2666

I'm not sure why I keep picking out 900+ page books, but I've done it again. I first heard about Roberto Bolano and his masterwork 2666 on NPR, but looking back I couldn't exactly say what it was that intrigued me about the book. Like most modern fiction these days the writing seems to be much more about the writing that the characters or plot. Nevertheless I did enjoy the book though not in a compelling page-turner fashion. It's taken me a month to read the last 200 or so pages. I think I might like it even more if I were to re-read it because the story folds back in on itself as the pages progress. But that's not going to happen.

The characters and landscapes of the book can be downright haunting. But I do wish there had been more resolution. I know life doesn't always give us resolution, but dadgum it fiction can, and I prefer it when it does.

House of Cards Trilogy

I've been watching things much more than reading them. But most things have been, in a word, meh. This is an exception.

As a fan of Jeffrey Archer's First Among Equals this 12 episode series available to watch instantly with a Netflix membership intrigued me. Political machinations in the House of Commons especially in this year of high interest in politics was just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately each section of the trilogy got a bit less good than that which preceded it. But the first section was truly excellent. A must watch for anyone who likes politics, intrigue, scandal and murder.