Books
by Benjamin Wood
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Seascraper |
A Booker Prize contender, this short novel tells the story of a young man trapped in a life of trawling for shrimps along the sea shore but dreaming of courting a local girl and performing at the folk club. A stranger appears to offer him the glamour of film making but all is not quite as it seems. A hard, traditional life on a bleak and dangerous northern sea shore is vividly depicted and makes the story well worth reading but I found the account of the sudden possible means of escape a little perfunctory and not totally convincing.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 120 Spring 2026) |
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The Bellwether Revivals |
A masterpiece of psychological suspense says the cover. It sounded promising - and it had been shortlisted for the Costa. Indeed it was an intriguing read, exploring interesting ideas around music, genius and the concept of hope. Owing much to Donna Tartt's The Secret History, it is much less drawn out and the climax is truly dramatic and unexpected. I would recommend it as something a bit different. Intelligent writing.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 71 Winter 2014) |
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