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Book reviews ... Author interviews ... and anything else I think might be of interest to writers and readers.

Thursday 3 April 2008

Robert Goddard ...

... Out Of The Sun

Regular blog readers will know that I have a bit of a Robert Goddard obsession. So, the lovely Welshman got me a couple of his books for Christmas, and this is the first to be read.

'Out Of The Sun' features the character Harry Barnett who also appeared in 'Into The Blue', which I reviewed on the blog a while ago. Harry is older, but by no means wiser in this novel.

The read has all of the usual Robert Goddard trademarks. A pounding plot, a huge cast of increasingly eccentric characters and an international stage. It also has mind boggling detail on the subjects of mathematics, financial forecasting and higher dimensions. It will make your brain hurt.

The back cover lists a review from The Times saying that this is, ‘Undoubtedly Goddard’s most entertaining book to date’. I’m not sure about this. Yes, it’s gripping, yes it’s a great absorbing read, but at its heart is the story of a father and his tragic relationship with his son. To call it entertainment feels a bit too slight.

If you stick with it through the twists and turns, the emotions and explanations – the end will move you to tears.