Gentlemen and Players

I thought this book was superb. Although I figured out the "twist in the tail of the tale" very early on, I really enjoyed it. There were so many reflections of my own school life in the book, that empathy was easy for me. The reason that I don't give it five stars is that I found that the pace dragged a bit at times, and I was almost screaming, "Get on with it!" Well worth reading. I would recommend it.

What a great read! It was funny, sad, puzzling, suspenseful. The ending took me completely by surprise and made me want to pick it up and read it again with new insight. You think you've got it figured out? Well, you don't. Enjoy!

I mostly read library books. This one, however, once I return to the library, I'm heading out to buy. Both for my husband to read and to keep on hand for myself. Will be reading it again in a few years. It's that good. Well written and enjoyable, you'll be reading merrily along and you'll reach a point where a good read becomes the BEST read ever. You've been duped and tricked, but will love every moment of it. Delightfully twisty ending. Now I'll be going back the first 300 pages to see how the author pulled it off without any red flags being sent up (plenty of red herrings, however). Granted, there was times when I realized a couple things didn't add up, but I chalked it up to lack of attention on my part (fast reader). Now I know that the way it was written would bring that result, no real fault of my own. Harris purposely tries to shift your attention elsewhere, all the time performing an illusion right before your eyes. Perhaps I said too much? Hmmm...maybe not. Go on, get it. I promise you'll love it.

I'm reviewing the P.S. version of 'Gentlemen and Players' because it contains an insightful five-page 'On My Mind' piece by the Joanne Harris. Harris discusses her history as a teacher - 12 years teaching at a Boys' Grammar School in the UK. As the intro to that piece states, her teaching experience was "put to good use in the deeply atmospheric 'Gentlemen and Players.'" Indeed. I also have to make mention of the compelling cover of the P.S. release, design courtesy of Robin Bilardello. It makes this work fairly leap off the shelves and into your hands. It's what encouraged me to flip through the book in the store. The book itself holds up well. The style taken on here by Ms. Harris - two competing narrators and a very well-concealed twist - is not one taken easily by an unskilled writer. She pulls it off very well. Harris is best known as the author of 'Chocolat' (basis of the movie of the same name). Reviews elsewhere call that her best work, while others put votes in for 'Five Quarters of the Orange.' 'Gentlemen and Players' was my introduction to her work. I came out very impressed and definitely a new fan of her work.

... and here I thought that I knew what's going on! This very clever and intelligent thriller has more twists and surprises than any other thriller that I can remember. I finished the last page and immediately went to beginning, to see if the author gave any clues ... well, she did - in very subtle way. I probably would enjoy the book even more, if I knew at least something about the game of cricket ; but even for "cricket dummy" this is very enjoyable reading. (if you are in the same boat, read star review - it explains the title of the book and a little bit more). Five stars. Without doubt, one of the best in this genre.