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Original poster

Worst Books of 2005

46 replies

expatinscotland · 06/01/2006 17:14

We've had one for best, now let's hear your worst.

My nomination: Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel.

Couldn't finish it. Too disgusted at the level of child abuse present.

OP posts:
Original poster
expatinscotland · 06/01/2006 17:20

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OP posts:
ggglimpopo · 06/01/2006 17:22

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ggglimpopo · 06/01/2006 17:25

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Original poster
expatinscotland · 06/01/2006 17:27

and horrid as well. that was another one i returned to the library before finishing it, still angry i'd wasted my time . . .

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Bink · 06/01/2006 17:47

The Line of Beauty. Rubbish rubbish rubbish, written on autopilot. Dh and I couldn't bring ourselves to bring it back again from holiday, so insinuated it into the shelf of English books thoughtfully provided for the clientele of the hotel.

BUT (weirdly) I suspect it will make quite a good film, like The Ploughman's Lunch (remember that?)

ggglimpopo · 06/01/2006 17:51

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MrsSpoon · 06/01/2006 17:55

In the minority here but Small Island, I didn't finish it so it may have improved towards the end.

Bink · 06/01/2006 17:59

oo, yes, The Da Vinci Code (does that count as 2005, it's been around for yonks)

"And then he wrote out all twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, from memory. Sophie's eyes widened in astonishment."

Pah.

ggglimpopo · 06/01/2006 18:04

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mummytosteven · 06/01/2006 18:05

Oh yes, the Da Vinci Code. Funny how the sacred feminine seemed to boil down to randy old men having orgies with nubile attractive girls! Once I got past page 400 (felt like 4000) I was just desperate for it to finish....

Nightynight · 06/01/2006 18:23

this is very interesting. I thought I should read the da vinci code, as it is such a best seller, but just have the feeling that I will resent having spent money on it, so am waiting to find it in a charity shop.

I have seen so many men reading it on trains this year. randy old men having orgies probably explains that.

Bink · 06/01/2006 18:53

nightynight, d'you want mine (for postage only, or if you're in London via bookcrossing)? (I bought it as a sort of joke for my dad (along with other books) for Christmas, and he suggested (kindly, he's a nice chap) he might take just the other ones.)

CAT me if you do.

Nightynight · 06/01/2006 19:18

that is a nice offer Bink, thank you, but Im back in Germany actually!
I think I will try the English language library at the Twisted Bavarian in Munich.

Original poster
expatinscotland · 06/01/2006 22:16

isnt the author being sued for having ripped off the idea for da vinci code from someone else?

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christie1 · 11/01/2006 02:31

I tried a Ben Elton book. Wish I had asked about it on here first as I didn't realize how violent they were. I think it was mortal remains. Stopped after 2 chapters but still enough to sicken me.

foxinsocks · 12/01/2006 18:14

I would second the Da Vinci code. Possibly one of the worst books I've ever read (although I did finish it and there are other books I haven't even bothered to finish). I hated all the commentary - almost half the book seemed to be taken up with one of the characters telling you about some mind-numbingly boring fact. I also thought it was written purely to be made into a film.

Sadly, I didn't finish the second Donna Tartt book (The Little Friend). It started OK but I got so weighed down in the middle, I couldn't get any further.

bakedpotato · 12/01/2006 18:16

We Need to Talk About Kevin.

In my considered opinion, pants.

Fauve · 12/01/2006 18:19

MrsSpoon, I didn't like Small Island, either - and I didn't finish it either.

And I know loads of people loved it, but I hated My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Marina · 12/01/2006 18:23

I loathed the Da Vinci Code, he is a shocking writer.
I normally like Alan Hollinghurst so will see if I agree with Bink about it being tired old twaddle...and any veterans of The Ploughmans' Lunch might well enjoy Friends and Crocodiles on Sunday night, with Damian Lewis and written by Stephen Poliakoff.
Am quite happy to mouth off about unhinged Lionel Shriver after all I have read/seen of her in the media and on here...without going to trouble of buying and reading said book. Like NN (LOL at locating quality expat lit in the Twisted Bavarian NN) I feel I can't pay for We Have to Talk About Kevin...

janeite · 12/01/2006 18:34

Another vote for "We Need To Talk About Kevin" - I resent the section of my life I wasted on this and I didn't even finish it. Useless.

bundle · 12/01/2006 18:37

The Sea by John Banville..I won't finish it

(despite wanting to hate the Kevin book, I'm afraid I loved it and found it really thought-provoking)

ggglimpopo · 12/01/2006 18:37

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Original poster
expatinscotland · 12/01/2006 18:39

Yes, 'We Need to Talk About Kevin'. We need to egg whoever gave Lionel Shriver a publishing contract.

So bad, I'd forgotten about it.

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harpsichordcarrier · 12/01/2006 18:39

gosh I am really glad everyone hates the Da Vinci Code
I am justified in being very sneery about it despite never having read it...

ggglimpopo · 12/01/2006 18:40

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