Conflicting reviews: What do YOU think?

Uh-oh. I gave a copy of The Casual Vacancy (by JK Rowling - maybe you've heard of her?) to a dear friend, because, well, heck, Rowling can write, right? and because I'd read a review that made the book's premise sound enticing.

Then I read another review ... that made it sound awful.

So, have YOU read it? Was it all that bad? Should I call my friend and apologize? Or was that reviewer just having a bad day? Do you think I should lay off the question mark key for a few days?

I welcome your comments.