Comments for The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes at http://sffmedia.com , comment 1 to 6 out of 6 comments http://sffmedia.com Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:43:47 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://sffmedia.com/books/fantasy-books/95-the-somnambulist-by-jonathan-barnes.html#comment-304 JAMC, may I respectfully suggest that the issue is not with the book, but the reader? Your reaction is not unusual when an author subverts the reader's expectations - s/he appears to be taking you on one journey, but before you know it you're somewhere else entirely. This is not necessarily a flaw in a novel, but something to be embraced. How tedious always to know the destination before you get there! - the book fascist Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:30:24 +0100 http://sffmedia.com/books/fantasy-books/95-the-somnambulist-by-jonathan-barnes.html#comment-284 We just read The Somnambulist in my book club, so I'm joining the conversation late. I enjoyed the first 300 pages of the book very much... but once the narrator was revealed the whole thing went to Hell. I love the supernatural, and embraced it as was it was presented through the story, but the conclusion lost me. It was as if someone else had picked up the manuscript and finished the book for Mr. Barnes... and while they were at it, kidnapped the editor so s/he couldn't force Barnes to go back and fix it. There were also too many loose ends, too much that wasn't explained. If one is going to take the time to weave such an intricate tapestry, one cannot leave so many raw hems... the suggestion of the supernatural, but not depth of explanation... The Fiend's victim... the whole milk thing... those are just a few of the many details that took up a great deal of the readers' time and went NO WHERE. I can’t not recommend the book, because it sucked me in… right up until it completely repelled me with its “I think I’m tired of writing this book so I’ll wrap it up now” ending. - JAMC Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:34:27 +0100 http://sffmedia.com/books/fantasy-books/95-the-somnambulist-by-jonathan-barnes.html#comment-165 So, "Axe Handle", you disagree with a review and resort to personal abuse. How old are you? I'm guessing, about 10. Hmm, does that make me a hypocrite? - S Volsung Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:29:37 +0100 http://sffmedia.com/books/fantasy-books/95-the-somnambulist-by-jonathan-barnes.html#comment-164 Which review did you read that treated The Somnambulist like a "richly textured masterpiece"? Not this one. I don't think Barnes's novel deserves 9 out of 10 either but I did think the review rated it highly for what it is - a bloody good read and well written novel. And C on plot? You've gotta be kidding me! You must either read some brilliant and complex fiction (or alternatively prefer children's books) if you think this novel gets a C on plot! - FONoddy Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:13:53 +0100 http://sffmedia.com/books/fantasy-books/95-the-somnambulist-by-jonathan-barnes.html#comment-163 Matt “The Axe Handle” Smiley (or is that CRC?), at first I thought there was the merest hint of anger in your comment; I don't know, maybe it was the contrast between your first and second sentences? Why, I asked myself, would a positive review of a book you say you enjoyed reading warrant such an offensive comment about my head and Jonathan Barnes’ donkey? Oh, you mean arse?!?!? (Yes, I know, it's spelled “ass” in the US, but, you know, I thought you’d appreciate the “joke”). But then I realised you were being ironic! A comedic novel should have jokes, indeed! Pull the other one. Maybe a couple of one-liners for good measure! Nice one. Subtle and funny. - Gerard “The Other Piece of” Wood Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:33:30 +0100 http://sffmedia.com/books/fantasy-books/95-the-somnambulist-by-jonathan-barnes.html#comment-162 It was a fun read but it wasn't that great. Why don't you stick your head up Jonathan Barnes' ass a little deeper? Jonathan Barnes obviously sleeps with a dictionary under his pillow but to treat the book like it is some richly textured masterpiece is going a little too far. A on vocabulary, C on character development, B on setting, C on plot. What does that average out to? And I am also weary of people claiming to have written comedic novels. Where are the jokes? - Matt "The Axe Handle" Smiley Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:08:13 +0100