I haven’t had any success with vampire related entertainment in the past and so avoided this book for a long time. Even when people with similar aversions started to rave about it I ignored them – there was no way I’d be convinced to try another disappointing vampire book. But slowly the positive reviews started to mount and I became increasingly curious about this book. I wasn’t convinced enough to buy a copy, but when I spotted it in my local library I couldn’t resist reading the first page – if only to confirm my belief that it would be terrible. I’m almost sad to admit that my 100% failure with vampires is over. I fell in love with this book from the very beginning and enjoyed this fast paced, entertaining romp all the way to the end.
The Radleys is set in a small Yorkshire town and focuses on one family who are desperately trying to live a normal life. The problem is that they are vampires with an almost uncontrollable urge to drink blood. I admit that the premise sounds just like any other vampire book, but this one is different in that it is almost a satire of the others. It doesn’t try to scare you, but entertains with witty observations about British life and realistic descriptions of the relationships between different family members.
The blood drinking can also be taking for a metaphor for almost any desire that we have trouble controlling. A book about giving up smoking wouldn’t have been as interesting, but the lessons about impulse control are just as relevant.
The Radleys is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a lighter read. It is an original idea that has been cleverly executed. Recommended.
.
The thoughts of other bloggers:
(I couldn’t find a negative review)
The writing is funny and the story is so real! Leeswammes Blog
Some of the cultural references feel quite UK-focused, so I hope that doesn’t impact how it translates elsewhere. Novel Insights
…. a great pleasure to read. Follow the Thread
or 
which 
sounds like an interesting read, but I think it will be too charming for me and so I won’t be reading it. 0
ever since I first heard about it on 
sounded interesting and so I attempted to read a few weeks ago. Unfortunately the writing style grated on me so I gave up very quickly. 
is another book that I’m interested in reading. I have a copy here, but it hasn’t quite made it to the top of the pile yet. 
is the only book that I hadn’t heard of when the list was announced. I still know very little about it, but for now I’ll take that as a positive. 
to my wishlist. This is a book I plan to try before the TV series begins.
, but it is an original debut so I’m happy to see it on this list. 
is a book I hadn’t heard of before this list was revealed. That is what shows like this are supposed to do.
doesn’t look like a very original book, but I haven’t read it so will give it the benefit of the doubt. 0
is a book in translation – I can’t possibly complain about that! 
seems like a fairly typical thriller, but I have always wanted to read some Lehane. I probably wont read this one, but I don’t feel I can deduct a point for its selection. 0
won the Pulitzer prize, but it hasn’t received that much attention here in the UK. It will divide opinion, but I think that will make a very interesting discussion on the show. 
captured my attention from the moment I read the title. I don’t know anything else about it, but I do know I want to read it. 
and so am looking forward to reading