Tuesday, July 6, 2010

In Free Fall by Juli Zeh Review and Giveaway

In Free Fall: A NovelSynopsis:  Against the backdrop of Germany and Switzerland, two physicists begin a dangerous dance of distrust. Friends since their university days, when they were aspiring Nobel Prize candidates, they now interact in an atmosphere of tension, stoked by Oskar’s belief that Sebastian fell into mediocrity by having a family. When Sebastian’s son, Liam, is apparently kidnapped, their fragile friendship is further tested. Entrusted with uncovering the truth, Detective Superintendent Schilf discerns a web of blackmail, while at the same time the reality of his personal life falls into doubt. Unfolding in a series of razor-sharp scenes, In Free Fall is a riveting novel of ideas from a major new literary voice. With the recent success of works in translation, such as Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire, Zeh is poised to take off.


My take: The story uses a lot of the same premises as "String Theory."  Physics is not really my strong suit so this was not an easy read.  In retrospect however, the physics aspect is not crucial to understanding the story.  The characters are interesting and unique.  The story takes bizarre twists and turns.  It is not predictable and includes a lot of self-conversation.  The book was originally written in German and translated.  It has been lauded by reviewers.  People have loved it.  I didn't love it but I seem to be in the minority. 

It is a fast-paced, cerebral crime drama somewhat reminiscent of Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" except with new characters that keep the story moving and a surprise middle, mid-end, and ending.  

If you want a crack at it, let me know in a comment.  If you're a follower, let me know in another comment.  Open to U.S. residents only.  Must have physical address.  Contest ends July 19th.

Thanks to Judy from Doubleday for sponsoring this giveaway and providing a copy for review.

21 comments:

Cindy W. said...

I love crime dramas and would love to give this one a try. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

I am a new GFC follower.

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jenny Bolech said...

Sounds like another good one! Thanks for the chance to win!

jenny.maurer84 at gmail dot com

Jenny Bolech said...

I'm a blog follower on GFC!
jenny.maurer84 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read In Free Fall :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
theluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com

skkorman said...

Sounds like a good read—please enter me to win!

skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

Joan said...

It sounds good to me...rally good.

nfmgirl said...

Sounds fascinating! Please count me in. Thank you!

nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

mrsshukra said...

Perfect for my physics and mystery loving DH!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

debbie said...

I love mysteries, and this sounds very intelligent. I would love to read it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I am a gfc follower.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

CountessLaurie said...

Well, if I win, I promise to try
:-)
l.moore.j(at)gmail.com

karenk said...

i'm interested in reading this novel...thanks for the chance :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Benita said...

Sounds really interesting. I adore mysteries.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

GFC Follower.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Allison said...

Thanks for having this giveaway!

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

Follower!

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

disneyfanheather said...

Sounds like a book that I may enjoy!
hsemonick at gmail dot com

disneyfanheather said...

I'm a follower! :)

esther said...

I'd love to win this book.
era54510(at)gmail(dot)com

esther said...

I follow on Google Friend Connect.
era54510(at)gmail(dot)com