Brilliantly crafted book, what starts out as a seemingly far-fetched concept gradually becomes more believable in the hands of someone whose personal experiences must have strongly influenced the plot. Very enjoyable, funny and insightful.

Loved the suspenseful scene development, and the characters, particularly Inspector Mendel. Some killer lines as well, clearly heartfelt and lived through...”He knew how intelligent men could be broken by the stupidity of their superiors, how weeks of patient work night and day could be cast aside by such a man.” Read in company with my new friend in Perast featured in the photo. Very enjoyable 8/10

Really interesting insight into the role Fox hunting played in English life historically. As someone who considers themselves anti-hunt I was fascinated to find the style of writing and the character development were more than enough to suspend any personal distaste at some of the subject matter. As a result I enjoyed a very well written book full of cultural and historical significance, but most importantly entertainment! 7/10

Loved this book, first I‘ve read by KV so didn‘t know what to expect. First half was intriguing but the second half of the book was outstanding. The events on Mars, Earth and finally Titan are written in such an engaging way that I couldn‘t put the book down again until I‘d completed it. One of those books that makes me want to research the authors underlying themes, really interesting stuff 9/10

Good characters that you want to succeed but a bit too contrived for my liking with things coming full-circle a little too predictably. Although perhaps that‘s because everyone else has copied Dickens since! Still an enjoyable read.

Really interesting & well made arguments by the author about how society breaks down from one form and re-emerges in another structure. The fact it was written in 1941 makes it more fascinating with the then managerial economy of Germany sweeping all before it, it must have seemed inevitable that all economies had to move away from capitalism to compete with new emerging powers. It didn‘t pan out as the author predicted but lots of valid insight.

Really enjoyed this book, enhanced by reading it over a couple of days in a quiet seaside cottage on holiday. Dickens sets the chaotic and bloodthirsty scene of Paris during the revolution in such a way as to make you fear for the heroes and heroines of the book. Builds nicely to a frantic page-turning climax.