Ordinary Thunderstorms

By William Boyd

What is the devastating effect on your life when, through no fault of your own, you lose everything - home, family, friends, job, reputation, passport, money, credit cards, mobile phone - and you can never get them back? This is what happens to a young man called Adam Kindred, one May evening in Chelsea, London, when a freakish series of malign accidents and a split-second decision turns his life upside down for ever.

The police are searching for him. There is a reward for his capture. A hired killer is stalking him. He is alone and anonymous in the huge, pitiless modern city. Adam has nowhere to go but down - underground. He decides to join that vast army of the disappeared and the missing that throng the lowest level of London's population as he tries to figure out what to do with his life and struggles to understand the forces that have made it unravel so spectacularly. His quest will take him all along the River Thames, from affluent Chelsea to the sink estates of the East End, and on the way he encounters all manner of London's denizens - aristocrats, prostitutes, priests and policewomen amongst them - and version after new version of himself.

William Boyd's electric follow-up to Costa Novel of the Year Restless is a heart-in-mouth conspiracy novel about the fragility of social identity, the scandal of big business, and the secrets that lie hidden in the filthy underbelly of every city.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Sep 7, 2009
• ISBN: 9781408803424

William Boyd

William Boyd is also the author of A Good Man in Africa, winner of the Whitbread Award and the Somerset Maugham Award; An Ice-Cream War, winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys War Prize and short-listed for the Booker Prize; Brazzaville Beach, winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize; Restless, winner of the Costa Novel of the Year; Ordinary Thunderstorms; and Waiting for Sunrise, among other books. He lives in London.

Reviews for Ordinary Thunderstorms

[pilgrimjess · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Climatologist Adam Kindred arrives in London from America for a job interview from after a sexual indiscretion has ruined his marriage and his academic career there. Dining alone in a Chelsea restaurant, he strikes up a conversation with fellow lone diner Philip Wang. When Wang, an immunologist, leaves the restaurant he also leaves a sheaf of papers behind. Adam, attempts to return the papers to his new acquaintance's flat only to find him with a knife sticking out of his side. Kindred subsequently does two incredibly stupid things: he removes the knife, hastening Wang's death and ensuring that his fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and then after hearing noises in the flat going on the run. Pursued by Wang's killer and the police he decides to shun the trappings of society and go underground living as a vagrant. Once there Kindred's intelligence and self-preservation instincts means that he is gradually able to construct some semblance of civilised life. Thus the novel begins as a thriller with an innocent man mistaken for a murderer who finds himself caught up in the murky world of major pharmaceuticals and drug patenting. However, it soon becomes apparent that identity and self worth are also important factors in this book.This idea seems to affect the author as much as the characters because I felt that Boyd struggled to decide what sort of book he actually wanted to write. Set along the banks of the Thames the action seems to meander along rather than rapidly flow downstream as you would expect in an out and out thriller. The twists and turns of the plot feel forced rather than free flowing. The chapters generally alternate between Kindred and Jonjo Case, the real murderer, as they take part in in a cat and mouse chase but are on occasions interwoven with the stories of a few minor characters, ranging from a semi-literate prostitute struggling to survive as a single parent living on a London sink estate, a charlatan preacher who provides free meals to those willing to listen to his sermons, a policewoman (who also adds the love interest of this novel) who lives with her father on a house boat, and the fat cat owners of a large pharmaceutical company. These sub-plots rather suggest that the author wanted to write a critique on London life, the differences between the disparate social classes but this idea is hinted at rather than fully developed. This is a real shame because I believe that Boyd had a real opportunity to shine a light on the murky, lawless, subculture of a London sink estate and the alienation felt by those who feel on the outside of society not to mention their desire to survive no matter what obstacles life puts in front of them. Consequently Kindred's own character comes across as lacking any real depth. This books therefore seems to fall between two very differing genres but that all said and done it is well written making this an enjoyable piece of escapism. I simply feel that it was a missed opportunity and could have been so much better. I have the author's A Good Man in Africa and Armadillo in my possession so look forward to reading them at some point.

[johnjgaynard · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

There were some good moments, but this is not one of Boyd's best. This comment does not mean that I won't continue to read him. I will.

[bookmart_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A thriller based in London, I didn't enjoy is as much as Restless but a page turner.

[jayne_charles_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This reminded me of lots of different authors, none of which was William Boyd. It has a different feel to his other work – shorter chapters, less reliance on the public school/Scotland/Africa connection, and more commercial and gritty. It reads a bit like Ben Elton, Jeffrey Archer, Dean Koontz and Irvine Welsh all whizzed up in a blender and then strained through one of James Patterson’s socks. But like pretty much all of Boyd’s novels, I loved it – a fast read that gets down to business straight away, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. The story features a fascinating range of characters, with the right balance of light and shade about them, and some well imagined scenarios – I particularly liked the Church of John Christ, and the character Jeff Nashe – ‘a kind of virtual revolutionary until he fell down the stairs’ – surely one of the best throwaway lines I’ve read in years.I suspect the crime side of the plot will be too simplistic for fans of that specific genre, and some difficulties did seem to be overcome a bit too easily but all in all it was intrigue on a level I could understand, and a story that, despite the dark places it visits, leaves the reader with a feeling of hope and admiration for the characters’ resilience.

[everfresh1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Barely managed to finish - slow and stretched out. Also seems improbable, but that could be just me: wouldn't be running if I had nothing to do with the crime.

[lesleynicol · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I would not normally read a book like this but it was set by my reading group. William Boyd is not a favourite of mine. His writing style annoys me. I did find the book intriguing and kept on reading to find out what happened. The plot was very contrived and the "crooks" among the characters very stereotyped.

[dbsovereign · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Boyd is a favorite and this one is an exciting _Wrong Man_-like thriller set in London. A large pharmaceutical company is the lurking malevolence chasing our leading man along with the police. The Thames River and some of London’s darker denizens add verisimilitude to this adventure that is set off by a random chance encounter. Who are we (and what do we become) when we are forced give up modern life’s high-tech luxuries and live off the grid? Cinematic to the max and yet thought provoking.

[freelancer_frank · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a book about identity. It is a grand story; better than Boyd's more recent 'Waiting For Sunrise' because it carries a more cohesive and engaging idea, that of surface verses deep character and the circumstances needed to force deep character to the surface. A tough killer is reduced to a weeping child, outwitted by a homeless climatologist. It is a little irksome that the winners here tend to be the middle class but that is a minor middle-class quibble in itself. Another bonus, reading this book, is seeing all the plot lines dance out, spiral and engage again.

[nocto_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I think this was the first book I bought to read on Kindle for iPad. I didn't enjoy it that much. Like the reading experience, but not the book. Although I don't like not being able to read my book because my daughter is playing with my iPad... Need a dedicated reading device... maybe...

[dhealy_21 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I normally shy away from British novels as too, well, British. This one reads like an American thriller.

[bhowell_35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

William Boyd is such an accomplished writer that when he decides to write a thriller , it is a very exciting read. The bad guys are sinister but occasionally quite humourous and the plot is tight . I thought I had it figured but was delighted to be wrong.Highly recommended.

[mumineurope · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Adam going underground in London. Great page turner

[tigsw · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not one of Boyd's best books but still very readable and interesting. The story line is implausable at the beginning, but the book is definitely still worthwhile carrying on with. Some really good character developments. Much lighter in content than his earlier works.

[sinaloa237_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book.William Boyd is an incredible story teller. Might not be the most important book of the year, and surely not the best book by this author, but once you have begun, you just cannot stop and cannot wait to get to the end!Highly recommended to anyone, very entertaining.

[novelbookworm_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

In Ordinary Thunderstorms, the hero, Adam Kindred, is in London for a job interview. Feeling good about his future, he’s having dinner alone when he strikes up a conversation with a fellow diner. Based on this chance encounter, Adam is soon on the run from the police; the primary suspect in a murder. I'll grant you, I’ve never visited London, attempted to return a forgotten file to a casual acquaintance from a diner, walked into his hotel room through door left ajar and found a dead guy on the bed. Perhaps if these situations occurred to me, I’d be an idiot too. But I’d like to think I’d call the police in the first instance, and leave the damn file at the reception desk in the second. Supposing I was momentarily flummoxed and made all the wrong choices, and now thought I was in deep trouble. I’d still like to think I’d be smart enough to find a lawyer and talk to the police. Adam Kindred was an interesting character, but I didn’t have much patience with his choice to become a homeless bum in London instead of talking to the police. I got the whole "trust no one" thing, I just thought it was contrived and unrealistic.

[lizchris_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, it was a gripping thriller that kept me hooked almost to the last page. The sense of place is fantastic, it really brought London to life. There are loads of big themes - homelessness, poverty, corporate crime, surveillance society - but these serve the story rather than weigh it down. Having been so absorbed by the story, I did wonder how the various strands would get resolved and found the ending a little limp. But that's a small criticism, I recommend this highly.

[joecflee · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book started off welll, but can't get away from the impression that it was just a mish mash of characters and plots from a variety of "seen that, been there" thrillers. First, the "save the asthma pharma drug" plot seemed a bit mundane, along with the children dying and drug company trying to hide that. Being framed for that and then going underground without any idea of what's happening required quite a leap of faith by the reader.In the end, there were too many loose ends that cry for a sequel, except, I'm not sure I'll be getting that.Having said that, the book was generally well-written... just the story...

[diccon1bewes · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A literary thriller? Or an unbelievably contrived story? Maybe a bit of both. Definitely a page-turner that's well-written and enjoyable.

[kltmd_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Stick with it. First chapter makes you look over your shoulder to make sure no one saw you start reading, but perseverance yields a very interesting story. Flawed though clever protagonist, ambiguous ending make a very interesting read.

[shawnd_72 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a fast-paced action novel with an sympathetic but only somewhat believable young protagonist, Adam Kindred. Kindred ends up a victim of circumstance implicated in a homicide while in London, and finds himself on the run from the law. Taking a tour through homelessness, a cast of characters emerges including a former military operative, a prostitute, a marine policewoman, and pharmaceuticals executives. Most all of them are trying to find Kindred to be the first to catch him and kill him.The first chapter or two are off-putting and cliche, and a reader needs to stick with it to see the beauty of the book. The pace speeds up, the mysteries begin, Kindred becomes more believable and three dimensional. The ending is somewhat surprising, and at points the book is heart wrenching. This is a fulfilling action thriller that consistently increases in momentum until the pages are turning themselves.

[doondeck · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As always, Boyd's writing is so good, holds the thread of the story so well and keeps you involved. Each character was well developed. Adam's actions at the beginning of this mystery seemed unbelievable, but like Adam we get caught up in the story. A strange ending but I think it was well suited to this tale.

[safetygirl_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was great. Will definitely read more by this author.

[wodehouselib · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book will have you hooked from the first three pages - its fast paced, not too violent, and an interesting view of London in the 21st century. Would recommend. HF.

[carothelibrarian · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

PLUS - * Lots of different threads in the story serve to keep the pages turning so you can find out how all the characters and plots join up towards the end.* Some interesting points are made about city life, and how people could (in theory) just disappear from mainstream society,MINUS - *Some of the plot seems highly implausible. The book may be set in 'real world' London, but I'm not sure it could be called realistic.*The ending seemed a little too simplistic, bordering on predictable. I'm not saying I guessed what would happen, but all the 'bad-guys' got their comeuppance in the end. I was expecting a final twist that never came.OVERALL - Fairly enjoyable, fairly straightforward, not too brain-taxing. Wouldn't recommend it as a must-read though. One to read on the train or plane maybe.

[bobbieharv · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Boyd is one of my favorite authors, so maybe I should give this a second chance, but I just gave up in the middle of this book. I couldn't wrap my head around the premise, that a guy from an academic background who didn't commit a murder would become a homeless person hiding from the police after he was wrongly accused. And his hookups also strained my credibility. Maybe it turned out he did it after all, but I didn't stick around long enough to find out.

[brenzi_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

William Boyd just seems to get better with age and his latest novel, “Ordinary Thunderstorms,” adds greatly to his resume. A real departure from his previous books, Boyd has written a genuine page turner, a crime novel, a thriller, a commentary on the world’s drug industry and a love story, to boot.Adam Kindred, a climatologist coming off of a divorce, is in London for a job interview. In trying to do a good deed for a stranger he encountered in a restaurant, he ends up being the subject of a manhunt, accused of killing the stranger. The story goes on to follow Adam as he first tries to disappear from society and second, tries to find out the value of the briefcase that he was trying to return to the stranger. The story is told from several points of view, in addition to Adam’s: the owner of the drug company that employed the murder victim, a policewoman involved in the investigation, the real murderer, and a prostitute and her son. The book is compulsively readable and had me furiously turning pages into the night. Lots of plot twists and turns. However, like most thrillers, you MUST be able to suspend belief as you read because there is lots of unbelievable stuff going on here. For instance,1. If you entered a stranger’s home and found him alive but with a bread knife sticking out of his torso, would you pull the knife out? Really?? Yes you’d be covered with blood, as was Adam Kindred, making you a prime suspect.2.If you were on the run from the law, would you make the decision to stay in town and live like a homeless person, hiding off an embankment, living in the bushes, heating beans on a mini-gas grill and killing and grilling a seagull?3.The newspaper reporter who broke the story about the drug trials killing fourteen children gave up on his story way too easily. If all reporters worked in this manner, no big stories would ever be broken and investigative reporting would die a slow death.4.A policewoman, living in a houseboat on the Thames with her father who smokes dope: a plausible character?So as long as you can accept some really far-fetched notions, you will really enjoy Boyd’s novel. I was able to do so and recommend it to others.

[dsc73277 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I agree with those who say this is a compulsive read, even if lacking the same degree of depth found in Restless, Boyd's last book. I disagree with the reviewer who liked the remaining loose ends, I would have preferred a bit more by way of resolution. As it is, it was a bit like one of those gripping week long series that British television is currently quite fond of, in so far as it kept me hooked but ulimately left me wondering whether it was really worth the time I had given to it.Boyd invented his own street slang for this novel, arguing that if he had researched the latest lingo from contemporary London he would simply have been left with something that appeared very dated very quickly. I think this was a smart move.I also love some of the names he dreamt up for his characters, in particular Burton Keegan, one of the 'bad guys' from the drug company, and Fortunatus Fryzer, the youngest son of the company's CEO. One assumes that Ingram Fryzer's wealth enabled his children to attend expensive schools, since I can't imagine a boy called Fortunatus having an easy time of it in an inner city comprehensive. Come to think of it, he probably would have suffered severe ribbing whichever school he went to.The Observer review quoted on the front cover of my paperback edition praised Ordinary Thunderstorms as a novel "dripping with ideas". Similarly, the review from it's sister paper The Guardian described the book as "a mini exploration of the nature of modern citizenship combined with a picaresque tour of the various strata of modern metropolitan life." Whilst I can see where they are coming from, this book is more of a literate thriller than a literary thriller. Literate in the sense of being, for the most part, intelligently and carefully written; but not highly literary in the sense of exploring significant ideas in an original or deeply thoughtful way.There are many disturbing things about this novel, perhaps not least the way in which one can became almost blase about violence. The murder of a blackmailer that comes towards the end shocked me less than it perhaps should have done. It certainly didn't diminish my sympathy for the perpetrator to a significant extent.Boyd is quite blunt about what his characters do to their bodies and, moreover, to the bodies of others, whether this be for pleasure or pain. This includes being far more comfortable than I am (in my own quaint way) with the use of 'the F word'. I guess this goes with the territory, a novel touching on the gritty realities that affect many modern urban lives could hardly have tough guys using curses like "blooming heck"! Personally, I'm not entirely happy with the association so often made between coarsity of language and action and artistic merit. I can't help thinking that a society whose art spent more time celebrating moral goods rather than pandering to our baser obsessions, might actually be a better society. Perhaps that's just me being old fashioned?Despite my reservations, a 400 page book that I got through in the space of a day clearly has something to recommend it. It may not be my idea of great but it is certainly gripping.

[petterw_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Probably Boyd's most enjoyable book to date, a real page turner, although a bit more shallow than some of his brilliant previous novels. I still enjoyed every minute of reading this thriller, (because that's what it is), spiced with characters typical of Boyd: the helpless, joyless middle aged englishman, the men and women being at the wrong place at the exact wrong time, etc. It is also a book for lovers of London, the other side of London this time. For those who have never read a Boyd novel, this might be an easy place to start to get to know one of the best story tellers of our time. There is a sadness at the bottom of all his novels, but there is also always hope, not for all but for some.

[daftboy1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a really good read bit unbelievable in places but overall a really good well written enjoyable story Main character is Adam Kincaid he is wanted for a murder of a scientist he didn't commit the Police are looking for him and so is the real killer. Adam becomes a tramp and meets some interesting characters along the way, The Scientist who was murdered was about to expose a large drug company for negligence. Fast paced interesting story.

[russellbittner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Jonjo looked over at Bozzy for confirmation that Mr Quality was one sandwich short of a picnic” (p. 255). This sentence may indeed be common currency in the U. K., but it’s easily one of the funniest I’ve ever read.


One thing I’ve come to appreciate about William Boyd’s prose – and Ordinary Thunderstorms is no exception – is its virtuosity. Whatever quibble a given reader might have with the story-line of any of his novels, one can only admire and be thankful for Boyd’s command of the language. Either he knows it better than the vast majority of other contemporary writers, or he takes the time to check what he may be unsure of.


Either way, we’re the beneficiaries of his knowledge and care – even if “hoiking” (sic) is misspelled on p. 137 (and again on p. 352 and again/I> on p. 390), and “emolliently” (on p. 181) is, well, a one-of-a-kind adverb. I guess even William Boyd can slip up. But, as even he says: “‘Practice makes perfect,’ Adam thought” (p. 373).


Needless to say, I consider Boyd to be a master craftsman. What T. C. Boyle is to the short story, William Boyd is to the novel. They just don’t come any better.

I won’t bore you – a potential reader – with plot or character analysis. I’ll simply say that if you (as I was) were once shocked by A Clockwork Orange – either Anthony Burgess’s book or Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic version – you’ll be equally shocked by William Boyd’s Ordinary Thunderstoms. Merry ole England – while old (and getting older every day) – just ain’t so merry any longer. It, like New York City of not so long ago, can be downright scary. At least in the eyes, ears, nose, throat –and pen – of William Boyd.


RRB
Brooklyn, NY, U.S.A.
5/21/14