I admire Jonathan Coe’s writing and have read several of his novels. This is the first one I have not really enjoyed.

It varies between different forms of writing. I enjoyed the first part but then it went into ‘cosy murder mystery’ format and I liked this less. It was tedious in parts. The part written as a memoir was better and especially about student life at Cambridge.

I liked Phyl the main recurring character. Less well drawn was Rash, a shame as they finish the story together.

The story also self references at the end. Previously aposiopesis has been explained as breaking off the story in the middle of a sentence. In this case the sentence is finished but the novel is left hanging at the end.

I am sure I will read and enjoy Coe in the future. This one just disappointing.

I read a proof copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.