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Linda's Reviews > April in Spain

April in Spain by John Banville
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really liked it
bookshelves: irish, fiction, mystery

"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.
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Reading Progress

February 1, 2024 – Started Reading
February 3, 2024 – Shelved
February 3, 2024 – Shelved as: to-read
February 6, 2024 – Finished Reading
February 9, 2024 – Shelved as: irish
February 9, 2024 – Shelved as: fiction
February 9, 2024 – Shelved as: mystery

Comments Showing 1-17 of 17 (17 new)

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Daniel Shindler Your review recreates my enjoyment of this novel, Linda.


message 2: by Ilse (new)

Ilse Sounds enticing, Linda - the kind of book that would make a spring holiday pitch- perfect.


Linda Daniel wrote: "Your review recreates my enjoyment of this novel, Linda."

Thanks, Daniel. I enjoy Banville's " Literary Mysteries."


Linda Ilse wrote: "Sounds enticing, Linda - the kind of book that would make a spring holiday pitch- perfect."

It's exactly that type of book.


Marilyn (not getting notifications) Great review, Linda! This one sounds really good. Glad you enjoyed it.😊


message 6: by Fionnuala (new)

Fionnuala 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!


Linda 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.


message 8: by Barbara (new)

Barbara 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!


Suzanne Nice review Linda! I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to discover more of his writing


Linda 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.


Linda Suzanne wrote: "Nice review Linda! I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to discover more of his writing"

Thanks, Suzanne.


message 12: by Lisa (last edited Feb 17, 2024 02:53AM) (new) - added it

Lisa 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.


Linda 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.


Lesley (new puppy taking my time) Lovely review Linda!! Sounds like one I’d love ❤️!!


Linda Lesley wrote: "Lovely review Linda!! Sounds like one I’d love ❤️!!"

Thanks, Lesley.


message 16: by Gaurav (new)

Gaurav Nice review, Linda :)


Linda Thanks, Gaurav.


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