I literally could not put this book down, I was so hooked on the storyline. From the very first page, it had me asking questions. As I continued reading, I was taken on a tantalising and elicit journey that revealed bombshell after explosive bombshell right up to the story's emotional and rather poignant conclusion. I recommend it - five stars!

The Casual Vacancy is the first adult novel by popular British author, J.K.Rowling. This contemporary fiction is set in the seemingly idyllic English village of Pagford, where the sudden death of Parish Councillor, Barry Fairbrother creates a casual vacancy on the parish council. As subsequent events are narrated from the points of view of various different characters, the picture emerges of a village whose inhabitants are not all satisfied with their lot in life, a village of simmering tensions waiting to boil over. Rowlings characters are easily recognisable as the denizens of the typical English village, but at the same time, show individual depth and appeal (or repugnance, as the case may be). And it seems quite a few of the characters have a secret (or two). The setting, characters and events will resonate with readers, and these same happenings drive the characters to desperate actions that ultimately result in tragedy for some. Rowling manages to pack quite a lot into this novel: she has an obese megalomaniac, drug addicts, computer-savvy teens, a fawning wife, a violent husband and father, an anxious teacher, and a caring social worker, to name just a few. There is domestic violence, rape, racism, corruption, self-mutilation, bullying, gossip, teen pregnancy, child abuse and SQL injection. But if this sounds depressing, it is relieved by the underlying black humour that fills the novel. This all comes together to make a brilliant read.

Pagford, pretty village, close knit community, happy families.



Umm...no.



It seems that behind every "perfect" facade people are living lives of misery and discontent.



The town is divided about the parish council's desire to put out the "trash" that they feel is polluting their township and a whole lot of politics and powertripping is happening around filling a vacant seat on the council.



In the midst of it all there is the Ghost_Of_Barry creating havoc and exposing the dirty laundry people would really rather stayed hidden. Then there is Krystal.



An insightful look at class structure in a supposedly class free society and the growing pains of a small town being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century.