by Nora Ikstena
This book is published in translation by Peirene press.
As usual it is a great read. The story is told in alternating chapters by a mother and daughter who are born and live in Latvia.
The mother is born just after the second world war and the daughter in 1969. The mother grew up as the Soviet Union tightened its grip during the Cold War. The daughter grew up as that grip was loosening and the breakup of the Soviet Union drew near.
It is also the story of a mother and daughter who despite desperately trying were prevented by life and illness and circumstances from ever bonding.
It is a sad but beautiful story that I missed when it ended.8/10
Friday, February 16, 2018
A long Way from Home
by Peter Carey
This novel starts off as a road caper movie as an off the wall and suspended teacher teams up with his neighbours to take on the Redex trial- a gruelling road race around Australia.
However, part way through he becomes seperated from husband and wife team-the Bob's and at a section aptly named a fork in the road his life starts in a new direction.
Set in the 1950's, it is, as well as being funny in places, a stark look at what racism looks like at ground level. Willy, the hero, is brought up to believe he is the child of German immigrants. It turns out he is not. His escapades in Northern Australia bring him face to face with the realities of his own past and at the same time, the past of Australia's white settlers. Great book 9/10
This novel starts off as a road caper movie as an off the wall and suspended teacher teams up with his neighbours to take on the Redex trial- a gruelling road race around Australia.
However, part way through he becomes seperated from husband and wife team-the Bob's and at a section aptly named a fork in the road his life starts in a new direction.
Set in the 1950's, it is, as well as being funny in places, a stark look at what racism looks like at ground level. Willy, the hero, is brought up to believe he is the child of German immigrants. It turns out he is not. His escapades in Northern Australia bring him face to face with the realities of his own past and at the same time, the past of Australia's white settlers. Great book 9/10
Echo Park
by Michael Connelly
Bosch sailing close to the wind again and displaying a slightly dark side to his character as he takes on the hunt for a serial killer and his latest victim who may be still alive. 7/10
Bosch sailing close to the wind again and displaying a slightly dark side to his character as he takes on the hunt for a serial killer and his latest victim who may be still alive. 7/10
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