Review: 5 out of 5
It makes sense for one to try and re-read one’s long-lost favourites and it was with that attitude I took this one up again, definitely after more than a few years have passed. My distant view of this book was very positive, and it is with a certain happiness that I walk away from here with the same thoughts now as well.
What I really enjoy about this book and how it’s written is the narrative the events are thread into. This is no grand display of the might of the English language — what it is, is simply a very good and enjoyable story. We see the course of a friendship and the course of politics take a similar direction, and I particularly enjoy the author’s numerous comparatives between these two aspects. There’s also the occasional pun that has been written in which causes no harm, but perhaps rightly describes how people on edge find some solace in their friendships.
Lastly, it is clear that the events in the book are not meant to surprise the reader. More often than not, the reader already is familiar with the series and probably with this episode as well. This book is not about surprising the reader, but about the journey. There are, therefore, plenty of philosophical remarks (including the end note) about friendship, love, civilisation and other topics. If one approaches this book with an open mind, there is something to gain. If there is no intention of doing so, there is no point in reading it.
