BookerMarks discussion

Discuss Michael Frayn's Skios in this forum.

I'm loving this on my commute, via Audible. Obviously, it is full of ludicrous coincidence, being a farce, but the sending up of new age gobbledegook and 'healing centres', and the characterisations are ace. It won't win the Booker, at least if it does I'll be amazed, because it's far too light-hearted, and not 'worthy', though it's definitely worthy if it can make one laugh out loud whilst stuck in traffic on a rainy Monday morning.

Seems like an episode of Three's Company so far (to me). It definitely won't win and prob won't make the short list.

Ouch! :). I think mike really liked it!

There is a character called Wilson Westerman in this book. He doesn't do much.

What happens with Dr. Wildred in the ending? Who's the bald figure who gives Fox his passport?

2 stars

This book is a very British work. Think clever ‘carry on’, sea side postcards and amateur theatrical farces. It’s an easy read. I read it in a few hours. However, like most works of its kind, it has very little emotional depth and very few interesting characters. I am sorry but this book was not written for me. And so, while I am sure that many readers will love it, I give it a two. But with a caveat, if you like this kind of book, then this book is probably one of the best of its type. Have you read it? What do you think? How do you think that it compares with the other books on the Booker long list?

Reading it right now...only about 20% through it. Amusing, but forgettable is how I'd describe it at this point.

Aaron wrote: "Reading it right now...only about 20% through it. Amusing, but forgettable is how I'd describe it at this point."

I think you've described the book very well. 'amusing but instantly forgettable. Just wondering why it's on the list?

Thanks Victoria, John, David, and SerenKitty! I've added your ratings to the community calculations which puts Skios at a 3.25 at the moment. Folks are really all over the place when it comes to this one!

John wrote: "What happens with Dr. Wildred in the ending? Who's the bald figure who gives Fox his passport?"

Oh just to clear up the questions....as i see it...

The bald figure doesn't give Wilfred his passport, Wilfred is described as baldING from Georgie's perspective. Christian with the gray hair gives them the passports. Remember that earlier he received them from his assistant who is currently lying on the ground bleeding because he's been shot.

As far as what happens to Wilfred. He's arrested along with Anna Vos for "attempting to leave the scene of a crime, inciting public disorder, wasting police time, being an accessory in the deaths of a still undetermined number of people, and bringing the Hellenic Republic into disrepute."

A downgrade! What happened?

I gave it two stars. I enjoyed reading it, but it failed to make me consider more than it's surface. My review is here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Got it!

I loved the chef!

Counted, thanks Saltanah!

It had it's moments, but overall it wasn't very engaging. I gave it two stars as well.

Added. Lots of dislike for this one! :)