Customer Reviews

Bitter Medicine: A V.I. Warshawski Novel

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this book back in 1988 when it was first published. Having forgotten this, I purchased this newly reissued edition. I really wish publishers would make it clear right up front (on the cover) that these books have been previously published. This is a good story, but not worth reading a second time.

It's not all that big a deal, but there is one element in this book that will alert those who have read later books that something's going to happen to one specific important character.As noted by another reviewer, Sara Paretsky does use this book to strongly express her pro-choice views. I don't mean to be critical by pointing this out, but strong anti-abortionists will likely be made angry by this book.That said, this is one of the weaker books in the series. If you are a fan of V. I. Warshawski, then by all means read this one. But if you're not a strong fan, or haven't yet read any in the series, I suggest starting with one of her other books such as the first, INDEMNITY ONLY.

While it is clear that Paretsky used the story to pontificate around the abortion issue, the story was not (in my opinion) held hostage by her views. Of course, she must have known that those who hold opposing views might be somewhat derailed by her machinations. Apparently she felt it was a risk worth taking. For my part, the story was entertaining and amusing. There were sufficeint plot twists and turns, a romantic interlude, loveable yet annoying characters... all the stuff that makes us enjoy V.I. This is what I call hot-fudge-sundae fiction. I read it for its entertainment value--not intellectual nutrition. YUM!

Almost interesting, but finally wraps up with stock villians and an implausable resolution. The fact that this is set entirely in the world of doctors and hospitals, healthcare economics, which Ms Paretsky obviously does not understand, dooms the story.

Good storyline but characters sometimes difficult to discern. Story a little choppy; not as tight as it could be; somewhat maudlin but still it holds the interest until you discover whodunit

I have read all of the Sara Paretsky mysteries, and think this is the weakest of the group. She maintains her writerly skill, but the plot in this novel feels like it was devised to make a political point about women's access to health care and particularly to abortion. In the process, she takes pot shots at her political opponents by making the characters of those who disagree with her unidimensional, manipulative, and unlikeable. The novel does have suspenseful elements, but not enough, and I just didn't buy the story. If you want to read all the books in the series, this is readable. If you're picking the best, go with Hard Time or Tunnel Vision.

This is Sara Paretsky at her best - and her best is very very good.