April in Spain by John Banville
Pathologist Quirke and his wife are on holiday in Spain. Everything seems ordinary until Quirke sees a familar face and when he investigates further he realises a terrifying truth. The person he’s seen is supposed to be dead and has links to the downfall of an Irish political dynasty.
Quirke calls his friend Detective John Strafford for help. Strafford heads to Spain straight away – but someone else is also on their way. A sinister hitman who’s been hired to find the woman and ensure she’s killed.
My book club was lucky enough to win 8 copies of “April in Spain” by John Banville. I gave a copy to my Dad, who is a huge crime and thriller fan and he got through his copy in less than 2 days! It sparked some interesting conversations between us about life and politics in Ireland and Great Britain during the 60’s.
It took me a while to get into the book if I’m honest. I enjoyed the descriptions about Spain and the scenes between Quirke and his wife as they were trying to settle into their holiday, and I felt an instant dislike and unease with the Terry character when he was introduced, but nothing seemed to happen for a long time.
This is what makes this novel completely different to the other crime/thriller novels I have read where something exciting seems to happen on every other page. In this book there can be 2 or 3 pages of a scene detailing what happens between Quirke and his wife at breakfast in the hotel, or while they are on the beach but what you learn about the characters in these scenes is priceless. Banville creates characters amazingly well.
Lots of people describe this novel as a ‘slow burn’ and they are absolutely right. Sometimes a slow burn can be too slow, the flame fizzles and dies out – but not with this book. It keeps you reading and paying close attention because something significant can happen in 2 or 3 words and its quite easy to miss.
The plot builds to a climax that didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed this book. My Dad enjoyed it so much he lent it to a neighbour!
Pixie Chronicles 