Showing posts with label Edward St. Aubyn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edward St. Aubyn. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Book Review - Dunbar by Edward St. Aubyn

Photo Credit - Amazon
A modern re-imagination of Shakespeare's King Lear. The media mogul Henry Dunbar was once the powerful head of the successful Dunbar trust. After a falling out with his youngest daughter, Florence, he hands over the reigns to his two eldest daughters, Abby and Megan. However, Abby and Megan have ideas of their own, and institutionalized Henry, so they can have complete control over the family business and make more money. 

Dunbar laments his decision of cutting out his youngest daughter while being imprisoned in Meadowmeade. He makes friends with an alcoholic comedian and together they plot their escape. As he runs, his family is also on his trail. Will his beloved daughter, Florence be able to reach him in time?

I have read King Lear and enjoyed it. This remake pales in comparison. It feels more like a dark comedy than a tragedy. I also felt that there was very little plot and character development. Most of the pages were dedicated to run on descriptions that caused my eyes glazed over.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**