|
Feast by Nigella Lawson |
This is more than a cookery book. It is a series of feasts for just about any event. Nigella writes about food and occasion in a charming and unpretentious way. Chocolate cake lovers will pay great attention to the 'Chocolate Cake Hall of Fame' chapter. A sumptuous book!
(bwl 27 December 2004) |
|
|
Hegemony or Survival - America's Quest for Global Dominanc by Noam Chomsky |
Chomsky provides a detailed interpretation of the history of American foreign policy right through to the events leading to the War in Iraq. He argues that the US pursuit for global dominance will be at any cost, which makes his predictions alarming, to say the least. A fascinating read for all those interested in American foreign policy.
(bwl 27 December 2004) |
|
|
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro |
Klara is a robot with depth. She is an AF, an Artificial Friend, whose existence is to keep companionship to Josie, a very ill young girl. As the story unfolds we learn why AFs are necessary to be companions to the children of the world. Klara is the narrator of this story and her observations of life and what it is to be human is what makes this novel. It reminded me of his other dystopian science fiction work Never Let Me Go.
(bwl 100 Spring 2021) |
|
|
Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson |
This is the story of Trond, a 67 year old man who moves to a remote area of Norway in his quest for solitude. A chance encounter causes him to reflect on traumatic events during his childhood. Per Petterson's descriptions of the Norwegian landscape have a dreamlike quality. He unwinds this intriguing story with simple elegance yet with great depth.
(bwl 44 February 2008) |
|
|
Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik |
Adam Gopnik, writer for the 'New Yorker', provides a memoir of his five years spent in Paris; from the often exasperating and amusing 'red tape' to the endearing moments spent with his young son, Luke. Gopnik skillfully examines the 'pulling of two worlds' that can afflict those of us who choose to live 'abroad'.
(bwl 20 September 2003) |
|
|
Star of the Sea by Joseph O'Connor |
The story is set during the Irish famine. The Star of the Sea has left Ireland and is heading towards the American shores. As the journey unfolds we learn more about the passengers and the lives that they have left behind. O'Connor's writing is exquisite, he creates such believable characters and writes in an almost Dickensian style yet with the pace of a modern day novel. Beautiful writing.
(bwl 28 February 2005) |
|
|
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton |
This gentle book explores our motivations to travel. The author includes some reflections from his own travels as well as writings from Baudelaire and Wordsworth, among others. Exploring the ennui that overcomes us at times in the most beautiful of places and, in contrast, the sublime moments that we recall once back to normality. Mixed with poetry, prints, and fragments of faraway places, it is a charming and thought-provoking read.
(bwl 16 December 2002) |
|
|
The Complete Patrick Melrose Novels by Edward St. Aubyn |
A monumental volume of 5 books that take us into the life of Patrick Melrose. Edward St Aubyn's writing is startlingly brilliant, crisp and deeply human. The first book in the series Never Mind is unlike the four others as it centres on the indulgent life of Patrick's aristocratic father and wealthy American mother and their friends. It is in their South of France family villa where we meet Patrick as a young boy. As he scrambles around this idyllic landscape we slowly discover that the unsettling feeling that creeps through the pages is in fact his father darkly looming over his innocence. This semi-autobiographical novel is of abuse and neglect.We take a leap in the second novel Bad News as Patrick is now a young man who numbs his childhood pain with alcohol and a cornucopia of drugs. I was enthralled by all of the books in the series though felt this second one was his finest. St Aubyn's description of the drug fuelled scenes are, at times, hilarious, and at others deeply sad. The three books to follow, Some Hope, Mother's Milk and At Last take us through Patrick's journey of addiction, philandering and ultimately on a path to recovery. Beneath the snobbery and cutting remarks is a wounded child trying to make sense of it all. I was so entranced by the character Patrick Melrose that I kept putting off reading the final pages. I didn't want to let this character go!While it is a profoundly disturbing subject, St Aubyn delivers dark humour at its finest. Patrick is quick-witted and achingly funny. The books have been made into a television series with Benedict Cumberbatch playing Patrick Melrose. I expect Cumberbatch will do a sterling job though I would encourage anyone to read the books before watching it on the box. It is just too good.
Editor's Note: The Sky TV series is now out on DVD - and yes Cumberbatch is perfect casting.
(bwl 89 Summer 2018) |
|
|
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen |
A book that has caused much hype being labelled by some as the great American novel. Franzen draws the reader into the relationship dynamics of the Lambert family. A dysfunctional family with all the neuroses modern life can provide. Cleverly written and amusing although Franzen gets too complex in some passages for his own good. Perhaps not a masterpiece but certainly a grand achievement capturing the stark reality of American society today.
(bwl 13 April 2002) |
|
|
The Last Time They Met by Anita Shreve |
This is a plausible tale of intermittent passion and constant love told without sentimentality. Anita Shreve's descriptive powers shine in the portion set in Kenya, her economy of words immediately transports you to the baked earth and blazing colours. All temperatures soar as Tom and Linda meet after having lived separate married lives for some time. The temptation to resist each other is absurd. An intelligent romance with the sumptuousness of an over ripe mango.
(bwl 11 October 2001) |
|
|
The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage |
Set in the wide landscape of 1920's Montana, two brothers - strikingly different, complex and multi-dimensional - run their sprawling cattle ranch. Everyday life is forever changed when one brings home his new bride - a widow and her son. The character studies of these flawed invidivuals are as compelling as the story itself. A quiet, underlying thread of sexual repression is just one of the many themes. Savage's evocative descriptions of textures of place linger in the mind. It's a powerful novel.
(bwl 103 Winter 2022) |
|
