There was a lot of anticipation for this book, Rowlings first adult book snd first book since Harry Potter. This book is the exact opposite of Harry Potter and it is definitely for adults. It deals with everything from death to drug use, abuse, bulling, teen sex, and then some. At times I almost felt like there was too much thrown into the mix. 
 The Casual Vacancy opens with the death of Barry Fairbrother. Barry's death is an event in the book that effects all the other characters in one way or another. I found it mostly touching how this man had effected so many people (I say mostly because there were characters in the book who weren't too terribly upset about Barry's death). It makes one wonder how many lives are effected by you whether directly or indirectly. 
 Barry was probably one of only two characters who was portrayed being completely kind, and the other character was a three year old child. 
 It was a little difficult to read at times because, like I said, a lot of the characters have selfish, mean qualities usually preciptated by another character's selfishness / meanness towards them. Even when a character tried to do something kind they went about it in the wrong way where they ended up hurting others. 
 One of the main storylines is Barry's spot on the town council. Those who were against his beliefs are happy that he's dead so they can push their own agenda even without understanding the consequences of what they intend to do. The book does explore the different classes of people within the town and who / how they would be effected based upon the council. 
 For me, I don't want to give too much away because from the beginning Barry's death) the book just kind of builds up until the inevitable happens in the end. To get to the end the whole book must be experienced. Truth be told, I was constantly holding out hope for some of the characters. While there were a few twists that I didn't really see coming, but those twists ended up being essential for other characters to move on. 
 Not everyone ends up benefitting by the end of the book. In fact, most of the characters are still in the same spot they were at the beginning, but there are some characters that are on a better path. 
 Overall, the writing was the same quality that JK Rowling showed us in her Harry Potter series. She really has a lovely way with words and a great method to getting them down on paper. I would recommend this book for fans of Rowling's Potter series. I think it's a book for adults or older teens. It's a departure but I think it speaks that she definitely has more talent that we have yet to see. I hope to continue reading her writing in the future, I look forward to what she has to give us. Until Then!