Long Time Coming (original 2010; edition 2010)

Robert Goddard's latest novel, 'Long Time Coming', should have taken longer to come. At best it's a cheap imitation of his earlier historical fiction flashback tales, at worst it's a plot poorly strung together, and bound by my least favourite of literary tropes: the cluster of coincidences. Those people who loved Goddard's first novel, 'Past Caring', for its startling blend of modern-day sensibilities and the dark secrets of days of yore will be woefully disappointed by the lack of nuance and good plot in this novel. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story. Once again it is a book that combines a number of time frames - Dublin in 1942, England in 1976, and then later 2008. It asks the reader to understand a little of IRA history particularly during the war years.

The narrator is Eldritch Swan's nephew Stephen who had always been told his uncle was dead. The uncle will not reveal why he has spent 36 years in an Irish prison, but shortly after his mysterious release he is contacted by a lawyer whose client wants Eldritch to find proof that the a collection of Picassos were fake. The search brings Eldritch and his nephew into touch with people who were involved in the painting swindle, as well as a very influential ex-public servant who knows exactly why Eldritch has spent 36 years in prison.

Robert Goddard's books nearly always combine the present with the past and I always seem to find them enjoyable, so much so that they are almost comfort reading. Most of them are stand-alones ans so can be picked up at any time in any order.

David Rintoul does an excellent job of the narration. ( )

I admit, I have a soft spot for Robert Goddard's books. They never let me down. Ok, he may follow the same recipe over and over again: a young man is dragged - outside his will - into a case that has ties with both his personal life and historical events. This takes him all over the world and in the end all is resolved. This may sound boring and predictable but it doesn't prevent me from enjoying the result over and over again. It's like eating your favourite cake every now and then. You don't grow tired of that either, do you?
I savoured this one also and even moreso because a large part of the story was set in Belgium. It was so much fun to see how Goddard described Antwerp and Oostende. I was actually impressed with his accuracy. I won't give away too much about the story but it involved Picasso's paintings, the IRA, the second World War, Congolese diamonds and it all came together in one single story. I don't know how he does it, but Goddard keeps my attention from page one till the very last one. I've rarely put down one of his books before I finish it. That's why now I make special arrangements to be able to read at least 5 hours without interruption.
So I recommend this book to everyone who's interested in reading a stirring book without having to do too much effort. ( )

Too aptly named. ( )

The variety of plots that Robert Goddard writes never ceases to amaze me. I wonder how he manages to dream up such a diversity. This one doesn't disappoint. It takes the reader on a mystery tour weaving in and out of various situations, making use of dipping back into the past and then bringing you back to the current time. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, it was unputdownable once you got into it. ( )