Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson, Book Review
In Started Early, Took My Dog Kate Atkinson has plumbed literary depths uncommon in the mystery and crime-detective genre.
Literature
ANTHEM by Ayn Rand, Review: Moving anthem for individualism
Rand’s Anthem is a short but moving exploration of the power of the words ‘we’ and ‘I’. It shows how taken to the extreme on mass each of these words can evoke singlemindness leading to oppression that could prove disastrous to mankind.
THE BROKEN TEAGLASS by Emily Arsenault, Review: Literary mystery
The Broken Teaglass mystery is cleverly constructed. Debut author Emily Arsenault has taken care to develop her ensemble cast of characters slowly, creating tension and gradually revealing depth in unexpected places.
Of Love and Shadows by Isabel Allende, Review: Courage & passion
Of Love and Shadows Book Review: Isabel Allende’s memorable novel switches from heart-stopping action to magical moments of reflection.
Book Review – SKIPPY DIES by Paul Murray
Paul Murray had attempted to explore so many deep concepts in Skippy Dies and I’m just not sure he quite pulls it off. Although undeniably impressive, the goal may perhaps have been a tad lofty?
This novel operates on many levels, many of them in very dark places of the human psyche. Everything is put under the microscope — the themes of ‘coming of age’, differences between men and women, right and wrong (ethics), perception versus reality, love versus dependence….. with an undercurrent of existentialism.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson, Review: Heartwarming
Heartwarming, charming and funny – a beautiful love story for all ages.
Helen Simonson’s debut novel Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand is one of the most uplifting and rewarding romance novels I’ve read in years.
A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif: Literary treat
There is so much packed into this novel that I won’t even try to explain the plot line because I wouldn’t do it justice. Suffice to say this darkly satirical novel was a pleasure to listen to. Narrator Paul Bhattacharjee’s delivery finds just the right balance – playing up the deadpan and ironic humour to great effect while reserving a poignance for elements intended as deeper social commentary.
RHUBARB by Craig Silvey, Book Review: Strikingly original
Rhubarb is one of the most original novels I have read in some time. As with many debut novels, it is evident this story had percolated in Craig Silvey’s mind for some time before putting pen to paper. It is very ambitious.
Rebecca, Book Review: Daphne Du Maurier’s iconic gothic novel
Rebecca (a Novel) by Daphne du Maurier is the iconic story of a young woman consumed by love and struggling to find her identity, spawning several movie/TV adaptations.
DREAMS OF SPEAKING by Gail Jones, Book Review
In Dreams of Speaking Gail Jones casts a spell of introspection, unbridled honesty and intelligence.
I found myself mesmerised not only by the story of Alice and Mr Sakamoto, but by Gail Jones’ mastery of language. It is not simply that the prose is a treasure trove for word lovers, it is the gloriously descriptive and refreshing, thought-provoking observations that I was continually impressed by. Jones sets a scene and a mood in a way that kept me wanting more.
ROOM by Emma Donoghue, Book Review
In Room, Emma Donoghue has captured the uncompromising honesty and optimistic curiosity that exists only in the mind of a child.
On a broader level, this is a story about having clarity of purpose and the things people can endure when they have that. To that end, this book has the power to shape thinking.
BELLWETHER by Connie Willis, Book Review: Charm & ingenuity
Connie Willis’s short novel Bellwether is a wonderfully intelligent romantic comedy.
Researchers Dr Sandra Foster and Dr Bennett O’Reilly, with specialties in fad/trend analysis and chaos theory respectively find themselves thrown together in the chaotic and fad driven HiTek Corporation. They are your classic fish out of water. Add to this melting pot an infuriating admin assistant (sorry, interdepartmental communications liaison), a 60+ page simplified grant funding application form and a flock of sheep and you have ample fodder for comedic moments.
ONE DAY by David Nicholls | Book, Movie & TV Series Review: Depth & compassion
One Day by David Nicholls oozes humour, depth and compassion. Why I recommend the audiobook, consider the movie a poor substitute but love the TV series also.
Has a novel ever made you laugh and want to cry at the same time? One Day did that to me.
Nicholls forces us to fall in love with his lead characters, Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, as we check in with them each year on the anniversary of their first liaison. How can one not feel a connection to these characters when they think the same things we have all thought? How can one not feel empathy for these hapless individuals when we have all made similar mistakes in our own lives?
ALL OUR WORLDLY GOODS by Irene Nemirovsky, Book Review
Irene Nemirovsky’s novel All Our Worldly Goods reminds us that even in the darkest of times, where this is a will there is a way.
There is a very appealing undertone of revolutionary zeal in Nemirovsky’s All Our Worldly Goods.
We follow the characters on their life journey in a tug-of-war between hope and obligation, through shocking loss and moments of joy. This novel explores love in its many forms, and ultimately the inspiration and steely determination that emotion can provide.
Book Review – MUSIC OF CHANCE by Paul Auster
Paul Auster’s Music of Chance is a story of both absurdity and intensity that will keep you guessing.
Add together two screw-ups, Nashe and Pozzi, chancing their luck at a game of poker with two eccentric millionaires, Flower and Stone, who just happen to want to build a stone wall in a field on their estate and you have the basic plot of Auster’s Music of Chance. Although this is the first title of Auster’s I have read, I think it is probably safe for me to say that Auster’s bizarre plots are merely vehicles through which much deeper stories are told.
Book Review – THE FINANCIAL LIVES OF THE POETS by Jess Walter
Jess Walter’s novel The Financial Lives of the Poets is a refreshingly real and humourous look at the financial crisis and the trouble we thinking beings can get ourselves into.
