Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

J.K. Rowling is best known for her Harry Potter Series. This book is an attempted shift at an adult novella. The book itself comes in an orange and red hardcover binding. The cover is a bit visually disappointing - a simple black "x" in a checkbox with vintage lettering indicating the title. The story is set in Pagford, an odd ramshackle sort of town with low income housing on its outskirts that exists to generate crime and promote substance abuse. The unexpected death of Barry Fairbrother, the town official who tirelessly strived on behalf of the downtrodden, at a golf club attended by the rich creates a civil warfare and strife over the continued welfare of those same downtrodden individuals that causes much debate. His death leaves a hole in the council and the rich see the opportunity to put one of their own in his place. Mr. Fairbrother sought to prevent transfer of "ownership" of the low income housing to the next district, and his replacement would allow it to happen. Certain statements begin showing up on the council website that throw things for a loop. As a whole, the book itself can pose difficult reading for those who are used to Rowling's usual light-hearted Harry Potter (although dark and gloomy at times) fare. The book creates a number of issues that are currently ongoing and applicable in today's day and age. The book has topics a Potter fan would never expect to see - cursing, polysubstance abuse, sex ("that miraculous vagina" is among her especially noteworthy terms and has received much social media buzz), racism, snobbery, the list goes on. The book focuses on the rich and corrupt - an interesting note given that Rowling came from humble beginnings and is now one of the richest women in England. There are also some horrifying elements to the book that are not for young readers, such as a detailed rape scene that I would not expose my children to. I found that there were not too many characters with whom I could identify - perhaps this was Rowling's intent. In her previous books, the readers jumped onto the different characters and found elements that they appreciated. Here, the darker fare makes the characters seem more distant. Overall, the book was a good and entertaining read. If you dont mind a simple and expected plot, and a clear social message about shared responsibility, then pick the novel up. The kindle version of this book has had some criticisms as to quality and price. This review is solely for the print edition. Thanks for reading - let me know if this was helpful or if you have any questions I am happy to answer in the comments!!!