“The truth about the Harry
Quebert affair” is a novel written by Joël Dicker, a Swiss writer. It was
published in the USA on 27th May, 2014. The original French version
has sold more than 1 million copies and, including the translations into 32
languages, the book has sold more than 3 million copies.
This novel has been very
appreciated in Europe, but opinions have been different in North America, in
fact it has received middling reviews due to clichés and its writing style.
Despite that, “The truth about
the Harry Quebert affair” won some French literary prizes such as the famous
Prix Goncourt des Lycéens. In its almost 700 pages, the novel tells the story
of Marcus Goldman, a successful writer, who is frustrated from his writing
block. For this reason he is hosted in his college professor’s house in New
Hampshire. That’s where Harry Quebert, Marcus Goldman’s teacher, mentor and friend
comes in. After Marcus’ stay to focus on his writing, he returns home and
receives a shocking news: Nora Kellergan’s body has been found after 33 years
in Quebert’s property. The old teacher is accused of murder and asks Marcus for
help.
The book is centred on Goldman’s
investigation, full of plot twists and sad stories, which will bring the
successful writer to finally discover the truth about the Harry Quebert affair.
Almost all the characters are
perfectly developed and described, but on the other hand there are a few who
are quite flat and briefly presented.
The dialogues are the most
important ingredients in this novel but sometimes are out of line such as the
dialogues between Marcus and his mother. The descriptions are precise, but at
times too long and boring.
The story in general is
well-written and understandable, the reading is clear and flowing (despite the
700 pages, it is simple to finish reading the book in less than two weeks). The
plot twists are perfectly placed in the right moments and are never trivial.
The result is a big and
interesting thriller, a triumph for the ones who love reading this genre.
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