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Original poster

Anyone else read 'When will there be good news?' by Kate Atkinson

41 replies

kimlouiseb · 03/12/2009 22:09

I really liked it. It was a tad unrealistic at times but I couldn't put it down.
Have to admit I'm a bit in love with Jackson Brodie too!
Anyone read any of her others and are they any good?

OP posts:
BitOfFun · 03/12/2009 22:12

I've read all of them- there was only one I didn't like much, but typically, I can't remember which one

twinmam · 03/12/2009 22:19

Loved it. She is a fab writer and she creates really cool female characters. I especially loved how the ones who did all the rescuing were women.

I've read a few and I too can't remember which one I didn't like BUT 'behind the scenes at the museum' is, IMO, just stunning.

AvadaKedavra · 03/12/2009 22:20

read it and loved it

Original poster
kimlouiseb · 03/12/2009 22:22

Will put 'Behind the scenes at the museum' on my christmas list I think. Thanks Twinmam

OP posts:
JaneiteMightBite · 03/12/2009 22:24

I do have a bit of a thing for Brodie but, as a whole, the books disappointed me. I thought they were driven far too much by coincidence and were a bit predictable. I also don't thik she does endings very well - it's like she gets bored half way through.

I liked the Museum one but can remember absolutely nothing about it.

potatofactory · 03/12/2009 22:24

Have just read 'One Good Turn' which also has Jackson Brodie in. Very, very good, seemingly effortless brilliance, I think. Loved it. 'Voddabitch' my favourite line!

potatofactory · 03/12/2009 22:25

Although now you have said that about the ending Janeite, I'm swayed by that - maybe the ending wasn't so great. I'm very suggestible.

Deadworm · 03/12/2009 22:30

Agree about the endings, esp in 'When will there be ...' I enjoyed that book though. Fun and warm, though absurd plot. The doctor character is a lovely warm creation.

'Behind the Scenes' is a much better book. Altogether different and more thoughtful.

scotty2 · 03/12/2009 22:50

Hi Just interested in anyones thoughts re acupuncture. I have had 3 ivf cycles - first one when i was 38 and succesful with a beautiful son, whose now 3..just been back to the clinic and considering another cylce. Good egg production and im 42 next week - FSH 4.6 and amh 16.5- so these are positive...(taken about 3 weeks ago) Prev Cycles result in pregancy but last one no heatbeat at 8 weeks.... have booked an acupuncture appt at the Kite clinic. anyone have any feedback on this? success stores ? thanks

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 03/12/2009 22:56

scotty2 - are you meant to be on this thread?!!

scotty2 · 03/12/2009 22:57

sorry i am new and wanted to raise a questions will go back to the menu! apologies

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 03/12/2009 22:59

hi scotty2 - welcome, I did not intend to be mean! Hope you find your way around soon and someone comes along to talk to you about acupuncture

penona · 03/12/2009 23:01

I finished this about a week ago. I have loved her other stuff, but found this a bit contrived and frankly preposterous. When I got to the end I went back and 'checked' all the stuff made sense, but still felt it was a bit far-fetched. There seemed so many loose ends and unlikely situations.

I do recommend her other stuff though. One Good Turn was great, as was Behind the Scenes. She also writed lovely short stories if you are interested - great for a quick-fix read when not enough time to get into a proper book.

scotty2 · 03/12/2009 23:01

thanks will get there,,,been up since 5.15 and should be in bed!

BitOfFun · 03/12/2009 23:02

You need to click on Topics and find the conception boards, I think.

That was surreal

penona · 03/12/2009 23:03

Oh and scotty, after 2 failed IVFs I had success with my third and used acupuncture. But can't tell you for definite that was the reason - might have worked anyway!

VicarInaTinselTuTu · 03/12/2009 23:16

i read it and quite enjoyed it!

i never thought id say this (or think it!) but i actually miss my 30 min train commute which is where i did the majority of my reading.

im struggling now to find the time

Vintagepommery · 04/12/2009 13:08

The other 2 in the Jackson Brodie series - CAse Histories and One Good Turn both good. Case Histories the best I think - I also heart Jackson Brodie.

Also liked Behind the Scenes. The only one of hers haven't liked was Emotionally Weird.

SixtyFootDoll · 04/12/2009 13:11

I love Kate Atkinson and have read all her books.
Jackson Brodie is such a great character. I always wonder when I am reading who would play him if they turned it into a film/ tv show?
I love the way Kate always neatly ties up the loose ends.

LaDiDaDi · 04/12/2009 13:14

I liked it but I felt a bit like she had almost written it with some sort of TV adaptation/film in mind in parts.

Deadworm · 04/12/2009 13:15

I certainly agree with that. It really did read like 'the book of the TV series' even though it isn't (yet) on TV.

KurriKurri · 04/12/2009 15:13

I loved her other Jackson Brodie ones, but for some reason struggled to get into this one, then had to return it to the library. I may give it another go though, I liked Behind The Scenes as well.

Agree with Sixtyfootdoll, she doesn't leave you unsatisfied, all her plot twists and turns are dealt with.

sfxmum · 04/12/2009 15:37

I read this a couple of weeks back
first time I read any of her books which come highly recommended by friends, and I have a few of her previous books about the house which I plan to read soon

I really enjoyed it, quite funny despite the gruesome bits, very good writing easy to get into, great dialogue, very good light reading

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 04/12/2009 15:43

I loved it, the doctor's reassurance about the existence of an extra "pudding stomach" has fallen into day to day use around here.

Behind the Scenes is great, also highly recommend Human Croquet which is fantastic.

Her people seem like real people don't they? They sort of make sense.

troutpout · 04/12/2009 16:02

Yes...can't remember much about it.
Was it the one with the murdered family in a field?
It was an ok easy read at the time...but not a sticker

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