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By: WANG 011
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2025-05-12 14:20:26 |
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We all felt that the psychological aspect of the characters was more important than who-done-it. Gee's writing is spare, no words wasted, no scenes which are not pertinent to the central story. Several ex-schoolteachers in our all-male group said that the relationship between Celia and Paul was one easily open to misinterpretation, probably no less in the 50s than today. Only one member thought the book too fanciful. |
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By: DARF 004
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2024-05-27 21:39:49 |
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An unexpected turn at the end. It was an easy read to get into. |
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By: HOKITIK 004
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2024-04-28 21:34:11 |
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The majority thought the ending was a bit abrupt - that the murderer didn't seem to fit. Not the 'who done it' that we were expecting. However, we are all keen to view the movie and contrast it with the book. |
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By: HAVE 012
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2023-11-23 13:52:43 |
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The group was a bit divided over the book's darkness, but all agreed it was well-written and a good mystery. |
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By: WHAKA 021
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2023-08-10 08:55:00 |
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Interesting read for some, some couldn't get into it. |
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By: TAIH 002
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2023-07-13 12:29:24 |
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This book created a very interesting discussion - on religion, human behaviour, the long term effects of a traumatic childhood on us as adults!! Then there was the unexpected identity of the murderer! |
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By: DUNED 102
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2022-03-28 12:41:48 |
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This book generated lots of discussion! The book grabbed our readers and kept us engaged until the end. The subjects were difficult, but handled well. Although the group thought it more of a psychological read than a 'whodunnit'book, we were all guessing who did it right up to the end. We'd recommend the book. |
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By: HANMER 001
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2022-03-28 12:38:43 |
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Enjoyed by all - easy read. |
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By: AUCK 188
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2022-03-28 12:38:04 |
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It generated a good discussion. Several members thought that the main characters were flawed, and their behaviour would not be accepted today. |
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By: NELS 065
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2022-03-28 12:36:49 |
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Interesting little story. Good reflection of small town NZ in the 1970s, where Down Syndrome not well understood. Boys were mirror images of their parents. Very set ideas of how folk should act in society. |
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By: NORTH 001
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2022-03-28 12:34:46 |
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Good book! |
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By: AUCK 389
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2022-03-28 12:34:07 |
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Mixed opinions in the group. People agreed it was well-written. Some thought it was a very masculine viewpoint and violent in nature. Some members could relate to the personality of Paul as 'typical' of men of that era. We agreed that our treatment of those with Down Syndrome has moved on, and we found it shocking to read of the impact it had on Paul's life. |
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By: AUCK 417
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2022-03-28 12:28:48 |
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We all enjoyed this book, especially with the setting being Henderson, close to where we grew up, and when we grew up. We could all relate to the time and setting. It captivated one's interest right up to the final scene. We thought the character development and psychoanalysis of characters were quite amazing. The characters were really believable. |
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By: CHCH 497
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2022-03-28 12:25:36 |
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Initially most felt the book was a bit 'ordinary' and slow moving. However, after some robust discussions prompted by thoughts in the notes and questions, the book revealed more of its deeper characterisations and themes. The group's comments included - "It was nice to read a book set in NZ", "A bit gloomy", "Slightly disturbing undercurrents", "Well-written". A small book packed with good characterisation and varying themes. The idea of a den and just 'being' with books appeals to those of us who love books. |
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By: CHCH 292
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2022-03-28 12:20:03 |
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True to his word, the den set the ground of formation - for the man he was to become. The writing was both intriguing and engaging, as the characters of the story unfolded. We wondered if Andrew was in any way jealous of Paul's needing not to be as pious as the household in which they were formed. |
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By: CHCH 502
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2022-03-28 12:14:06 |
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Mixed reviews of the book. Some enjoyed it, others found it hard to get into. |
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By: CHCH 268
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2022-03-28 12:12:17 |
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A good reflection of the period, very readable, but not all characters developed fully. The 'Den' in the title seemed to be important, or sinister, but this didn't really eventuate. |
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By: ROTO 013
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2019-08-22 11:58:57 |
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Well-written, good crime novel. Enjoyed by all. |
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By: CHCH 240
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2019-03-22 15:20:16 |
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Our group all enjoyed this book and thought it very well written. Our age group could identify with the era and one had lived in that area in the 70's so knew the location. It was a very authentic portrayal of life in the late 60's we could relate to and this generated a good discussion as to the then and now of life. The plot kept us guessing as to who was the culprit. |
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By: WHANG 021
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2018-10-05 12:44:46 |
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Great read and great discussion. |
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By: WARK 005
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2018-10-05 12:44:15 |
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Everybody liked this book. |
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By: AUCK 379
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2018-10-05 12:43:13 |
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The book created a robust discussion. The common theme of the discussion centred around how this book provided an authentic sense of NZ in the 60s. Despite being located in suburban Auckland, a provincial mind set dominated the theme and added to its authenticity... |
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By: TEPUK 006
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2018-10-03 14:59:17 |
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Although many in the group had read this book (a long time ago!) we all agreed it was well worth re-reading. We all enjoyed the excellent characterisation. The author had developed the character of Paul to such an extent that we not only found him believable, but could understand and maybe sympathise with him. He also achieved this with the secondary characters, but to a lesser extent. We also discussed ( but did not re watch) the movie, and the plot changes. Recommended! |
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By: HURUN 001
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2018-10-03 14:55:07 |
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We enjoyed the book and thought it was well-written. Most viewed it as a psychological story rather than a 'whodunit'. We thought the questions were good, and they provoked a lot of discussion. |
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By: AUCK 174
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2018-10-03 14:53:22 |
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Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this book. We had an interesting discussion on the questions. It captured the 60s well. |
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