so well drawn and the humour is excellent that I still enjoyed it hugely.
It also made me realise how rubbish the other books I've read over the past few months actually were! KA really knows how to spin a story.

[RoyalCorgi]

I finished it a couple of days ago and really enjoyed it. She's such a fantastic writer. Agree with givememarmite that she is such a good storyteller.

[Nanechange3007]

I'm reading it now and dont want to end. I just adore her writing. Is transcription no good? I love all her books, only one I haven't read is human croquet.

[IamEarthymama]

I am so glad you all like it!
I love Crystal and Harry too 💖

How she creates the individual voices I really don't know!
I might listen again in a little while as I just binge listened
In fact, I think I will read it soon.

[PetrichorRain]

@growlingbear, I also found Transcription less good than her other nivels! Loved Big Sky though. I'd say it's the best book I've read this year - very disturbing content though.

And what happened to the little terrier from Started Early, Took My Dog? The Ambassador? He didn't even get a mention to explain his disappearance (unless I missed it).

I wish there had been a tiny tie-in to SETMD to hint at how Tracy/Imogen and Courtney/Lucy were getting on.

[PetrichorRain]

I read a recent interview where she said she was already halfway through another Jackson Brodie so I'm holding on to the hope that she'll publish in next year.

[bettythebutterfly]

@PetrichorRain Yes! I had just reread Started Early... in preparation for Big Sky and so hoped for a mention of Courtney. Your news about KA writing another Jackson Brodie book has made my day!

[Cornishblues]

Why, thank you @rosegoldwatcher and @givememarmite!

Delighted to hear there’s another Brodie on the way.

[Saucery]

I’m finding it quite disappointing. Very jerky, the (Julia would say.....blah de blah.....) extremely tedious and the plot boring. I’ve put it down for a bit, thinking it might be my mood, but perfect reading afternoon with no distractions and it’s still not holding my interest like her others.

[KellyMarieTunstall2]

This has made my day too! I have loved KA's Jackson Brodie novels, so I'm going to order this one asap.

[SemperIdem]

I had no idea there was another Brodie book in the pipeline. I audibly squealed when I spotted it in Waterstones yesterday. Really enjoying it so far. The Waterstones editions have an exclusive interview with Atkinson at the back, in which she suggests she may do a book of short stories rounding off the stories of Tracey and Courtney, Joanna etc. That sounds fantastic!

I was really disappointed with the tv adaptation of previous books, despite Jason Isaacs being the perfect casting, I thought the episodes were very badly executed.

[Snugglepiggy]

I have just finished Transcription.Had kept it on one side as a special treat as I usually thoroughly enjoy all KA books. But I was underwhelmed by it too.I'm glad to hear the consensus on Big Sky is that it is good as I have loved every Jackson Brodie book.The only thing I didn't enjoy in the TV version was the actress playing Lousie Monroe.Amanda Abington I think.Usually I like her but her accent really grated.

[Pickledbanana]

Oh she’s my favourite. Have been a Brodie fan since the beginning
Absolutely adored life after life and a god in ruins.
Agree transcription wasn’t as good
Loved big sky on audible. I may get the others to listen to too

[LaBelleSauvage123]

Just finishing SETMD having reread the whole series in preparation for Big Sky. I forget books so quickly that I wanted to make sure I had all the threads and characters in my head before starting the new one. Am so pleased to hear Reggie is back - I love her.

[NotAgainKen]

I re-read One Good Turn over the weekend - again, so good. KA (or Jackson Brodie, maybe) does have a recurring thing about abducted/trafficked women and 'lost' girls.