Gentlemen and Players

I generally enjoy Joanne Harris's novels and was exceptionally excited to get my hands on this book.

Set in England the story revolves around St. Oswalds a boys school with a twisted plot and interesting characters this book is fairly slow moving. Truthfully, I read this book very slowly (uncharacteristic of me) but the end was well worth the read.

The end produces a simple twist which had my utter attention and I recommend this book to any reader.

Left me speechless! (5/5 people found this helpful)

I have recently read this book and was amazed by it. As you probably know from reading the other reviews there is a stunning twist near the end and I was speechless that I hadn't seen it coming - I'm not really into detective type novels so wasn't looking out for a 'twist'. I even went back throught he book looking for clues but couldn't find any - even with hindsight! I felt a bit cross with myself actually! I was dumbfounded and would recommend this book to anyone. Even without the twist it is an excellent read - it transports you to another world. A world most of us are not priveleged to be a part of. If you are a teacher - beware! You may recognise yourself! And most of us will recognise a little of ourselves somewhere in the cast! Although something of a departure from the likes of Chocolat and Coastliners et al it is a superb book.

Lucy was sick on her vest so she washed it in Lux (7/8 people found this helpful)

That was our version of the Latin motto of our school although it really translated to "let your light shine through"

Why am I rambling about my schooldays ?

Because this excellent book evokes them in many ways.

The novel reminds me a little of "The Wimbledon Poisoner" meets "The Rotters Club" and it's high praise to say the writing suggests the great J L Carr

I won't give away anything about the plot - simply read and enjoy this very fine novel.

Great ending, now I want to read it again! (6/7 people found this helpful)

I really enjoyed 'Gentlemen and Players' and would go so far as to say that it is Joanne Harris's best yet.
I loved the insights into life in a public school and behind the scenes in the hallows of the staff room.
The staff are so remeniscent of those in my old school, the popular ones, the ineffective ones and the ones you love to hate!
'Pinchbeck', the narrator, is a great character who we follow through from childhood to adulthood and eventually into apparent insanity.
As the explanations were revealed towards the end of the book the trick in the tail took me completely by surprise...brilliant! now I need to read the book again knowing what I had not even begun to suspect.
More like this please!

Tired of twisting? (5/6 people found this helpful)

I've just read this novel, and I did enjoy it. I thought the characters were well drawn, satisfying and complete. I'm a fan of the Ripley books by Patricia Highsmith, and I think I enjoy getting into the mind of the warped antihero as we do here. As a teacher, I loved Mr Straightley too. However, I suspected the "twist" very early on, and I think trying to check it out spoilt my enjoyment of a very good book a little. Yes, the twist is clever, but it isn't strictly necessary and made me feel rather cheated when I was right all along. I think Joanne Harris is maturing well as an author and could relax a bit with her skill at characterisation and setting, trusting that the reader will be intrigued. Patricia Highsmith and PD James produce beautifully turned psychological whodunnits; they don't "do" bravura twists but carry you along with their heroes and antiheroes all the way with their skill.

Joanne Harris

Reader Reviews:

Intriguing (0/0 people found this helpful)

Left me speechless! (5/5 people found this helpful)

Lucy was sick on her vest so she washed it in Lux (7/8 people found this helpful)

Great ending, now I want to read it again! (6/7 people found this helpful)

Tired of twisting? (5/6 people found this helpful)

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