Books reviewed by Lucy Childs
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On Beauty by Zadie Smith |
Set in Boston, this is a delectable view of interracial marriage, academia and the sheer humanity of betrayal and forgiveness. It's astonishing this author is so young but so flawless in depicting middle age. Howard and the glorious Kiki struggle in their failing marriage only to find that Howard's nemesis, the conservative Dr. Kipps, has arrived on campus. Affairs, violent disagreements about art, sex and race abound in this wonderful story about relationships and identity.
Winner of the 2006 Orange prize for fiction
(bwl 33 February 2006) |
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The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J Maarten Troost |
Troost, a fairly aimless ex-graduate student, accompanies his wife to a remote South Pacific island in order for her to fill a nebulous government posting. His experiences in this middle of nowhere are hilarious. Troost describes the stifling heat, the lack of modern conveniences and the bizarre inhabitants beautifully. A treasure, perfect for a summer read, this delightful memoir is just out in the States. No doubt British publication will follow, so be on the lookout*.
*Editor's note: British publication date: 5 July 2004
(bwl 24 June 2004) |
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The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski |
One of the finest novels I have read. A new and intelligent twist on Hamlet. Edgar, born inexplicably mute but communicating with his own sign language, lives an idyllic life in Wisconsin with his beloved parents who breed rare dogs, unique nearly human animals . . . but then Edgar's uncle returns mysteriously and their lives are transformed. Beautifully written, the author communicates a dog's innermost feelings as brilliantly as he tells us of our own.
(bwl 47 September 2008) |
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Utterly Monkey by Nick Laird |
This first novel by Zadie Smith's husband is an engaging and very hip story about a hapless Northern Irish lawyer living in London. When an old friend from home arrives unexpectedly, he is unwillingly involved in a dangerous (but hilarious) plot involving a Loyalist Militiaman from Ulster. In the end, the truth about an old secret is revealed, and with it, Danny turns his miserable life around. A truly memorable debut - witty, gritty and smart.
(bwl 33 February 2006) |
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Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel |
I cannot recommend this novel highly enough! It's tough going at first (Mantel does not identify pronouns throughout, for instance). It's the complex, beautifully researched and executed story of Thomas Cromwell and his relationship with Henry VIII. Contrary to so many accounts of Henry's reign, imagine that Cromwell is the hero of sorts and Sir Thomas More an egotistical fanatic. Mantel's Anne Boleyn is peevish, controlling and fascinating. Absorbing and brilliant.
(bwl 55 Winter 2010) |
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