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Original poster

Kate Atkinson

32 replies

herewegoroundtheblueberrybush · 06/01/2024 09:01

I keep being suggested her books by the audible algorithm but I think I tried one years ago and didn't like it. I can't recall which!

I read reviews and they're all mixed. I see her recommended on here a lot too but then again I see people saying some of her books are better than others.

I admit I am a fussy reader with no clear pattern to the authors of genres I like!

But basically I want to know which book of hers to try first - if I only read one to get the sense of her, which?

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MavisPennies · 26/08/2024 12:43

I loved life after life, I think in part because of the theme of circularity within it. I'm a sucker for a second chance.
The Jackson Brodie novels are a good solid detective series if that floats your boat.

newnamethanks · 26/08/2024 12:39

Apologies all "Death at the Sign of the Rook".

newnamethanks · 26/08/2024 11:40

2 chapters in to the new one 'At the Sign of the Rook'. Sliding in comfortably, like meeting an old and much missed friend.

ThePoshUns · 26/08/2024 10:47

I love Kate Atkinson's writing. I've enjoyed all of her books.

CornishLizard · 26/08/2024 10:32

I feel exactly the same @FlyHalf - the way the thoughts and the ideas swirl around and then get cut through with wry remarks seems to resonate with how my wandering mind works (but sadly on a very much higher plane of invention and wit) - I think she’s an absolute genius.

Which other authors do you enjoy?

FlyHalf · 22/08/2024 16:56

I love everything she's written; she's just one of those authors whose head I enjoy being in for a few days, regardless of the story being told. Something about the rhythm and texture of her language, and the types of characters she creates, chimes with my brain perfectly, to the point where I don't even feel as if I'm reading. It's more like my imagination's sinking into a warm bath.

OlPackingTape · 22/08/2024 16:52

I love all her stuff. My only tip is read A God in Ruins AFTER Life After Life as they are related.

westisbest1982 · 22/08/2024 16:47

Has anyone started reading Death at the Sign of the Rook? Amazon still haven’t dispatched my copy!

ZenNudist · 19/08/2024 18:24

Life after life is my favourite novel. A god in ruins is great too. I read behind the scenes at the museum when she was a new author and I loved her from then. BTSATM or LAL are the best books to start with. I know I've read emotionally wierd and human croquet but it was too long ago to remember and I know I enjoyed them.

I like the Jackson Brodie books but didn't get on with Big Sky. Its been so long since I started reading them I forgot his back story.

I have just read transcription which I bought when it came out but have not previously bothered with. I didn't think it was one of her best but it was intriguing and quite clever, especially when you read her explanation of the historical sources.

I loved Shrines of Gaiety. Really solid novel but wouldn't be my first book of hers to read.

VeryQuaintIrene · 19/08/2024 18:15

Her book of short stories "Not the end of the World" is brilliant, IMO, and I reread it every couple of years or so.

westisbest1982 · 19/08/2024 18:08

I've just remembered she referenced this website in A God in Ruins? Could Kate be a Mumsnetter?

tobee · 19/08/2024 17:07

I read Behind the Scenes at the British Museum and a Jackson Brodie and found both incredibly annoying.

I always feel I need to duck if I say this on Mumsnet though.

inthekiddle · 19/08/2024 10:54

I have only read Brodie and Transcription so far. I liked transcription although I felt like the ending was weaker than the rest of the book. Which of her others am I likely to like??

olympicsrock · 18/08/2024 22:50

Love her books . Especially Shrines of gaiety.
also like the Jackson Brody books

JaneJeffer · 18/08/2024 22:34

I didn't like Life After Life and didn't finish it. I love the Jackson Brodie books.

inthekiddle · 18/08/2024 22:04

newnamethanks · 18/08/2024 13:43

Good news, Jackson Brodie fans, new book out on Wednesday 21st August. Hurrah. Also, superfans, noticed Kate Atkinson doing a live Q&A on Jackson B books on same day via Guardian website. Great, something to look forward to after some grim weeks.

Ooh live Q&A sounds good!

westisbest1982 · 18/08/2024 19:19

newnamethanks · 18/08/2024 13:43

Good news, Jackson Brodie fans, new book out on Wednesday 21st August. Hurrah. Also, superfans, noticed Kate Atkinson doing a live Q&A on Jackson B books on same day via Guardian website. Great, something to look forward to after some grim weeks.

It’s out on the 22nd, not the 21st.

Viviennemary · 18/08/2024 17:14

PamelaParis · 06/01/2024 09:04

Either Behind the Scenes at the Museum or Life After Life.

It just shows how tastes differ. I loathed Behind the scenes at the museum. I've liked the Jackson Brodie books.

newnamethanks · 18/08/2024 13:43

Good news, Jackson Brodie fans, new book out on Wednesday 21st August. Hurrah. Also, superfans, noticed Kate Atkinson doing a live Q&A on Jackson B books on same day via Guardian website. Great, something to look forward to after some grim weeks.

LadyEloise1 · 07/01/2024 19:20

I loathed Life after Life too @TonTonMacoute
Glad I'm not the only one .

CharlotteRumpling · 07/01/2024 19:19

I loved Transcription. So different.

Original poster
herewegoroundtheblueberrybush · 07/01/2024 19:14

ChessieFL · 07/01/2024 13:32

This thread’s also worth a read

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/what_were_reading/4968238-which-kate-atkinson-book?reply=131697127

Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
herewegoroundtheblueberrybush · 07/01/2024 19:13

TonTonMacoute · 06/01/2024 13:30

Interesting, because I enjoyed all her books except Life After Life. Pretentious crap, absolutely loathed it.

The Jackson Brodie books are good, I would try those first.

Interesting you say that because I listened to a sample of life after life and I didn't take to it. But I have downloaded case histories!

OP posts:
Clawdy · 07/01/2024 17:11

Think I have enjoyed every book of hers, particularly Life After Life, which I found amazing. Loved the Jackson Brodie novels too, and apparently there is another one coming soon!

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