The Running Grave - [10/10]

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JK Rowling (or Robert Gabraith) has done it again. I was hooked with this one. Even with the book being around 1200 pages, I flew through it and was captivated and entertained throughout. A trap that long books like this can fall into is the pacing, the last book I read I Am Pilgrim fell into this, where some parts are rushed where others are dragged. This book was patient, delicate and precise and kept leaving you with enough information throughout that you are engaged and follow along but are wanting more and more. I did get a bit lost with all of the different characters but that might just be me more than anything. The ever-present relationship between Robin and Strike didn’t fail to keep teasing me and have me longing for more. Now, about the story. Wow! Super complex, the whole cult religion thing was really articulate and modern, I could full see some ‘religion’ like that gaining popularity today. I not only enjoyed this book but I was very impressed by it. Brings up a thought on cults and coercion. So these people who willingly go to the UHC and succumb to the diet, the rituals and everything, they get brainwashed but they ‘willingly’ do so, they are open to it all. It’s interesting to see the level of control that they exert over Robin, who goes through all the same treatment but with a closed mindset, not open and ‘willing’ to accept the religion, and she is still controlled to some extent by the superiors and authority. I like to think that if I was in that position, I would prevail through most of it, I wouldn’t have such guilty thoughts on my behaviour, kiss Mazus feet, believe the nonsense etc, but I think my will would be tested (as any human beings would) when starved and mentally and physically abused. It’s a really interesting example of control and coercion and the breakdown of the human will through food, physical torture, restricting information and social interactions., no communications and forced religions. Also, open sex with everyone and retreat rooms is such a frat move. 

Amazing book.

Author: JK Rowling

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