Chris Killen

Having just finished a very thoughtful and deeply thought-provoking book, I thought I needed something to 'lighten up'. Well, it doesn't come much lighter than this. It's very hard to rate, because on one hand it's good for what it sets out to be, but on the other hand, in terms of what contribution it makes to the world of literature it rates almost a zero. Hence the 2.5 star rating I've given it. It's really an airport / train trip kind of read - something to occupy the time which doesn't demand your engagement....sort of day-time television in a book.… (plus d'informations)

This novel is set partly in 2004/5 when Lauren leaves Paul (very strong opening chapter), goes to Vancouver and email Ian, and partly in 2014 when Ian, between jobs, moves in with his sister, Paul is lecturing and trying to write a second novel and Lauren is managing a charity shop and trying to avoid going on blind dates. It was an easy read and the shifts between the two time frames were well-managed, but it wasn't a terribly original book. I feel like I have read several novels like this recently. Ian and Lauren were likeable, but their sense of aimlessness and hopelessness was wearying to read about. Surely with a university degree and normal social skills and ten years on your hands, you could have worked your way up into some sort of stable job that you more or less enjoyed, even if it wasn't playing in a band.

Paul was, of course, horrible and his behaviour very predictable. The ending was pleasing and even a tiny bit optimistic.

For what it's worth, the mountains you see in Vancouver are the North Shore/Coast Mountains, not the Rockies.… (plus d'informations)

Will can't believe his luck when Alice not so subtly worms her way into his life. At most, Will is expecting a drunken one-night stand so is surprised when the relationship becomes something more. It's also something more than he is used to and so in his desperation he turns it into more of an obsession. After introducing Alice to his one and only friend, also called Will, he becomes certain that their relationship is at an end and that Alice just wants to go and be with the other Will. After all, he's a successful artist that never struggles to get the girls.

Meanwhile, in another part of the story we have Helen who was once called Clair but wants to forget that part of her life so re-invented herself by quitting her job at Boots and becoming an actress. Unfortunately, the only jobs she's had in her new role are for the more adult entertainment area of the market. But what's a girl going to do when she has her share of the rent to pay?

The narration skips between first person for Will and third person for Helen and skips about a bit over the timeline. The writing is quite sparse but does come up with a lovely turn of phrase on occasion. An interesting debut novel but one to avoid if you like your naughty bits shown off camera or want a linear plotline (or even a plotline at all).… (plus d'informations)

The Bird Room follows the uncertain course of love of two separate individuals. Will, who has never had a steady girl, finds love when Alice spends the night and doesn’t leave. Claire reinvents herself as Helen, an actress, or so she dreams, in the meantime she’ll take what comes.

This is a strange yet alluring novel. First impression is it will be a slight and flippant tale, yet it is hard not to be drawn following Will’s witty first person narrative. He can’t quite believe he is living with a steady girl, but the course of love is never that easy and there are troubles ahead, and Will’s solution is far from conventional. Helen’s path to potential love is equally unusual, if she chooses to follow it.

The two intertwining stories are told with economy, humour and candour, occasionally being quite explicit. What makes Will’s story particularly touching perhaps is that it is so very easy to relate to him. He is very ordinary, he lacks confidence, his life is far from perfect, decision do not come easily to him, he is the antithesis of everything he would like to be; which if we are honest with ourselves is perhaps many of us feel at times. He would like to be able to go back and start all over again, avoid all the mistakes, who of us would not like that chance? So we easily identify to him, and consequently his story is all the more touching and ultimately (perhaps?) sad.

The Bird Room is not a long novel, it can easily be read in one sitting, yet it is a perceptive story full of insight, one which is bound to make an impression on the reader, to leave one thinking about the nature of relationships, and about oneself.… (plus d'informations)