I read this book because it was written by J.K. Rowling, and it was a good choice. I'm 14 now and if I'd been any younger I would suspect it would be a bit over my head so if you're expecting a kid's fantasy this is not it. At the beginning of this story I was mostly blown away by the writing, but keeping track of all the characters was a little confusing. Once they all started to make sense I really loved this book. The first third took me several days while the second me only two or three and the last I read in one sitting- in other words it gets better. Rowling really lets you see so much more of the world in this from so many perspectives. This is the first realistic book I've really enjoy (being one more for sci-fi, dystopian and fantasy) and it deals with a lot of heavy stuff. It gets purely addicting after the first bit and I would make this a must read. Even if you don't like this sort of book READ IT (if you are a kid when you are older). Get past the beginning. It is amazing and you might even see the world with a new philosophy,

I would agree that this book is a slow starter...it took about 100 pages or so before the picture started to take shape and I began to care what happened to some of the characters. Over all it was an interesting read and I'm glad I perservered. I am not offended by the language but really didn't feel it added anything except to distance this work from the people who were looking for a grown up Harry Potter fix.

I never liked the Harry Potter books so honestly i had my doubts about this book from the beginning. I was right, at least at first. The first chapter or two is boring and a couple of times i almost put it down but I kept reading. I'm glad i did because about halfway through the book got awesome. The characters came to life and i could sympathize with or hate every character. Even if some of the other reviews are bad, give the book a shot. You'll probably end up crying your eyes out by the end.

This novel should come with a warning on the front cover "Adult rating, not suitable for children to read" This novel is Rowling's outlet to voice her very foul mouth. Horrible plot, characters and swearing. Couldn't get past the first 20 pages. ugh!!! Trash it!

I found the beginning very confusing with all the introduction of so many characters. Later on it became clear the development was focussed on the intricacies and curiosities of the small township. I found the ending very sad.

Very heavy on character development, drama and politics -- sometimes a bit too soap opera-y for me, which was the only reason why I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have. I enjoy the range of characters in the novel and didn't find it hard to get through at all, though.

The best book I've read in a long, long time. Can't understand why it got bad reviews! Does our society got so shallow that it can't recognize a real literary gem?

I couldn't even finish this one, it was boring as all get out! ugh!

I thought this book was a very depressing book! I stuck with it thinking that happiness would somehow emerge - no. Nothing good ever happened!! The characters all had their addictions of one sort or another! Too dark and dreary - I wouldn't recommend it to anyone!

On the surface a commentary on race and class relations in the UK, but more profoundly deep and unflinching look into human society and the many and varied ways we hurt and love and touch each other. Impressively consistent in tone, with a measured and well-paced plot and character development. Not light reading, but certainly rewarding for those who persist. Well done!