The concept
Lloyd Jones and the clever marketing people at John Murray have come up with an idea to encourage readers (well, advance review copy readers at least) to pass on their copy of Hand Me Down World, and each copy's progress is tracked on the website handmedownworld.co.uk. This is a fab concept and I hope it works, although as I think the book is unfortunately quite easy to 'give up' on (see my review below and numerous more on the book's website - note: rave reviews are also present) it may be hard convincing my friends and family to read it. I shall leave my copy in a public place and see what happens to it; here's hoping it wends its merry way around Oxford.
The book Having just finished Lloyd Jones' "Hand Me Down World" I must admit to a range of thoughts towards his book. Certainly it focuses on important subjects and themes: illegal immigration, motherhood, love and money - and I'm pleased these are all addressed here - but I'm not completely sold on the approach. I wanted the book to take my hand and speed me through its pages, and indeed the opening section did just that, but unfortunately I found myself slowing up as the book got to its middle, and personally I found it quite difficult to stay committed through some chapters. However, it is worth perservering through this section as the final third of the book was more rewarding and 'Ines' becomes a character that can be properly visualised. Overall, a thought-provoking read that is definitely worth giving a go.
