Tomorrow in the Battle Think on Me

by Javier Marías & Margaret Jull Costa (translator)
Tomorrow in the Battle Think on Me cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 4685
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Five Books · Chris Power · 2022-04-01
great 4.50

The book is deeply mysterious and holds the reader at a distance from the protagonist, creating a sense of intrigue. The narrative's psychological depth and social satire are particularly noteworthy.

Chris Power highlights the book's deeply mysterious nature, particularly how Marías keeps the reader at a distance from the protagonist, Victor. This distance creates a sense of intrigue and psychological depth that Power finds compelling. They also appreciate the book's social satire and the way it explores themes of sex and guilt. The translation by Margaret Jull Costa is praised for its ability to capture the nuances of the original text, making it a rich and rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    It's deeply mysterious. One of the things I really love about this book is how Marías holds us at a distance from Victor.

    All three are admirably translated by Margaret Jull Costa, who not only catches the meanings of words with grace and precision, but gets rhythms right.

    Let's talk about Tomorrow in the Battle Think on Me by Javier Marías, translated by Margaret Jull Costa, your first literary thriller book.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2015-09-24
intriguing 4.25

The book's long, complex sentences create a rushing pace, yet the events unfold slowly, allowing for deep reflection. The narrative's intricacies and the protagonist's introspections are compelling.

Tony found the book's long, complex sentences to be both challenging and engaging, as they create a rushing pace that contrasts with the slow unfolding of events. This contrast allows the reader to delve deeply into the narrative's intricacies and the protagonist's introspections. Tony appreciates the way the book encourages reflection and thought, making it a rewarding read despite its complexities. They also highlight the book's ability to balance melodrama with fine writing, handled skillfully by the author.

Quick quotes

    Long, complex sentences rush you along, yet the pace of events is incredibly slow, allowing the reader to turn everything over in their mind.

    It sounds melodramatic, and silly, and, yeah, it kind of is, but Marias, who certainly is capable of fine writing, handles it all very well.

    The narrative runs like a psychological thriller with macabre and comic interludes: the narrator handles it as a master of artistry and precision.

The Independent · 1996-10-20
excellent 4.00

The narrative unfolds like a psychological thriller with macabre and comic interludes, showcasing the author's artistry and precision. The book's exploration of complex themes is both profound and quirky.

The Independent review describes the book's narrative as running like a psychological thriller, complete with macabre and comic interludes. The reviewer praises the author's artistry and precision in handling these elements, making the book a profound and quirky exploration of complex themes. The book's ability to balance these elements is highlighted as a testament to the author's skill. The review also notes the book's profound and quirky nature, making it a unique and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    The narrative runs like a psychological thriller with macabre and comic interludes: the narrator handles it as a master of artistry and precision.

    And Javier Marías, Europe's master of secrets, of what lies reveal and truth may conceal, is on sure ground in this profound, quirky, and marvelous novel.

    All three are admirably translated by Margaret Jull Costa, who not only catches the meanings of words with grace and precision, but gets rhythms right.

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