whippycleric 's review for:

Number 11 by Jonathan Coe
3.0
dark mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Written as a collection of short stories, this reads in a similar way to cloud atlas, though with a stronger link between the stories. The themes of choice, plutocracy, and inequality are woven throughout and all tied together by Rachel, the protagonist. Its a fun read but I have to say it didn't really connect with me or absorb me. I am British and was around 20 during the setting of this book so the world of austerity Britain is something I grew up amidst but maybe I was one of the middle class who didn't really pay attention as they are shown in this book to not have done. The end of this book, though unexpected, didn't really complete all the plots and character arcs presented throughout. I'm happy to have read the book and looking at the other reviews Ill try some of his earlier works as the writing style was great and maybe I'd enjoy his earlier stuff more.