I have just finished reading The Outcast - utterly compelling reading. As the book went on I kept wanting to give Lewis a big hug - we can't condone his behaviour but we can understand it. He wanted so much to be loved and understood and all he got was indifference or rejection. The description of life in the 50's was brilliant -so much going on behind closed doors but outwardly respectable lives continuing. Some of the descriptions of physical violence make for uncomfortable reading but they are not gratuitous and all help the reader to understand the characters better. It is sad but we are left with a feeling of hope. The characters are all well drawn and completely credible. I thought it was a beautifully written first novel -I will remember it for a long time and will reread it after a while. Wonder if her next book will be as good.
As for The Kite Runner (and his follow up 1000 Splendid Suns) - neither are easy reading but both give such insights into life in Afghanistan. The film of The Kite Runner is beautifully done and although it does have a couple of harrowing moments I still found it an extremely moving and wonderful film.
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Re: THE OUTCAST Sadie Jones
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