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Linda's Reviews > April in Spain
April in Spain (Quirke, #8 and St. John Strafford, #3)
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"A woman suffering from severe neurosis went to Freud and asked if he could cure her. Freud said no, he couldn't do that, but he believed what he could do was restore her to a state of normal unhappiness."
John Banville's April in Spain is a subtle mystery filled with irony and richly developed imperfect characters. The 8th book in his " literary mystery series" centers on Dublin pathologist Quirke, who is vacationing with his psychiatrist wife Evelyn in San Sebastian, Spain. A freak accident lands Quirke in the local ER, where he encounters an Irish doctor who resembles his daughter's close friend, April Latimer, a member of a prominent political family. April's brother had confessed to murdering her four years ago before driving over a cliff. However, her body was never found.
The doctor's strange behavior heightens Quike's suspicions. He calls his daughter and asks her to come to Spain, setting off a tragic chain of events. Banville is a master at pacing and slowly building suspense. The story would make a great Hitchcock film. I highly recommend April in Spain if you want to escape and enjoy a well-done thriller.
John Banville's April in Spain is a subtle mystery filled with irony and richly developed imperfect characters. The 8th book in his " literary mystery series" centers on Dublin pathologist Quirke, who is vacationing with his psychiatrist wife Evelyn in San Sebastian, Spain. A freak accident lands Quirke in the local ER, where he encounters an Irish doctor who resembles his daughter's close friend, April Latimer, a member of a prominent political family. April's brother had confessed to murdering her four years ago before driving over a cliff. However, her body was never found.
The doctor's strange behavior heightens Quike's suspicions. He calls his daughter and asks her to come to Spain, setting off a tragic chain of events. Banville is a master at pacing and slowly building suspense. The story would make a great Hitchcock film. I highly recommend April in Spain if you want to escape and enjoy a well-done thriller.
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Reading Progress
Comments Showing 1-17 of 17 (17 new)
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Daniel
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rated it 4 stars
Feb 09, 2024 08:09PM
Your review recreates my enjoyment of this novel, Linda.
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Daniel wrote: "Your review recreates my enjoyment of this novel, Linda."
Thanks, Daniel. I enjoy Banville's " Literary Mysteries."
Thanks, Daniel. I enjoy Banville's " Literary Mysteries."
Ilse wrote: "Sounds enticing, Linda - the kind of book that would make a spring holiday pitch- perfect."
It's exactly that type of book.
It's exactly that type of book.
Ah, I didn't get far enough into this series to find out that Quirke got married, Linda. And how about a dead character from an earlier book being resurrected! I remember the book she featured in—Elegy for April!
Fionnuala wrote: "Ah, I didn't get far enough into this series to find out that Quirke got married, Linda. And how about a dead character from an earlier book being resurrected! I remember the book she featured in—E..."
I didn't read elegy for April, but the case is referred to in this book.
I didn't read elegy for April, but the case is referred to in this book.
I've read one of his novels and adored his prose. Wonderful review Linda. Thank for reminding me to find another one of his works!
Barbara wrote: "I've read one of his novels and adored his prose. Wonderful review Linda. Thank for reminding me to find another one of his works!"
Both his novels and mysteries are great.
Both his novels and mysteries are great.
Suzanne wrote: "Nice review Linda! I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to discover more of his writing"
Thanks, Suzanne.
Thanks, Suzanne.
Sigh, another author I have yet to get to.
This one is on the list; and your enticing review has me eager, once again, to read this one. Maybe I won't get distracted this time.
This one is on the list; and your enticing review has me eager, once again, to read this one. Maybe I won't get distracted this time.
Lisa wrote: "Sigh, another author I have yet to get to.
This one is on the list; and your enticing review has me eager, once again, to read this one. Maybe I won't get distracted this time."
Thanks, Lisa. I look foward to your thoughts.
This one is on the list; and your enticing review has me eager, once again, to read this one. Maybe I won't get distracted this time."
Thanks, Lisa. I look foward to your thoughts.