About book The Hitman's Guide To Housecleaning (2012)
The book had an an interesting premise, and a promising storyline, but ultimately I didn't buy into the main character. I felt that the author gave authenticity to the Icelandic characters and places, but did not seem to have any genuine insight into the mind of a Balkan hitman who had fought in the wars there. I think it's dangerous to try to recreate what it's like to be traumatised by a war zone unless you've either experienced similar trauma yourself or have done extensive interviews with those who have. As such I thought that the main character was something of a parody, and his wanton violence and swearing had little basis in reality. I've spent a lot of time among soldiers and in war zones, and little rang true.I dislike the ending, which took a strange and incredibly unbelievable turn. It felt like the author just got bored and felt he had to finish it quickly. More effort could have produced a more connected ending.I would, however, read something else by Helgason because I enjoyed his fluid style. I have to say the title grabbed me more than the story. The Croatian Hitman on the run who kills a priest and takes his identity and hides in Iceland. So it has that "Stranger in a Strange Land" angle to it. The priest has a small TV following. I have to say the "Identity theft" angle of someone known is over with. A Google search on a cell phone blows up this plot twist. The love affair angle was nothing that special either. Once again, why does the minister's daughter have to always been "loose". The part of this book I did like is the Hitman describing the mechanics of how he did his job. The examinations of the emotions or lack of in doing that job. Plus his background story of being a soldier during the Yugoslavian Civil War were more interesting.
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A fast enjoyable read about a killer redeemed, Iceland and Eurovision.
—Amy
weird. not as funny as i thought it'd be.
—Romancer
