Ah … I think I understand what you mean. It’s a good book but it was a lot of work to read? I’ve read books like that … and if it is indeed what you’re sayng … I think timing is everything. No matter how good a book is, I prefer not to read an intensely complicated book when I’m super busy or stressed about something (like the closing days of the US election season) because it takes ultra focus to do the book justice. So I would need a more peaceful, relaxed time with no outside distractions to be able to truly enjoy it.
Yes, that's pretty much what I meant. Not necessarily because it was complicated, but it certainly took more effort than a lot of books. And yes, timing if indeed very important in terms of what else is going on.
Not complicated in the “difficult to figure out” sense … complicated in the “slow down and play close attention” sense. There are some books I can skim and not miss anything. There are others I have to read slowly and, occasionally, reread parts to make sure I “got it.”
The book sounds like more a historical novel than a mystery. As you note, Doyle isn't much in the book, his character being much of the draw for a mystery reader, I would think.
I'm not quite sure of what you mean about having to read every word. The closest I can imagine would be a hard science fiction novel, the science being just as much of a character as the actual characters, so, yes, you do have to make sure you're understanding everything, not skipping over details.
Oh, no, it was definitely a mystery from beginning to end. Wilde's main focus all the way through, was trying to find out who had murdered his young friend. Yes, Doyle was one of the reasons I bought the book as the pairing of Wilde & Doyle sounded intriguing. But his absence didn't change the fact it was a mystery.
What you say about hard science fiction books and making sure you understand everything is similar to what I mean, but not quite.
Oh, I know exactly what you mean by having to read every word. The book I'm reading atm is like that, you feel if you don't you'll miss something crucial. Excellent review as always!
Oh, good. I am glad you know what I mean by having to read every word. I somehow thought you would *g* That's kind of spooky that you are reading a book where you have to do that, and I've just finished one.
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I'm not quite sure of what you mean about having to read every word. The closest I can imagine would be a hard science fiction novel, the science being just as much of a character as the actual characters, so, yes, you do have to make sure you're understanding everything, not skipping over details.
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What you say about hard science fiction books and making sure you understand everything is similar to what I mean, but not quite.
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Oh, I know exactly what you mean by having to read every word. The book I'm reading atm is like that, you feel if you don't you'll miss something crucial. Excellent review as always!
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Oh, good. I am glad you know what I mean by having to read every word. I somehow thought you would *g* That's kind of spooky that you are reading a book where you have to do that, and I've just finished one.
Thank you.
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