J K Rowling's new novel The Casual Vacancy is reviewed today. How important are critics opinions?

by Adrian Sroka
27th September 2012

J K Rowling is interviewed on Front Row today at 19.15- 19.45 on BBC Radio four.

Are you influenced by critics opinions?

Do the opinions of reviewers determine whether you buy a novel?

Replies

A '50 Shades' fan then, Adrian? ;)

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Jonathan
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Jonathan Hopkins
27/09/2012

I have not read any of the books, or seen any of the Harry Potter films. However J K Rowling is to be congratulated on encouraging millions of young people to read. Apart from all her wealth, J K Rowling seems very eager to be a successful author of adult literature. She will have been aware of the pitfalls, so I have no doubt that she has worked extremely hard on The Casual Vacancy. Her huge following guarantees The Casual Vacancy will be a commercial success, but I bet that deep down J K Rowling yearns for respect as an adult author.

I am selective on what I choose to read, but I salute any author that encourages people to read whether their novels are good or bad.

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Adrian
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27/09/2012

I'm waiting for the feedback before I decide whether to buy it or not. It sounds as though it's similar to Sue Townsend, or Marina Lewycka, which would be right up my street, but I already have a giant To Be Read pile (curse you Kindle Daily Deal!) so I'm not about to leap out and add to it.

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Dor Armitage
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