Radical Feminist Witch 😁- possible spoiler for Strike

[EllacottObsessive]

Something a bit light hearted for you all. I'm reading Troubled Blood. I've just read something that could possibly be a spoiler, so bear that in mind, but I had to share it because it made me laugh and think of the troublesome women that knock about these parts.

Strike says "Radical Feminist Witch?" and Robin replies "Sounds quite cool when you say it, but I don't think he meant it like that."

I like to think that Robin Ellacott, if she actually had any interest in something other than detective work, would definitely be at least a lurker in the nest of vipers/radicalisation portal, given that she thinks it's kind of a cool thing to be called!

[FurryGiraffe]

I thought exactly the same thing when I read it and very nearly cheered!

I really like Robin's feminist awakening in Troubled Blood: her feminism is there in earlier books to a degree, but it's much more conscious in this one.

[Deltoids1]

Yes I ticked off the feminist themes in that book, plus a few interesting work choices too. I presumed JKR walked amongst us but after reading the book I knew she did! waves

[Sunscreeneveryday]

As soon as she mentioned "Shit Hot Lawyer" in the early chapters, I took that as a deliberate Hello to Mumsnet.

[EllacottObsessive]

I definitely feel like I'm reading something written by one of us. It's heartening.

[Kit19]

It’s great isn’t it?? I do think JKR speaks a lot through Robin. Reading all the books there’s a definite ‘feminist awakening’ going on for her

Also I see Stephen fry is reading the audio book of the Ikabog so I assume he’s about to be cancelled...

[JoodyBlue]

I love the characters in the Strike novels. I've read them all now. Subsequently watched the televisations and the Strike and Robin characters are perfect.

[Lancelottie]

Should have asked for advice on the Baby Names threads, though. Annabelellacott is very hard to say.

[BebeStevens]

Bloody loved many moments of addressing issues in the book, particularly the dinner party.

[Konga]

@Sunscreeneveryday

As soon as she mentioned "Shit Hot Lawyer" in the early chapters, I took that as a deliberate Hello to Mumsnet.

Yes! I even googled the phrase to see if it is common internet parlance but it doesn’t seem to be.

[AsTreesWalking]

I felt exactly the same - page after page of recognition!

[EllacottObsessive]

Oh god, she's got a full bore MRA in it. I'm veering between laughing the way I do when the Midnight Misogynist turns up, and rolling my eyes.

[Melroses]

I'm going to have to read this, aren't I.

Have you read the other's first?

[Kit19]

Yes Melrose’s you must!

The tv series is great but don’t go into as much depth for obvious reasons :)

[Melroses]

You spotted the stray '

I watched the TV series but just can't get into reading atm - hopefully JKR get me back into it.

[PopperUppleton]

Well I've just bought it. I've been holding off until pay day but I can't wait any longer. I do like a weighty tome on a winter's night

[Deltoids1]

Oh yes, the dinner party is amazing. A total take down of ‘sex work is work’ feminism by Strike.

[EllacottObsessive]

It's so worthwhile to read the books too. I really like the adaptations, and the books have SO much more in them. I'm particularly impressed with her use of The Fairie Queen, tbh.

[EllacottObsessive]

Deltoids, omg that bit is amazing. I was physically responding as I read. I couldn't sit still.

[Offtothedogs]

Troubled blood was one of the most satisfying books I've read for a long long time, for all the reasons mentioned above. I've read it 3 times now. JKR's writing is just getting better and better.

[Offtothedogs]

The dinner party is bloody brilliant. Also the bit where Robin gets a load of abuse from the creepy artist guy, and completely unclustered, she finishes his chips after he storms out the pub. I love the way her character is developing, it's so real and empathic.

[Offtothedogs]

Unflustered! Thank you for that, phone

[EllacottObsessive]

The subordinate in the office is horrible. I was stabby.

[HecatesCats]

Gah, I’m feeling compelled to get stuck in too, but it’s not a genre I’ve ever really been drawn to. Devoured all the HP books in my youth and going back through them with DC now. Are the Strike books bleak/gruesome?

[Deltoids1]

I wouldn’t describe them as bleak or gruesome. They’re intelligent crime thrillers with warm, complex protagonists. I love that Strike has a disability and it’s not airbrushed over. There’s a lot of things going on but essentially they’re bloody good stories.

[Kit19]

I don’t find them bleak or gruesome. There’s no in-depth description of murder a la val mcdermid

Bleak things happen of course but strike & robins friendship is at the heart of the books and that is just lovely