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Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch - City Read 2015

18 replies

LifeOfBriony · 27/03/2015 17:53

My book group is taking part in his year's City Read London - an 'event' where all libraries in London encourage readers to read the same book. There are supporting events, talks etc and I was intending to go to a talk by the author.

I have started the book and am not getting on with it very well. I usually persevere with books but it is not engaging me enough. Has anyone read it? Is it worth persevering with?

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chariotsofire · 27/03/2015 17:57

I've read the whole series and really enjoyed them. Once you are familiar with the characters and get used to the more 'out there's' elements they are a great mix of humour, detective storyline and dome interesting characters.

The third one was not as good imo but I couldn't put the most recent one down.

Elledouble · 27/03/2015 17:57

I really enjoyed it - less so the other books in the series, unfortunately. I thought it was a bit like a Terry Pratchett, really good fun. How far have you got?

DuchessofMalfi · 27/03/2015 18:01

I read it last year. Was ok, but didn't love it. However I carried on with the rest of the series, and thought they were much better. I think he was just introducing the characters in Rivers of London but hadn't quite got into his stride.

I'd recommend reading Moon Over Soho which is the second one in the series and then deciding whether you want to continue with the series, because that's my joint favourite along with Foxglove Summer.

Original poster
LifeOfBriony · 27/03/2015 18:05

Just finished chapter 6 in which Peter moves into the flat above the coach house.

I don't get the magic side, don't get why people's faces are exploding, don't understand who/what the river women are. I enjoy detective novels but this is just odd.

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Original poster
LifeOfBriony · 27/03/2015 18:16

I haven't read any Terry Pratchett, perhaps these are not my thing.

I do like that it's set in recognisable parts of London.

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Elledouble · 27/03/2015 18:27

It does begin to make more sense, honest. I'd forgotten how dark it is in places.

Joshuajosephspork · 27/03/2015 20:11

I really enjoyed the whole series, but if they're not your thing, they're not

ladymalfoy · 27/03/2015 20:19

I bought the first one because he used to write for Doctor Who.
I love all of the Folly stories. There are so many Doctor Who and other popular culture references in them that every time I read them I find more.
There's one scene in Rivers that is very grim BUT that is the worst bit in all of his books.

Penfold007 · 27/03/2015 21:13

I struggled to get into the book but actually ended up enjoying it. I found the history of London's rivers fascinating.

Provencalroseparadox · 27/03/2015 21:41

I love but they seem to be marmite.

Original poster
LifeOfBriony · 28/03/2015 09:48

i will continue for a bit longer. I am interested in lost rivers, closed tube stations and things like that, and I do like police novels. At least it is not too long.

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BsshBosh · 28/03/2015 20:12

I really enjoy the series. I like a bit of magic in my novels. I might try and see him at my local library and ask him why he used magic (I've never read any of his interviews). You (not you personally!) obviously need to suspend a belief in logic and rationality when you read this series. I just let myself believe it could be true and was able to enjoy the series.

WiIdfire · 28/03/2015 20:20

I love this series! They are well written, very funny in places, and full of much more 'normal' characters than other books, despite the magic. I particularly like the fact that there a range of minority characters, gay couples etc. who are just minority without it being a plot point - weirdly this is quite rare, if you see what I mean.
However, not everyone can have the same taste in novels, so give it a go, but dont worry if you dont love it!

Original poster
LifeOfBriony · 31/03/2015 20:57

Well, I finished it, and was glad to do so. I agree BsshBosh that one has to suspend belief. I found I would get interested in one plot line and then the next chapter would pick up on something else - and it wasn't clear (to me, anyway) why Peter was doing certain things (like visiting the various river people). And in one chapter two dead vampires were discovered but there hadn't been references to vampires before....

I just don't think these are my thing. I was going to go to the author talk in my local library, but think I might give it a miss now. A real shame; I wanted to like it, but as Provencal says, it seems to be marmite book.

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ThursdayLast · 31/03/2015 21:01

I gave found that each book has improved for me -I wasn't overly keen on the first one, but am now gagging for the latest to be released in paperback Smile. You're right, they do feel quite disjointed.

The author screen writes for Doctor Who I believe. I felt that once I found that out, I kind of 'understood' why they're written like they are. I think they would translate to the screen well.

PeeNoMore · 19/04/2015 22:56

They are urban fantasy first and foremost rather than simply crime so not everyone's cup of tea. I really enjoyed the first few but didn't like Foxglove Summer, hardly bothered to finish it Blush

Takver · 20/04/2015 11:55

I love them, but I think as others have said, if you're not into urban fantasy, they're probably not going to appeal.

I liked Foxglove Summer the best of all of them, I think.

MothershipG · 20/04/2015 14:51

There are still tickets available for the free talk he is giving at Chiswick library tomorrow (Tuesday) evening if anyone is interested. Smile

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