The Casual Vacancy

Let me start by saying that I am a big fan of J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series.  I read the first five books straight through shortly after the fifth book came out.  I finished the series much later, and loved every bit of it.  I am currently mid-way through The Sorcerer's Stone with my nephew. (Who, by the way, is loving it just as much...despite his insistence on adding an "f" to the end of Dumbledore)

So, it was with great anticipation that I picked up The Casual Vacancy - a J.K. Rowling book for grown-ups.  I tend not to read reviews before I start a book.  I prefer to go into a new book with an open mind and no prior expectations.  I very rarely even read the foreword of a book.  (Unless of course, it is Stephen King addressing his Constant Readers.)

The Casual Vacancy begins with the unexpected death of Barry Fairbrother in the small English town of Pagford.  Barry's death leaves an open seat, or casual vacancy, on the parish council.  Soon several members of the community are vying for the seat and the expected political bickering ensues.

Multiple terrible relationships are examined.  Not one of the couples appear to have a "good" marriage.  Husbands cheat, wives fantasize about other men, and teenagers venture into unprotected sex.

The teenagers in town are a sorry lot.  Fighting with their parents, and occasionally amongst themselves, not one of these kids is likeable.  Not even Krystal Weedon, who we are led to empathize with because of her terrible home life.

To be quite honest, it took me longer to read The Casual Vacancy than I expected.  It was not a book that made me want to drop everything and read.  I didn't look forward to finding out what happened next.  And in the end, I was disgusted with just about every character.  I was truly, just glad to finish and return it to the library.