The Casual Vacancy
By Lara Robinson
It doesn’t matter that J.K. Rowling is the author of the
Harry Potter blockbusters. This is her debut novel in adult fiction, not to be
compared with middle grade fantasy. Yet before the first page is turned (or stroked,
if you are a kindle reader) we have certain expectations. This is J.K.
The novel is set in the little town of Pagford and opens
with Barry Fairbrother, (in his early forties.) He has just written, finished
and sent an article to the local paper and is going out to dinner with his wife
for their anniversary. He dies on page five and I can tell you this, he is the
nicest person in the book. By nicest, I mean we never get to see his bitter,
petty and narrow-minded side. We will however, explore in much detail and with
heavy narrative, the minds of every other citizen of Pagford affected by the
divide that Barry’s death propels. Barry’s vacant seat on the council becomes
the center of a downward spiral and eventual implosion of the class struggling
Pagford.
The cast and plot center round the efforts of those who wish
to oust the rundown, drug infested, crime-riddled housing estate called The
Fields. Giving its welfare responsibility to the bigger, neighboring town, of
Yarvil. Along with freeing themselves of the social burden of a welfare estate,
they wish to rid themselves of a much used drug rehabilitation center - a
building owned by the town of Pagford. They are pitted against those that want
to follow in the footsteps of Barry Fairbrother to help, encourage, and change
the dark and dreadful lives of the residents of The Fields.
The reviews have been mixed. Credit is given to J.K. Rowling
for tapping into the emotions, and motivations of the teenagers as they
struggle to find their identity and value in their family and town. Rowlings
has taken on just about every social sickness known in today’s society. From
incest and rape to drug abuse and hatred, she tackles it all. Some say, maybe
too much without any hope or light.
In one triumphant moment at the end of the novel, written in flashback,
there is hope. But it is undeniably, too late.
Overall, she has written a book that is as deep and complex
as Zadie Smith’s White Teeth, and while “White Teeth revels in the ecstatic
hodgepodge of modern life, flirting with disaster, confounding expectations,
and embracing the comedy of daily existence,” JK does not flirt. She goes all
the way and brings this town to the stark reality, that when given the choice
to ignore, indeed cast off, all moral and social responsibilities, the
benefits, benefit no one.
I recommend reading this book on a kindle, you will be
highlighting and sharing all the way. If not, have a dictionary on hand. It can
be heavy and laborious, and certainly gives you much to mull over.
If you
have read the Casual Vacancy and would like to comment, please do, books, like
art are subjective and I would love to hear all your thoughts and
revelations. Loved it or couldn’t
read it, let me know!
J. Flood
Lara Robinson
Ciara Collins
Lara Robinson
I hear fifty shades has sold out in Ireland. A new found revolution is in place. I'd say the Irish hubbies may look out! But we can bet on Roddy for a bit of a laugh, any time.
Veronica Stack
I also was addicted to fiction from an early age.
I remember trying to steal a few extra chapters of a book, hiding
Under my blankets with a flashlight as a child. As for Roddy
Doyle, I think I nearly cried, because I laughed so hard
Reading it. Keep the writing up Lara, I look forward to reading your
Next piece.
Lara Robinson