Lets talk more about The Running Grave *SPOILERS*
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2023
- So you asked for it and here it is! My wider review full of spoliers of The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith aka J.K.Rowling. I talk about a variety of points widening from my non-spoiler review so I it might be there are parts I talk about in the non-spoiler that I don't cover here. So it might be worth you looking at that first. If you want to view it you can find it here: • Book #280 Review -The ...
The Running Grave is a brilliant and brilliantly written book. I also found the Ink Black Heart to be genius. I know there is much criticism about the way the moderator chat room was written, but I loved it, and found it all to be very brilliant, how she showed their online personalities, and how they really are in real life. She is a phenomenal writer, and her characters really come alive.
Ink Black Heart is probably my favourite, I recently re-read it
Brilliant review again.
This book truly is one of the best books I have ever read, without even thinking of the whole series. Very disturbing at places (you don't need gore to get scared, although the hacking to pieces and the pigs thing in the end is just.....), but absolutely brilliant, so that you don't want to leave that world because you have to know what happens next!
I have the same feeling about Leda. I really believe it needs a resolution, especially for Cormoran, and I'm sure J.K.R. WILL definitely resolve it. As you say, it's part of (especially) Cormoran's character development. I love that you mentioned his leg as a character and that it's a symbol of his burden he carried. I never thought of it that way but it makes total sense.
Charlotte - that was the biggest shock I had in the book. I never expected it (although I knew something had to be done about her) but as horrific as it was, it wasn't unrealistic, since as that magical chapter 64 reveals (a genius thing to let Cormoran have his last "talk/fight" with her in order to come to his long-overdue enlightenment about what he wants in his life), she was depressed all of her adult life. Depression is a horrible thing as I know from experience, and it's not easy to find a meaning in life if people can't get what they want (here, Charlotte realising she won't get Cormoran back), or don't know the reason for their sadness.
The Jane Eyre moment was one of my favourite moments of the book. Absolutely beautiful ❤ It shows how much more Robin and Cormoran are, not just best friends and secretly in love with each other, they are true soulmates which is so much deeper and more precious. And I totally love it! And the way they are both finally admitting to themselves that they are each other's favourite person on earth is just magical. Love the way Robin went through her own character development finally not fighting the fact that she really loves Cormoran. Her internal "talks" to him instead of Murphy in her most difficult moments on the farm are such a great way to get her to the realisation. The hands holding in bed is very much in par with this - how easy would it have been to put Robin in Strike's arms in bed to make him show her she's safe? (Not like that but you know, just to be there for her.) Even I considered it in my fanfiction (banished the idea then) lol But I love the fact that it's "just" holding hands because it's not about a natural reaction. It's about a moment of acknowledging the spiritual connection between them. The fact that Robin even reaches for his hand, something she would never do in this way before, to show him how much him being there ment to her is just so powerful...
There's nothing much I can add to Cormoran's love confession to Robin, you said it all for me beautifully. I'll just say the way he left it hanging in the air just looking at her was again, so much more powerful than if he went on about it. You don't always need to be Jane Austen (or Charlotte Bronte) to get the point across lol Genius!
Also, I'm with you on Cormoran always being so respectful to women, believing in their strengths. But it's not just his respect for them, also for the handicapped, the underdogs, the homeless, the ones living on the edge of society. Robin is highly compassionate but Cormoran has a level of compassion that can be overlooked sometimes. I love the fact that despite being rough around the edges on the outside, in his core, he's a real, classy gentleman... for whom picking a birthday present for his best friend is a torture but who you just can't NOT love lol He's like someone from the old times, and that's probably where his respect for women comes from (and his overall appeal). Joan and Ted did something really brilliant there in his upbringing, despite all the terrible things he'd been through in his childhood. That's another thing I adore about all these books - they are fascinating detective/crime/thriller books, but even more so, they are stunning, very deep real life dramas with amazing character development.
All the UHC universe is incredibly well constructed, I agree. What blows me away with every book, but especially the last two books is how MUCH research J.K.R. must do for every new case because the amount of details is just insane, and so believable! I agree with you on that A.Christie-kind quality in her writing. She weaves the web around the characters, places and events so well, and I think the last three books are the prime example for it.
And I just had a thought, when referring to Jane Eyre... Doesn't Strike remind you in a way of Mr Rochester? He too has been living with a "mad woman in the attic" for years, longing for someone decent and pure of heart, and struggling to achieve it? Just a thought...
I'm writing another novel here 😂 That's all from me for now lol Thank you!
This book being the literal “book of changes” for Strike and all the epigraphs being from the “I Ching: the book of changes” is a testament of JK Rowling’s brilliance!
Loved this deep dive! ❤
Thanks!
I'm very glad I found this. My neck hurts by all the enthusiastic nodding. I have the same sofa as well lol
Spoilers!!!!
I liked the fact that the book begins with the duo Strike and Robin trying to help Will get out of the UHC but when they find out that an ex member, who has been in the cult his whole life is found dead under suspicious circumstances was the thing to bring them full tilt onboard. Also when you really think about it the UHC is like a Jenga tower where no matter how well maintained and how well built the structure is, remove one piece in one sensitive area and the whole thing falls apart.
The sensitive piece pf this cult is the myth of the drowned prophet and when I made that connection I was really happy that Strike and Robin took the same approach. In regards to the reveal of who the killer was I thought it was brilliantly done with strike telling Abigal that she was jealous of her sister and essentially killed her and made it look like she had drowned, pretty much in the same vein as to how her own mother died, and possibly to get back at her father was twisted. I also like the fact that when Wace meets Strike he mentions: "if you ever see my daughter again tell her, her Popsicle says hi!" could be read that he just misses his daughter, but given what happened he knew what happened and thats what made it even more twisted, but not only that, but he wanted to capitalize on it by making her The Drowned Prophet was really Effed-up. I made a short video once on the Running Grave before the book came out Predicting that Charlotte was going to have a much bigger role as well. I was half right but I also said - not having finished The Ink Black Heart - that Charlotte was going to come to Strike with a case. I also think the use of The Running Grave is brilliant when it comes to Cormoran himself in the sense that he is forty one and he is now at a point where he can no longer take things for granted and I really think you feel that in this book. I also think what you said about his leg not being mentioned rarely is interesting as Strike is also changing going from someone who enjoys a takeaway or pint of beer to someone who is urged to take better care of himself. Its really well thought out I'm sorry this comment is so long great video and I'm really looking forward to the next book
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What a brilliant channel and what a honest, intelligent and in-depth review. The Running Grave is the BEST of the 7 and sets up book 8 perfectly. Can't wait for Robin and Cormoran to finally get together!!! No fan of Potter but Rowling excels with Strike. Keep up the great reviews
Thank you so much! I need Cormoran and Robin together
On my second listening to the audiobook I got why Emily didn't eat her carrots, but the thing about the pigs... was a giveaway if you'd seen the Snatch.
Loved this book when I first read it, but the more I think about it in retrospect, I'm loving it more and more. The stakes in TRG were higher than ever before. The scope is astounding. It's hard to fathom what the rest of the series has in store for us!
So glad you loved this book. I know what you mean about the future books and we have 3 to go!
I read the book so I can FINALLY watch this video! Would never have read the book without your rave reviews - and THANK YOU> Love, love, loved it!
Becky I am so excited for this I am re reading the book and the audio I am still blown away ❤
Cormoran is such a brilliant character, I just love him and Robin’s chemistry together! He’s so tough and unbreakable, but so good natured, and protective and intelligent. And Robin is so classy, and tactful, and she’s so kind, understanding, and has her sensitivities, but fights against them. I Love Shanker’s character, and of course Pat is GREAT! I just love JK’s writing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I also have a theory about what will happen in the last book, and I’m looking forward to book #8! I’m enjoying your channel! 🥰
Just finished reading the book andnaw listehihg to becky. Agree with most ofwhat she said. And I must ad my feeling.JK is a magician ! , when I read hef im totally in her world!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much for this in-depth discussion, Becky. It is superb.
Thank you!
I needed to hear that! thanks for sharing! just finished yesterday, im stunned.
I waited to finish The Running Grave before watching your spoiler video. Great summary of a great book!
Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed the book 🙂
Becky, great analysis! Thanks a lot for continuing to make videos on books. As a fellow-reader, I appreciate your passion for reading.
I have been reminiscing about this book for some time now. When I finished it, I put it slightly below Troubled Blood. However, over the course of the last few days & realizing the sheer brilliance of JK's writing & the multiple number of times throughout the novel that she misdirected me. Genius, don't think that's ever happened to me before.
For me The Running Grave is officially the best in the Cormoran Strike series!
Additionally, the whole sequence with Robin in Chapman Farm sent a chill down my spine keeping me on edge about her losing her way. Even after she escapes, JK's writing is such that there's a looming fear for a few chapters that she may be dragged back despite knowing that it would be very unlike UHC (don't know if it was just me).
Strike's closure in chapter 64 and him finally taking the leap of faith at the end was fulfilling.
Can't wait for Book #8: The Hallmarked Man!!!! Based on past trends, it should release about it 7-9 months after JK tweets the title.
Hi Becky I’m a new subscriber. I found J.K Rowling “On Writing” you tube videos and was fascinated to hear her talk about her Strike books. After that your channel popped up on my radar! I too love books especially Robert Galbraith books. J.K is a genius. Your enthusiasm for the Strike series is contagious, I’m really enjoying catching up on your videos. Thanks for your content.
Thanks so much! I find the way she talks about the writing process so interesting and she is a true genius of her craft. I am BEYOND excited for the next book 🙂
Just to say many thanks for posting your review. So nice to hear sensible comments about a book I really, really enjoyed reading.
Thanks so much!
Ohh My God!!!! You did it!!!! I am so happy ❤❤❤❤❤
How could I not? 😁
I cannot wait for the next one and i am so excited to see what happens with strike and robin and their relationship and also strike sister story I think there is more to come
Great that you did the spoiler review :-)
You will love the audiobook, it is brilliant.
For me "Running grave" is also number 1
I love the last chapter. I really do want Strike and Robyn to end up together. I am impatient for it but also glad that JK has taken it slowly, so that when it finally happens Strike and Robyn will have a relationship built on solid rock that will stand firm, rather than sand that will just crumble at the first storm.
Can’t wait for book 8.
The slow burn has been EVERYTHING. I love it so much
I wish they made a baby. I'd like Strike to do 180 on kids and fatherhood. And I don't like the thought of Robin's window closing.
I’ve also seen JKR floating a spirituality in Strike which I find interesting. Maybe it is to emphasize the influence his aunt had on him. The church scene was powerful … to paraphrase: ‘I don’t believe this stuff but it all matters’ and in another place ‘if there is anything beyond this.’ I find it fascinating since Robin doesn’t go there at all.
@margaretsmist7140 I remember JK talking about the struggle she has had with spirituality, so I wonder if that is what she was brought into his character
I found the flaw, when the office was under surveillance that Robins flat was still an open space, which seemed strange as she was the infiltrator in chapel farm and the most at risk. Brilliant listen though
Good point 🙂
Brilliant as always Becky, thank you 😊
So this was my Running Grave experience: I ordered the book to be delivered on release day and it came a day earlier than expect which was exciting but other than reading the opening 20 pages I decided I'd save it for my journey to Lyon a few days later. I didnt want to damage the book so put it in its own bag, then needed to put my water bottle in there too but just to be safe I put that in a plastic bag - one hour into bus ride to airport i discovered I hadnt closed stopper on bottle and it had all leaked and been absorbed by my book! Luckily a wet book is still readable 😅
Then, soon after arriving in Lyon I find myself walking behind a girl with the ends of her hair died blue - I've never seen that before but had just read about Robin's new do!
Loved Running Grave and cannot wait for next instalment
Oh no!! If I saw my book soaking wet, I would burst into tears and be a mess! Bless you for having to deal with all that
@@beckybookreviews7820 I was tempted to throw it away and buy a new one at the airport but I didn't really need to so just kept reading the wet one - it's dry again now 😅
Also sorry another thought I cannot wait for the tv version with Tom and holiday 🎉
This is the best video you’ve ever done
Thank you 🙂
I finished this book yesterday and I am REELING. I'm so happy you did this video
Would love to hear your thoughts on it if you have any particular points you want to discuss further 🙂
@@beckybookreviews7820 I feel like I'm still processing this book. I hated it to begin with partly because of Strike's dalliance with Bijou (will he ever learn?! - thank god he did by the end of the book) and could only really start properly enjoying it once Robin got out of Chapman Farm when it was back to Robin and Strike together. The Farm scenes were just so harrowing and every time Robin went to that rock I was screaming at her to leave. My heart was pumping like crazy throughout those scenes. That moment when Robin broke free and Strike hit Taoi is probably my most favourite scene ever. And the scene in the hotel after. Chefs kiss. Even better than Strike telling Creed he should rot in Broadmoor. Trouble Blood is definitely still my number 1 but this was so masterful. The fact I hated it at the beginning is a testament to her writing. I felt under such constant tension and stress when I was at the farm with Robin because she made it so sinister. I thought what was so great about this one was all of the strands and breadcrumbs -Diayu going out of the window, the pictures, what happened at the beach etc. I just can't wait for the next one now. I also wonder how the TV series will possibly adapt this?!
@laurashepherd4663 it is going to be hard to adapt for sure and it will be interesting to see how dark they go with it. Time will tell
a new one is ready, JK said. I hope it will be out before the end of the year.
I saw the news about the title. If she publishes the next book this year that is three books in three years. She hasn't done that before. I am both excited and scared 😆😁
Thank you , Becky, for your emotional and in-depth review. I must admit the suspense of Robin going to live at that farm was so intense, I even took a break of reading the book (just for half a day), because I though Robin too vulnerable to go there due to her previous dramas. And I am thinking of the title - is it that the killed little girl's pieces carried away in the stomacks of those pigs, I don't call them beasts as the beasts are the killers?
Thank you, and thanks for sharing your thoughts. The Running Grave is a line from a poem mentioned in the book about the drowning of a person and how the wave being a thing of constant movement becomes a grave for drowned souls. JK also said in an interview that it also is to do with time and our past actions. Time and past actions will catch up to us at some point, and until then, we are running to keep away from it, but you can't outrun the wave of time
@@beckybookreviews7820thank you very much for the explanation, I like the waves better than my version
I think I loved this book so much, not just for character development, but absolutely the acceptance, reflection, and looking ahead was so powerful. I loved the nods to the earlier books. Very much a fan's book, I thought. I found the farm stuff hard (who didn't) but I loved everything else around it, and I can't remember feeling like I know a character so well, like I do with Strike at the end of this book. You made me laugh out loud about Charlotte. I so agree with you! Oh my goodness, yes - the Jane Eyre reference!!! Sigh. Do you think we will see a 'resolution' with Robin and Strike only at the time of the final book? I can't decide....THANK YOU for a this extended review.
Given what he said to her at the end of this book, something has to happen in the next book. There has to be a shift in their relationship status. How Robin responds to what he said, I don't know, we shall see
@@beckybookreviews7820 we shall indeed! I feel a re-read coming on. There's a strange relief as well as loss at having finished it!
TRG was my favorite so far, alongside with Troubled Blood 💛💛
Same!
Great review ... I loved this book so much ... I have never read a book where I felt anxiety throughout for a character, but every time the UHC was mentioned I felt so anxious for Robin.
I don't know, if you know this but there is a very good podcast about the Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott novels. It's called: The Strike & Ellacott Files. It's worth a listen!
I'm so glad you liked it. I have been told to check that podcast out but just haven't gotten round to it yet. I need to listen to it for sure 🙂
Becky!! I will be back to this video once I finish “The Running Grave”. But I am sure you did a great video on this!! Here is a like from me fo now :)))
Thanks! I hope you enjoy the video
I agree the brain washing was unbelievable also I loved that robin had strike in her head to hang on to when they where trying to break her
Bad feeling about the paternity of Bijou's baby...
Excellent review!! I just finished the book, here are my spoilery thoughts:
Thoughts:
1. It's a departure from the earlier books--we know the culprits from the beginning, it's more a question of "how" then "who". It's more about gathering evidence against the Waces.
2. Yes, there's one twist about Abigail Grover, but I was kinda suspicious about her anyway. But I didn't guess she killed Daiyu.
3. The book reads like a thriller. I felt like there are two climaxes--one when Robin escapes from Chapman Farm, and one when Cormoran confronts abigail.
4. It also felt like a Mafia novel at times, didn't it? Jonathan Wace's super polished demeanor on the outside, while you know what he is...the way Kevin Pirbright was killed, and some others were forced into suicide...it felt like Strike and Robin were fighting well organized mafia, rather than a cult!
5. I couldn't believe Robin didn't escape from Chapman Farm when she had the chance. We know she's a daredevil, but she pushed her luck WAY too far. I believe she's a more matured woman, but maybe the various things she witnessed at the farm made her desparate to bring the church down.
6. Speaking of Robin, I was also, perhaps unreasonably, annoyed that she kept dating Murphy, and was thinking along the lines of "Strike doesn't feel what I feel" etc. Strike had made a clear move in TIBH, and Robin had unwittingly given a clear denial. After that, in my opinion, it should have been Robin seeking clarification about the undercurrents between her and Strike.
7. Jo sure knows how to make me emotional. Charlotte's suicide, Strike's meeting with her sister at the end, and the last chapter...heavy stuff!
8. And that's some grenade that was thrown in the last chapter!! I hope it leads to Robin dumping Murphy!!
9. I found the book immensely entertaining, and would note that it's also challenging. With so many characters and ex-members of the cult, I struggled to remember who's who a couple of times, and found the x-ray feature of the ebook very helpful. Readers have to pay attention while reading Strike novels, and that's a good thing.
Couple of questions:
1. Why didn't Jonathan Wace ever remove the axe from the tree at Chapman Farm? Jiang knew where the axe was! Didn't Wace know? Didn't Wace realise it could prove The Drowned Prophet never drowned?
2. The illusions at Chapman Farm were well crafted, but wasn't dressing up little girls as the Drowned Prophet too risky? Little girls talk. And Will Edensor had observed this! Wouldn't other intelligent members of the cult have seen through this trick?
So glad you enjoyed it. To answer your questions, I think the answer to both questions is Jonathan's power of manipulation. The tree was out of the way in a place people didn't go because he had told others not to go there. Plus it was something that you wouldn't find unless you were looking for it. As for using the girl, the young are easily corrupted and silenced and I am sure a few threats combined with his manipulation tactics would silence anyone. Fear equals obedience in his world
@@beckybookreviews7820 Makes sense. I also think Wace was also very overconfident. Has the release date of the next book been announced yet? I have an ominous feeling Ryan's going to propose to Robin
@NamasteBbooktube oh completely. He's a cult leader who no one can touch or stop. He is very overconfident that he is almost God like. No news on the new release date yet, only the title which was released a month or two ago. She usually releases books six months or so after she announces her titles so I think October and it will hit at the build up for Christmas in the publishing world
I didn't even know this book had been released! When I found out, I came straight to you.
Thank you! That's so sweet. Don't know if you have seen, but this is my spoiler discussion. There is a separate non-spoiler review as well if you prefer to watch that
This book got me to buy all the strike books because I NEED to read all of them again now
I am relieved that I wasn't the only one who was affected by the way the book ended.
Is it possible that book #8 will also be published on a one-year cycle as this book was?
Loved it I wept ❤
I bevlieve The Hellmakerd Man is going to come out this year! 🙌🏻
With the amount of teasing she has done it must be, I just wish she would give us a date! Given October/ November is when books drop for the Christmas build-up, and we are in June already, she must announce it soon to be in that time frame
Jo's writing feels kinda like the way she described Zoe Haigh in the Ink Black Heart as being an "incurable creative". I am amazed.
She is an incredible writer. I am in constant awe of her
another thought strike music any thoughts ?
Becky question do you think Charlotte will be become a case I think there is more on this ?
Great question. At one point, I thought so, but now I don't think it will. I think the mystery of what really happened to Leda will become a case for the final book or at least one of multiple cases covered in the final book
Brilliant review and I love being able to go more in depth with the spoilers 😁. I loved the book but I'm not sure yet if it beats Troubled blood for me. That just hit me in a certain way and stays with me. I wondered if as I know you usually get the dvd/blu ray you know where to find it? I've looked with no luck so Becky or if anyone else knows, help! Lol
Thank you! Troubled Blood is still only available through BBC iplayer at the moment. It's been driving me crazy waiting for the announcement as to when it will be available as I need it for my collection. With them filming The Ink Black Heart in early 2024, I am hoping that will mean we will get some news soon. All the other dramas you can find from various retailers such as Amazon and HMV
@beckybookreviews7820 OK thanks Becky, I can watch Troubled blood on iplayer but friends don't have access to it and haven't seen the drama yet. That's why I really want the dvd so we can watch together 😁 Fingers crossed for next year 🤞
@natalieburgess1457 As soon as I hear anything, I'll put a community post out 🙂
@@beckybookreviews7820 Cool 😎 thankyou! 🙂
I saw a mention of the DVD/BD status for the BBC Troubled Blood on StrikeFans. The BBC stated that they were not going to release discs for this, citing lack of sales. Sorry - I wasn't happy about this either.
I really loved your review. And I loved the book. But I was so repulsed by the stuff that happened, that I actually fell ill. I finished the book at 7.30 PM and had my fever spike at 9.30. I have just spent an agonising 5 days of fever, nausea and whatnot. Is it possible to fall ill like that ? I could really feel the evil creeping …
Thank you! I've not had a book make me ill, but a book hangover is real for sure
I am writing this after coming from hospital and after finishing the book. It seems funny that in retrospect, one might feel indoctrinated unwillingly to the cult upon reading so much of it, and with jk engrossing worlldbuilding writing style, you do really feel you were there. I had an agonizing fever nearing the end of the book, and upon finishing it, I had a terrible sense of unease and dread, back in the hospital I even dreamed of Mazu and the drowned prophet. I am feeling much better now and thanks to medication my fever went down. This book is truly a masterpiece, but I am lost for words how, after almost a year, similar experience that you have endured had befallen me…cheers
If the Charlotte character had lived, maybe she would have been deemed a danger, if Strike and Robin were together as a couple. Her jealousy would have been off the scale.
Completely agree. I think JK would never allow charlotte to be around if/ when a relationship happens between robin and cormoran. He needed to lay her and their past to rest for good before he could breathe again and contemplate a real relationship with Robin. I am so glad he has that bit of peace now in him
Chapter.64! Just finishsd readihg it!. Im overwelmed! What a wanderful writer is J.k!!!!❤❤
You are an absolutely delightful broadcaster and lovely to listen to. So honest and natural and nothing put on at all. Really enjoyed watching you. Also, love the colour of your sofa :-)
Thank you! I love my sofa 😆🙂
29:00 - I refer to that as a 'chapter 58 moment'
TRG is the most sophisticated book I've ever read. Her use of language, characterisation, plot, setting, themes, structure etc. It's elegant and JKR has ruined me forever - I can't find any other author that is comparablely close in genius. I CANNOT wait for more ❤ xx
Couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
As a fellow true crime enjoyer, after reading they had pigs at that farm my first thought was "the pigs ate the bodies, obviously". You should have seen my face when I got to the end of the book, at that point I already forgot I've made that connection.
And those vegetables! It was obvious something was up with carrots, because Emily refused to eat them, and the way Becca told her to do it... So disturbing.
For me chapter 64 felt.. bitter-sweet? Cathartic even? My immediate reaction to the news of her death was "oh finally!" because it was clear how much Charlotte was suffering (and making Cormoran suffer as well).
And wasn't it obvious church members had such names on purpose? If I understood correctly, Mazu was only pretending to be half-chinese, but no one dared to question it because - cult. Robin couldn't even question the state of her hair without the repercussions, nevermind her race. That just shows how brainwashed everyone was.
Also, as a lesbian I just want to mention how thankful I am to JKR for addressing how all this "spirit over body" bullshit affects homosexual people. I doubt it was the only source of inspiration, but she's been dealing with another "cult" claiming gay people are bigoted and close-minded for not wanting to sleep with the opposite sex. Flora's story almost made me cry, and that part about Kyle getting called slurs by his fellow church members.
Oh wow, you were right about special edition of "The Cuckoos Calling"! It looks beautiful, pity I can't get it where I live.
Thank you for talking more about TRG! Love your reviews. 💛
Thank you, and thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. This was so interesting to read and insightful
I have a question about Pat. There was the issue of her not telling Strike that she was 67 years old. In the US, the age of an employee cannot be an employment consideration (we even have an 81 yo president). Is it different in England? Is there a mandatory retirement age, or any other issue why this is a problem?
Currently in the UK, you receive a state pension from age 66 with it due to go higher up sadly in the future forcing people to work longer. You pay into pensions through work as well if you wish. People tend to retire around 60 and the closer you get to retirement age, the least likely you are to be opted for a job given you are close to retirement age and may have expectations from your employer that a younger person may not. So Pat, who loves to work, will do anything to prevent her from being turned down work simply because of her age so she lied. She isn't doing anything illegal by working past the age of 60 but lying about her age to her employer could get her into serious trouble due to falsifying legal documents her employer holds and it could be seen as possible fraud for different areas such as tax and national insurance (the amounts people pay for these can vary for different age groups). That's why she was so concerned how Cormoran and Robin would take the news
@@beckybookreviews7820 I applaud Cormoran not making this an issue. I would have been quite angry if he did not support Pat.
@rmayerCPA Me too. Other employers would have fired her for sure, but both Robin and Cormoran know how vital she is, and they value her so much. I think they would employ her into her 90s if they could!
I was wondering your thoughts on papa j being potentially influenced by the interest people took in “papa Peterson”. Not Jordan Peterson as such but more so how people are desperate to find Meaning and connection in the world. Papa j doesn’t make me think about jbp exactly but the sensation. Any thoughts?
Good question. Charisma is a trait that runs in cult leaders, so it is a drawing power to them. Those who are desperate to find meaning or connection, I believe, are drawn to those who take notice of them and give them attention. If that person they are drawn to is nice and shows them affection, they will happily stay around the leader and follow them. You could argue you can see this in places such as schools. If a kid is being bullied or is upset and another kid sticks up for them or invites them to play, seeing them upset, the upset/ bullied kid will then follow the other around as a new friend. Finding meaning in the world may not just be a question of why we are here but finding the thing that they feel they lack, such as love or family. A cult leader such as Papa J knows how to get someone on their side using his traits of manipulation
@@beckybookreviews7820 I find it nearly impossible that Jordan Peterson hadn’t crossed Rowlings mind in developing papa j. It was such a great book. It’s strange though because I’m a Peterson fan and have been watching his ride for several years now. It’s beautiful how Rowling is tying all these contemporary cultural patterns as well as the patterns of human nature as such. Ink black heart and the running grave are some of the finest work of literature that I’ve encountered in a long time. I’m coming at this in a backwards way. I first encountered strike and now I’m finally getting to Potter. I’m wore pleased with her writing.
@ChadTheAlcoholic the more I read sections or listen to the audiobook, the more I find things that I didn't see before, and that is amazing. She is a true genius, and I am scared for the remaining books if this is the genius she is giving at book 7. Books 8 to 10 are going to be incredible
The cliff hanger ending is a.bit frustrating. However, I take heart in my belief that Jo's choice of epigraph for chapter 136 is not coincidental.
Wouldn't Strike gatecrashing Robin's wedding be considered a cliffhanger? What about the ritz scene opening the ink black heart - fans waited soooo long to see what happened there haha
Great review though
Done that 🎉
Lovely 😍 ❤
Becky ❤
I think her experience of the past few years has also taught her about cult like thinking and the way people are happy to state things they know to be untrue. Up is down, black is white, men are women. People are willing to do this for nothing more than self preservation, lambasting those who refuse to play along. I think she drew from her experience with people like this and put it in the book.
Completely agree
such a good point!
What was the exciting news
I totally forgot to announce it 😆. It is a special limited edition 10th anniversary version of the first Strike book where only 1000 copies would be sold. Was gorgeous, but out of my price range at over £100. I am sure they will print a non exclusive 10th anniversary version as well for general selling at some point (most likely in the new year)
I agree Becky she will not reveal anything
Leonard Cohen I’m Your Man
Robin is going to come back from that weekend trip pregnant by Ryan. If that happens I will cry so much. 😢
I will lose it if that happens!
I thought Mc Donalds got brought up way too much..
I found the brainwashing terrible but I loved robin has strike in her head all the time
Strike and Robin keep each other sane.
Your voice tonality and your body language is only good to drive people crazy.
And Ryan I have a feeling there is something dark going on with him 🤔
I sense a bit of a "Matthewesque" vibe going on there. Hope he doesn't hit the bottle again.