The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas

[DashingRedhead]

Has anyone else read it? I really would love to discuss it if anyone else has.

It's one of the very few books I've not finished

I thought the characterisation was poor - all the narrative voices were basically the same - and I know this is going to sound really prudish but I just hated all the casual swearing and sex!!

I've not read it yet. I heard a very favourable review on Radio 4 a few weeks ago, but just haven't had the time to start it.

I noticed that the reviews on amazon were a bit hit and miss, which has put me off it a bit. I'm intrigued by the casual swearing and sex though!

Is it worth starting?

Yes it's definitely worth starting. I agree with basildon that the swearing etc is a bit offputting and also that although the viewpoint changes the narrative voice doesn't. That I found disappointing because I'm a fan of that kind of approach (though nobody does it better than Wilkie Collins IMO). Basildon, don't know whether you would agree with this too, but I couldn't cope with the fact that everyone seemed to be taking drugs - I just don't believe that everyone in Australia is wandering around popping pills. And I know men think about sex a lot - but that much? Perhaps I shouldn't ask DH, I might get a shock

What I found very interesting was the whole set up - man slaps child not his own. I'm also curious about whether the apparent class baggage (eg child's name Hugo) is the same there as here.

I was going to suggest it for my book group, but, given the drugs and sex, I think I might pick something else.