The title of J.K. Rowling’s new novel, aimed toward adults, has been released. It will be called “The Casual Vacancy” and will be released later this year.
According to Slate.com the new novel “will focus on the idyllic town of Pagford as a local election pits its inhabitants against each other. The publisher described the book as ‘blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising.’ ”
With such a departure from Harry Potter, this novel has a greater chance to flop. While, of course, the book will sell millions simply because of its author, it remains to be seen if Rowling has the writing chops to pen something adults will enjoy and pen something that is not fantasy.
Her writing in the first Harry Potter book left something to be desired, and it’s the plot that made the simplistic style a non-issue for the most part. I think I am most curious to see how Rowling’s writing style has developed. By the final Harry Potter book, her writing had improved greatly.
But this novel isn’t for kids, and adults will be more critical of the writing because it is novel written for adults. If the writing is good, plot captivating and characters solid — Rowling will show she has staying power. If not, she will always only be know for her tale about the boy wizard.
Good luck, Rowling. The book world’s eyes will be on you this fall.
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