Being Dead

Jim Crace

This is the best Crace book I've read. The story is told backwards. The writing is spare and economic. It's modern, bang up to date. It examines a very simple situation and presents different people's viewpoints. It's possibly the best book I've read this year.
Andrew 21/5/00

Good, clever construction. Sensitive about relationships, the people are very sympathetic. Ghastly section about bodies disintegrating on a beach.

Doreen and Andrew both thought this was probably Jim Crace's best book.
Rory 21/1/01

This is an astonishing, brilliant book. It starts with two deaths then works forwards and backwards. It is rhythmic, almost like poetry. Seán was angry at first at the deaths but felt they were justified (for the purposes of the story) by the end, although very little was known about the murderer. Seán couldn't put this one down and felt it was the highlight of his reading.
Seán 25/03/01

He's a very fine novelist. This was thoroughly enjoyable. It's well researched but never dull. I thought the daughter was a little pointless. Recommended.
Gavin 06/05/01

By the same author

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.