"The Slap". So far, so good

I read "The Slap" earlier this year.  It had been on my must-read list since its release, but I never got around to reading it. I then proceeded to whip through it in two days while on holiday. For both of those days I was in the foulest mood possible. When I put the book down I felt like I'd spent time with a bunch of some of the most horrible people imaginable. Despite the interesting premise, none of the characters appeared to have any redeeming features and I despaired at the rampant infidelity, substance abuse and physical abuse.

I read many interviews with the author, Christos Tsiolkas, who proclaimed it as his ode to the changing face of Australia. How there is a new "underclass" in Australian society and the role of multiculturalism and second generation migrants. As much as I hated the characters and some of the plot developments, I did consider it a powerful work. A case of "you don't have to love everything, but it's important to document and discuss this". My interest was certainly piqued when I heard that the ABC had acquired the rights and would be making an eight-part TV series.

We're two episodes in, and so far, so good. The acting has so far been universally solid and the book has come to life for me in a rich way. The set decoration in particular is particularly impressive. There is a realism to the characters and plot that was curiously absent from the book in parts. I like that it is staying relatively true to the book, but there are some additional characters and scenes. It's an excellent production. It won't be for everyone's taste, but I am liking it more than I thought I would.