Coroner's Lunch, The
Cotterill, ColinConfronted by the poisoning of an important official's wife and the sudden appearance of three bodies that may create an international incident between Laos and Vietnam, the crafty and charming 72-year-old state coroner, Dr Siri Paiboun, stays dead calm. Set in Laos a year after the 1975 Communist takeover, Dr Paiboun gleans clues from minute examinations of the bodies, while circumnavigating bureaucratic red tape. At his age, he reasons, what can they do to him? He unravels three complicated murder plots his superiors want to sweep under the carpet.
Comments from Groups
We all thoroughly enjoyed this book-its whimiscal style, told through the eyes of a seasoned character totally comfortable with himself! Provoked discussion about Laos, and its relationship with Vietnam and the ability to see and feel things outside our worldly realm. Lower Hutt 014Well written. Great satire. Characters were well portrayed and lifelike. Story was confusing but came together finally. The author cleverly handled the political aspect with wonderful satire. Enjoyed by most of the group. Christchurch 240
Overall we enjoyed the book but two people definitely did not like it. Several were going to read another in the series. The Eastern names made it a little more difficult to follow. Tauranga 035
The group really enjoyed `The Coroner's Lunch`, we all had a chuckle while reading it. Well written. Whiritoa 001
Widely liked. Easy read, likeable characters and interesting story. Great discussion. Omarama 001
All `LOVED` book! Location and history very interesting but characters wonderfully drawn, the humour, irony and satire superb! We chuckled our way through the book and have created a waiting list at the library for more of Dr Siri. Whakatane 009
We loved the character of Dr Siri, and would love to meet him. He was so onto it! We found it cleverly written and multi faceted. We're looking forward to a movie if there ever is to be one? The ending was up for debate, and some of us were disappointed. The book was very educational regarding Laos and its recent history. Auckland 389
Everyone loved the book, yet ten out of the twelve in our group would not have chosen it for themselves! Stewart Island 001
This was found very enjoyable by the majority of the group. The main detractor was the 'spirits', yet those more familiar with the East pointed out their prevalence in everyday life. We were all surprised by the number of topics and themes the book encompassed once we actually discussed it together. Tararua 001
Most members liked the book although some thought it was a bit 'grisly'. Some members didn't like the exorcism of the malevolent spirit Phibob, and didn't feel it belonged in the book. On finishing the book they could see its connection with the unsettling ending which left room for further stories. Whangarei 003
A light, amusing book set in an unfamiliar country. Auckland 085
An engaging story - even though most found the first chapter or two difficult to get into. Those of the group who had visited Vietnam/Laos, related to the surroundings described in the story, but found the spiritualism portrayed a little way out. All in all, a good poke at Communism and recommended as a good story. Christchurch 317
287
2004