Reviews of Books
Posted in Fiction - Light, Recommended on Oct 31st, 2011
This book seemed to be everywhere for a while and that kind of popularity always puts me off. I’m sure it won’t live up to it’s reputation. However, several friends read it and loved it and I ran out of things to read on holiday (horrifying thought) so I decided to read The Help and despite [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light, Recommended on Oct 18th, 2011
This novel was recommended on a blog I read (possibly this one). I didn’t know anything about it, but reserved if from the library – there was quite a queue. Here’s the description … In the opening pages of Jamie Ford’s stunning debut novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Henry Lee comes [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light, Recommended on Oct 12th, 2011
As it is school holidays, reading is happening, but thinking and writing is not. I read a review of The Best of Everything here and was intrigued, Luckily I could get a copy for my Kindle (have I said how much I love my Kindle?). This novel is Mad Men from the girls’ perspective, although [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light, Recommended on Sep 23rd, 2011
We read The Good Mayor and really enjoyed it (I don’t think I blogged about it.) Here is the blurb … Luciano Hernando Valdez is his Latin American nation’s most celebrated novelist and he’s suffering from writer’s block. So far his latest great work comprises the words ‘The scrawny yellow cat crossed the road’. He’s tried [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light on Jun 9th, 2011
I found this novel in Target for $6, so obviously had to buy it. I’m always slightly concerned about this type of novel – contemporary takes on a classic, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s not a re-telling, prequel or sequel, but rather a modern novel about a Bronte academic – the [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light on May 11th, 2011
I’ve been having a bit of a Maggie O’Farrell festival. Here is the blurb for The Distance Between Us Stella has fled London to confront the childhood secret which has marked her life. A set of tragic circumstances and a hasty marriage bring Jake from Hong Kong to Britain, where he embarks upon a quest [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light, Recommended on May 5th, 2011
I was sent this novel to review (how exciting!). Here’s the blurb … Friends forever. Then he came along … Bea’s contending with a new boss, power-hungry colleagues and a stroppy teen-aged son, not to mention the anxieties of returning to the dating game. Stressed-out Kate is coping with an empty nest and the growing [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light on Apr 19th, 2011
I wasn’t sure about reading this novel, but I think it is important to at least try to read books recommended (or suggested) by other book club members. I thought the writing style was simple and that enhanced the message – I’m sure with this subject matter there is a temptation to be sweet or [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light on Apr 12th, 2011
On a much lighter note than yesterday’s post, I’ve read Katie Fforde’s latest offering. I’ve been a big fan since reading The Rose Revived years ago. However, I’ve been disappointed with the last few novels. This one, to my mind at least, marks a return to form. Not quite as good as the early novels, [...]
Posted in Fiction - Light on Mar 1st, 2011
I find it quite hard to categorize this book. On the one hand it is full of interesting historical detail and on the other it descends into a ‘mills and boon’ style romance. Having said that I found it a compelling read and I read it very quickly and I’m sure I will read the [...]