bwl 92 - Spring 2019
Fiction
| Isaac Asimov - Foundation
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| Psychohistory, the mathematics of predicting the future of human actions, has calculated the fall of the Galactic Empire. Its creator, Hari Seldon, resolves to limit the destruction by creating a Foundation - ostensibly to preserve the knowledge of humanity. Excellent in its own right, this short book also sets the scene for the legendary series that follows. Epic in concept and scale, this is one of the great science fiction tales. (Kate Ellis)
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| Sebastian Barry - On Canaan's Side
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| Lost and mourning her grandson the elderly Lilly reviews her long life set against the background of events in Ireland and America from WW I until Iraq. The narrative unfolds at a measured pace, the prose beautiful, the characters compelling and the sense of place and time vividly depicted. Overcoming every hardship and loss Lilly is a survivor until the aftermath of war finally overwhelms her. (Sue Pratt)
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| Peter Carey - A Long Way from Home
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| To put their car dealership on the map Irene and Titch join the hair-raising, vividly described Redex Round-Australia Car Trials, taking neighbour Willie as navigator. Multi-layered sub-plots include Titch's outrageous father and, crucially, Willie's background. With the discovery of a child's skull by the roadside Carey deviates into an exploration of the white settlers' treatment of Aborigines, and Willie's history. Mostly a delightful romp, Carey evidently also felt the need to face a painful historic reality. Decidedly engaging. (Annabel Bedini)
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| Patrick deWitt - The Sisters Brothers
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| Mid-19th century USA: two brothers, hired killers, pursue their target from Oregon to San Francisco. Here they get caught up in the California Gold Rush and an ambivalent relationship with their resourceful target. A compelling story takes them through frontier lowlife, their natural milieu, and reaches a dramatic conclusion which fundamentally affects their relationship. By turns funny, sad and eventful, it's recently emerged as a well-reviewed movie. You don't need to be a western fan to enjoy this entertaining read. (Tony Pratt)
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| Sebastian Faulks - Paris Echo
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| Hannah - an American in Paris researching the lives of women under Nazi occupation - befriends runaway Tariq, a Moroccan teenager, who she takes in as her unlikely lodger. Both become haunted by the stories she unearths but those stories are overshadowed by too much present-day minutiae about Paris, especially Tariq's fascination with the Metro. I kept wondering whether he ever changed his clothes and who did the washing. (Jenny Baker)
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| Shirley Jackson - We Have Always Lived in the Castle
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| Merricat is desperate to sustain the fragile little world she shares with her sister Constance and invalid Uncle Julian, hiding from hostile neighbours. Food, routine, family heirlooms and Jonas the Cat frame Merricat's life and, when grasping Cousin Charles intrudes, she is forced to 'make things happen'. The consequences bring more destruction; the real world comes crashing in, but still the sisters are determined to 'live on the moon'. Unsettling but fascinating too. I longed to know more about their early years! (Victoria Grey-Edwards)
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| Robin Jenkins - The Changeling
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| The 1950's story of a well-meaning but naive Glasgow schoolmaster who takes a talented slum pupil, already embarked on a life of petty crime, on a family summer holiday to the west coast of Scotland. The families of the teacher and boy react in different ways with a lasting impact on both the teacher's family and the boy himself. It all comes to a dramatic conclusion. The shifting dynamics are subtly portrayed in an absolutely cracking story. (Tony Pratt)
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| Graeme Macrae Burnet - His Bloody Project
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| Jenny was quite right (bwl 84) the cover blurb is spot on. A deceptively easy read which takes you back through personal accounts of the bleak events leading to three gruesome murders. It seems each character has in some way been condemned by their poverty- stricken rural existence or is there something more which leads young Roddy to commit such horrible acts? A tragic and captivating story where you keep hoping some good will come to pass. (Rebecca Howell)
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| Abir Mukherjee - Smoke and Ashes
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| This the third in the series of novels featuring Captain Sam Wyndham. Set in India as it struggles for independence it is a brilliant evocation of the turbulent times, the ambiguities in attitudes, setting an intriguing murder mystery against a background of political turmoil. Sam Wyndham is an interesting character as he battles opium addiction and his relationship with his Sergeant 'Surrender-not' well drawn. An interesting light on a history that is badly overlooked. (Ferelith Hordon)
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| Graham Norton - Holding
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| Another celebrity jumping on the bandwagon? Maybe, but it's an entertaining murder mystery and worth reading. Normally a quiet village in rural Ireland, Duneen is suddenly the focus of an historic crime when building work uncovers human remains, which local sergeant P J Collins is all set to investigate. He is just one of the wonderful characters that emerge as the story unfolds and secrets are revealed. Funny, sad, poignant - it's the humanity that has stayed with me. (Mary Standing)
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| Michael Ondaatje - Warlight
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| WW II is over, Nathaniel and Rachel abandoned by their parents are left in the care of a mysterious figure known as The Moth and his strange cohort of friends. Are they criminals or something else? What did they do in the war, and how was their mother involved? Years later Nathaniel determines to find out and uncovers a world of mist and shadows, half truths and evasions. Not as mesmerising as The English Patient (bwl 91) but beautifully written. (Jenny Baker)
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| Tim Pears - The Horseman
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| The first of a trilogy about rural life in the West Country just before the WW I. This background has been used many times before but Pears's style of presentation is most unusual and he uses it to great advantage. The story opens with a detailed description of a boy carefully and lovingly grooming a horse. We are gradually introduced to the many other characters who work on the estate until the story slowly emerges. (Judith Peppitt)
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| E Annie Proulx - That Old Ace in the Hole
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| A wonderful rediscovery. The basic plot entails young Bob scouring the Texas Panhandle for sites for hog farms. What we get is a glorious welter of characters, all with their idiosyncratic stories and all dead set against hog farms. As in The Shipping News, landscape - here vast parched distances - and violent weather become characters in their own right. Proulx is a splendid story teller and I chortled from beginning to end. (Annabel Bedini)
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| Robin Robertson - The Long Take
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| The author is a Scottish poet and this novel written in verse and prose is a lyrical reflection on his Canadian protagonist's experiences in WW II and his struggle to adjust to an America riven by political strife under the malign shadow of Senator McCarthy. It is a moving, beautifully written book and one that I urge book lovers to devour . . . (David Graham)
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| Donna Tartt - The Goldfinch
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| Gripping yarn, and much more accessible than her first triumph, The Secret History. (Margaret Teh)
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| Amor Towles - A Gentleman in Moscow
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| It is beautifully written, and lives up to all of the cover endorsements and praise! It is indeed a tale "abundant in humour, history and humanity", while relating the certain material downfall of an unrepentant aristocrat after the Bolshevik Revolution, during which surprising compensations rewarded his resilience and generosity. (Margaret Teh)
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| Marcia Williams - Cloud Boy
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| Marcia Williams is perhaps best known for her lively introductions to Dickens, Shakespeare and the Greek myths, presented to young readers in an engaging and accessible comic style format. Here she turns her pen to a full length novel and it is very good. Aimed at her usual audience 8+ - Harry Christmas and Angie Moon have been best friends forever - but Harry is not well...how dare he be! Told as a diary by Angie this is lively, accessible, sad and funny. Perfect. (Ferelith Hordon)
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| Carlos Ruiz Zafón - The Labyrinth of the Spirits
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| If you're a Zafon fan, you won't need urging to read this fourth book in his series centred around the Cemetery of Forgotten Books (see previous bwls). They can be read in any order but really you should begin with The Shadow of the Wind which sets the tone of all the others and is in fact the best. Gothic, exuberant, full of twists and turns, it gallops along which is good because it is huge and in hardback very heavy! (Jenny Baker)
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Non-Fiction
| Matthew Beaumont - Night Walking: A Nocturnal History of London
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| There are so many parts of this that I enjoyed, but sadly quite a few I found slightly tedious. The history part I loved, the rules and regulations, assumptions about class and gender, inefficiencies of the nightwatchman all that stuff, great, loved it. But the literary references, the influence of the night on figures such as Blake, DeQuincy and others (excluding Dickens, who really was a night-time Londoner) it almost felt like a separate book. (Clive Yelf)
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| Bill Browder - Red Notice: How I Became Putin's No. 1 Enemy
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| Browder - an American with huge investments in Russia - discovered that a large amount of tax he had paid had been stolen by the Russians. His lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, investigating the case was arrested and murdered by the corrupt police. Divesting himself of his funds, Browder has devoted his life to bringing justice to his slain friend and persuaded Congress to pass The Magnitsky Act which to Putin's fury blacklists the culprits. Browder now lives in London under protection. A riveting account of a corrupt and venal regime. (David Graham)
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| Alan Bullock - Hitler: A Study in Tyranny
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| This 1952 work was for a long time considered the definitive biography of the architect of the Third Reich. Many historians have revisited the subject but few have matched its rawness, originality and awful power to shock. Why should one read this again now? Fearfully, we are witnessing signs of returning to nationalism in Europe (and elsewhere). It was Churchill who famously said "Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it." (Jeremy Miller)
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| Tim Butcher - Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart
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| In 2004 Butcher set out alone with a rucksack and with dollars hidden in his shoe to retrace H M Stanley's travels along the Congo basin. Warned before and during his journey of warring factions, cannibalism, lack of roads, transport, infrastructure etc., he was constantly afraid and frequently at risk. A brilliant examination of the troubled history and exploitation of the country by a brave, compassionate journalist who knows how to listen. Couldn't put it down - you feel as though you are there with him. (Lynda Johnson)
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| Christopher Clark - Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Downfall of Prussia 1600-1947
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| This is a somewhat academic account of a state that for good or ill has dominated European and world politics for centuries. Nevertheless, it is always readable and often utterly spellbinding. Where it works best is in the painstaking description of the advent of the Hohenzollerns from relative obscurity which in turn help to explain and give context to the exploits of a series of brilliant leaders, most notably, Frederick the Great and Bismarck. (Jeremy Miller)
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| Norman Davies - Vanished Kingdoms: The History of Half-forgotten Europe
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| Europe was littered with kingdoms, empires, duchies and republics many of which have now disappeared. Most are forgotten: some may linger on in distant memories of, say, pre-Bismarck 'Germania' or pre-Roman Italy. But who remembers Tolosa, Alt Clud, Sabaudia and Tsernagora? Eminent historian, Norman Davies, reminds us that our understanding of European history in terms of present-day countries can only be imperfect if we forget their fissiparous past existences. Altogether, an enchanting and romantic read. (Jeremy Miller)
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| James Delbourgo - Collecting the World: The Life and Curiosities of Hans Sloane
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| People tend to forget Sir Hans Sloane whose collection when purchased by the British nation courtesy of Public Lottery leads to the creation of the British Museum. He becomes confused with Sir John Soane whose house and museum is round the corner. No longer now that there is this excellent biography which takes us through his long life warts and all. Erudite, absorbing and easy to read. Highly recommended. (Ferelith Hordon)
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| Edith Eger - The Choice
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| Probably the most powerful book I have ever read! Aged sixteen, the author entered Auschwitz; when it was liberated she was found, left for dead and with a broken back, in a pile of bodies. The book is not a memoir of horror but of hope and of the choices we have that nothing and no one can take from us. It is beautifully written and its message is central to all people throughout their lives. Aged 90 and a Psychologist she is still working on herself and others. Read and re-read. (Lynda Johnson)
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| Stephen Hawkins - Brief Answers to Big Questions
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And they certainly are Big - from Black Holes, the Big Bang, little green men on Mars, the existence of God - yet Hawkin's exquisitely written brief answers made a non-scientist like me feel, after several readings, that I had a glimmer of understanding of our place in the Universe. I not only recommend it but feel it should be essential reading for anyone who has ever wondered Why . . . ? Read it! You'll be very glad you did. Good luck!
As I write this, the first photographs of a black hole have been published
(James Baker)
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| Peter Hopkins - Quest for Kim: In Search of Kipling's Great Game
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| I've never read Kipling's novel 'Kim', which you might think would be a problem when it comes to reading a work that sets out to visit the places and retrace the routes contained in the novel. Strangely enough it isn't as the author follows the story through the country, historical events and the colourful characters, providing just enough of each to keep the reader fascinated and intrigued. Expect a review of Kim itself next issue! (Clive Yelf)
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| Wendy Jones - Grayson Perry: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl
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| The basis of the book was a series of recordings made by the author well before Perry's Turner Prize, but it was this event that presumably made it publishable. Which is undoubtedly 'a good thing' as the account of his childhood and youth, his struggles with difficult family dynamics, his transvestism and emerging sexuality as well as his complex and rich imaginative world make for a very readable and honest account of his formative years. (Clive Yelf)
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| Michael A Kushner - A Journey to Station X: The Story of Bletchley Park
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| Before 1980 very few people knew of Bletchley Park's existence and the important part it played during WWII. The Government's ultra top secret code breaking establishment, known as Station X, was hidden here employing some of Britain's top brains to develop the equipment that would break the German secret codes. This account takes us from events regarding signals intelligence, up to, and throughout the war. (Shirley Williams)
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| Hollie McNish - Nobody Told Me
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| This collection of poems and diary entries follows McNish's journey from an unexpected pregnancy through the birth and first three years of her daughter's life. Raw, unpolished and most definitely unflinching, it covers all the things that, as a new mum, you think but might never say. From breastfeeding in public to the struggles of looking after this tiny new life, the poems made me cry with joy, ache with sadness and smile with recognition. (Kate Ellis)
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| Wendy Mitchell - Somebody I Used to Know
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| At 58 this lady began to suffer from dementia and this remarkable memoir details her journey. Its insight is both frank and humbling. Supported by her two devoted daughters she tells her story without an ounce of self pity. Out of a visitation of a cruel fate this book is testament to courage and will to survive. (David Graham)
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| Jan Morris - Conundrum
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| From the age of 4 a little boy called James felt he was really a girl. This dilemma dogged his life through childhood, adolescence, a career as a successful journalist and writer, marriage and fatherhood. In this revealing memoir, published in 1974, we follow Morris's 10-year journey changing from male to female. The need and determination is palpable but one question remains: Is gender absolutely paramount in defining who we are? Freud, of course, would say, Yes! (Jenny Baker)
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| George Morton-Jack - The Indian Empire at War: From Jihad to Victory, the Untold Story of the Indian Army in the First World War
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| British India's great contribution to WW I has been neglected. Theirs was a global war from the mud of Flanders, the steaming jungles of Africa to the baking deserts of the Islamic World. Brilliant and thought provoking with unpublished Veteran interviews. At times quite horrifying at the way they were treated, but also how they hoped for new independence for India. (Shirley Williams)
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| Michelle Obama - Becoming
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| A well written, candid autobiography of her childhood and early life, leading up to meeting, falling in love and marrying Barack Obama. When he is elected President, she gives a compelling insight into life in the White House, outlining the juggling act that's needed to give her children, while living in the public eye, as normal a life as possible. No doubt is left about their deep, abiding love and mutual respect. (Polly Sams Plant)
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| Grayson Perry - Playing to the Gallery
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| I'm assuming that this book is the printed version of the author's 2013 Reith lectures. Or possibly the other way round. In either case the 'outsider, now insider' explanation of how the art world works is light in touch, very readable, copiously (and brightly) illustrated and conversational in style, whilst still making serious points. For example on when is a photograph 'art'? Generally when it's bigger than two metres and priced higher than five figures. (Clive Yelf)
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| Roland Philipps - A Spy Named Orphan: The enigma of Donald McClean
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| McClean had a brilliant mind and was a top trusted official at the Foreign Office. Or so it appeared. Actually he was a Communist who betrayed his country not to some form of ideal state but to a dictatorship under monster and mass murderer - Joseph Stalin. McClean did great damage to the West. Realising the game was up he was exfiltrated to Russia with Guy Burgess. To assuage his guilt he drowned himself in alcohol. I can think of nothing good to say about him. A beautifully written and researched biography. (David Graham)
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| Bart van Es - The Cut Out Girl: A Story of War and Family, Lost and Found
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The author seeks to discover the truth about the unexplained rift between his family and the Jewish girl, Lien, fostered by his grandparents during and after the WWII. It is about holocaust survival, Dutch resistance and collaboration, as well as how a childhood spent hiding your identity may define your life. The conversations between the author and Lien lead to understanding, reconciliation and shared affection. The writing is sensitive, gentle and non-judgmental. A worthwhile read.
(This won the Costa 2018 Biography award and the Costa Book of the Year 2018) (Christine Miller)
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| Tara Westover - Educated
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| Born into a cult - her father a fanatic, her brother violent - Wilcox had no schooling but worked in her father's Wreaking Yard. She managed by a heroic effort to get an education. In her first class the Holocaust was mentioned and she had no idea what it was. Her dormant brain then came to life and academically she triumphed, ending with a Cambridge Ph.D. This memoir is also a testament to the triumph of the human spirit against almost impossible odds. I cannot recommend it highly enough. (David Graham)
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The Only Story by Julian Barnes
Like Denise who reviewed it in bwl 88, I greatly enjoyed this book. Barnes is such a good writer, this time on the nature of love, and hits the nail on the head time and again. I did have one major reservation though. The central relationship never really comes alive for me. One has to accept that they are in love rather than feel it happening. It is all rather detached and I have to say, dead from the neck down. The fact that love can transcend a thirty year age gap is part of the point but the principals don't seem to give this any real attention which I find difficult to credit. (Tony Pratt)
This is a wonderful novel by a master craftsman. About the love of a young man for an older woman. It ends in tragedy but it is beautifully written in luminous prose. (David Graham)
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