The Rouse - by China Mieville Reading Group discussion

A compelling, uncharacteristically straightforward narrative unfolds in the initial chapters.

I'll have to play catch up as my copy hasn't been dispatched yet. I ordered a signed copy so I guess China needs to get it 1st

Paul wrote: "I'll have to play catch up as my copy hasn't been dispatched yet. I ordered a signed copy so I guess China needs to get it 1st"

It's okay. I don't plan to race through it. Kinda wish I'd gotten a signed one now...

For what it's worth the Guardian review was very positive and they also highlighted the fact that the 1st hundred pages or so were almost social realism.

Apparently after that there's a shift.

I hope I'm not giving anything much away here.

Keep checking my phone every twenty minutes to see when it is out for delivery.

Jonfaith wrote: "Keep checking my phone every twenty minutes to see when it is out for delivery."

Thanks for joining. I love it when I have that feeling of anticipation.

Paul wrote: "For what it's worth the Guardian review was very positive and they also highlighted the fact that the 1st hundred pages or so were almost social realism.

Apparently after that there's a shift.

I ..."
I figured that Mieville would not be content to stick to a typical Realist plot. I like that there's very little hint of a shift in tone or form in the beginning. It lulls you into an easy beach read type mentality.

Arrived. Perhaps a more glossy object than I expected.

I'm pretty sure I'm #1 on the library hold list, so I should get it soon (If it's good, I'll buy the paperback). I'll admit, I'm a bit less excited for a 1200+ page Mieville novel than I would've been about 10 years ago, but I'm still gonna read it.

My copy has just shipped

The official pub date is tomorrow - will pick one up from the bookstore.

Richard wrote: "The official pub date is tomorrow - will pick one up from the bookstore."

Looking forward to your initial impressions.

Paul wrote: "My copy has just shipped"

Jealous of your signed copy.

Jacob wrote: "I'm pretty sure I'm #1 on the library hold list, so I should get it soon (If it's good, I'll buy the paperback). I'll admit, I'm a bit less excited for a 1200+ page Mieville novel than I would've b..."

So far it is different from most of his other books. But I have a lot left to read.

I read the opening "chapter" a few times, sifting through the sentences thinking there was a vital clue which I'd failed to recognize. I started the second chapter this morning and absolutely loved it. Alas we are hammered at work today and that appears to be a lifetime ago.

Jonfaith wrote: "I read the opening "chapter" a few times, sifting through the sentences thinking there was a vital clue which I'd failed to recognize. I started the second chapter this morning and absolutely loved..."

There are a lot of weird chapter divisions in this book. Luckily, the beginning chapter is breezy. I was absorbed. Things do start to get darker in the following chapters.