The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

This thread is for discussing the book Broken, by Karin Fossum. Harold is the discussion leader. Have a great time with the book.

Look forward to hearing from readers on 'Broken'. First time I've done this, so bear with me.

I've read a few of her Inspector Sejer series and think she is a fantastic story teller so I am looking forward to the discussion Harold.

I did not realize she had a book outside of her Inspector Sejer series. I'll have to see if I can get this from the library and join the discussion. Sounds very interesting.

Should have this from the library in a couple of days..

I read this one a while back and gave it 5 stars. I thought it was very clever and a really great story. Happy reading.

I have never read her books. I downloaded Broken and will start reading tonight.

Never read her books. Unfortunately have other books that I have to read for various bookclubs before I can get to this one, but I will keep an on the discussion thread & add to it when I can finally begin reading.

I should have a copy by next week. Look forward to it.

When do we start?

I just got my copy and am starting it. Feel free to begin comments.

Well this is a very unusual approach by an author. We are dipping in and out between the author's reality and the world of her character. Definitely an edgy psychological touch. I like her writing style but haven't decided how I feel about the story yet. Anyone else?

Very disconcerting how it jumps back and forth but also very creative.

My thoughts through Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[

Very unique way to tell a story and interesting interaction between the author and the character she created and is still evolving.

Don't yet know what Alvar's fascination with the girl is all about since according to the author he is gay.

Also don't know what the deal was with repeatedly dropping the baby was all about.

And really don't understand all the angst is about the bridge painting. (hide spoiler)]

Just got my copy so not going to read the spoiler (thanks for posting it that way). Kind of a creepy first chapter. Looks interesting.

So far I am not finding the created character she's writing about terribly interesting. Story is moving along at a leisurely rate. Maybe too leisurely. I can see it does have the potential for some extraordinary weirdness... we shall see. Others join in as you get further into the book. I'll post again tomorrow.

I have several of her books. I will have to look to see if this is one of them.

Just started it. Very unusual narrative so far. Definitely on the psycho side...

Harold wrote: "So far I am not finding the created character she's writing about terribly interesting. Story is moving along at a leisurely rate. Maybe too leisurely. I can see it does have the potential for some..."

OK the introduction of the druggie girl just made it a lot more interesting. Now curious to see what happens.

I just got a copy from the library, and your comments have definitely piqued my interest. Will start this book tonight.

My further thoughts from Chapter 13 to the end of the book.

(view spoiler)[

OK, so what the heck is Alvar doing letting this 16 year old drug addict take over his home and his life.

The scene that really got me is when he finally decided he had had enough disruption and paid to have his lock changed and then when she pitched a fit he gave her a key to the NEW LOCK!

Was he in such need of human touch that he was willing to let her take all his money?

I did like that he got Goya though and it was a humorous scene when he grabbed a different cat and wondered why Goya was acting so strange.

I guess I just didn't get the point of this book and must say I was quite disappointed since I am a fan of Karin Fossum's other books I have read.

It was an interesting presentation of how the author and Alvar interacted when she had the power to change things for him. (hide spoiler)]

Interesting back and forth between author mode and the character she's created. Very interesting mind games here. Not going to post too many specifics yet, to let some people catch up. The spare writing style strikes me as classic Scandinavian noir, but the plot is more inward turning than usual.

A lot of headgames type reflections in this story, both on the author's and the main character's part. Intriguing approach. Not sure I like it but will press on. They've just introduced the street urchin, or whatever she is....

OK readers, what do you think of the main characters, the author and her creation Alvar?

I can't say I like either of them very much, but the plot is, at least getting a bit more interesting. Alvar seems so spineless...

This seems like a writer's experiment. Intriguing but odd and not in a good way. Actually I'd like to see the author put more of herself in the story at this point.

I'm about 2/3 through the book, and like Barry, I don't really like either Alvarez or the author. I am enjoying the novelty of the plot device and wonder how autobiographical the character of the author in the story is to Fossum. This is the first Karin Fossum book I've read, so I don't know if she is known for using such literary devices, but I am enjoying this one. So far. There is something about the quietly building suspense that is making me dread the outcome. What is going to happen to Alvarez? This is not a page-turner for me, but not because of boredom. It's fear.

Alvar - not Alvarez. Darn auto-correct!

What do you think of this narrative style? Going back and forth from the author to the created character? I finished the book, but will hold off on further opinions until others weigh in. I was not expecting this type of book, I will say that.

Alvar is such a weak character almost like a puppet manipulated by the author. Of course that's what authors do. This is certainly a clear illustration of that. I am not enjoying this but will finish it.

I didn't care for it. The author/character back and forth was a novelty that soon wore thin. Overall the main character was depressing and so was the book.

Sometimes you look forward to picking up a book and continuing to see what happens next. This was not the case with this book.
I can't say I enjoyed it. The narration style was interesting, I'll give it that. I suppose you could say she made Alvar grow as a person, but she created him stunted and handicapped to begin with.

Well, I kind of liked it. As others have said it is an interesting illustration of how an author creates characters
and then has them take on a personality and their actions then carry them into the plot.
(view spoiler)[ When the addict girl finally overdoses and dies Alvar is finally forced to take some kind of action
which finally resolves some things. There is probably some deep psychological meaning to his overall weakness
but I didn't find a clear explanation of that other than the ramblings about his parents. spoiler>
I will probably check out more books by this author, as I liked her writing style (hide spoiler)]

I enjoy the back and forth of the author/character but so far, chapter 17, it lacks substance for my taste.

Definitely not my cup of tea. Interesting exploration of the author/character relationship but that's about it.

On Chapter 24 now. I have never read a book like this. I am very interested in seeing what the end brings. At this time I wouldn't call it a mystery, I'm not sure what I would call it. However it is very interesting.

I must update my first thread. I am finished and what a read. I found that as I pushed on I HAD to finish. I needed to see what the end would bring. I most certainly would not call this a Mystery, Crime or Thriller. It is more a journey of discovery.

I agree, I really wouldn't call it a mystery either. This author usually writes mysteries but this one.. more of an experimental psychological thriller. Others weigh in as you finish the book...

Joyce wrote: "I must update my first thread. I am finished and what a read. I found that as I pushed on I HAD to finish. I needed to see what the end would bring. I most certainly would not call this a Mystery, ..."

Anyone else? When I nominated Broken I understood it to be a mystery thriller. Turned out to be more psychological. Curious to hear more reactions to the book.

I finished a few days ago and liked the book. The character development was very slow and almost imperceptible. I liked how Alvar had some input into the author's development of his character, though it was limited.

Another interesting aspect was how little we learned about Alvar's past, and I wondered to what degree that left Alvar so ill equipped in dealing with life. And is that why he seems somewhat one dimensional, because he doesn't have access to much knowledge of his past?

I thought the ending was interesting. I felt like the author gave Alvar experiences that would help him live a happier future, and there is a suggestion that he may no longer be alone.

I also wonder if Fossum is describing her own experiences in writing a book. Does she have imaginary conversations with her characters that influence her writing?

I wondered that about Fossum too... how much of the author character in the book was reflective of her experience. And I agree the ending did seem to provide at least a ray of hope for Alvar.

B'burg Linda wrote: "I finished a few days ago and liked the book. The character development was very slow and almost imperceptible. I liked how Alvar had some input into the author's development of his character, thou..."

I bought the book, however it is not my cup of tea.

I can't really say it was a good mystery or a thriller. Psychological fiction is what I'd call it. Definitely a payoff towards the end but it was a slog to get there.

Others feel free to weigh in. Most of us here have finished the book and commented, but more opinions are welcome.

never hearrd of this book but mark it as to read

Just finished and reviewed this. A solid 4 stars, more of a philosophical mystery in some ways, a meditation on the writer's process in others. I alternated between being intrigued and frustrated. Characters were strong if not wildly likable. Must remember to get rid of those pesky cat hairs. An odd little book, very unlike her Inspector Sejer series, but I am finding myself mulling about it in quiet moments, which speaks well for it. Her depiction of addict behavior was spot on, I will say.