THE CASUAL VACANCY: J. K. ROWLING

Another novel by the prolific Rowling and not a mystery this time but a social satire of a small town, an updated Jane Austen so to speak.  Rowling is a wonderful writer, adept at almost any genre.  In this novel, she reminds me of a juggler, tossing many balls, in this case stores.  The novel begins with the death of Barry Fairbrother, a member of the Pagford Parish Council.  He's been a vocal advocate for keeping the Fields, the poverty stricken section of town, as part of Pagford.  His death opens up a seat on the City Council, for those who would love to see the Fields split from Pagford, thus ridding this posh district of their unsavory neighbor.  It would also mean the closing of drug clinics and other facilities that benefit the unfortunate residents of the Fields.

Rowling takes us into the lives of four families, into their heads, including their children, all obsessed with the Fields.  Some  are with Barry and want to keep it part of Pagford, others want to see the Fields sent off on its own, saving the Pagfordians tax dollars.  Needless to say, we see friends turn in to enemies, the most unlikely end up being the most heroic.  As the election nears, unsigned letters appear on line in the local newspaper, maligning various candidates for office.  Some of the accusations are true, others myth but it tears the town apart as everyone blames their opposites.  And we find out later, these letters were written by the children of the candidates who all seemingly are at odds with their obsessed parents.

Things come to a head when Krystal Weedon runs away with her brother Robbie, because she thinks the Addiction Clinic will be closed.  She leaves her brother for a moment, to have sex with one of the candidate's son, and Robbie drowns.  The story ends with the funeral of both Robbie and Krystal, who commits suicide, blaming herself for Robbie's death.  We see how seemingly intelligent people turn into monsters, with their 'uncompromising certainty', and as always, the 'others' get hurt, those with out power, those who have fallen through the cracks.  Things don't seem to change, whether in a small town like Pagford, the world Washington politics or International politics.  As Rodney King so famously said, 'Why can't we all get along.'

This novel has been made into a mini series, now on HBO.  It's not a great book but I enjoyed it, especially watching normal people ruin their own lives as well as those of others, all for an idea.