An odd story with two main characters and others - possibly none are telling the truth? ( )

First time I've read any of her work. It was for me a something and a nothing story it seemed to promise enough to keep me reading but then failed and yet I kept thinking that there could have been so much more. The writing style I got used to and again in an odd way kinda liked it so for that reason alone I might read one of her other books but I somehow doubt it. ( )

Written in Johnston's usual elegant, fluid and sparse style, without an extraneous word, but unfortunately ultimately disappointing. This novel lacked depth and passion. The characters were one-dimensional and neither likeable nor worthy of hatred - there was nothing interesting or resonant about any of them. The story starts with Caroline, journalist in London who is asked by her editor to write a feature on Desmond Fitzmaurice, an aging Irish writer. She journeys to Dublin to interview Fitzmaurice, also meeting with his current and ex-wife as well as other family members. Fitzmaurice promises her that his story has 'lots of sex and some violence' - it is amazing how it could be presented in such a dull and depressing fashion by one of my favourite authors. ( )

http://www.bookgeeks.co.uk/2010/02/11/jennies-review-truth-or-fiction-by-jennife... ( )