Reginald Hill is one of the UK's most distinguished writers -- and I'm not just limiting that statement to crime fiction, which is his primary field.
Hill is chiefly famous for his series of 23 novels featuring the two police detectives Dalziel and Pascoe. These novels constitute the main grounds for the UK Crime Writers Association awarding him their prestigious Cartier Diamond Dagger for his lifetime contribution to crime writing. The novels have also been successfully filmed for television.
Under other names Hill has written in other genres, such as historical and science fiction. Indeed his latest book, The Stranger House, is quite hard to pigeonhole; it is perhaps best described as a mainstream novel.
As you would expect from a man who has written several million words of fiction, and is now nearly seventy, The Stranger House is absolutely professional and polished in every way. It's a pleasure to read. Carefully researched, thought about in great detail before pen ever touched paper, this book provides a great deal for the beginning writer to learn from and for the experienced reader to enjoy.
An author's note at the beginning goes to considerable pains to warn off the libel lawyers (I find garlic works best, and, if all else fails, hold up a silver cross), but then the author adds: Just because I've made it all up doesn't mean it's not true.
As is frequently the case with Hill's books, his chapter headings and part divisions feature quotations from literature: in this case the source is mainly the Poetic Edda, or the oral literature of Iceland, which was finally written down nearly a thousand years ago.
The plot of The Stranger House is fairly simple in essence, though it turns out to be complex in practice. Not difficult to follow, but complex in its ramifications. Two young people in their twenties come together in a small village in Cumbria, in the north of England. Sam Flood is a brilliant (female) mathematician from Australia, and Miguel Madero is a Spaniard who nearly became a priest. Both these young people are searching for information about the origins of their family.
The basic material of this novel could easily have served -- with a tweak here and a tweak there -- as the basis for yet another Dalziel and Pascoe novel. It involves crimes of various sorts, and investigation. I am very glad, however, that Hill chose to write this book the way he has. I have not enjoyed the last two or three Dalziel and Pascoe books, though no one else (to my knowledge) has complained. It seemed to me that Hill had grown weary of his two characters, and of the genre, and was writing what seemed all too likely to be a postmodern pastiche of his earlier triumphs. But here there is no mucking about. Just a very interesting story, well told.
If you want to pick holes, you could say that on page 206 the hero and heroine get themselves into a mess which no one with any sense would have got into -- and that stretches the patience a bit. But since we know that there are still 250 pages to go, no reader is going to doubt for a minute that they will emerge unscathed.
Another problem is that the climax of the book, featuring a fire, stretches the old credulity just a trifle. But the description of the fire is as good as you could hope.
Some of the dialogue is also a little stagy -- but then the author does have to get his characters talking and exchanging information, so we shouldn't complain.
All in all these are trivial criticisms compared with the overall achievement, which is substantial. Highly recommended. As usual, the work of an old pro from one of the commercial genres makes the average literary novel look like a very sick puppy indeed.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
52 comments:
I shall read it post haste - sounds like a good recommendation. on which subject, have you yet read Silence of the Grave by
Arnaldur Indridason out now from Harvill and 2005 CWA gold dagger winner. Superb. And the book that can be credited with causing the CWA to exclude non-English writers from the award in future (a subject on which I feel outraged)
Even though I'm up here in Ontario, Canada, I have Reginald Hill on the brain and I'm wondering why. Of course! It's that by now- almost- annoying set of reruns of Dalziel and Pascoe that serves as our nightly tv fare on TVO here. Is there no Canadian talent when it comes to detective yarns? Probably CBC policy--when something is truly enjoyed by the audience, like the old Streetlegal, you kill it an replace it with something dull,which you will enjoy as good because we say it's good and we are informed by a higher power.
This whacknut policy results in our bringing in a lot of Brit content and airing it on Ontaro tv, or TVO, and not on the national CBC, which now brings us hockey and old chesnut American movies. Canadian content? Go figure.
Anyway, there's nothing wrong with Dalziel and Pascoe, or, for that matter, Rosemary and Thyme.
But pretty soon you start talking like a Yorkshireman.
Hix Nix Stix Pix?
Small problem-When Sam is telling her story to Mig, she says her grandmother came to Australia in 1960. They remember 1960 because that was the year JFK became president and the nuns in the orphanage forced everyone to watch.
The problem is that JFK became president in 1961. The public election was 1960,but the Electoral College vote and the inauguration were in 1961.
Read on, Jim: as always Reg Hill knows exactly what he's doing. And how he does it!
Can someone explain the ending to me? I do understand that Michael Galley must be Mig's distant relative. But why would Jenny refer to him as Michael Galley, instead of as Miguel Madero? (Or is the slight man who enters the hut as Andrew is examining the baby Michael Galley?) & the baby is also related to Sam, whose grandmother was Pam Galley. I guess Jenny turns out to be related to Sam - red hair, and all.....but somehow, I just can't put it all together. Did I miss something? "Puzzled in Peoria"
As a devoted Reginald Hill fan, (hence getting this book out of the library, thank heaven I didn't waste my money on it,) I persevered to chapter 7 before I returned it in total disgust.
As an Australian woman, married to and Englishman who many relatives
living in Kendal, Ambleside and Windemere I have spent many wonderful times in Cumbria and have visited it extensively.
When I saw this book I thought it would be wonderful as it had an Australian connection and the familiar memories of life in Cumbria. The topic also grabbed me as we have done extensive family tracing in those parts.
Apparently your your amazing research skills have let you down. Have you ever been to Australia, or have you ever met a real Australian? If you had you would know that NO self respecting Australian would EVER speak in the gross jargon you have Sam speaking in,only Paul Hogan and the late Steve Irwin speak like that and
then only for self promotion. AAARRRGGGHHH. At least I know that noone else I ever met in Cumbria sent us up like that but it beggars belief what people who rely on your TRUE and REALISTIC research will think of our truly wonderful country where the the sun REALLY shines MOST of the time. I really wish this whole farce could be edited out as it is truly defamatory.
What a terrible shame!!!!!!!!!
Do you Know, The concept of Clinical Reasoning Cycle by Lavett Jones
The most important part of Clinical Reasoning Cycle is 8 phases of Clinical Reasoning Cycle Which are
1. Considering the Patient Situation
2. Gathering The Data
3. Process The Gathered Data
4. Recognising The Problem
5. Setting Goals
6. Taking Actions
7. Analyzing
8. Reflecting on The Process
Writing dissertations is a very tedious task. It has been found that most of the students fail to complete the academic paper as it involves a lot of technicalities. Apart from that, the students also lack a systematic approach to the work. Therefore, they seek online dissertation help every now and then. MyAssignmenthelp.com in the UK provides the best online dissertation help.
dissertation help
MyAssignmenthelp.com, you can totally get the perfect ghost writers who can be the real essay helpers in your academic career. You do not have to think about your any assignment work once you have chosen us. Our service has a pool of ghostwriters in UK who are actually expertise in these fields.
Myassignmenthelp
Such a nice blog post on this topic. When you need paper help online or looking for one, know that MyAssignmenthelp.co.uk is the perfect place to suit your needs. We even give you online exam paper help so that you do not have to spend time in writing the papers instead of studying. You get paper assignment help on any topic that you want. We do not judge on the topic being tough or easy.
Wanna gain better marks in your exam? Then you need a awesome online homework help service, connect us via My assignment help website and get instant help for your paper.
Such a nice blog post on this topic. We acknowledge how essential it is for you to submit perfectly crafted assignments. This is why we ensure to offer our professional nursing essay help, whenever you find the process of writing the essays too intimidating. Our experts, providing nursing essay assistance, prepare your assignments with utmost sincerity and by maintaining all the necessary steps that make a paper credible.
Assignment helps students to analyze whether they have clear concepts regarding the subjects. Teachers use assignments as an approach to determine the student’s knowledge.
If you want Assignment Help Service then Contact our professionals who possess a high-level of editing skills and that they can easily turn your document into one that's completely free from grammatical and spelling errors. we offer quality solutions for all urgent assignment help needs. Our material experts are experienced professionals from finest universities of us.
Kareerkonncect is a leading software training institute providing Software Training, Project Guidance, IT consulting and Technology Workshops. Using our enhanced global software training delivery methodology, innovative software training approach and industry expertise, we provide high-value corporate training services that enable our clients to enhance business performance, accelerate time-to-market, increase productivity and improve customer service. More Info- OPT and CPT jobs
This article is damn good. And the information is well informative. Thanks for sharing this. We feel proud to offer the best online assignment help services to the students. We are dedicated to provide top Medical Science Assignment Help at very cheap prices. Mostly students nowadays demand project management assignment help from experts. We are considered one of the top assignment help in Australia.
A diploma program is for those photography lovers who want to know all about the art and want to explore the world of photography seriously. Check out Diploma in photography Delhi, India
Best Photography school in India
Best Photographer in India. Nitin Rai has 30 years of experience and has worked with the corporate clients. Hire NitinRai for best Photography
Best Fashion Photographer in Delhi. Nitin Rai has 30 years of experience and has worked with the corporate clients. Hire NitinRai for best Photography
Great information about The Stranger House.I also write best article at nursing essay writing help UK industry
I agree with the facts you stated above. You have a beautiful flow with words. For students who are struggling to write their assignments on their own, I suggest they choose the Resume Builder service of LiveWebTutors. It is a perfect and affordable platform that helps you to achieve top grades in your academic activities.
I found your this article release while searching for information about topic-related research. It's a good post and keep posting and updating information. Thank you for this release. Assignment Help Melbourne
在开始拆除项目之前,需要进行充分的准备。必须满足所有安全要求,辦公室清拆 以确保现场所有人员以及任何邻近建筑物的安全。工作人员都应意识到使用适当的拆卸工具进行作业的方式。以下是一些遵循的准则,以确保不违反任何法律法规。
Akruti Clinic for Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery in Hyderabad, this is one of the best hospitals in Hyderabad. Akruti conveys its hearty thanks to all the patients for their positive reviews which made us be ranked as Number 1 Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Hyderabad by Times Health Survey. We thank once again for the trust and faith reposed in Akruti. Akruti is established with the sole mission to deliver world-class, holistic, and affordable plastic & cosmetology care. Akruti is a one-stop destination for pertinent care with extreme compassion and advanced technology.
If You want any type of Assignment help then India Assignment Help are one such online assignment help providers that is greatly trusted by students for timely completion of assignments while providing quality content that might fetch them some really good grades based on the submission.
Thank you for sharing this amazing piece of content. You are doing a great job, thanks for it.
We provide the Best NBN Services and NBN Pit and Pipe.
Do visit our website for More Info About The:- NBN AUSTRALIA
Thank you for posting such amazing information.
We are Remote Trainers, A leading educational organization. Which provides online assignment support for all the subjects in every category. Our highly trained tutors are 24/7 ready to help with your assignment.
Feel free to contact us: remote-trainers.com
Appreciate your blog and got many information from your blog. I want to tell you something about packers and movers in Gurgaon our packers and movers service is very fast and safe.
There are two ways available to add money from Apple Pay to Cash app the best and instant way is to go with the instant money transfer option. With this option, you will receive money in just 30 minutes on your Cash Card. If you don’t know how to go with this option then you can go with cash app customer service.
I am working as an education consultant. I have 3 years of experience in this field. If you are looking for courses after 12th. then you must visit Exam Help, which is India's biggest growing education platform that provides the best entrance exam preparation materials & Counseling.
Best food Photographer in IndiaSuch an interesting article here.
Your post is very great.i read this post this is a very helpfulBest faishon photographer IN India
Get your hand on the best fitness watch . best fitness band Or fitness tracker
india under 2000. Buy the shop for the best fitness band in India and get the best fitness tracker device just in 2000. Get the best fitness tracker device only in 2000 in India. Offer limited get the tracker now. best fitness tracker under 2000
Who are Your Damp Specialists?
Based in Stockton-on-Tees we are a closely-knit team providing you with a one stop shop for the identification, treatment and remediation of your damp problems. We are your local specialists in damp proofing in Stockton-on-Tees
,rising damp and condensation treatments who strive continuously to achieve 100% customer satisfaction.
Jó honlap : Zonahobisaya
Jó honlap : One Piece
Jó honlap : Zonahobisaya
Jó honlap : Zonahobisaya
Jó honlap : Zonahobisaya
Jó honlap : Sinopsis Film Terbaru
Jó honlap : Zonahobisaya
Jó honlap : Zonahobisaya
Thank you for sharing this wonderful article with us!
Have difficulties in completing your assessment tasks?. Don’t worry about it. Our assignment writing and online tutoring services are available to assist you.
Here you can get some top-rated services:
Research Paper Assignment Help
Thesis Writing Help
Marketing Dissertation Help
Sociology Dissertation Help
If you want the best convection microwave oven in India under 10000 for your kitchen and start
cooking. best convection microwave oven
This is quite a good blog.Are you also searching for DNP Capstone Project help? we are the best solution for you. We are best known for delivering nursing writing services to students without having to break the bank.
This is an amazing post.
BookMyEssay has years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in providing python assignment help with 100% confidentiality and 100 % plagiarism free.
In Edinburgh, you can get online assignment help. We have a team of highly qualified writers who can answer all of your questions about the assignment. Contact Us!
Purchase The Economics Of Money Banking And Financial Markets Sixth Canadian Edition Test Bank at the lowest price online at test banks 22.
slot shopeepay
Best Indian Travel Agency Database Provider
Thanks for sharing...
Modeling photographers in india
Do you want Case Study Analysis Help for your assignment? Meet us. Casestudyhelp.net furnishes assignment writing and case study assignment help with full of analysis. Our academic writers have the year of work experience in this field. They create pure and no plagiarism content. Case Study Help is always present online.
Are you searching for online HR Assignment Help? Contact us. For MBA students, Case Study Help gives 24/7 online assistance services for HR/HRM (Human Resource Management) assignments and Case studies assignments, etc. We have a crew of management subject matter experts, and they are skilled and highly qualified. They create custom assignment writing services at a reasonable price.
Shop online for Indian simple necklaces at 5-Elements. Explore our collection of elegant necklaces and find the perfect piece to enhance your style. Add a touch of grace and sophistication to your look with our exquisite designs.
visit us - Best Indian simple necklace online | 5-elements
Global Assignment Help offers various subjects from science to arts and from management to engineering. Hence we become the No. 1 Online Assignment Help Service provider worldwide. We have the best professional experts to provide unique solutions to students. We take various measures to ensure that the content is free from plagiarism. we always try to deliver the work on the mentioned timeline.
buy this now Microsoft Surface Laptop
Learnovate in Dubai offers a reliable place to learn new skills. Choosing Learnovate allows you to get courses in Language to IELTS, Corporate Training to IT Training, Engineering to Soft Skills, Exam Preparation to Management, and Human Resource to Digital Marketing.
I like your content and I also add something Satta Matka, a popular form of gambling in India, has a rich and intriguing history dating back to the pre-Independence era. Originating in the bustling streets of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, in the 1960s, Satta Matka initially involved betting on the opening and closing rates of cotton transmitted from the New York Cotton Exchange to the Bombay Cotton Exchange.
Are you stuck in your assignment? If your answer is yes then we have a platform called Workingment which provides marketing assignment help to those students who are suffering from this problem. We've more than 10 years of experience and we provide all the assignment help with our experts if you want any help from us please click on the link given.
NICE POST!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING....
I like you content and I just want to tell the readers or users that if they want any type of commercial and individual insurance, they can connect with SecureNow .
Amazing blog...
advertising photographers in india
Post a Comment