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Left of the Bang
Daringly, radically honest and very, very funny, this is the best novel yet about the ‘lost generation’ of young Londoners today.
Left of the bang: a military term for the build-up to an explosion.
For failing concert pianist Tamsin Jarvis, the pressure is mounting. She thought she was happy with her adoring schoolteacher boyfriend Callum, but when Chris comes into their lives, that starts to change. In a few months Chris will be gone, leaving for his first tour of Afghanistan. Nothing seems to be working out the way Tamsin wants it to – in fact, she’s not even sure what it is she wants.
Claire Lowdon is a thrilling, highly accomplished new voice in fiction, and with LEFT OF THE BANG she has written a VANITY FAIR for her times. With sharp, satirical humour,
unparalleled social observation and great empathy, LEFT OF THE BANG is an unflinching insider’s view of the foibles, hopes and difficulties of a generation of young Londoners today – who are often having much less fun that it seems.
Left of the bang: a military term for the build-up to an explosion.
For failing concert pianist Tamsin Jarvis, the pressure is mounting. She thought she was happy with her adoring schoolteacher boyfriend Callum, but when Chris comes into their lives, that starts to change. In a few months Chris will be gone, leaving for his first tour of Afghanistan. Nothing seems to be working out the way Tamsin wants it to – in fact, she’s not even sure what it is she wants.
Claire Lowdon is a thrilling, highly accomplished new voice in fiction, and with LEFT OF THE BANG she has written a VANITY FAIR for her times. With sharp, satirical humour,
unparalleled social observation and great empathy, LEFT OF THE BANG is an unflinching insider’s view of the foibles, hopes and difficulties of a generation of young Londoners today – who are often having much less fun that it seems.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2015
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304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 27, 2023
Claire Lowdon has delivered a few memorable hatchet jobs in the TLS, but her recent evisceration of Lauren Groff's latest (here, unfortunately paywalled) was such a bravura performance I eagerly sought a copy of her debut novel. It did not disappoint.
The novel really does live up to its title - a military term for the build-up to an explosion. Propelled by the messy lives of young Londoners, each bearing their own neuroses, all muddling to a sort of climax that may or may not arrive. Class. Also, the sex. There is plenty of sex, much of it bad. Lowdon manages to captures the spectrum of bad sex in such a frank, honest, and even humorous way--from the awkwardness and emetic disaster of a one-night stand, to the sad grudging compromise of maintenance sex in a long-term relationship. A few critical plot points believably hinge on sexual neuroses--including a particularly terrible one that has quite a literary pedigree. In today's environment it was a brave choice and Lowdon brings it off with skill and aplomb.
The melange of sex & class across a shimmering patina of wit that almost never stretches thin, the lack of identity-obsession or preachiness--really, only the British can pull this off in English. If you love Kingsley Amis but were always curious how his style could be refracted through a female gaze, this will do it for you. A fantastic debut, we eagerly await Claire's "difficult second album", and will console ourselves with her sharp-witted reviews until then.
The novel really does live up to its title - a military term for the build-up to an explosion. Propelled by the messy lives of young Londoners, each bearing their own neuroses, all muddling to a sort of climax that may or may not arrive. Class. Also, the sex. There is plenty of sex, much of it bad. Lowdon manages to captures the spectrum of bad sex in such a frank, honest, and even humorous way--from the awkwardness and emetic disaster of a one-night stand, to the sad grudging compromise of maintenance sex in a long-term relationship. A few critical plot points believably hinge on sexual neuroses--including a particularly terrible one that has quite a literary pedigree. In today's environment it was a brave choice and Lowdon brings it off with skill and aplomb.
The melange of sex & class across a shimmering patina of wit that almost never stretches thin, the lack of identity-obsession or preachiness--really, only the British can pull this off in English. If you love Kingsley Amis but were always curious how his style could be refracted through a female gaze, this will do it for you. A fantastic debut, we eagerly await Claire's "difficult second album", and will console ourselves with her sharp-witted reviews until then.
June 2, 2015
It seems strange to say this but as the book progressed I found myself increasingly admiring how apt the title was. The book is a build up, you're in for a journey.
The book covers roughly a year in the lives of our protagonists and the supporting characters as we follow the highs and lows of their changing relationships. It is a realistic story of the subtle aspects of life that can often seem pretty insignificant but piece together to form the final image like a jigsaw.
It's very honest too. Ironic really given the pretty constant theme is the lies we tell ourselves. The characters live normal lives and do normal things instead of high drama all actions lifestyles. They go to parties where someone thinks about childcare instead of clubbing until dawn every night of the week. They have words and pout at each other instead of throwing plates against the wall. They stifle their feelings and hint at their moods instead of huge declarations and gestures. They get hangovers from drinking too much rather than for comedy value!
The author managed to keep me interested as things moved forward slowly. In truth she manages that trick of making not much seem interesting. The story doesn't struggle, it doesn't rely on padding, it just moves at a good pace. It needs to, by being realistic the characters didn't really make me bond with them. They're familiar and comfortable, but the kind of people you befriend slowly through prolonged socialising with them. It highlights the strength of the writing in that regard, you're caught up in the events more than the people. Events that are delivered with a pleasing maturity - you don't lurch from drama to drama, things just happen and people handle them.
All in all this was an enjoyable read. Ideal for those who didn't live (or aren't living) their 20s like a soap opera or movie. Relax and let the events build up to their conclusion. A good book to curl up with on cold days, or to stretch out with in the sun (probably a lunchbreak in a city park).
A complimentary copy of this book was supplied for review by the publisher as part of the "First Reads" program.
The book covers roughly a year in the lives of our protagonists and the supporting characters as we follow the highs and lows of their changing relationships. It is a realistic story of the subtle aspects of life that can often seem pretty insignificant but piece together to form the final image like a jigsaw.
It's very honest too. Ironic really given the pretty constant theme is the lies we tell ourselves. The characters live normal lives and do normal things instead of high drama all actions lifestyles. They go to parties where someone thinks about childcare instead of clubbing until dawn every night of the week. They have words and pout at each other instead of throwing plates against the wall. They stifle their feelings and hint at their moods instead of huge declarations and gestures. They get hangovers from drinking too much rather than for comedy value!
The author managed to keep me interested as things moved forward slowly. In truth she manages that trick of making not much seem interesting. The story doesn't struggle, it doesn't rely on padding, it just moves at a good pace. It needs to, by being realistic the characters didn't really make me bond with them. They're familiar and comfortable, but the kind of people you befriend slowly through prolonged socialising with them. It highlights the strength of the writing in that regard, you're caught up in the events more than the people. Events that are delivered with a pleasing maturity - you don't lurch from drama to drama, things just happen and people handle them.
All in all this was an enjoyable read. Ideal for those who didn't live (or aren't living) their 20s like a soap opera or movie. Relax and let the events build up to their conclusion. A good book to curl up with on cold days, or to stretch out with in the sun (probably a lunchbreak in a city park).
A complimentary copy of this book was supplied for review by the publisher as part of the "First Reads" program.
March 19, 2015
I have just found another great new author. Author Claire Lowdon is an Assistant Editor of Arete. Left Of The Bang is a military term for the build-up to an explosion. This novel Left Of The Bang is very sharp with an insider's view of young Londoners who are often having much less fun than it seems.
The starting point of this wonderful story is when twelve- year- old Tasmin Jarvis goes back stage to her father's dressing room when as she opens the door she sees her father kissing another woman. This left Tasmin to frightened to her tell her mother because she did not want her parents to divorce. For Tasmin knowing that her father is having an affair takes it toll on her behaviour. With Tasmin affected by her father cheating on her mother and the family it now seems that this had made it hard for her to any faith in men.
This is a brilliant story with lots of thing happening that readers won't know about unless you buy this brilliant novel Left Of The Bang.
The starting point of this wonderful story is when twelve- year- old Tasmin Jarvis goes back stage to her father's dressing room when as she opens the door she sees her father kissing another woman. This left Tasmin to frightened to her tell her mother because she did not want her parents to divorce. For Tasmin knowing that her father is having an affair takes it toll on her behaviour. With Tasmin affected by her father cheating on her mother and the family it now seems that this had made it hard for her to any faith in men.
This is a brilliant story with lots of thing happening that readers won't know about unless you buy this brilliant novel Left Of The Bang.
May 3, 2018
This British novel from 2015 found its way into my piles of books through no fault of my own that I can discern, but it was a great read. A perfect balance between funny and heartrending, with some very unexpected turns. Lowdon's specialty is in navigating the different points of view of her characters, telling us what each person is experiencing in the course of their interactions. All of these people are damaged - occasionally physically, but always mentally. Everybody hurts each other and themselves, always in the belief that they are doing the best thing at any given moment. The main characters are a young woman and her slightly older boyrfriend, another man and the boyfriend's roommate, and an adolescent girl who undergoes some of the harshest descriptions of 12-year-old experiences while remaining probably the most sympathetic person in the novel.
June 11, 2015
I won this book in a good reads giveaway and loved it! A down to earth, believable tale about the interactions between a group of young Londoners. Definitely worth a read.
June 1, 2022
It was an uncomfortable read. The novel is supposedly depicting the life of ‘a strata of young Londoners’ born in the 1980s exploring themselves, finding their way and stumbling over bumps.
Why was it uncomfortable? The characters are utterly honest when it comes to sensuality, but the writing is too much. This could have been a much cleaner novel without sacrificing the sensual honesty, methinks. I had to skim through more than a few dozen pages. If anything, the relationships present in this novel made me feel stronger about certain principles. Not sharing what they are in case they offend anyone. 😅
I thought the first 50-60 pages were all right. In the beginning, we have Tamsin, our main female character, as a 12-year-old. She witnesses her father kissing another woman. The result of that is during her teenage years, her relationship with her father deteriorated. She feels guilty of not telling her mother, until one day, she finds her father bringing up the topic of divorce with her mother. Tamsin lets the cat out of the bag, and there goes her father.
I was thinking, perhaps Tamsin will carry this experience for the rest of her life and affect her negatively in a relationship, but the story didn’t go down that path. Or perhaps it did, rather discreetly.
Why was it uncomfortable? The characters are utterly honest when it comes to sensuality, but the writing is too much. This could have been a much cleaner novel without sacrificing the sensual honesty, methinks. I had to skim through more than a few dozen pages. If anything, the relationships present in this novel made me feel stronger about certain principles. Not sharing what they are in case they offend anyone. 😅
I thought the first 50-60 pages were all right. In the beginning, we have Tamsin, our main female character, as a 12-year-old. She witnesses her father kissing another woman. The result of that is during her teenage years, her relationship with her father deteriorated. She feels guilty of not telling her mother, until one day, she finds her father bringing up the topic of divorce with her mother. Tamsin lets the cat out of the bag, and there goes her father.
I was thinking, perhaps Tamsin will carry this experience for the rest of her life and affect her negatively in a relationship, but the story didn’t go down that path. Or perhaps it did, rather discreetly.
December 1, 2020
One phrase: Highly problematic.
So many unresolved issues surrounding these bunch of irresponsible and interconnected characters. There should be heavy trigger warnings for eating disorders, pedophilia. I feel as though this book fell flat because while these characters portrayed some valid and serious problems they face on a daily basis, the author did absolutely nothing to resolve and allow the characters to find solutions or work on their issues. I also feel as though the last chapter in particular was confusing as hell. I wish she labeled which chapters and parts belonged to which characters. That would have made navigating this book far easier. It wrapped up too quickly and not neatly in the slightest. There was no method to the chapters and the story lines. Things just seemed to go from bad to worse and I honestly think a little more time spent editing the layout could have progressed the story much better. Like I said this book was highly problematic because at no point did I think that the characters were resolving their issues.
So many unresolved issues surrounding these bunch of irresponsible and interconnected characters. There should be heavy trigger warnings for eating disorders, pedophilia. I feel as though this book fell flat because while these characters portrayed some valid and serious problems they face on a daily basis, the author did absolutely nothing to resolve and allow the characters to find solutions or work on their issues. I also feel as though the last chapter in particular was confusing as hell. I wish she labeled which chapters and parts belonged to which characters. That would have made navigating this book far easier. It wrapped up too quickly and not neatly in the slightest. There was no method to the chapters and the story lines. Things just seemed to go from bad to worse and I honestly think a little more time spent editing the layout could have progressed the story much better. Like I said this book was highly problematic because at no point did I think that the characters were resolving their issues.
July 31, 2025
📚 مراجعة رواية Left of the Bang – Claire Lowdon
✨ التقييم: ٥ من ٥
الرواية تتكلم عن الناس اللي عايشين حياتهم وهم حاسين إن في شي كبير بيصير… أو خلاص صار، ومو قادرين يتعاملوا معه.
فيها شخصيات كثير وكل وحدة فيهم تعبانة بطريقتها، بس ما أحد يقول تعبان بصوت عالي.
👥 الشخصيات:
تامسن: موسيقية تحاول تمسك كل شي بيد وحده، تضيع، ترجع، وتتنازل
كريس: شخص مر بتجربة صعبة جدًا، يدخل في علاقة جديدة بعد ما يطيح، ويحاول يقوم
ليا: هادية، طيبة، تتحمل كثير بس ما تحب تواجه
كالوم: أستاذ، محترم، غريب شوي، يعاني من صراع داخلي لأنه قال كلام المفروض أحد يقوله، بس المجتمع ما تقبّله
صوفي: طالبة، كانت في الهامش، لكنها ترجع في النهاية
🌟 ليش الرواية مميزة؟
لأنها صادقة
مو درامية
ولا حالمة
هي تحكي عن الحياة زي ما هي:
أحيانًا نحب ناس ما نقدر نكمل معاهم
وأحيانًا نختفي
وأحيانًا نرجع بعد سنين نقول "كان ودي أقولك شي… بس خلاص، بس قول له إني تذكّرته"
🧩 الفصل الأخير:
الفصل الأخير ما هو فصل تقليدي
هو مجموعة مشاهد صغيرة، كل مشهد يعطيك لمحة عن شخصية من الشخصيات بعد ما مشت الحياة
ما في أسماء، بس تعرفهم من التفاصيل وهذا كان كافي.
الرواية تحكي عن ناس ما لقوا إجابات
بس حاولوا يمشوا
وأحيانًا… هذا يكفي.
✨ التقييم: ٥ من ٥
الرواية تتكلم عن الناس اللي عايشين حياتهم وهم حاسين إن في شي كبير بيصير… أو خلاص صار، ومو قادرين يتعاملوا معه.
فيها شخصيات كثير وكل وحدة فيهم تعبانة بطريقتها، بس ما أحد يقول تعبان بصوت عالي.
👥 الشخصيات:
تامسن: موسيقية تحاول تمسك كل شي بيد وحده، تضيع، ترجع، وتتنازل
كريس: شخص مر بتجربة صعبة جدًا، يدخل في علاقة جديدة بعد ما يطيح، ويحاول يقوم
ليا: هادية، طيبة، تتحمل كثير بس ما تحب تواجه
كالوم: أستاذ، محترم، غريب شوي، يعاني من صراع داخلي لأنه قال كلام المفروض أحد يقوله، بس المجتمع ما تقبّله
صوفي: طالبة، كانت في الهامش، لكنها ترجع في النهاية
🌟 ليش الرواية مميزة؟
لأنها صادقة
مو درامية
ولا حالمة
هي تحكي عن الحياة زي ما هي:
أحيانًا نحب ناس ما نقدر نكمل معاهم
وأحيانًا نختفي
وأحيانًا نرجع بعد سنين نقول "كان ودي أقولك شي… بس خلاص، بس قول له إني تذكّرته"
🧩 الفصل الأخير:
الفصل الأخير ما هو فصل تقليدي
هو مجموعة مشاهد صغيرة، كل مشهد يعطيك لمحة عن شخصية من الشخصيات بعد ما مشت الحياة
ما في أسماء، بس تعرفهم من التفاصيل وهذا كان كافي.
الرواية تحكي عن ناس ما لقوا إجابات
بس حاولوا يمشوا
وأحيانًا… هذا يكفي.
April 18, 2019
"Left of the Bang" follows a group of interconnected Londoners in their early 20s as they grapple with jobs, relationships, and life ambitions. As a young Londoner myself, the book was compelling insofar as it mapped my own life experiences with self-indulgent accuracy. I'm not sure, though, how interesting it would be to someone who falls outside that demographic. Lowdon writes well and creates believable characters with ease, but looking back on the book over a week later, I struggle to pick out much of substance that made this a stand-out novel.
"Left of the bang" is a military term referring to the build-up before an explosion, and the book does build to a climax (for the sake of spoilers I won't say what that climax is). Technically, Lowdon does well at ratcheting up the tension, but when the "bang" eventually came I found myself slightly underwhelmed by its content. Perhaps because, having devoted herself to an everyday realism throughout, Lowdon was slightly limited in how dramatic she could get. There was also a very rogue, late-in-the-day paedophilia subplot which sort of took over the whole book, which I found a) confusing and b) distasteful in the way it was addressed. An enjoyable enough read, but not a particularly memorable one.
"Left of the bang" is a military term referring to the build-up before an explosion, and the book does build to a climax (for the sake of spoilers I won't say what that climax is). Technically, Lowdon does well at ratcheting up the tension, but when the "bang" eventually came I found myself slightly underwhelmed by its content. Perhaps because, having devoted herself to an everyday realism throughout, Lowdon was slightly limited in how dramatic she could get. There was also a very rogue, late-in-the-day paedophilia subplot which sort of took over the whole book, which I found a) confusing and b) distasteful in the way it was addressed. An enjoyable enough read, but not a particularly memorable one.
August 6, 2020
I know that the story is all about the journey before the “explosion”, but apart from every incident (which I guess is kind of the bang this book is talking about), nothing significant actually happened. All those drama warring inside their heads, and yet the closure doesn’t include any satisfying revelation at all for all the characters. I’ve never felt so upset finishing a book 😢
February 5, 2022
Easy and impactful read concerning combat profiling and how it can increase chances of survival both in combat and day to day situations. The methods taught are field proven and easily comprehended in the easy writing style of the authors.
November 17, 2019
Exceptionally compelling and the internal character exploration was very believable. Not sure how I felt about the ending but it definitely stayed with me after reading
February 29, 2024
Shocked that more people haven’t read this
November 17, 2019
Many people should read this, but it might be a bit underwhelming for service members because many of these topics will have already been learned.
June 5, 2015
I received a copy of this novel through Goodreads Giveaways.
3.5 stars!
Enjoyed this one a lot. First off, it was addictive stuff. I read the first half in one sitting, and I only stopped because I had to run to work. Said first half of the book was probably my favourite. It was wry, relatable and full of observational humour. In a way, its style reminded me of David Nicholls' One Day - which is high praise from me. It's one of my absolute favourites. Both books focus on the changing personal, professional and romantic lives of adults in a dry, clever, empathetic way. Left of the Bang's biggest strength, for me, was in its characters. Lowdon is playing with a pretty big cast of characters and manages to make each one fully rounded and, to an extent, sympathetic. They're honest characters. Truthful characters. And it's interesting to see how they see themselves as opposed to how they see each other. Some of the misunderstandings are hilarious.
Left of the Bang is also thematically rich - so there's something of interest to everyone. I was personally drawn in by the themes of uncertainty and disappointment, failure and indecision. But there are also themes of adultery and sexual repression and coming-of-age and modernity and war. There's definite insight and thoughtfulness in these themes.
The second half of Left of the Bang was compelling, but darker and heavier in my opinion. Pressure mounts, and the plot develops in unexpected ways.
In a way, I felt the novel lacked unity. It was a little too episodic in parts. I also felt like it lacked a real conclusion. The closing chapter drifted into ambiguity - some of which worked for me and some of which didn't.
I do think this is a great debut novel and definitely worth a read as there's loads to sink your teeth into and plenty of characters to enjoy getting to know. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more of Lowdon's writing!
3.5 stars!
Enjoyed this one a lot. First off, it was addictive stuff. I read the first half in one sitting, and I only stopped because I had to run to work. Said first half of the book was probably my favourite. It was wry, relatable and full of observational humour. In a way, its style reminded me of David Nicholls' One Day - which is high praise from me. It's one of my absolute favourites. Both books focus on the changing personal, professional and romantic lives of adults in a dry, clever, empathetic way. Left of the Bang's biggest strength, for me, was in its characters. Lowdon is playing with a pretty big cast of characters and manages to make each one fully rounded and, to an extent, sympathetic. They're honest characters. Truthful characters. And it's interesting to see how they see themselves as opposed to how they see each other. Some of the misunderstandings are hilarious.
Left of the Bang is also thematically rich - so there's something of interest to everyone. I was personally drawn in by the themes of uncertainty and disappointment, failure and indecision. But there are also themes of adultery and sexual repression and coming-of-age and modernity and war. There's definite insight and thoughtfulness in these themes.
The second half of Left of the Bang was compelling, but darker and heavier in my opinion. Pressure mounts, and the plot develops in unexpected ways.
In a way, I felt the novel lacked unity. It was a little too episodic in parts. I also felt like it lacked a real conclusion. The closing chapter drifted into ambiguity - some of which worked for me and some of which didn't.
I do think this is a great debut novel and definitely worth a read as there's loads to sink your teeth into and plenty of characters to enjoy getting to know. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more of Lowdon's writing!
August 9, 2016
A debut novel. You would never think it. There is a section about 100 pages in where a couple are watching a horror movie and one character comments that he likes them because you know what's coming. This book is a little but like this. Rather deftly, through some superb characterisation, you pick up enough snippets to get you guessing as to where the book is going. It's superbly done.
It starts with a 12 year old Tasmin, witnessing her father kissing another woman. She doesn't tell her mother, fearing collapse of the family and divorce. Eventually, the truth outs and we find her as a 25 year old, living with her mother in London and trying to rebuild her life.
In between, a chance encounter as a 17 year old the tube leads to a platonic one night stand with Chris - who she meets again as the 25 year old - now in a relationship with the man for all seasons (especially spring) - Callum.
Disaster - in one form or another - is coming.
I loved the war the story instantly pulled you in and the main characters - Tasmin, Callum, Chris, Leah - and even minor characters, like Chris's mate Doug - we so well done. Believable people, in believable scenarios.
London is well described and it would appear to be an accurate portrayal of how twenty somethings live their lives in the capital - albeit the nicely middle class parts of London.
Look forward to the next book by Claire Lowdon. She has set the bar rather high.
It starts with a 12 year old Tasmin, witnessing her father kissing another woman. She doesn't tell her mother, fearing collapse of the family and divorce. Eventually, the truth outs and we find her as a 25 year old, living with her mother in London and trying to rebuild her life.
In between, a chance encounter as a 17 year old the tube leads to a platonic one night stand with Chris - who she meets again as the 25 year old - now in a relationship with the man for all seasons (especially spring) - Callum.
Disaster - in one form or another - is coming.
I loved the war the story instantly pulled you in and the main characters - Tasmin, Callum, Chris, Leah - and even minor characters, like Chris's mate Doug - we so well done. Believable people, in believable scenarios.
London is well described and it would appear to be an accurate portrayal of how twenty somethings live their lives in the capital - albeit the nicely middle class parts of London.
Look forward to the next book by Claire Lowdon. She has set the bar rather high.
June 10, 2015
The title suits this book to a tee - Left of the Bang, it defiantly had an explosive ending.
I must say I struggled with this book, I liked Tasmin and maybe Chris, felt for Leah but the rest I had no interest in and Callum infuriated me. I struggled to read his story and I do not want to know (even fictionally) what goes on inside a paedophiles head. He discussed me, he angered me. As soon as I started reading the Sophie parts of the book I could tell where the story was heading and I wasn't enthused. I persevered simply because this book was sent to me for review (through goodreads first reads). The schools attitude of protecting reputation rather than protecting children also annoyed me greatly but here the author has just reiterated many examples of turning a blind eye that so often come up on the news.
Also I didn't get the abstract ending - it wasn't clear who's story was told and by then I couldn't be bothered to work it out.
All in all I found the writing enjoyable to read the author clearly knows how to write and how to grab readers attention I just didn't enjoy this some of the books subjects matter.
I must say I struggled with this book, I liked Tasmin and maybe Chris, felt for Leah but the rest I had no interest in and Callum infuriated me. I struggled to read his story and I do not want to know (even fictionally) what goes on inside a paedophiles head. He discussed me, he angered me. As soon as I started reading the Sophie parts of the book I could tell where the story was heading and I wasn't enthused. I persevered simply because this book was sent to me for review (through goodreads first reads). The schools attitude of protecting reputation rather than protecting children also annoyed me greatly but here the author has just reiterated many examples of turning a blind eye that so often come up on the news.
Also I didn't get the abstract ending - it wasn't clear who's story was told and by then I couldn't be bothered to work it out.
All in all I found the writing enjoyable to read the author clearly knows how to write and how to grab readers attention I just didn't enjoy this some of the books subjects matter.
December 26, 2015
The book is nice. I read it while living in London, so that added some fun for me, recognising the places and streets etc.
However, at some points I found it to be quite predictable.
The constant changing between the different perspectives of all the characters I liked at first, but after a while it became tiresome, especially because everyone is having all these important realisations all the time. I feel that the book, or rather the time spend on every character, is too short for this to work really well.
The last chapter was a disappointment (for me); I really don't like that kind of cryptic '15-years-later-overview'-ending. I don't think it is a strong end for this story, especially since so many characters are involved, but that is for the most part personal preference, I guess.
However, at some points I found it to be quite predictable.
The constant changing between the different perspectives of all the characters I liked at first, but after a while it became tiresome, especially because everyone is having all these important realisations all the time. I feel that the book, or rather the time spend on every character, is too short for this to work really well.
The last chapter was a disappointment (for me); I really don't like that kind of cryptic '15-years-later-overview'-ending. I don't think it is a strong end for this story, especially since so many characters are involved, but that is for the most part personal preference, I guess.
June 19, 2016
I thought this was an excellent debut and I'm really keen to read more from this writer.
Intelligent writing that pulls no punches. The characters are honestly and compassionately portrayed. Some reviews have said that no one is likeable - that's not true. Those readers are expecting chick lit characters who operate like Facebook avatars careful to show only their fun and lovable side. This is about real people.
However there are flaws, there is far too much explanation and at times this reads like a long synopsis rather than a novel. The ending is very rushed, hard to dicipher and inconclusive. The author was clearly going for an ambiguous melancholic ending but it arrives as a series of dashed off notes. Despite all this I kept reading finding the characters of Chris and Tamsin particularly compelling. Recommended.
Intelligent writing that pulls no punches. The characters are honestly and compassionately portrayed. Some reviews have said that no one is likeable - that's not true. Those readers are expecting chick lit characters who operate like Facebook avatars careful to show only their fun and lovable side. This is about real people.
However there are flaws, there is far too much explanation and at times this reads like a long synopsis rather than a novel. The ending is very rushed, hard to dicipher and inconclusive. The author was clearly going for an ambiguous melancholic ending but it arrives as a series of dashed off notes. Despite all this I kept reading finding the characters of Chris and Tamsin particularly compelling. Recommended.
May 5, 2015
A bracingly honest look at the lives of a group of contemporary Londoners, and the quandaries thrown up by the mores of our day. Lowdon is particularly strong at examining motive and the excuses and allowances we provide for ourselves when things don't go according to plan. The tight writing and plotting make this a compelling as well as humorous read. I could have done with a little more nuancing of characterisation but this is satire, really, which doesn't lend itself readily to that. Overall a fantastic debut and a writer I hope to read more of soon...
June 12, 2015
Unfortunately I really found the writing style one that I couldn't get along with, therefore I found it extremely hard to be invested in the book.
Some of the content didn't bode well with me, which is obviously going to reflect in my rating and review.
It really doesn't sit well with me to write such a negative review and have struggled in writing it.
I'm sure there are plenty of other people who will enjoy this book and I do wish the author success, I suppose we are all different and therefore perceive books in different ways.
This was a first read from goodreads.
Some of the content didn't bode well with me, which is obviously going to reflect in my rating and review.
It really doesn't sit well with me to write such a negative review and have struggled in writing it.
I'm sure there are plenty of other people who will enjoy this book and I do wish the author success, I suppose we are all different and therefore perceive books in different ways.
This was a first read from goodreads.
Read
June 21, 2015Story that centres on superficial, self obsessed 30 somethings who live in London. The characters are all hiding things and pretending to be, by varying degrees, successful, brave, liberal, honest and in Callum's case, downright stupid.All of the characters appear bored and fed up with their lives and their lack of self awareness and need for improvement is lost.
An enjoyable book but one in which I didn't sympathise with the characters' woes and didn't leave me with any desire to follow them up in a future novel as I just didn't care enough about them.
An enjoyable book but one in which I didn't sympathise with the characters' woes and didn't leave me with any desire to follow them up in a future novel as I just didn't care enough about them.
June 13, 2015
I struggled with this book. It was written well enough however I found that I was unable to engage with any of the characters. The plot was pointless and some of the subject matter disturbing. Personally, I do not want to read about Callum, a paedophile's, inner thinking and rationalisation. I wanted the book to end, and was expecting it to end with a"Bang", however when I reached the end I found it confusing and disjointed. Sorry but Left of The Bang disappointedly just was not for me.
-Received free from Goodreads Firstreads and 4th Estate.
-Received free from Goodreads Firstreads and 4th Estate.
July 13, 2016
A novel about a group of young Londoners and their relationships, careers and frustrations. Well written and with nicely drawn characters, the story rattles along, although some of the plot twists are pretty predictable and the emotional complexities are telegraphed more than necessary. One of the characters has an unusual sexual issue (I'll say no more to avoid spoilers) which is sensitively handled, giving its seriousness due weight without demonising the character. An easy, absorbing summer read.
June 29, 2015
Great read. Held me interested right the way through. Claire's descriptive and observational writing is excellent and I found myself squirming at some of the graphic detail! Certainly not a book for the prudish. A talented new author I will certainly be watching and looking forward to her next book.
November 26, 2016
Well written, with some amusing misconstruing of each other's actions by the characters, and generally avoiding cliché. It would have got four stars but I found the behaviour of one of the characters so disturbing that there were times when I found it hard to read. Worth pushing through, though.
March 29, 2015
Enjoyed the book, review to follow
September 17, 2015
A good read but not a book which lingers in the mind after the last page is turned.
After only a week a I have forgotten the ending.
After only a week a I have forgotten the ending.
September 21, 2015
THE book was a fun read. The main characters were easy accessible. You could sympathise with them and learn to love of hate them. The end did surprise me a bit. But that is just fun.
September 10, 2015
Very British.
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