Book Review: Green Girls

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Green Girls     Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC
Michael Kimball
Class/Genre:   Fiction   Thriller
Headline, 2001, £10.00 (English pounds), 401 pp.

Jacob Winter is a writer, a father and a devoted husband. When he finds his wife in bed with another man, he descends into violence. However, he is bailed out of jail by a woman he doesn't know and finds himself thrown into a world of mystery, lesbians and tropical flowers with hallucinogenic properties. Is it a world from which he can escape?

Kimball's first novel, 'Undone' was excellent. His second, 'Mouth To Mouth', was not and this left me dubious as to whether or not to read 'Green Girls'. However, I can say that this is a lot better work, with engaging characters, an innovative plot and an enjoyable read. At times, it can get confusing, but overall, this is an intricate book. Some of the characters are hard to understand and identify with, the best example being Jacob Winter. Since he is not entirely sane, the idea of his writing the very bizarre books that he does write is hard to comprehend.

Michael Kimball sets all his stories in Maine and some may find his work slightly reminiscent of Stephen King, with whom he is acquainted. Kimball's thriller is quirky and interesting, so if you enjoyed 'Undone', you will certainly enjoy this. In my opinion, Kimball could easily go places, although he suffers from the classic disease of a lack of recognition.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com