Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #246340 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
William's life is beset with frustration: his band turns his melodic songs into grotesque parodies of Status Quo, and cool Madelaine dangles out of reach. Things could hardly get worse, it seems - until he becomes the only witness to a bizarre murder. "A very clever, very funny book ...Brilliant" - "Sunday Times". "Like a Hitchcock movie on drugs ...a novel of considerable gusto and panache" - "Observer". "It's about being young, poor, confused and in love ...Sharp, lucid and witty" - "Guardian".

Customer Reviews

The Dwarves of Death
I've read a few of Jonathan Coe's books, so was pleased to find this one in a charity shop. Unfortunately, I found it to be pretty much unreadable. No character development, ridiculous plot and a very irritating habit of including music scores throughout. Go for The Rotters Club, What A Carve Up or even The House of Sleep, but avoid this one.

Not one of his best
Uninteresting and repugnant characters, complex implausible plot. Good thing that his elegant style shines through, or I wouldn't have bothered finishing it, short though it is.

A bit disappointing...
Like other reviewers, I had read 'The House of Sleep' and absolutley loved it, so I was a bit disappointed when I read 'The Dwarves of Death'.
The blurb lead me to believe this would be more about the actual murder that William witnesses, instead it was more of an exploration of his relationship with Madeline.
There were some nice observations but I wouldn't say it was up to Coe's usual standard.
The bits about the different notes and keys of piano music also left me a bit cold.
I do disagree with the other reviewer about the loose ends though. One of the things I love about Coe's books are the structure...how different threads are picked up and tied up neatly by the end.
Sorry...but not his best work. If you haven't read his stuff before go with 'The House of Sleep'instead.