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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.

17 comments:

Yvonne said...

I've never read a Robert Goddard book so thanks for the review. I quite like nerdy books actually so he sounds like a good author for me!

Lane Mathias said...

I remember enjoying Into The Blue so I'll put this one on the list.
Thanks Helen:-)

Caroline said...

I'm adding it to my wishlist.
Thanks honey.
x

Kerry said...

I have never read Goddard so I am definately going to check him out - I love a punding plot! Not sure about the maths or making my brain hurt though ;/...

Bart Treuren said...

i'm not familiar with THIS robert goddard, but then again they aren't all rocket scientists :P

thanks for the tip, this one's on my "to do" list now... i enjoy new insights and writing styles...

keep well

Leigh Forbes said...

I've never read Robert Goddard either, but I love the sound of 'a pounding plot, a huge cast of increasingly eccentric characters and an international stage'.

Methinks I must give him a try.

HelenMWalters said...

Yvonne - if you've never read anything by him before, Into The Blue is a good place to start - followed by this one.

Lane - yes, you'll definitely like this - the further adventures of Harry! Apparently there's also a third book featuring Harry, so once the TBR has gone down a bit, I'll seek that out.

Caroline - you won't regret it!

Kerry - don't worry, you don't have to actually understand any of the maths stuff! In fact reading this story is enough to make you stand well clear!

Leigh - all those things are trademarks of Robert Goddard stories. I have one more in the TBR pile, then I have to seek out more of his!

Jumbly Girl said...

Sounds fab Helen - I will order me a copy from the library immediately

HelenMWalters said...

Sarah - I may have to start a Robert Goddard fan club and run it from this blog!

Karen said...

My friend is a huge fan of RG, but I've never tried him. I need to put that right by the sound of things!

HelenMWalters said...

Karen - you and your friend can both join my fan club!

Fiona Mackenzie. Writer said...

The lovely welshman sounds, well, lovely. My unlovely pirate got me a book on 19th century china for my birthday which was lucky as that's what he collects.

HelenMWalters said...

Fiona - the Welshman is lovely! Naughty Pirate!

Jen said...

Sounds awesome... I always find it odd that there are such good writers out there that we never hear of. How does that happen?

Will investigate forthwith. Cheers for the tip :)

HelenMWalters said...

Jen - there are just too many of them. I keep seeing writers on other people's blogs and thinking 'how did I miss that?' There aren't enough hours in the day!

Kath McGurl said...

Sounds just right for a geek like me who loves a good weep at the end of a novel. Off to Amazon it now.

ptpalmer said...

Love fallible hero's and Robert Goddards Harry Barnett does it for me. Just hope he writes some more. "Drink a pint to that" says Harry with expectation.