J.K. Rowling 's new novel , ` ` The Casual Vacancy , '' is author 's first novel aimed at adults . Class remains the single most important factor in shaping the life prospects of every single person born in Britain ; a fact most glaringly illustrated in terms of life expectancy itself , with men in the most deprived areas of the Scottish city of Glasgow typically dying at 71 , while those in London 's wealthy enclave of Kensington and Chelsea can expect to live beyond 85 . Plot ##s social tensions and class divisions in English village . Simon Hooper : Britain feels like country in times of low - intensity class conflict . It is aware it is subject that will shift copies in time , he adds .
J.K. Rowling 's new novel , ` ` The Casual Vacancy , '' is author 's first novel aimed at adults . Plot ##s social tensions and class divisions in English village . Simon Hooper : Britain feels like country in times of low - intensity class conflict . It is aware it is subject that will shift copies in time , he adds .