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The Casual Vacancy

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The Casual Vacancy

By: J.K. Rowling
Narrated by: Tom Hollander
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About this listen

Shortlisted for: UK Author of the year – Specsavers National Book Awards 2012

When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early 40s, the town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty facade is a town at war. Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils....

Pagford is not what it first seems. And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity, and unexpected revelations?

A big novel about a small town, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling's first novel for adults. It is the work of a storyteller like no other.

©2012 J.K. Rowling (P)2012 Hachette Digital Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Satire Small Town & Rural World Literature Marriage War Thought-Provoking Funny

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I've just read the review in the Guardian by Theo Talt, who coined the phrase 'Mugglemarch.' I had almost thought of that myself, and boy I wish I had. But George Elliot had kind eyes for some of her players and I could sympathise with Dorothea and Dr Lydgate, and (call me sentimental) I have to be able to love some of the characters in a novel, to find it worthwhile. Who is there to love in Pagford? So is JKR saying we are all selfish beyond redemption, get real? Please give me nobility in the novels I read, even if it does not exist in REAL life. But, to be fair, didn't put it down except to eat.

Well obviously it was going to be competent

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Would you listen to The Casual Vacancy again? Why?

Probably not, because the story line was very slow.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The last few chapters were the most interesting because something finally happened. The least interesting part was the beginning, it was quite tedious in parts.

What does Tom Hollander bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Tom Hollander was the saving grace of The Casual Vacancy. I would have never made it through to the end if I were reading for myself.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some parts of the ending were tragic, but I wasn't engaged enough in the story to cry.

Not what you'd expect from JK Rowling

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A fantastic story with wonderful characters. I finished it last night and now I miss Pagford.

I love the multiple perspectives we get from all the interrelated characters. In this respect it reminds me a little bit of Irving Welsh novels, but it is not as brutal.



Tom Hollander is the very best narrator I've listened to. More from him please!

Brilliant.

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What did you like most about The Casual Vacancy?

The development of the characters, especially Crystal and Tessa.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Casual Vacancy?

The 'denouement' was an extraordinary interweaving and coincidence of a number of threads in the narrative.

What about Tom Hollander’s performance did you like?

Spot on for all the characters involved. Accents were pitch perfect.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Crystal having to deal with her mother whilst protecting Robbie

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for her next one!

Excellent story, beautifully read

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The 'casual vacancy ' gives a basis for the events in the village and the behaviour of the villagers. The various families have their own secrets which impact on how they respond to each other and how they imagine other families are.
I would recommend it

unusual storyline

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Not a fun book, but how life probably is. Very moving as well as stirring up a variety of feelings about the various characters.

Was not sure but

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I am not a Harry Potter fan, but having heard that JK Rowling was releasing a book for adults I was intrgued. When I saw the size of the actual book I changed my mind - and downloaded the audio book!

I wasnt disappointed, the orator is easy to listen to (which in my opinion can be the difference between enjoying and hating a book). He isnt too OTT with the voices but really makes you believe there is more than one actor reading.

As for the book, there is a lot of time where nothing happens and it is a lot like a village soap opera. I gusss growing up in a small town helped me buy into the premise.

Give it a go, real life sucks and this novel has it all!

More enjoyable than expected

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Superb story of a small town life. A bitter-sweet ending bringing a tear and a smile together, is nothing short of brilliant.

This book should become a classic for future generations.

Classic

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interesting characters, dark ending that holds no punches. would certainly recommend in audible format. enjoy

v enjoyable

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Great listen packed with believable and rich characters. Centred around a small village, lots of family mysteries unfold as the Parish seeks to fill the Casual Vacancy
Expertly narrated. Well worth a listen.

Quintessentially English Thriller.

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