LISTENING PRACTICE #1
Book review of the week
Script and answers
Presenter: Welcome to 'The World of Books'. We start the programme with our book
review of the week - a look at the best new books published in Britain. I'm in Scotland
today with Jill Paterson to look at the latest case for a famous Edinburgh detective ...
Jill, over to you.
Jill: Thank you, Andy. 'Resurrection Men' is the thirteenth Inspector Rebus novel from
Edinburgh writer Ian Rankin. The story starts with Rebus throwing a cup of tea at his
senior officer and because of this, he's sent on a retraining course. On the course are a
group of police officers with similar attitude problems ...
Presenter: So, the title of the book, 'Resurrection Men', is something to do with the
retraining course .... er ... bringing these men back to life ... um ... making them useful
police officers again?
Jill: Well, not exactly. Later on in the course they're given some old unsolved cases to
look at. Here, I think, the title is more relevant. They're resurrecting old cases.
Presenter: I see.
Jill: Anyway, while Rebus is working on one of the old cases he discovers that some of
the other officers don't want anyone looking too closely into this particular case.
Meanwhile, the police are gathering information to capture one of Scotland's biggest
criminals, a man called Cafferty, and Rebus's junior officer, Sergeant Clarke, is
investigating the murder of an Edinburgh art dealer.
Presenter: Um, complicated.
Jill: Yes ... Rebus books are generally much more to do with character than plot, but
this one is different. The plot twists and turns far more than usual. Hmm ... maybe that's
why Rebus smokes and drinks so much.
Presenter: What's Rebus like in this book?
Jill: Well, I usually find Rebus an interesting character - sort of grey and tired, and often
rude. But in 'Resurrection Men' he seems more ordinary than usual. Possibly after
twelve books I know him too well.
Presenter: Hmm. Edinburgh is always an important part of the Rebus books, isn't it?
Jill: That's true. Some people say it's like another character: polite on the outside but
when you look more closely, there's something dark and not very nice on the inside - a
hidden city of crime that tourists don't often see.
Presenter: So, do you think this book is as good as the earlier books, or do you think
it's time for Rebus to retire?
Jill: Well, recently Ian Rankin gave an interview saying that he thought Rebus was
nearing the end of his career. In fact, I've an idea that he intends to kill Rebus off soon.
And after some of the reviews he got for 'Resurrection Men', I think he might just do
that.
Presenter: You mean the reviews weren't very good.
Jill: Not all of them. One in particular suggested that Ian Rankin was tired of writing
them.
Presenter: Do you agree?
Jill: I don't think I do. He has written better Rebus books, but it's not a complete failure.
I have to admit I just love the descriptions of Edinburgh. Sure, Rebus is not at his best.
The dialogue could be better in places. But the plot is almost as good as the best
Rankin - though possibly just a bit too complicated.
Presenter: So, overall you'd recommend the book?
Jill: Well, I don't think people should rush out and spend £17.99 on the hardback. I've
seen it discounted in some shops but even so I'd say wait till the paperback's out and
save yourself some money.
Presenter: Well, Jill, thank you very much for being with us today. And now it's time for
a look at the top ten bestsellers ...
1
Inspector Rebus has to go on a retraining course because ...
(a) he wants to be a senior officer.
(b) he has been an inspector for thirteen years.
(c) he throws tea at his senior officer.
(d) he belongs to a group of officers.
2
The book is called Resurrection Men because ...
(a) the attitude of the officers changes.
(b) the officers look again at old unsolved cases.
(c) the officers become useful men again.
(d) it is more relevant.
3
Rebus looks at a case involving ...
(a) some of the people on the course with him.
(b) a murdered art dealer.
(c) a criminal called Cafferty.
(d) Rebus's junior officer.
4
The book is different form other Rebus stories because ...
(a) Rebus smokes and drinks a lot.
(b) the plot is more complex.
(c) the characters are more important than the plot.
(d) it is very general.
5
Jill Paterson ...
(a) likes rude characters.
(b) finds Rebus more interesting than the plot.
(c) is tired of reading about Rebus.
(d) thinks Rebus is different in this book.
6
Jill Paterson says ...
(a) tourists never see the dark side of Edinburgh.
(b) there is a criminal side to Edinburgh.
(c) Ian Rankin is always very polite about Edinburgh.
(d) Edinburgh has a lot of character.
7
Jill Paterson thinks Rebus should die in one of the next books because ...
(a) the books are getting bad reviews.
(b) he is near retirement anyway.
(c) Ian Rankin is getting tired of writing about him.
(d) Ian Rankin gave an interview.
8
Jill Paterson ...
(a) doesn't like this Rebus book at all.
(b) thinks that it's not one of the best Rebus books.
(c) loves the book.
(d) thinks the book is a complete failure.
9
Jill Paterson thinks the best part of the book is ...
(a) the dialogue.
(b) the plot.
(c) the descriptions of Edinburgh.
(d) Rankin.
10
Jill Paterson thinks listeners should buy ...
(a) it when it comes out in paperback.
(b) a hardback copy now.
(c) a hardback copy now if they can find a good offer.
(d) the book in a rush.