Outside by Ragnar Jonasson was my 10th read for The Twenty Books of Summer. Back in March or April I read Jonasson's previous standalone, The Girl Who Died, published in late 2021, and I was totally fascinated by it--I thought it was very well done and and worth reading.
However, Outside, published in the U.S. in late June, was such a disappointment in comparison. It has all the elements I love in a suspense novel--four "friends" caught fast in a November blizzard in the northeastern moorlands of Iceland, struggling for survival. A great premise on the surface, but I found the execution to be abysmal. I'd love to hear the opinions of others--it is a novel that can be read in a couple of sittings--very short, so I hope others will plunge into it and give their opinions. I hate to disparage a book from a writer whose books I admire, but there it is. I will not stop reading Jonasson--I think too highly of his previous works to do that.
I'm coming closer to the end of In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden--have admired it and learned a great deal from it--My Classics Club Pick. I'm looking forward to writing about it.
Then, my next book for the 20 Books of Summer, The Serpent Pool by Martin Edwards. Am heartily enjoying this one set in the Lake District.
I was waiting to see what you final opinion of this book was. Too bad you did not like it. From your description and others I read online, I think it would be too scary for me even if I liked the writing.
ReplyDeleteI have only read one of his series books but I have a couple on the shelves to read.
Hi Tracy,
DeleteActually I didn't find it scary at all. It could have been, with better writing. In my opinion, it's a Jonasson novel that just didn't hit the mark, not at all.
I've read a couple of books by Jonasson and liked them a lot but don't think this one would be for me. I do, however, love Martin Edwards' Lake District novels and enjoyed The Serpent Pool. I also am on my 10th. book for the summer reading challenge, a lighthearted historical crime series instalment.
ReplyDeleteThe news is here that Peter had to spend 3 days in hospital with the pneumonia I told you about but came out yesterday. He's very fragile but home food and his own bed is making a difference. I'm lucky in that my youngest daughter lives locally and has been a real help.
My reply is below. Funny, for some reason, my initial replies are showing as new comments, for some silly reason.
DeleteHi Cath,
ReplyDeleteYou have been on my mind daily, since the terrible heat hit England. I'm glad to hear that Peter is now home again and I hope he'll strengthen each day. You must be exhausted, what with the heat and worry. I'll look forward to hearing what you think of your current book.
This was a terrible book for such a shot novel. I actually stopped reading it and forgot to put it on my DNF at about the 60% point. Hard to believe the author wrote this after having such a great track record.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
DeleteI simply cannot understand it--his previous novels have been so good. How did the publisher think this one was going to fly? It's hard to believe that Jonasson would consent to having this published after such a great track record.