by Sarah Waters
A foray out of the nineteenth century for Sarah Waters as she writes a book about London during world war 2 and its immediate aftermath. The book starts at the end in 1947 and works backwards in 2 leaps to 1941. It is a device I was sceptical of before reading the book but it is brilliantly executed and very gripping. It will certainly satisfy those who always read the last page of the novel to see what happens! The characters are rendered with so much care and I so wanted to know what happened to Kay. A great read 9/10
Saturday, November 08, 2014
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
We are all completely beside ourselves
by Karen Joy Fowler
A family reflection narrated by Rosemary and concerning her parents and two siblings. A quirky enjoyable novel touching on some current issues. It has been shortlisted for the Booker but I would be surprised if it won
A family reflection narrated by Rosemary and concerning her parents and two siblings. A quirky enjoyable novel touching on some current issues. It has been shortlisted for the Booker but I would be surprised if it won
The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien
By Georges Simenon
The third Maigret starts with Maigret performing a swap of a suitcase that leads to suicide. The action then moves from Bremen to Liege to Paris and back to Liege as Maigret uncovers a 10 year old crime. Really enjoyable 8/10
The third Maigret starts with Maigret performing a swap of a suitcase that leads to suicide. The action then moves from Bremen to Liege to Paris and back to Liege as Maigret uncovers a 10 year old crime. Really enjoyable 8/10
The Children Act
by Ian McEwan
The story is of a high court judge in the family division and her long term husband who is about to turn 60 and is having a sexual crisis.
The book interweaves the stories of some of her cases with her personal drama in a compelling way that McEwan as a great storyteller makes effortless. I found the book thought provoking as well as enjoyable if not a little uncomfortable. 9/10
The story is of a high court judge in the family division and her long term husband who is about to turn 60 and is having a sexual crisis.
The book interweaves the stories of some of her cases with her personal drama in a compelling way that McEwan as a great storyteller makes effortless. I found the book thought provoking as well as enjoyable if not a little uncomfortable. 9/10
The Late Monsieur Gallet
by Georges Simenon
The second Maigret novel and a story of hidden identities. Quick and enjoyable caper but not one of his best 6/10
The second Maigret novel and a story of hidden identities. Quick and enjoyable caper but not one of his best 6/10
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
How to be Both
by Ali Smith
This is a book in two halves, one half being about a modern day teenager who has recently lost her mother and the second about a fifteenth century fresco painter. The painter is real but the story is built from the very few fragments that we have. The stories are tenuously connected and I discovered afterwards that the book has been published in 2 versions with the stories placed in a different order in each. I was very frustrated reading the painters tale second as I kept wanting it to return to the other story. I wonder if I would have felt differently reading them the other way around. Now I will never know. Very well written but a frustrating read and an unsatisfactory ending for my tastes 7/10
This is a book in two halves, one half being about a modern day teenager who has recently lost her mother and the second about a fifteenth century fresco painter. The painter is real but the story is built from the very few fragments that we have. The stories are tenuously connected and I discovered afterwards that the book has been published in 2 versions with the stories placed in a different order in each. I was very frustrated reading the painters tale second as I kept wanting it to return to the other story. I wonder if I would have felt differently reading them the other way around. Now I will never know. Very well written but a frustrating read and an unsatisfactory ending for my tastes 7/10
Orfeo
by Richard Powers
The quirky story of Peter Els. At the time of the novel he is a 70 year old composer/retired music professor who in his kitchen has set up an amateur genetics laboratory. By a string of events this comes to the attention of homeland security and suddenly our hero is on the run. During the course of his running he reflects over his life and we see how two sides of his life have converged to produce his current predicament. Very amusing in places and an interesting ending. Should have made the Booker shortlist. 9/10
The quirky story of Peter Els. At the time of the novel he is a 70 year old composer/retired music professor who in his kitchen has set up an amateur genetics laboratory. By a string of events this comes to the attention of homeland security and suddenly our hero is on the run. During the course of his running he reflects over his life and we see how two sides of his life have converged to produce his current predicament. Very amusing in places and an interesting ending. Should have made the Booker shortlist. 9/10
The Long Road to the Deep North
by Richard Flanagan
It is unusual for me to start writing about
a book before I have finished it but this book has evoked strong responses in
me that have varied enormously.
The book follows an Australian surgeon,
Dorrigo Evans, who joins the Australian army at the start of the war and is
captured by the Japanese, ending up working on the Burma railway construction.
Just before leaving for the war he has a short affair with his uncle's young
wife, that has an impact on the rest of his life.
The book ranges back and forwards from the
war years to the current day, following the fortunes of both Dorrigo and his
fellow prisoners and their captors.
The writing is intense and at times almost
poetic with short arresting sentences. At other times any beauty in the
language gets overwhelmed by the sheer barbarity of what is being described. It
is at this point I have to question whether this is gratuitous gore or
something that is necessarily shocking to make us confront man's inhumanity. I
don't know. It is certainly not an easy read and has left no options for a
happy or hopeful ending.
With the last world war so far away for
many of us, it is important that we do not forget the realities of it and the
huge waste of humanity that results but is fiction the way to do this, or is it
just another form of forgetting? I don't know. I will revisit my musings on
this when I finish the book.
So I have finished and I have to say that I
found the end of the book a little indulgent. Did we need a chapter on the
execution by hanging of a Korean guard-especially one ending in a very clichéd mid
–sentence halt as the trapdoor opened. Did the book really need our central
character saving his family from the middle of an inferno in a forest fire? It
was more Rambo than anything else.
The book has made the Booker shortlist but
I would be disappointed if it were to win. 7/10
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Pietr the Latvian
by Georges Simenon
The first Maigret novel and great as a straightforward police novel. Maigret has the most accommodating wife in the world who is always there with a good hot meal when he comes home a week late from work. It is of a certain time but a good light read for a journey 8/10
The first Maigret novel and great as a straightforward police novel. Maigret has the most accommodating wife in the world who is always there with a good hot meal when he comes home a week late from work. It is of a certain time but a good light read for a journey 8/10
The Dog
by Joseph o' Neill
Longlisted for the booker prize and by the author of Netherland which I really enjoyed.
This is the story of an American lawyer who for various reasons ends up in Dubai working for wealthy emiratis. It is very funny in places but the book never quite grabbed me. It may be more engaging if you had lived in the emirates 5/10
Longlisted for the booker prize and by the author of Netherland which I really enjoyed.
This is the story of an American lawyer who for various reasons ends up in Dubai working for wealthy emiratis. It is very funny in places but the book never quite grabbed me. It may be more engaging if you had lived in the emirates 5/10
The Exception
by Christian Jungersen
The story of office politics told against the backdrop of genocide. The story is told by 4 workers in a small office at the Danish Institute for Genocide Research. A death threat is received and as the story passes from narrator to narrator so our view of the truth changes and our certainty decreases the more we read. It is a great thriller 9/10
The story of office politics told against the backdrop of genocide. The story is told by 4 workers in a small office at the Danish Institute for Genocide Research. A death threat is received and as the story passes from narrator to narrator so our view of the truth changes and our certainty decreases the more we read. It is a great thriller 9/10
Brave New World
by Aldous Huxley
I am not a science fiction fan but this is a remarkable book in many ways. It hints at a future containing many of the things we see today but is at other times rather quaint in assuming things that might still be with us that are not.
The plot, revolving around 2 characters from different castes in the brave new world is moving and funnt at times. Mr. Savage trying to apply Shakespeare to a technical age is fun.
I enjoyed it for being not what I expected 7/10
I am not a science fiction fan but this is a remarkable book in many ways. It hints at a future containing many of the things we see today but is at other times rather quaint in assuming things that might still be with us that are not.
The plot, revolving around 2 characters from different castes in the brave new world is moving and funnt at times. Mr. Savage trying to apply Shakespeare to a technical age is fun.
I enjoyed it for being not what I expected 7/10
Thursday, July 31, 2014
The French Intifada
by Andrew Hussey
This is a good overview of the problems France faces in living with the inhabitants, and descendants of inhabitants, from their ex colonies. It is very compelling reading and certainly set me off looking for further information. It is a shame that the text is littered with errors-words missing or in the wrong order etc. This made it very frustrating to read and so a low score 5/10
This is a good overview of the problems France faces in living with the inhabitants, and descendants of inhabitants, from their ex colonies. It is very compelling reading and certainly set me off looking for further information. It is a shame that the text is littered with errors-words missing or in the wrong order etc. This made it very frustrating to read and so a low score 5/10
Silas Marner
by George Eliot
This is the story of Silas Marner, the weaver and his life in rural England. Having been framed for a crime he did not commit he leaves a large town and comes to a small village where he makes his living as a weaver. He keeps himself to himself and is besotted with his money which he counts every evening. Two key events in succession change his life forever.
This is a great book told by a master storyteller. I loved it 9/10
This is the story of Silas Marner, the weaver and his life in rural England. Having been framed for a crime he did not commit he leaves a large town and comes to a small village where he makes his living as a weaver. He keeps himself to himself and is besotted with his money which he counts every evening. Two key events in succession change his life forever.
This is a great book told by a master storyteller. I loved it 9/10
The Red and the Black
by Stendhal
This was a fascinating book. The style of the author and his dry sense of humour was great, and the book was full of memorable one-liners, such as "The idea which tyrants find most useful is the idea of God" or "After moral poisoning, one requires physical remedies and a bottle of champagne".
My problem was that I hated Julien, the hero of the novel. Everything about him was selfish, including the fact he hogged most of the book! Still apart from that it was a good read 8/10
This was a fascinating book. The style of the author and his dry sense of humour was great, and the book was full of memorable one-liners, such as "The idea which tyrants find most useful is the idea of God" or "After moral poisoning, one requires physical remedies and a bottle of champagne".
My problem was that I hated Julien, the hero of the novel. Everything about him was selfish, including the fact he hogged most of the book! Still apart from that it was a good read 8/10
Monday, June 16, 2014
Mitterand: A study in ambiguity
by Philip Short
Very readable and as the title suggests highlight admirably the glaring ambiguities in Mitterands life from start to finish. Really enjoyable 9/10
Very readable and as the title suggests highlight admirably the glaring ambiguities in Mitterands life from start to finish. Really enjoyable 9/10
Stoner
by John Williams
This film came heavily recommended and although I enjoyed the writing style and the central character, William Stoner, I found the support characters-his wife, Lomax his enemy in the University, his daughter Grace and others a bit thinly drawn and in the case of his wife, Edith, a little hard to believe in.
Stoner was born on a farm, went to University, married badly, had an affair, taught at the University where he had some scrapes and died. Much more interesting than that summary would suggest but not great 7/10
This film came heavily recommended and although I enjoyed the writing style and the central character, William Stoner, I found the support characters-his wife, Lomax his enemy in the University, his daughter Grace and others a bit thinly drawn and in the case of his wife, Edith, a little hard to believe in.
Stoner was born on a farm, went to University, married badly, had an affair, taught at the University where he had some scrapes and died. Much more interesting than that summary would suggest but not great 7/10
The Color Purple
by Alice Walker
A quarter of the way through this book I was ready to give up, it was so heavy going, but I am glad I persevered. the characters are wonderfully drawn and it has a very upbeat ending.
The story of a Southern woman in the early 1900's, Celie, her sister, the jazz singer Shug Avery and a host of other characters is both painful and moving, amusing and sad, and entirely engaging 8/10
A quarter of the way through this book I was ready to give up, it was so heavy going, but I am glad I persevered. the characters are wonderfully drawn and it has a very upbeat ending.
The story of a Southern woman in the early 1900's, Celie, her sister, the jazz singer Shug Avery and a host of other characters is both painful and moving, amusing and sad, and entirely engaging 8/10
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Capital
by John Lanchester
I listened to this on an audiobook and the narrator was fantastic. I enjoyed this book immensely. It is the story of the inhabitants of one London street in the years 2007 to 2008 when the financial crash set in and the story of their lives. There is Roger-a banker directly affected by the crash and various characters in between to old Mrs Letherby who is not affected by the crash in any way but who has her own story that is just as absorbing. All these characters hardly ever interact but are propelled forward by a very thin plot line and the absorbing nature of their own stories. You could argue that many of these individual stories are stereotypical, but the characters are delightfully drawn and I felt genuinely sad to leave them and not know how their stories ended. Was it Poland or Hungary or London? Or was it Poland and Hungary! Ah we will never know. 9/10
I listened to this on an audiobook and the narrator was fantastic. I enjoyed this book immensely. It is the story of the inhabitants of one London street in the years 2007 to 2008 when the financial crash set in and the story of their lives. There is Roger-a banker directly affected by the crash and various characters in between to old Mrs Letherby who is not affected by the crash in any way but who has her own story that is just as absorbing. All these characters hardly ever interact but are propelled forward by a very thin plot line and the absorbing nature of their own stories. You could argue that many of these individual stories are stereotypical, but the characters are delightfully drawn and I felt genuinely sad to leave them and not know how their stories ended. Was it Poland or Hungary or London? Or was it Poland and Hungary! Ah we will never know. 9/10
The Big Sleep
by Raymond Chandler
If you have watched any films featuring Philip Marlowe from the 40's era the book will not come as any surprise. Some of the one liners are fantastic. The story is typical detective fiction but done very well. You know just about what is happening but there is a twist in the final resolution. A great travel/holiday read 7/10
If you have watched any films featuring Philip Marlowe from the 40's era the book will not come as any surprise. Some of the one liners are fantastic. The story is typical detective fiction but done very well. You know just about what is happening but there is a twist in the final resolution. A great travel/holiday read 7/10
Thursday, March 20, 2014
The House of the Spirits
by Isabel Allende
A family saga set in an unnamed but very recognisable country this book is teeming with all sorts of characters from animals-"Barabbas came to us by sea"-children, lovers, tyrants, spirits of the dead and they all combine to tell a story that is magical, strange sad and somehow uplifting all at once. This is not the sort of book I would normally read but I enjoyed it immensely 8/10
A family saga set in an unnamed but very recognisable country this book is teeming with all sorts of characters from animals-"Barabbas came to us by sea"-children, lovers, tyrants, spirits of the dead and they all combine to tell a story that is magical, strange sad and somehow uplifting all at once. This is not the sort of book I would normally read but I enjoyed it immensely 8/10
Beloved
by Toni Morrison
A story set in the American South just after slavery was abolished. A slave who escaped before abolition is never far from the consequences of her early life which drove her to kill(sacrifice? protect?) one of her young children. Is it a ghost story? It is certainly haunting and will live with me for some time. The characters are beautifully crafted and the pain is shared with them. I would recommend this book to anyone who has not read it. 8/10
A story set in the American South just after slavery was abolished. A slave who escaped before abolition is never far from the consequences of her early life which drove her to kill(sacrifice? protect?) one of her young children. Is it a ghost story? It is certainly haunting and will live with me for some time. The characters are beautifully crafted and the pain is shared with them. I would recommend this book to anyone who has not read it. 8/10
Saturday, February 15, 2014
The Black Dahlia
by James Ellroy
A very dark crime thriller. This is a novel set around a real murder in the late 40's in Los Angeles. I found some of the gore scenes too much but was hooked by the whodunnit element. 7/10
A very dark crime thriller. This is a novel set around a real murder in the late 40's in Los Angeles. I found some of the gore scenes too much but was hooked by the whodunnit element. 7/10
In the Darkness
by Karin Fossum
A nordic thriller with unusual characters but a fast moving plot. Quite a short novel but a good read. I will definitely look out for more by her. 7/10
A nordic thriller with unusual characters but a fast moving plot. Quite a short novel but a good read. I will definitely look out for more by her. 7/10
A Wild Herb Soup
by Emilie Carles
This is a great memoir of a woman growing up in the rural south of France. She was born in 1900 and as well as a personal story it reflects the history of France during the 20th century. 8/10
This is a great memoir of a woman growing up in the rural south of France. She was born in 1900 and as well as a personal story it reflects the history of France during the 20th century. 8/10
Thursday, January 23, 2014
An Officer and a Spy
by Robert Harris
A fictionalised account of the Dreyfus affair told from the standpoint of George Picquart, an officer in the French army who, having witnessed Dreyfus's degredation discovered the truth that he had been wrongly committed. The book traces the history of the case in a very engaging way, and is a warning as to what can be buried if the authorities choose to make it so. Question everything! 9/10
A fictionalised account of the Dreyfus affair told from the standpoint of George Picquart, an officer in the French army who, having witnessed Dreyfus's degredation discovered the truth that he had been wrongly committed. The book traces the history of the case in a very engaging way, and is a warning as to what can be buried if the authorities choose to make it so. Question everything! 9/10
Under Fire
by Henri Barbusse
This is a book by a Frenchman which won the prix Goncourt in 1916.
It is a fictionalised account of life in the trenches. Some of the descriptions are breathtaking, others are heartbreaking while others are just horrific. Written by somebody who served in the trenches and written before the war had ended it is a book that still holds lessons for today and asks the question, Why? 8/10
This is a book by a Frenchman which won the prix Goncourt in 1916.
It is a fictionalised account of life in the trenches. Some of the descriptions are breathtaking, others are heartbreaking while others are just horrific. Written by somebody who served in the trenches and written before the war had ended it is a book that still holds lessons for today and asks the question, Why? 8/10
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Old Goriot
by Honoré de Balzac
This is the second time I have read this book but I enjoyed it as much this time around as before. It is his attention to detail and the expansion of a character that draws you in to the story. Great book 8/10
This is the second time I have read this book but I enjoyed it as much this time around as before. It is his attention to detail and the expansion of a character that draws you in to the story. Great book 8/10
Monday, December 23, 2013
The Bat
by Joe Nesbo
The first book in the Harry Hole series and a real page turner that keeps you guessing right to the end.
This is Nordic noir with a twist, not least because it is set in Australia!
My advice, don't get too attached to any of the characters because if you do they are likely to end up dead!
The central dilemma I have with the book is whether I like Harry Hole or not. This may be deliberate on the part of the author but there are times in the book when you think he is an alright guy. There are other times when you feel sorry for him. Then there are others when you just know that he is a total asshole. I think I may need to read another book to clarify my view of him. It was a good crime thriller either way. 8/10
The first book in the Harry Hole series and a real page turner that keeps you guessing right to the end.
This is Nordic noir with a twist, not least because it is set in Australia!
My advice, don't get too attached to any of the characters because if you do they are likely to end up dead!
The central dilemma I have with the book is whether I like Harry Hole or not. This may be deliberate on the part of the author but there are times in the book when you think he is an alright guy. There are other times when you feel sorry for him. Then there are others when you just know that he is a total asshole. I think I may need to read another book to clarify my view of him. It was a good crime thriller either way. 8/10
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Professor Hanaa
by Reem Bassiouney
The professor of the title is an ambitious single-minded single woman of 40. We know this because she tells us on the first page alond with what she intends to acheive-all of which she does fairly quickly. The story unfolds from there and is a beautifully told love story against a background of Egyptian society and clashing values and world views which is equally funny and painful at times. As someone who knows very little of the society this is set in I enjoyed it immensely and still felt I could share the very human emotions encountered. One of the highlights of my year. 9/10
The professor of the title is an ambitious single-minded single woman of 40. We know this because she tells us on the first page alond with what she intends to acheive-all of which she does fairly quickly. The story unfolds from there and is a beautifully told love story against a background of Egyptian society and clashing values and world views which is equally funny and painful at times. As someone who knows very little of the society this is set in I enjoyed it immensely and still felt I could share the very human emotions encountered. One of the highlights of my year. 9/10
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
The Idiot
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The idiot of the title is Prince Muishkin, a young man who has just returned to Russia after being treated in Switzerland for epilepsy. The other main characters are Rogojin-another nobleman he meets on the train, Nastasia Philipovna-a woman they both love and who has a questionable reputation and Aglaya Epanchin-a young woman who Muishkin also "loves" and at one point looks like marrying.
I struggled with this book. I found the characters hard to believe and very shallow-especially some of the supporting ones. I should say this was not helped by the fact I listened to this as an audio book, and the narrator made many many of the characters sound like something out of a Monty python sketch. I also found the book incredibly long with many of the passages being an excuse for Dostoevsky to tell a yarn of some sort. Having said that I did enjoy General Ivolgin "retired and unfortunate" and his tall tales of his exploits in the army and his time as a child with Napoleon in Moscow.
I also thought the explanation at the start of part 4 as to why you cannot write a novel about ordinary people was fantastic. But as a novel I did not like it. 4/10
For a much more positive view see this excellent review by AS Byatt from 2004.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2004/jun/26/highereducation.classics
The idiot of the title is Prince Muishkin, a young man who has just returned to Russia after being treated in Switzerland for epilepsy. The other main characters are Rogojin-another nobleman he meets on the train, Nastasia Philipovna-a woman they both love and who has a questionable reputation and Aglaya Epanchin-a young woman who Muishkin also "loves" and at one point looks like marrying.
I struggled with this book. I found the characters hard to believe and very shallow-especially some of the supporting ones. I should say this was not helped by the fact I listened to this as an audio book, and the narrator made many many of the characters sound like something out of a Monty python sketch. I also found the book incredibly long with many of the passages being an excuse for Dostoevsky to tell a yarn of some sort. Having said that I did enjoy General Ivolgin "retired and unfortunate" and his tall tales of his exploits in the army and his time as a child with Napoleon in Moscow.
I also thought the explanation at the start of part 4 as to why you cannot write a novel about ordinary people was fantastic. But as a novel I did not like it. 4/10
For a much more positive view see this excellent review by AS Byatt from 2004.
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2004/jun/26/highereducation.classics
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
This book was written over 20 years ago so I am surprised that I have only just come across it as she publishes her third novel.
The book starts with a death and then proceeds for the first half of the book to tell us why it happened; then in the second half of the book, the consequences of it happening to the protagonists. These said protagonists are a greek class at a small exclusive college in Vermont. The book is beautifully written and left me wanting to do a course in greek mythology! However, while knowing some more might of added to my enjoyment, not knowing any of the greek myths did not detract from how enjoyable a read this was. I am still musing over what I felt about all of the characters. They were all flawed in some way but who was good and who was bad is something I will still be thinking about weeks from now. That has to be a good book doesn't it? 9/10
This book was written over 20 years ago so I am surprised that I have only just come across it as she publishes her third novel.
The book starts with a death and then proceeds for the first half of the book to tell us why it happened; then in the second half of the book, the consequences of it happening to the protagonists. These said protagonists are a greek class at a small exclusive college in Vermont. The book is beautifully written and left me wanting to do a course in greek mythology! However, while knowing some more might of added to my enjoyment, not knowing any of the greek myths did not detract from how enjoyable a read this was. I am still musing over what I felt about all of the characters. They were all flawed in some way but who was good and who was bad is something I will still be thinking about weeks from now. That has to be a good book doesn't it? 9/10
Alex
by Pierre Lemaitre
This starts as a kidnapping thriller and is very very disturbing. If rats freak you in any way this may not be the book for you.
However, this is an incredible page turner with numerous twists and turns in the plot. If you like nordic noir then I think this would appeal.
I loved the way that regardless of what you learn about the main character the author manages to leave you always with an empathy toward her. Great writing and great thriller. 9/10
This starts as a kidnapping thriller and is very very disturbing. If rats freak you in any way this may not be the book for you.
However, this is an incredible page turner with numerous twists and turns in the plot. If you like nordic noir then I think this would appeal.
I loved the way that regardless of what you learn about the main character the author manages to leave you always with an empathy toward her. Great writing and great thriller. 9/10
Sunday, November 03, 2013
Expo 58
By Jonathan Coe
This was a very funny book that rocked along at a cracking pace and reminded me of Our Man in Havana. The ending was sentimental but well done. It is set against the backdrop of the world fair being held in Brussels in 1958. Our hero is sent there by the government department he works for. He has varied adventures of the romantic and espionage varieties. Great larks! 8/10
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The Lowland
by Jhumpa Lahiri
This is the story of two brothers from Calcutta. The major "event" of the book occurs very near the beginning and is based in historical facts about a political movement in India known as the Naxalbari.The rest of the book tells the story of how this effected the characters through the rest of their lives. Lives that are very ordinary and yet by weaving backwards and forwards through time and place I became tied up with their lives and cried at the end. At times I felt the characters were so thinly drawn that I did not know then but then I reached the end of the book and found I would miss them. A good read 8/10
This is the story of two brothers from Calcutta. The major "event" of the book occurs very near the beginning and is based in historical facts about a political movement in India known as the Naxalbari.The rest of the book tells the story of how this effected the characters through the rest of their lives. Lives that are very ordinary and yet by weaving backwards and forwards through time and place I became tied up with their lives and cried at the end. At times I felt the characters were so thinly drawn that I did not know then but then I reached the end of the book and found I would miss them. A good read 8/10
Postwar-A history of Europe since 1945
by Tony Judt
Published in 2005 I read this book as an audiobook but thankfully had the book copy to read as well. As an audiobook it is quite dry at times, especially those parts where Judt is listing reams of statistics.
However, this became easier with the paperback copy to refer to afterwards.
The book covers a vast canvas and is a fascinating take on how Europe has developed as a response to two world wars fought on its territory. You might not always agree with what he says or his interpretation of events but I found it raising all sorts of questions that I have discussed with myself and others over the past few months. It was a great read 9/10
Published in 2005 I read this book as an audiobook but thankfully had the book copy to read as well. As an audiobook it is quite dry at times, especially those parts where Judt is listing reams of statistics.
However, this became easier with the paperback copy to refer to afterwards.
The book covers a vast canvas and is a fascinating take on how Europe has developed as a response to two world wars fought on its territory. You might not always agree with what he says or his interpretation of events but I found it raising all sorts of questions that I have discussed with myself and others over the past few months. It was a great read 9/10
We need new names
by NoViolet Bulawayo
I read a review of this book that complained about the way each chapter seemed to deal with a seperate topic and I would rather agree with that. This caused it to lose its narrative flow and by the end it seemed to have lost its way completely. 4/10
I read a review of this book that complained about the way each chapter seemed to deal with a seperate topic and I would rather agree with that. This caused it to lose its narrative flow and by the end it seemed to have lost its way completely. 4/10
Unexploded
by Alison Macleod
This book is set in Brighton during the second world war and tells the tale of a small family falling apart as the husband takes on additional responsibilities for the war and his wife first distrusts him and then falls for a german artist who is held in a detention camp at the foot of the downs. Her husband is the senior civilian at the camp.
She makes it clear that this is fiction and that she has didtorted the truth to fit her fictional narrative. This did not stop Adam Mars Jones slaughtering the book for its factual innaccuracies in LRB recently. I do not understand this response. It reminds me of people getting upset with the Da Vinci Code for making things up. Hello, the clue is in the genre-this is fiction. I don't read novels for historical facts but for the escape into a good yarn. This book was not great but it was a good story. I would give it a thums up 6/10
This book is set in Brighton during the second world war and tells the tale of a small family falling apart as the husband takes on additional responsibilities for the war and his wife first distrusts him and then falls for a german artist who is held in a detention camp at the foot of the downs. Her husband is the senior civilian at the camp.
She makes it clear that this is fiction and that she has didtorted the truth to fit her fictional narrative. This did not stop Adam Mars Jones slaughtering the book for its factual innaccuracies in LRB recently. I do not understand this response. It reminds me of people getting upset with the Da Vinci Code for making things up. Hello, the clue is in the genre-this is fiction. I don't read novels for historical facts but for the escape into a good yarn. This book was not great but it was a good story. I would give it a thums up 6/10
Harvest
by Jim Crace
I enjoyed this book. It is set in an unnamed village in England at a time when life was transitioning from open common land to enclosures. It deals with how we have always dealt with strangers-especially in uncertain times. It has a beautiful language that evokes the rural landscape. From the very first page I felt I could smell the woodsmoke and the loss felt by the village folk as their masters barn burned. It ended in a way that I was not expecting but which made perfect sense when I thought about it. This book is shortlisted for this years booker and would be among my favourites to win. 8/10
I enjoyed this book. It is set in an unnamed village in England at a time when life was transitioning from open common land to enclosures. It deals with how we have always dealt with strangers-especially in uncertain times. It has a beautiful language that evokes the rural landscape. From the very first page I felt I could smell the woodsmoke and the loss felt by the village folk as their masters barn burned. It ended in a way that I was not expecting but which made perfect sense when I thought about it. This book is shortlisted for this years booker and would be among my favourites to win. 8/10
Thursday, August 22, 2013
The Luminaries
by Eleanor Catton
Let me start by saying this was a long book. It also has a very intricate structure set around star signs and astrological charts that I did not fully get.
It has a lot of characters and it took me until well after half way through the book to work out who everybody was.
Having said all this there was something strangely compelling about the book that drew me in to the story. The story takes place in New Zealand at the time of the gold rush in the 1860's. We find out very quickly that someone has died(murdered?), somebody appears to have attempted suicide(but did they) and somebody else has disappeared-all on the same evening. We spend the rest of the book trying to find out what actually happened and why. Definitely a book to read in print rather than on a kindle-I seemed to be forever going back to recall what had happened earlier or which date we were at. 7/10
Let me start by saying this was a long book. It also has a very intricate structure set around star signs and astrological charts that I did not fully get.
It has a lot of characters and it took me until well after half way through the book to work out who everybody was.
Having said all this there was something strangely compelling about the book that drew me in to the story. The story takes place in New Zealand at the time of the gold rush in the 1860's. We find out very quickly that someone has died(murdered?), somebody appears to have attempted suicide(but did they) and somebody else has disappeared-all on the same evening. We spend the rest of the book trying to find out what actually happened and why. Definitely a book to read in print rather than on a kindle-I seemed to be forever going back to recall what had happened earlier or which date we were at. 7/10
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
A tale for the time being
by Ruth Ozeki
This is a fascinating book.
It is the story of a diary written by a Japanese teenager who has returned from California with her family and is horribly bullied at school. Her father is depressed and suicidal and her diary together with the influence of her great grandmother is her only way through her troubles.
The diary is found washed up on the beach by a couple who live on an island in Canada. This is not long after the earthquake and tsunami in the north of Japan and throughout the book we are longing to know how this diary got there and whether its author is still alive.
The book is really absorbing as it moves from the second world war to the dot com crash to 9/11 to the present day, introducing the reader to zen and quantum physics along the way. I can't begin to do the book justice but it made me laugh, it made me sad, it made me think and it has the most realistic cat you will ever find described in a novel! I loved this book 9/10
This is a fascinating book.
It is the story of a diary written by a Japanese teenager who has returned from California with her family and is horribly bullied at school. Her father is depressed and suicidal and her diary together with the influence of her great grandmother is her only way through her troubles.
The diary is found washed up on the beach by a couple who live on an island in Canada. This is not long after the earthquake and tsunami in the north of Japan and throughout the book we are longing to know how this diary got there and whether its author is still alive.
The book is really absorbing as it moves from the second world war to the dot com crash to 9/11 to the present day, introducing the reader to zen and quantum physics along the way. I can't begin to do the book justice but it made me laugh, it made me sad, it made me think and it has the most realistic cat you will ever find described in a novel! I loved this book 9/10
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
The Quarry
by Ian Banks
This is the story of Kit and Guy. Kit is Guy's son and is somewhere along the Asperger's syndrome. Guy has brought Kit up from the time he was left on his doorstep as a baby. He has never told Kit who his mother is, or he has told him many times but each time he is given a different story. Guy is in the latter stages of cancer.
The story is told by Kit and takes place over a winter weekend, when a number of Guy's old university friends have come to visit, with the purpose of trying to find a compromising video tape they made when they were media students at the nearby university, and lived together in this same house.
On this simple plot Ian Bank's crafts a very funny, poignant novel. The characters are few but are brought to life wonderfully in a way that left me wanting the story to continue beyond the ending of the novel. The book is given more edge by the fact that the author died of cancer before publication.
A word of warning. The book makes liberal use of the F-word and C-word, so don't read if this will put you off. Otherwise enjoy! 9/10
This is the story of Kit and Guy. Kit is Guy's son and is somewhere along the Asperger's syndrome. Guy has brought Kit up from the time he was left on his doorstep as a baby. He has never told Kit who his mother is, or he has told him many times but each time he is given a different story. Guy is in the latter stages of cancer.
The story is told by Kit and takes place over a winter weekend, when a number of Guy's old university friends have come to visit, with the purpose of trying to find a compromising video tape they made when they were media students at the nearby university, and lived together in this same house.
On this simple plot Ian Bank's crafts a very funny, poignant novel. The characters are few but are brought to life wonderfully in a way that left me wanting the story to continue beyond the ending of the novel. The book is given more edge by the fact that the author died of cancer before publication.
A word of warning. The book makes liberal use of the F-word and C-word, so don't read if this will put you off. Otherwise enjoy! 9/10
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
The Testament of Mary
by Colm Toibin
I read this as it is on the Booker longlist. It is by far the shortest book at barely a hundred pages.
It is a retelling of the gospel story from Mary's point of view and it borrows so heavily from those works I am surprised it made it to the list. It is written well but I was not very impressed 4/10
I read this as it is on the Booker longlist. It is by far the shortest book at barely a hundred pages.
It is a retelling of the gospel story from Mary's point of view and it borrows so heavily from those works I am surprised it made it to the list. It is written well but I was not very impressed 4/10
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn
A thriller about a woman's disappearance where the clear suspect is the husband. His position is made more untenable by the fact that he tells the readers early on that he is lying to the police.
The story is told in alternate chapters by the husband Nick on the one hand and his wife Amy on the other. The story is further broken up by the fact that the two protagonists tell there story on different timelines so Nicks first chapter is on the day she disappears wheras Amy's first chapter starts 7 years earlier.
The timeframes get closer and closer as the book unfolds and adds to the mounting tension.
It is a pageturner and uses some great devices to arrest the readers attention, but I think the central device has been done better by Sarah Waters.
I enjoyed reading this book but I did feel a little dissatisfied with the ending. 7/10
A thriller about a woman's disappearance where the clear suspect is the husband. His position is made more untenable by the fact that he tells the readers early on that he is lying to the police.
The story is told in alternate chapters by the husband Nick on the one hand and his wife Amy on the other. The story is further broken up by the fact that the two protagonists tell there story on different timelines so Nicks first chapter is on the day she disappears wheras Amy's first chapter starts 7 years earlier.
The timeframes get closer and closer as the book unfolds and adds to the mounting tension.
It is a pageturner and uses some great devices to arrest the readers attention, but I think the central device has been done better by Sarah Waters.
I enjoyed reading this book but I did feel a little dissatisfied with the ending. 7/10
Sunday, July 14, 2013
May we be forgiven
by A. M. Homes
I enjoyed this. If you like Dicken's I think you would like this book. It is peopled with marvellous characters, some more comic than others. It has a young heroine character, a baddy or two and a happy ending. Perfect Dickens territory but set very much in 21st century America.
The narrator is Harold Silver and the story unfolds over a very eventful and wild year from one thanksgiving to the next. The story starts with his sister in law kissing him at the annual thanksgiving dinner, followed closely by his younger and somewhat bullying youger brother being at the wheel of his car when two people are killed. Harold ends up picking up the pieces that leads to further disaster.
There is always something happening which keeps you turning the pages. I felt the last quarter of the book rather coasted to a soft landing but that aside it was a fun read 8/10
I enjoyed this. If you like Dicken's I think you would like this book. It is peopled with marvellous characters, some more comic than others. It has a young heroine character, a baddy or two and a happy ending. Perfect Dickens territory but set very much in 21st century America.
The narrator is Harold Silver and the story unfolds over a very eventful and wild year from one thanksgiving to the next. The story starts with his sister in law kissing him at the annual thanksgiving dinner, followed closely by his younger and somewhat bullying youger brother being at the wheel of his car when two people are killed. Harold ends up picking up the pieces that leads to further disaster.
There is always something happening which keeps you turning the pages. I felt the last quarter of the book rather coasted to a soft landing but that aside it was a fun read 8/10
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
The Third Industrial Revolution
by Jeremy Rifkin
This is a thought provoking book. It maps out a vision for a way through the current climate change problems facing the human race. It does not shy away from the enormity of this challenge and neither does it descent into a doomsday mentality. It is founded in practical case studies that Rifkin is involved with around the globe and the five pillars that he sets out as the bedrock of the third revolution are practical and in many cases well on the way to fruition.
I did have problems with a couple of issues. The first was in chapter eight where Rifkin examines education and changes that need to be made. He suggests that there needs to be a change to collaborative thinking and a working for the common good(my interpretation). There seems to be a belief (hope) that the younger generations will adopt this as a normal way of working. I have trouble reconciling this with my experience which is that there will always be somebody who will see a chance to maximise personal return, albeit at the expense of the majority. I readily accept this may be due to a dose of Calvin in my youth tempered by later Darwin!
Secondly, Rifkin alludes to but did not deal with the problem of the North-South divide. It is a great aspiration to state that the developing countries may leapfrog the developed nations in the roll out of renewable energies etc. but it is hard to see the developed nations letting that happen without a fight. The step back from committment to a green agenda-see recent cuts by the UK and French governments in these areas-suggests that GDP growth will remain the driving force of these nations at any cost.
I applaud the ideas of this book but find it hard to share Mr. Rifkin's optimism for the future of our species. I hope to attend the World forum in Lille later this year and will be interested to hear an update from Jeremy Rifkin on the current state of our planet. I would thoroughly recommend reading this book. 9/10
This is a thought provoking book. It maps out a vision for a way through the current climate change problems facing the human race. It does not shy away from the enormity of this challenge and neither does it descent into a doomsday mentality. It is founded in practical case studies that Rifkin is involved with around the globe and the five pillars that he sets out as the bedrock of the third revolution are practical and in many cases well on the way to fruition.
I did have problems with a couple of issues. The first was in chapter eight where Rifkin examines education and changes that need to be made. He suggests that there needs to be a change to collaborative thinking and a working for the common good(my interpretation). There seems to be a belief (hope) that the younger generations will adopt this as a normal way of working. I have trouble reconciling this with my experience which is that there will always be somebody who will see a chance to maximise personal return, albeit at the expense of the majority. I readily accept this may be due to a dose of Calvin in my youth tempered by later Darwin!
Secondly, Rifkin alludes to but did not deal with the problem of the North-South divide. It is a great aspiration to state that the developing countries may leapfrog the developed nations in the roll out of renewable energies etc. but it is hard to see the developed nations letting that happen without a fight. The step back from committment to a green agenda-see recent cuts by the UK and French governments in these areas-suggests that GDP growth will remain the driving force of these nations at any cost.
I applaud the ideas of this book but find it hard to share Mr. Rifkin's optimism for the future of our species. I hope to attend the World forum in Lille later this year and will be interested to hear an update from Jeremy Rifkin on the current state of our planet. I would thoroughly recommend reading this book. 9/10
Monday, July 08, 2013
Felix Holt-The Radical
by Geaorge Eliot
I listened to this book after thoroughly enjoying Middlemarch and I am not so enthusiastic about this. There is still Eliot's enjoyable humour and her fantastic descriptions of nineteenth century life.
However, my main problem was that I did not like Felix Holt or Harold Transome. Part of me is glad about this but at other times I found it hard to engage with these characters. We were promised so much mystery surrounding Harold that was never delivered upon.
The story is set around the Reform Act of 1832 and the book is a great way of looking at social tensions around at that time however, some, like me, may find that there is a little too much detail on this front. 7/10
I listened to this book after thoroughly enjoying Middlemarch and I am not so enthusiastic about this. There is still Eliot's enjoyable humour and her fantastic descriptions of nineteenth century life.
However, my main problem was that I did not like Felix Holt or Harold Transome. Part of me is glad about this but at other times I found it hard to engage with these characters. We were promised so much mystery surrounding Harold that was never delivered upon.
The story is set around the Reform Act of 1832 and the book is a great way of looking at social tensions around at that time however, some, like me, may find that there is a little too much detail on this front. 7/10
Friday, May 31, 2013
Flight Behaviour
by Barbara Kingsolver
I listened to this as an audio book read by Barbara Kingsolver herself.
The plot revolves around a "small town America" society, and one family in particular that is jolted out of its day to day routine by a natural event triggered by global warming.
It examines one woman's awakening to both her own plight and the larger issues arising from environmental change. I loved the characters and the ending was close to perfect as far I was concerned. This is a thought provoking book that I would read again. 9/10
I listened to this as an audio book read by Barbara Kingsolver herself.
The plot revolves around a "small town America" society, and one family in particular that is jolted out of its day to day routine by a natural event triggered by global warming.
It examines one woman's awakening to both her own plight and the larger issues arising from environmental change. I loved the characters and the ending was close to perfect as far I was concerned. This is a thought provoking book that I would read again. 9/10
Thursday, May 30, 2013
A Delicate Truth
By John le Carre
I really enjoyed this book. It involves the British intelligence services and Cornwall and much in between. As ever you are never quite sure who the good guys are. It moves at a cracking pace and ended too soon 9/10
Saturday, May 04, 2013
The Blind Man's Garden
by Nadeem Aslam
I loved this book. The use of language is gorgeous in places evoking smells, sounds and a sense of place. The story of two brothers in a small Pakistani town near the Afghanistan just after 9/11 is both moving and unnerving as the pain and hopelessness of the individual caught up in a global struggle unfolds. Having said that it is not a book without hope, and as such, is well worth reading 9/10
I loved this book. The use of language is gorgeous in places evoking smells, sounds and a sense of place. The story of two brothers in a small Pakistani town near the Afghanistan just after 9/11 is both moving and unnerving as the pain and hopelessness of the individual caught up in a global struggle unfolds. Having said that it is not a book without hope, and as such, is well worth reading 9/10
Monday, April 29, 2013
Manuscript Found in Accra
by Paul Coelho
I was dissapointed with this book. It read like a book of biblical proverbs-and indeed quotes liberally from the bible. The plot is very thin if existing at all. Like all of his books that I have read the language is beautiful at times and did save the book for me from a premature end. 4/10
I was dissapointed with this book. It read like a book of biblical proverbs-and indeed quotes liberally from the bible. The plot is very thin if existing at all. Like all of his books that I have read the language is beautiful at times and did save the book for me from a premature end. 4/10
The Ghost riders of Ordebec
by Fred Vargas
Another good read featuring Inspector Adamsberg. I like these novels because they are full of quirky characters. This novel is no exception and if anything swings too far into the quirky nature of the Inspector and his team rather than concentrating on the crime that needed solving. It was not the best of Fred Vargas but enjoyable all the same. 7/10
Another good read featuring Inspector Adamsberg. I like these novels because they are full of quirky characters. This novel is no exception and if anything swings too far into the quirky nature of the Inspector and his team rather than concentrating on the crime that needed solving. It was not the best of Fred Vargas but enjoyable all the same. 7/10
A dance to the Music of Time-Spring
by Anthony Powell
This is the first volume of the four part version of Powell's story of 20th century England, consisting of three of the twelve novels in the series. I found myself drifting from wrapt enjoyment to wishing he would just get on with it throughout the story. Some of the characters are really enjoyable. The alcoholic Stringham, the arrogant Widmerpool and the crazy left winger Gypsy Jones spring to mind among others. The narrator, Nicholas Jenkins I found tedious in the way he was so detatched from the story he was intimately involved in.
We move from his schooldays-just after the Great War-to the 1930's, and it is a well drawn picture of a very narrow section of British society during this period. It is comical in places but overall it left me with a feeling of melancholy. Will I read the rest of the series? I think I probably will, but need a break first. 6/10
This is the first volume of the four part version of Powell's story of 20th century England, consisting of three of the twelve novels in the series. I found myself drifting from wrapt enjoyment to wishing he would just get on with it throughout the story. Some of the characters are really enjoyable. The alcoholic Stringham, the arrogant Widmerpool and the crazy left winger Gypsy Jones spring to mind among others. The narrator, Nicholas Jenkins I found tedious in the way he was so detatched from the story he was intimately involved in.
We move from his schooldays-just after the Great War-to the 1930's, and it is a well drawn picture of a very narrow section of British society during this period. It is comical in places but overall it left me with a feeling of melancholy. Will I read the rest of the series? I think I probably will, but need a break first. 6/10
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Hard Times
by Charles Dickens
The only major novel by Dickens I had not read previously. I thoroughly enjoyed this as Dickens lays into nineteenth century capitalism with all guns blazing.
Yes its full of melodrama, and cartoon characters but it is also full of comedy (read the first few chapters to see where Monty Python got there "shoebox in the middle of the road"sketch), and great characters like Gradgrind and Bounderby, Stephen and Rachel.
If you have never read any Dickens, this is not his best novel, but it is short and would be a good place to start. I am biased because I love Dickens so don't be swayed by my score. 9/10
The only major novel by Dickens I had not read previously. I thoroughly enjoyed this as Dickens lays into nineteenth century capitalism with all guns blazing.
Yes its full of melodrama, and cartoon characters but it is also full of comedy (read the first few chapters to see where Monty Python got there "shoebox in the middle of the road"sketch), and great characters like Gradgrind and Bounderby, Stephen and Rachel.
If you have never read any Dickens, this is not his best novel, but it is short and would be a good place to start. I am biased because I love Dickens so don't be swayed by my score. 9/10
The Second World War
by Antony Beevor
I covered this book through a combination of audio book and print. If I am honest, I may not have finished this in print as I am not a big follower of military history, and inevitably there is a lot of description of battles. However, this book covers a lot of the politics and social history as well, and is an excellent overview of a war that changed the face of the world.
The numbers become incomprehensible and the depths of savagery that man can fall too are made very apparrent. I think everyone should make themselves aware of this conflict in the hope that we may never go there again. History is written by the victors and this book is no exception (so for instance bomber Harris is treated far more leniently than he would have been if German), but for all that it tries to be as objective as possible. A chilling book, a depressing book, but with this subject matter, it should be. 9/10
I covered this book through a combination of audio book and print. If I am honest, I may not have finished this in print as I am not a big follower of military history, and inevitably there is a lot of description of battles. However, this book covers a lot of the politics and social history as well, and is an excellent overview of a war that changed the face of the world.
The numbers become incomprehensible and the depths of savagery that man can fall too are made very apparrent. I think everyone should make themselves aware of this conflict in the hope that we may never go there again. History is written by the victors and this book is no exception (so for instance bomber Harris is treated far more leniently than he would have been if German), but for all that it tries to be as objective as possible. A chilling book, a depressing book, but with this subject matter, it should be. 9/10
Friday, February 22, 2013
Waiting for Sunrise
by William Boyd
When your lead character has a name like Lysander Rief, and the book opens in 1913 Vienna with him visiting a contemporary of Freud to deal with a complaint called Anorgasmia (you will have to look it up or read the book), then you know you are in for another great tale from William Boyd.
Lysander is an actor by profession, the son of a famous actor, and we follow him from Vienna to London to avoid a scrape, and into the First World War, espionage and more to boot. Anything I have read by William Boyd is always enjoyable. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the latter stages of the novel but found myself a little disappointed with the ending. 7/10
When your lead character has a name like Lysander Rief, and the book opens in 1913 Vienna with him visiting a contemporary of Freud to deal with a complaint called Anorgasmia (you will have to look it up or read the book), then you know you are in for another great tale from William Boyd.
Lysander is an actor by profession, the son of a famous actor, and we follow him from Vienna to London to avoid a scrape, and into the First World War, espionage and more to boot. Anything I have read by William Boyd is always enjoyable. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the latter stages of the novel but found myself a little disappointed with the ending. 7/10
The Rise and Fall of the Second Empire, 1852-1871
by Alain Plessis
This is a book in the Cambridge History of Modern France series. I enjoyed it because I have an interest in all things to do with the Second Empire in France, and this book is a good backgrounder to the social and political events of that time. Having said that, it could be a bit dry at times and may be better to dip into than read cover to cover. Mind you, it is not that long at 212 pages.
It gives some fascinating insights into a period of significant change in France resulting from the railways and changes in industrial and commercial practices. It also approaches the topic of Napoleon III's reputation and whether he was a force for good or bad, and I think concludes that the jury is still out! 7/10
This is a book in the Cambridge History of Modern France series. I enjoyed it because I have an interest in all things to do with the Second Empire in France, and this book is a good backgrounder to the social and political events of that time. Having said that, it could be a bit dry at times and may be better to dip into than read cover to cover. Mind you, it is not that long at 212 pages.
It gives some fascinating insights into a period of significant change in France resulting from the railways and changes in industrial and commercial practices. It also approaches the topic of Napoleon III's reputation and whether he was a force for good or bad, and I think concludes that the jury is still out! 7/10
A Cold Day for Murder
by Dana Stabenow
This is the first in a series of 20 novels featuring Kate Shugak. She is an ex police officer who lives in the middle of a cold Alaska, where crime is rife and racism is not far under the surface. This case involves an investigation of two missing persons. It is a quick read but I liked the characters and the description of an unknown landscape. Not sure she will be boosting the local tourism economy though. Good relaxing reading if you like crime novels 7/10
This is the first in a series of 20 novels featuring Kate Shugak. She is an ex police officer who lives in the middle of a cold Alaska, where crime is rife and racism is not far under the surface. This case involves an investigation of two missing persons. It is a quick read but I liked the characters and the description of an unknown landscape. Not sure she will be boosting the local tourism economy though. Good relaxing reading if you like crime novels 7/10
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Cleaner of Chartres
by Sally Vickers
This was not my normal choice of read but I enjoyed it. The descriptions of Chartres and the Cathedral are very good and the plot-while not exactly complex-moves along at an engaging pace. The cleaner of the title has a mysterious past that is unveiled as the story progresses and has a good upbeat ending.
Some of the story line seems a bit unnecessary-do we really need a mother superior running off with a monk in Rome? Still apart from some monor irritations along this line it was still agreeable. 6/10
This was not my normal choice of read but I enjoyed it. The descriptions of Chartres and the Cathedral are very good and the plot-while not exactly complex-moves along at an engaging pace. The cleaner of the title has a mysterious past that is unveiled as the story progresses and has a good upbeat ending.
Some of the story line seems a bit unnecessary-do we really need a mother superior running off with a monk in Rome? Still apart from some monor irritations along this line it was still agreeable. 6/10
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared
by Jonas Jonasson
This is a book that lives up to the promise of the wacky title.
It follows the fortune of its hero, Allan Karlsson, following his climb out of the said window as well as going back over his remarkable life.
It follows the fortune of its hero, Allan Karlsson, following his climb out of the said window as well as going back over his remarkable life.
The book is very funny in places but falls into the tallest of tall story categories and is ultimately a feel good story that I was more than ready for by my Christmas break. Apart from the real life historical figures there are a great array of support characters that you cannot help cheering on as the book progresses. 7/10
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Bring up the Bodies
by Hilary Mantel
This is the sequel to Wolf Hall and once again won the Booker prize. I enjoyed this so much more than Wolf Hall. The story of Thomas Cromwell continues and he is given a central role in the demise of Anne Boleyn. He is a great character and if little is known about him historically these books create a character that you both love and hate in equal measure. He is ruthless and yet loyal and has a cast of characters around him who bring the court alive. I still find the writing style hard at times but the plot of this book kept me going even though I knew the ending! 8/10
This is the sequel to Wolf Hall and once again won the Booker prize. I enjoyed this so much more than Wolf Hall. The story of Thomas Cromwell continues and he is given a central role in the demise of Anne Boleyn. He is a great character and if little is known about him historically these books create a character that you both love and hate in equal measure. He is ruthless and yet loyal and has a cast of characters around him who bring the court alive. I still find the writing style hard at times but the plot of this book kept me going even though I knew the ending! 8/10
The Great Gatsby
by F Scott Fitzgerald
Listened to this as audiobook and got a bit frustrated with the narrator. However, the story is good. It is a short novel and yet, somehow, Fitzgerald summons up a sense of place which is breathtaking. The narrator is placed in the centre of the action and yet is totally detached from it, which works incredibly well. Definitely recommend 8/10
Listened to this as audiobook and got a bit frustrated with the narrator. However, the story is good. It is a short novel and yet, somehow, Fitzgerald summons up a sense of place which is breathtaking. The narrator is placed in the centre of the action and yet is totally detached from it, which works incredibly well. Definitely recommend 8/10
Our Man in Havana
by Graham Greene
The story of an English colonial vacuum salesman in Cuba who inadvertently gets caught up in the secret service. Wormold is a great creation, together with his daughter Milly and his friend Dr. Hasselbacher I enjoyed every minute of this book. Probably should be read with a Cuban soundtrack playing in the background and a glass of whiskey by your side.
It is humorous throughout and even in its darker passages(It is Graham Greene after all) it seems to tread lightly. I think the novel works because as the book concludes, Wormold is crazy but "... never quite mad enough." 9/10
The story of an English colonial vacuum salesman in Cuba who inadvertently gets caught up in the secret service. Wormold is a great creation, together with his daughter Milly and his friend Dr. Hasselbacher I enjoyed every minute of this book. Probably should be read with a Cuban soundtrack playing in the background and a glass of whiskey by your side.
It is humorous throughout and even in its darker passages(It is Graham Greene after all) it seems to tread lightly. I think the novel works because as the book concludes, Wormold is crazy but "... never quite mad enough." 9/10
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
The Dinner
by Herman Koch
A very enjoyable book that looks at 4 people out for dinner and how they react. Gradually we start to understand why they are there and the dark secret they all know about but aren't revealing to each other. It builds the tension very well and keeps you asking what you would do in their position.
I found the ending a bit implausible and so would mark it down for that 6/10
A very enjoyable book that looks at 4 people out for dinner and how they react. Gradually we start to understand why they are there and the dark secret they all know about but aren't revealing to each other. It builds the tension very well and keeps you asking what you would do in their position.
I found the ending a bit implausible and so would mark it down for that 6/10
The Prague Cemetery
by Umberto Eco
This is a mad romp through the second half of the nineteenth century with a narrator, one Simomini and possibly a priest called Dalla Piccola. All the other characters in the book are, we are told, real characters from history and certainly many of them are.
We learn very early on that Simonini is in some sort of trouble and, having at some point met with Freud and obtained some cocaine for him, he has locked himself away and is using some Freudian technique to find out what has happened to him.
This allows us to discover Simonini's life story. His only love is food-and maybe money and he seems to hate everybody-the Germans, the Italians, the French, women, Jews(although he has never met any), Freemasons and Jesuits all come in for torrents of abuse in this book.
The story takes us to Italy and the wars of Garibaldi, to France and Germany in a rapid race through various historical episodes. I particularly liked Simonini's involvement in the Dreyfus affair. The book is at once very amusing and slightly disturbing with a great finale. As with other Umberto Eco books he can get bogged down in detail at times but this bbok-which I listened to as an audiobook was very enjoyable. 8/10
This is a mad romp through the second half of the nineteenth century with a narrator, one Simomini and possibly a priest called Dalla Piccola. All the other characters in the book are, we are told, real characters from history and certainly many of them are.
We learn very early on that Simonini is in some sort of trouble and, having at some point met with Freud and obtained some cocaine for him, he has locked himself away and is using some Freudian technique to find out what has happened to him.
This allows us to discover Simonini's life story. His only love is food-and maybe money and he seems to hate everybody-the Germans, the Italians, the French, women, Jews(although he has never met any), Freemasons and Jesuits all come in for torrents of abuse in this book.
The story takes us to Italy and the wars of Garibaldi, to France and Germany in a rapid race through various historical episodes. I particularly liked Simonini's involvement in the Dreyfus affair. The book is at once very amusing and slightly disturbing with a great finale. As with other Umberto Eco books he can get bogged down in detail at times but this bbok-which I listened to as an audiobook was very enjoyable. 8/10
Tales of the New Babylon
by Rupert Christiansen
This book looks at Paris in the years 1869 to 1875.
This is a fascinating time covering the fall of the second empire, the franco-prussian war, the four month seige of Paris and the time of the Commune followed by the birth of the Third Republic.
I bought the book as a reference book to dip into now and then but once I had read the first chapter-a fascinating mix of contemorary travel guides-I was hooked and found it hard to put down until I had finished. The style is very easy and draws heavily on first hand accounts including many foreign observers who were caught up in events of the seige and the commune. There is a very good bibliography and two picture sections. This is most definitely a book I would revisit. 8/10
This book looks at Paris in the years 1869 to 1875.
This is a fascinating time covering the fall of the second empire, the franco-prussian war, the four month seige of Paris and the time of the Commune followed by the birth of the Third Republic.
I bought the book as a reference book to dip into now and then but once I had read the first chapter-a fascinating mix of contemorary travel guides-I was hooked and found it hard to put down until I had finished. The style is very easy and draws heavily on first hand accounts including many foreign observers who were caught up in events of the seige and the commune. There is a very good bibliography and two picture sections. This is most definitely a book I would revisit. 8/10
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Snowdrops
by AD Miller
My second audiobook!
This book is the tale of a British lawyer in Russia in the early 21st century. Nick, the lawyer tells his story by writing to his fiancee about his time there and what went wrong and how it happened.
From early on you know something disastrous happened, and with the introduction of a stunning blonde and her supposed cousin, you know it must involve them.
It is a very compelling read, and whether or not based in reality, is not very flattering of the emergent Russian society. To the end I was still wanting to know what happened.
Having said that, I found some of Nick's decisions or ommissions a little unbelievable. But that aside I wouldn't hesitate to reccomend it for a holiday read. 7/10
My second audiobook!
This book is the tale of a British lawyer in Russia in the early 21st century. Nick, the lawyer tells his story by writing to his fiancee about his time there and what went wrong and how it happened.
From early on you know something disastrous happened, and with the introduction of a stunning blonde and her supposed cousin, you know it must involve them.
It is a very compelling read, and whether or not based in reality, is not very flattering of the emergent Russian society. To the end I was still wanting to know what happened.
Having said that, I found some of Nick's decisions or ommissions a little unbelievable. But that aside I wouldn't hesitate to reccomend it for a holiday read. 7/10
Where I Left my Soul
by Jerome Ferrari
This is a short novel translated from the French. It involves alternating reflections by two soldiers who have served in Indo China and Algeria together.
In reflections the main narrator, Capitaine Degorce traces his loss of innocence and moral compass, in what becomes a tragic story of the effect of one nations wars on the individual. It was intensely moving and demonstrates the near impossibility of holding firm values in a relativistic world. 9/10
This is a short novel translated from the French. It involves alternating reflections by two soldiers who have served in Indo China and Algeria together.
In reflections the main narrator, Capitaine Degorce traces his loss of innocence and moral compass, in what becomes a tragic story of the effect of one nations wars on the individual. It was intensely moving and demonstrates the near impossibility of holding firm values in a relativistic world. 9/10
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
The Garden of Evening Mists
by Tan Twan Eng
This story moves between three time periods-the second world war, the early 1950's and today.
The story is that of a Chinese malay woman who survives a Japanese slave camp in the second world war and goes on, in part driven by revenge, to become a high court judge. Her sister-who adored Japanese gardens-died in the camp. Hating the Japanese, but wanting to fulfil a promise made to her sister she sets about making a Japanese garden. The book is the story of how she tries to do this-thrown into direct contact with Aritoma-a man who used to be the Emperor's gardener. They work together on Aritomo's garden and this part of the story is set against the backdrop of the civil war in Malaya that led to independance.
The book is beautiful to read and almost sings of the beauty of the garden while at the same time telling a tale of utter despair and hopelessness. Fantastic 8/10
This story moves between three time periods-the second world war, the early 1950's and today.
The story is that of a Chinese malay woman who survives a Japanese slave camp in the second world war and goes on, in part driven by revenge, to become a high court judge. Her sister-who adored Japanese gardens-died in the camp. Hating the Japanese, but wanting to fulfil a promise made to her sister she sets about making a Japanese garden. The book is the story of how she tries to do this-thrown into direct contact with Aritoma-a man who used to be the Emperor's gardener. They work together on Aritomo's garden and this part of the story is set against the backdrop of the civil war in Malaya that led to independance.
The book is beautiful to read and almost sings of the beauty of the garden while at the same time telling a tale of utter despair and hopelessness. Fantastic 8/10
Middlemarch
by George Eliot
This was my first ever audio bookand I loved it-the story and the format. This is a long book where not a great deal happens but the humour and the drama of small town life against a background of national changes is gripping. It is full of heroes and heroines, villains and crooks, all painted with a reality that allows you to recognise them as people you may have come across.
I listened on my way to work and found myself looking for longer routes so I could squeeze a bit more in on each journey.
Was Dorothea too good? Well maybe, but her sense of humour and her mistakes in marriage make you love her anyway. And I am sure am not the only person willing Mr. Casaubin to die! 9/10
This was my first ever audio bookand I loved it-the story and the format. This is a long book where not a great deal happens but the humour and the drama of small town life against a background of national changes is gripping. It is full of heroes and heroines, villains and crooks, all painted with a reality that allows you to recognise them as people you may have come across.
I listened on my way to work and found myself looking for longer routes so I could squeeze a bit more in on each journey.
Was Dorothea too good? Well maybe, but her sense of humour and her mistakes in marriage make you love her anyway. And I am sure am not the only person willing Mr. Casaubin to die! 9/10
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Boxer and the Goalkeeper
by Andy Martin
This is a book examining the lives of Sartre and Camus and their renowned friendship and falling out. Knowing very little about these two individuals I found the book very accessible and a good read. Having enjoyed the little Camus that I have read it was a useful book to put some of that writing in context. 8/10
This is a book examining the lives of Sartre and Camus and their renowned friendship and falling out. Knowing very little about these two individuals I found the book very accessible and a good read. Having enjoyed the little Camus that I have read it was a useful book to put some of that writing in context. 8/10
The Lighthouse
by Alison Moore
This was a strange book that I found compelling for a reason that I cannot put my hands on. It follows the walking tour of Futh along the Rhine, following seperation from his wife and is full of flashbacks to his marriage and his childhood. Running alongside this is the story of Ester, the landlady in the hotel in which he stays on his first and last night. Quite how there lives are entwined provides some dark humour to the book. 7/10
This was a strange book that I found compelling for a reason that I cannot put my hands on. It follows the walking tour of Futh along the Rhine, following seperation from his wife and is full of flashbacks to his marriage and his childhood. Running alongside this is the story of Ester, the landlady in the hotel in which he stays on his first and last night. Quite how there lives are entwined provides some dark humour to the book. 7/10
Swimming Home
by Deborah Levy
This is a short novel about an English family-father a poet, mother a war correspondent and daughter a confused teenager-whose holiday in a French Villa near Nice with 2 friends of the wife is disrupted by finding a naked young woman in the swimming pool. She stays and the fallout is examined in this book. The writing was beautiful but the plot I found less gripping 6/10
This is a short novel about an English family-father a poet, mother a war correspondent and daughter a confused teenager-whose holiday in a French Villa near Nice with 2 friends of the wife is disrupted by finding a naked young woman in the swimming pool. She stays and the fallout is examined in this book. The writing was beautiful but the plot I found less gripping 6/10
Sweet Tooth
by Ian McEwan
This was as expected in that he plays with the reader a little by asserting his authorial right to choose an ending and letting us know that he is doing it. He also plays with the Booker prize -from which he was noticeably absent this year! However, the story is about an ex MI5 agent who messed up and was sacked. We know this because the narrator tells us in the first chapter that this is what she did. It is a mark of McEwan's powers of storytelling that, knowing this, he holds the tension throughout the novel. Some lovely reflections on 70's britain to boot. 9/10
This was as expected in that he plays with the reader a little by asserting his authorial right to choose an ending and letting us know that he is doing it. He also plays with the Booker prize -from which he was noticeably absent this year! However, the story is about an ex MI5 agent who messed up and was sacked. We know this because the narrator tells us in the first chapter that this is what she did. It is a mark of McEwan's powers of storytelling that, knowing this, he holds the tension throughout the novel. Some lovely reflections on 70's britain to boot. 9/10
Monday, August 27, 2012
Narcopolis
by Jeet Thayil
This book is based in Bombay in the 80's and 90's and looks at the world of drugs and brothels and lowlifes through the eyes of an opium addict and some rather unattractive characters who I fould myself getting drawn to as the book progressed.
The lives of Rashid, the owner of the opium den and Dimple a very attractive eunuch, who moves from the brothel to the opium den, gradually disintegrate through their opium use and the influx of new drugs onto the market.
It is a book that could do with a glossary as many of the terms went over my head but I did find it moving and strangely engaging 5/10
This book is based in Bombay in the 80's and 90's and looks at the world of drugs and brothels and lowlifes through the eyes of an opium addict and some rather unattractive characters who I fould myself getting drawn to as the book progressed.
The lives of Rashid, the owner of the opium den and Dimple a very attractive eunuch, who moves from the brothel to the opium den, gradually disintegrate through their opium use and the influx of new drugs onto the market.
It is a book that could do with a glossary as many of the terms went over my head but I did find it moving and strangely engaging 5/10
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Skios
by Michael Frayn
This is a very easy read. It is also very amusing, and farce par excellence.
Dr. Norman Wilfred arrives on a Greek island to give an important lecture to a gathering of the rich and famous. Arriving at the same time is the rakish Oliver Fox. With a mix up over a suitcase and an innocent smile, a whole train of mistaken identity and mayhem ensues.
Michael Frayn seems able to take things to where they cannot get worse and then makes them worse in an almost plausible way.
Even when the end looms and you feel that you must be let down, a piece of nimble linguistic footwork brings things to an enjoyable, if improbable ending.
I read it in a weekend during two train journeys and it almost demands to be read in a short time frame. On the beach maybe-but do check your suitcase labels! 9/10
This is a very easy read. It is also very amusing, and farce par excellence.
Dr. Norman Wilfred arrives on a Greek island to give an important lecture to a gathering of the rich and famous. Arriving at the same time is the rakish Oliver Fox. With a mix up over a suitcase and an innocent smile, a whole train of mistaken identity and mayhem ensues.
Michael Frayn seems able to take things to where they cannot get worse and then makes them worse in an almost plausible way.
Even when the end looms and you feel that you must be let down, a piece of nimble linguistic footwork brings things to an enjoyable, if improbable ending.
I read it in a weekend during two train journeys and it almost demands to be read in a short time frame. On the beach maybe-but do check your suitcase labels! 9/10
Confessions of a Failed Southern Lady
by Florence King
This is a memoir of Florence Kink's early life. It is very funny in places and sad in others. Some of the American references were lost on me but it did not distract from the enjoyment.
Despite the wacky family she came from-and which of us have families that our nnot weird in the eyes of others-it left me feeling that this was a tribute to her family and the values they instilled in her.
Her descriptions of her sexual awakening and adventures are not for the sqeamish but she manages to handle them with humour, and deals with loss in a way that can only induce empathy. 8/10
This is a memoir of Florence Kink's early life. It is very funny in places and sad in others. Some of the American references were lost on me but it did not distract from the enjoyment.
Despite the wacky family she came from-and which of us have families that our nnot weird in the eyes of others-it left me feeling that this was a tribute to her family and the values they instilled in her.
Her descriptions of her sexual awakening and adventures are not for the sqeamish but she manages to handle them with humour, and deals with loss in a way that can only induce empathy. 8/10
Monday, August 13, 2012
Lourdes
by Emile Zola
A bit of a mixed bag. Zola deals well with the crisis of faith experienced by the hero Pierre, and despite his personal views, lays out the conflicts between faith and rationalism in a realistic way. However, he also wants to tell us the story of Bernadette and point out the problems of Lourdes as an institution. In fact he wants to do a lot of things and in my view spends too long doing them such that it becomes in part repetitive.
There are a host of characters in the book but I could only engage with Pierre and Marie and her father. The other characters were either too similar or too vague to find that interesting. Like all Zola the naturalism is outstanding and the descriptions of some of the sick can induce nausea, but the detail of the train journey was fascinating as was the description of Lourdes itself. However, not one of his best 5/10
A bit of a mixed bag. Zola deals well with the crisis of faith experienced by the hero Pierre, and despite his personal views, lays out the conflicts between faith and rationalism in a realistic way. However, he also wants to tell us the story of Bernadette and point out the problems of Lourdes as an institution. In fact he wants to do a lot of things and in my view spends too long doing them such that it becomes in part repetitive.
There are a host of characters in the book but I could only engage with Pierre and Marie and her father. The other characters were either too similar or too vague to find that interesting. Like all Zola the naturalism is outstanding and the descriptions of some of the sick can induce nausea, but the detail of the train journey was fascinating as was the description of Lourdes itself. However, not one of his best 5/10
Saturday, August 11, 2012
New Finnish Grammar
by Diego Marani
This is a strange, fascinating tale set in the second world war about a man who is suffering from amnesia. The doctor who first treats him patches together various evidence suggesting he is from Finland and sends him to be cared for by a friend in Helsinki. The friend never appears and this story evolves as our central character tries to pick up the pieces of a lost life and lost language. It is beautifully written/translated and I only found a problem with the ending where it felt as though the author had realised a deadline was looming and pushed the resolution of the story into as short an ending as possible.
It is at times sad, at times amusing but always engaging 8/10
This is a strange, fascinating tale set in the second world war about a man who is suffering from amnesia. The doctor who first treats him patches together various evidence suggesting he is from Finland and sends him to be cared for by a friend in Helsinki. The friend never appears and this story evolves as our central character tries to pick up the pieces of a lost life and lost language. It is beautifully written/translated and I only found a problem with the ending where it felt as though the author had realised a deadline was looming and pushed the resolution of the story into as short an ending as possible.
It is at times sad, at times amusing but always engaging 8/10
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Pure
by Andrew Miller
This is a quirky novel telling the story of the demolition of a cemetery in Paris that formed the foundation for the catacombs. It all takes place in a year and all I can say is I loved it. 9/10
This is a quirky novel telling the story of the demolition of a cemetery in Paris that formed the foundation for the catacombs. It all takes place in a year and all I can say is I loved it. 9/10
The Dreyfus Affair
by Piers Paul Read
This is a very readable and informative summary of the Dreyfus case and its impact on contemporary and later France. In the ways many history works are it is a depressing book in that we never seem to learn the lessons that history lays out for us. But don't let my melancholia stop you reading an excellent book. 9/10
This is a very readable and informative summary of the Dreyfus case and its impact on contemporary and later France. In the ways many history works are it is a depressing book in that we never seem to learn the lessons that history lays out for us. But don't let my melancholia stop you reading an excellent book. 9/10
A Shed of One's Own
by Marcus Berkmann
This book will only appeal to those over 45 or those with a disposition to laugh at the misfortunes of others. Being the right (or is that wrong) side of 45 I enjoyed this book immensely, laughing out loud on numerous occasions as I recognised my own woes and troubles were shared by others. Should be prescribed by doctors for all menopausal men 9/10
This book will only appeal to those over 45 or those with a disposition to laugh at the misfortunes of others. Being the right (or is that wrong) side of 45 I enjoyed this book immensely, laughing out loud on numerous occasions as I recognised my own woes and troubles were shared by others. Should be prescribed by doctors for all menopausal men 9/10
The Widow Lerouge
by Emile Gaboriau
Written in the 1800's this is a detective story which is both entertaining and historically interesting being one of the first in this genre.
The characters are interesting and the end maybe predictable but definitely falls into the category of a good yarn 7/10
Written in the 1800's this is a detective story which is both entertaining and historically interesting being one of the first in this genre.
The characters are interesting and the end maybe predictable but definitely falls into the category of a good yarn 7/10
CharlesDickens: A Life
by Claire Tomalin
Claire Tomalin is a great biographer who draws you into an empathy with her subjects while remaining fairly objective about their lives.
Dickens was a literary genius but like most geniuses this did not mean the rest of his life was perfect.
I like this biography because it paints the picture of a man who while a great writer and a man of extaordinary energy we are not spared details of his flaws and lifelong inner turmoils. 9/10
Claire Tomalin is a great biographer who draws you into an empathy with her subjects while remaining fairly objective about their lives.
Dickens was a literary genius but like most geniuses this did not mean the rest of his life was perfect.
I like this biography because it paints the picture of a man who while a great writer and a man of extaordinary energy we are not spared details of his flaws and lifelong inner turmoils. 9/10
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Most Beautiful Walk in the World
by John Baxter
Its funny, its an easy read and it has gems of information about Paris and some great pictures. Did we need the Aussie chapter-probably not- but small quibbles like that aside-I really enjoyed this and came away with a number of places added to my list of things I want to do when next in Paris. If I had to pick one I have not done already, it will be a visit to La Rotonde as I have always avoided Montparnasse as just a busy area to be used for the railway only. If Paris are ever looking for an ex pat ambassador they have found their man in John Baxter. 7/10
Its funny, its an easy read and it has gems of information about Paris and some great pictures. Did we need the Aussie chapter-probably not- but small quibbles like that aside-I really enjoyed this and came away with a number of places added to my list of things I want to do when next in Paris. If I had to pick one I have not done already, it will be a visit to La Rotonde as I have always avoided Montparnasse as just a busy area to be used for the railway only. If Paris are ever looking for an ex pat ambassador they have found their man in John Baxter. 7/10
Paris During the Commune
by William Gibson
This book is a collection of letters written by a British Methodist minister who was responsible for a Paris circuit. It is compulsive reading as he outlines what it was like living as an ex-pat during the bloody weeks of the Commune. In many ways it offers an alternative view, suggesting at times it was not as bad as it seemed and suggesting the commune were just a bunch of rabble rousers. Even though the description of Paris burning and the column in place vendome being pulled down are absorbing. For the immediacy and quirky angle this is well worth a read. You will need to get a second hand copy. 8/10
This book is a collection of letters written by a British Methodist minister who was responsible for a Paris circuit. It is compulsive reading as he outlines what it was like living as an ex-pat during the bloody weeks of the Commune. In many ways it offers an alternative view, suggesting at times it was not as bad as it seemed and suggesting the commune were just a bunch of rabble rousers. Even though the description of Paris burning and the column in place vendome being pulled down are absorbing. For the immediacy and quirky angle this is well worth a read. You will need to get a second hand copy. 8/10
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Hard Revolution
by George Pelecanos
I read this book shortly after reading the Turnaround and found that both books were very similar in style and approach so while I enjoyed the first book I enjoyed this less. Having said that the musical references and the depiction of the banality of normal lives during what history will determine as seminal moments is masterful storytelling. 6/10
I read this book shortly after reading the Turnaround and found that both books were very similar in style and approach so while I enjoyed the first book I enjoyed this less. Having said that the musical references and the depiction of the banality of normal lives during what history will determine as seminal moments is masterful storytelling. 6/10
Cain
by José Saramago
Very witty take on the Old Testament but it may get a bit laborious if you do not know the Old Testament in the first place. 7/10
Very witty take on the Old Testament but it may get a bit laborious if you do not know the Old Testament in the first place. 7/10
Thursday, February 02, 2012
The Turnaround
by George Pelecanos
This is an interesting tale of teenagers growing up and racism in 70's Washington and the consequences 3 decades later.It does not turn out like I expected which I enjoyed. It was a good read 6/10
This is an interesting tale of teenagers growing up and racism in 70's Washington and the consequences 3 decades later.It does not turn out like I expected which I enjoyed. It was a good read 6/10
The Map and the Territory
by Michel Houellebecq
This is the story of an artist called Jed Martin and features a character called Michel Houellebecq. I found it very amusing and the first part of the book works extremely well. In the later part of the book things take a rather black turn and without losing its way, I felt it rather petered out. Having said that I enjoyed this book far more than his other books that I have read and find the arguments that have raged over plagiarism of wikipedia part of the amusement factor. 8/10
This is the story of an artist called Jed Martin and features a character called Michel Houellebecq. I found it very amusing and the first part of the book works extremely well. In the later part of the book things take a rather black turn and without losing its way, I felt it rather petered out. Having said that I enjoyed this book far more than his other books that I have read and find the arguments that have raged over plagiarism of wikipedia part of the amusement factor. 8/10
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Life and Fate
by Vasily Grossman
I read this book after a heavy sell on the BBC and by the publisher Vintage in September this year. I have to confess that I found it a bit of a struggle. There were a lot of intertwining stories giving a fantastic picture of how difficult and disjointed living through war can be, both for families and a community as a whole.
Having said this, I found the stories too disjointed and struggled throughout remembering who was who. Not as good as I was hoping it would be. 6/10
I read this book after a heavy sell on the BBC and by the publisher Vintage in September this year. I have to confess that I found it a bit of a struggle. There were a lot of intertwining stories giving a fantastic picture of how difficult and disjointed living through war can be, both for families and a community as a whole.
Having said this, I found the stories too disjointed and struggled throughout remembering who was who. Not as good as I was hoping it would be. 6/10
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Bartleby, the Scrivener
by Herman Melville
This short story is fascinating and if asked to review it I think I would have to say "I would prefer not to". The purpose of it I do not know and true to Melville's comments at the beginning there is little to tell of Bartleby's history but it is a great read, if not a little quirky. 8/10
This short story is fascinating and if asked to review it I think I would have to say "I would prefer not to". The purpose of it I do not know and true to Melville's comments at the beginning there is little to tell of Bartleby's history but it is a great read, if not a little quirky. 8/10
Half Blood Blues
by Esi Edugyan.
I enjoyed this book about a group of jazz musicians who get together at the beginning of the second world war in Berlin and Paris. The book moves between then and now and gradually explains why certain things happened and why certain things did not. Along the way it mixes in historical figures who add interest. Would definitely recommend to a friend. 8/10
I enjoyed this book about a group of jazz musicians who get together at the beginning of the second world war in Berlin and Paris. The book moves between then and now and gradually explains why certain things happened and why certain things did not. Along the way it mixes in historical figures who add interest. Would definitely recommend to a friend. 8/10
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Jamrach's Menagerie
by Carol Birch
Amother Booker nominee and an interesting tale based around two factual events. However, the middle section involving lizard hunting and shipwreck was far too long for me and the shipwreck in particular needs a strong stomach to get through!
Having said that it was a gripping tale and an almost upbeat ending! 7/10
The Last 100 Days
by Patrick McGuinness
There was an element of nostalgia reading this book having visited Romania during the disctator's regime and having vivid memories of the TV coverage of his final days in 1989. The story is enthralling and I enjoyed it a lot. Not sure I would read it again but definitely worth reading and I liked the dvice of putting the narrator centre stage but at a late enough time to be an outsider looking in. 8/10
Sunday, September 04, 2011
The Sisters Brothers
by Patrick deWitt
This was a very engaging, black comic book. It was one of those books where I would like to ask the author why he wrote it in the first place. It is basically about two brothers who go out and play cowboys and then go home to mum. Why would you write that book? Why would it make the Booker longlist. I do not know but I am glad he did and glad it did. 8/10
The Sense of an Ending
by Julian Barnes
A short novel of 150 pages but none the less compelling for all that. All the way through the book the narrator was being told he did not understand and even when made clear at the end it took me a while to understand. This was great story telling and I would give it the Booker now so that probably means it won't make the shortlist! Still a good book though 8/10
The Stranger's Child
by Alan Hollinghurst
This is a fascinating book with its wide sweep of twentieth century Britain and the effects of a gay war poets relationships with a Cambridge friend and his sister on their immediate families and those who came after. It works best in the early parts of the book I felt but all in all, and to use a technical term, it was lush! 8/10
Saturday, August 13, 2011
An Uncertain Place
by Fred Vargas
Another enjoyable crime novel with Adamsberg. If I say it involves chasing vampires it would give the wrong idea. It is a search for a serial killer very firmly set in the modern day, but it still has the delightful quirkiness which is so attractive in this series. This one was slightly off the pace of some of the others I have read 7/10
Another enjoyable crime novel with Adamsberg. If I say it involves chasing vampires it would give the wrong idea. It is a search for a serial killer very firmly set in the modern day, but it still has the delightful quirkiness which is so attractive in this series. This one was slightly off the pace of some of the others I have read 7/10
Beyond Suspicion
by Tanguy Viel
A short thriller translated from french. It was very well written and could easily be read at one sitting. Mind you, I hated the ending 7/10
A short thriller translated from french. It was very well written and could easily be read at one sitting. Mind you, I hated the ending 7/10
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