The Final Solution

The Final Solution cover
Good Books rating 3.33
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Technical
  • ID: 6452
  • Added: 2025-11-17
  • Updated: 2025-11-28
  • ISBN: 9780007196036
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Michael Chabon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, delivers a short yet suspenseful tale that reimagines the classic 19th-century detective story. In The Final Solution, an 89-year-old former detective, now a beekeeper, encounters a nine-year-old mute boy who has escaped from Nazi Germany with an African grey parrot. The parrot spews out mysterious strings of German numbers, leading to questions about their meaning and the boy's true purpose. /n/n The story unfolds with subtle revelations and a wrenching resolution, showcasing Chabon's mastery of storytelling and his ability to blend history, legend, and suspense. This brilliant homage is a testament to Chabon's prowess as a writer, offering a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
Karissa Reads Books · Karissa · 2023-01-30
nostalgic 4.00

The novel is a nostalgic throwback to Golden Age mysteries, set in a small English community during the late stages of World War II. It blends historical context with a compelling narrative.

Karissa found this novel to be a delightful homage to classic mysteries. She appreciated the historical setting and the way the author wove in elements of the era seamlessly. The story's charm lies in its simplicity and the way it captures the essence of a bygone time. She also noted that the characters are well-crafted, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, it's a short but satisfying read that fans of historical fiction and mysteries will enjoy.


Quick quotes

    This short novel is a sort of throwback to Golden Age mysteries.

    Set in the late stages of the Second World War, in a small English community outside of London.

    It's a fair introduction to his writing though it lacks his usual depth.

The Guardian · 2005-02-25
engaging 4.50

The novella is a polished and humane tale that combines adventure, detective work, and heroics. It is steeped in a fan's love for the genre.

The reviewer from The Guardian praised the novella for its high polish and humane storytelling. They highlighted the blend of adventure, detective work, and heroics, noting that it is written with a deep appreciation for the genre. The story's subtle nuances and the way it captures the essence of classic detective fiction were particularly commended. The reviewer found it to be a well-crafted and engaging read.


Quick quotes

    This is a subtle, humane novella written to a high polish.

    At the same time, it is a tale of adventure, detective work and heroics.

    Steeped in a fan's love of the genre.

PopMatters · 2005-02-15
disappointing 1.50

The book is criticized for being a garbled mess with too many characters that are not fully developed. The reviewer found it lacking in coherence and depth.

The reviewer from PopMatters had a less favorable opinion of the book, describing it as a garbled mess. They felt that the story was cluttered with too many characters, none of which were fully developed or engaging. This lack of depth and coherence detracted from the overall reading experience. The reviewer found the narrative to be disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying.


Quick quotes

    Ultimately, though, the book is a garbled mess.

    Full of too many characters and too many characters that aren't fully formed enough to care.

    The story is cluttered with too many characters, none of which are fully developed or engaging.