Hard Reading

Paul Lynch's novel Prophet Song is stunningly good, and in many ways an easy read. Completely convincing in its speculative setting; completely convincing in terms of its central characters; and a convincing, compelling storyline. So why couldn't I finish it today when I had enough time to do so? Because the sense of dread created makes it hard to go on even when desperately needing to know what happens next. And because each extended paragraph segment has so much going on in terms of the evocative quality of the writing it just can't be rushed and demands to be read slowly, painstakingly.

I'm pretty sure I'll finish it tomorrow. And pretty sure I'll be devastated.