One of Us

I had this book pressed upon me. My friend gave it to me far to early one morning. Every time I met him he asked me if I was reading it yet. Eventually I started it. And was thoroughly confused. The opening is utterly preplexing, but intriguing. It draws you in. Then you get to the premise, and that's it. Forget about stopping, it's not really an option.Sure, many of the ideas may not be original, but frankly, there's not much originality out there. The genius is in the mix, and Michael Marshall Smith get it just right. He does something that doesn't seem to be widely expected in the days of 5-second attention spans, he makes you think. And wait. The anticipation of an explanation for the various events that shaped Hap's life are what drives the book along. When I finally got to the bank, I was remarkably excited about it (actually, to such an extent that the more detached part of my mind was really worried about me), but it was quite an unusual experience. Lastly, I have to comment on the humour in the book. I think that's why my friend was so insistent on my reading it. The humour of the book is brilliant. I haven't laughed reading a book so much in quite a while. Jingo, by Terry Pratchett, perhaps. That was 1997. Incedentally, if anybody has read both, and reflecting on the use of other material, did you notice the similarity between Hap's alarm clock and the Disorganiser Lady Sibyl got Vimes?

A gripping yet belivable read. Profound, humorous in style, keeping in line with his previous publications..Only Forward and Spares. Eagerly waiting for the next title...

One Of Us is a very well crafted novel featuring modern-day humanity in a not-too distant future. I love Smith's knack for twists on technology - the talking appliances (also seen in Spares but less developed) add quite a bit of humor to the reading. Smith also has a fabulous way of describing the ordinary that will make you chuckle. I found myself drawn in throughout the book in a similar way to the first two. I say one only must read it once as a comparison to Only Forward, and even Spares. With Only Forward, I immediately turned back to the first page and started reading the entire book again, having so many questions. What drew me in was Smith's ability to make you think - and though there are signs of it in One Of Us, it lacks some of the power in Only Forward. Still, it is a complete book and one I would highly recommend!!

As always Michael Marshall Smith shows staggering creativity in One of Us. I think One of Us matches Smith's first book, Only Forward in vision, but he is much more understated and well developed. An *exellent* book for anyone who likes fantasy that makes you think.

I have read all the books by Mr.Smith and I really am telling the truth when I say that I haven't read a bad one yet. Only Forward had me gripped and laughing, Spares had me imagining an unmoving sea and it was with pleasure that I sat down to read One of Us. I was not dissappointed and you will not be either. His story is intelligent, funny, even touching at times. Yet he still keeps up the pace and spins the plot in so many different directions you don't know what to call the story, thriller, drama, sci-fi babble?? Who cares as long as his books keep coming out like One of Us I and many others will be very happy.Just one last thought to leave you with: Where do you want to go tommorrow?? Michael Marshall Smith can take you there.