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A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler |
For Anne Tyler's apparently final novel she has created the wonderful Whitshank family from Baltimore. Just an ordinary family saga? Maybe, but in Tyler's hands they seem 'extraordinary'. The family house takes centre stage, with all the comings and goings over three generations, subtle and not so subtle interplays between grandparents, parents and children. It doesn't need dramatic plot, reading her is pure therapy. Highly recommended.
(bwl 78 Autumn 2015) |
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Admissions: A Life in Brain Surgery by Henry Marsh |
In this follow up to his previous memoir Do No Harm (bwl 75), Henry Marsh reflects further on his life as a neurosurgeon. Retiring from the NHS but continuing occasional support work in Nepal and the Ukraine, he faces up to what all these experiences have taught him about life and death. Almost as fascinating is his new passion - renovating a derelict cottage on the canal near Oxford to use as a woodworking workshop. A man of great skill and compassion, who writes with much humanity and refreshing honesty.
(bwl 86 Autumn 2017) |
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Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada |
A deeply disturbing and chilling book, taking place in Berlin during WW2, it tells the stories of ordinary, working city dwellers living under the Nazi regime. Neighbours suspicious of each other and strangers, lives turned upside down. One couple, originally Nazi sympathisers, become totally disillusioned after their soldier son is killed, and decide to 'quietly rebel' inevitably leading to their own demise. The 'Afterword' reveals what led Hans Fallada to write this extraordinary novel.
(bwl 70 Autumn 2013) |
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Beyond the Blue Mountains by Penelope Lively |
A collection of fourteen short stories with very different subject matters, but a humorous humanity links them all. I particularly liked the title story, along with 'The Butterfly and The Tin of Paint' and 'Crumbs of Wisdom'. Lively can speak volumes in very few words. Perfect as a light summer read, and small enough to pop in a pocket. As three of the stories have a distinct seasonal theme (Christmas), perhaps a suitable stocking filler?
(bwl 52 July 2009) |
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Bilgewater by Jane Gardam |
"Not a wasted word", one comment made during discussion of this gem at my book group. Marigold Green is growing up in a boys' boarding school where her father is a house master. She is nicknamed Bilgewater by the boys ('Bill's daughter'). Perfectly captures the agonies suffered by an adolescent who feels she doesn't fit in. Originally written as children's fiction but now classified as adult. Captures the atmosphere of 1950's England. Poignant and very funny.
(bwl 49 January 2009) |
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Cousins by Salley Vickers |
The story revolves around three generations of the Tye family. A terrible accident to student Will at the beginning brings everyone together to deal with the aftermath, then family secrets emerge as the story unfolds. Narrated by Will's sister Letta, their grandmother Betsy and aunt Bell, the book deals with some very difficult moral questions and decisions, and several times left me pondering - what would I do in that situation?
(bwl 84 Spring 2017) |
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Diddly Squat by Jeremy Clarkson |
Having always enjoyed Clarkson's newspaper columns for their entertainment value (though not interested in car reviews), I was intrigued when he started writing about the realities of farming in the Cotswolds. His TV programme apparently has a huge following, and the book is a collection of his articles recording a year on his farm, it's trials and tribulations. It's a light amusing read and guaranteed to put any reader off taking up farming in middle age, on a whim!
(bwl 103 Winter 2022) |
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Down the Common by Ann Baer |
With Wolf Hall (bwl 55) and Bring up the Bodies (bwl 65) about to be televised this imagined account of a year in the life of Marion, an ordinary medieval woman, fills in a few gaps by describing a life far removed from the Court of Henry VIII. I found it fascinating, but oh, what a struggle it was to merely survive! Each chapter represents one month, with exquisite pen illustrations by the author.
(bwl 75 Winter 2015) |
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Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk |
A strange book - (a translation). Janina Duszejko, an eccentric loner and nature lover, looks after holiday homes of the Warsaw wealthy in rural Poland. It's a murder mystery with a twist, which she is trying to solve with the aid of her equally reclusive neighbours who she nicknames 'Oddball', 'Dizzy' and (the victim) 'Bigfoot'. She has other obsessions too - astrology and the poems of William Blake (hence the title and chapter headings). A dark story with political undertones!
(bwl 111 Winter 2024) |
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Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey |
Maud thinks her friend Elizabeth is 'missing', but her short-term memory is unreliable and her life is littered with notes written to herself. However her long-term memory is very clear and the unsolved mystery of her missing sister Sukey, seventy years ago, begins to unfold when - while looking for Elizabeth - she finds a piece of broken powder compact in the garden. Narrated by Maud, darkly humorous, clever and very enjoyable.
(bwl 73 Summer 2014) |
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Fludd by Hilary Mantel |
There are some wonderful characters in this satirical book set in a northern parish in the 1950s: the priest who has lost his faith, eccentric nuns, plus supernatural happenings and awakening love amongst strange institutional rituals. The community is shaken by the arrival of a stranger - the very devil himself or an angel and saviour? Absurdly funny yet thought provoking and surprisingly short for Mantel!
(bwl 73 Summer 2014) |
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Four Hedges by Clare Leighton |
This is one of those delightful books that you can pick up and dip into time and time again.For anyone struggling to create a garden in challenging conditions it is inspirational. Clare and her partner moved to the Chilterns in the1930's onto land that had been a meadow, with clay soil on a windy hill.The writing is almost poetic and her own accompanying illustrations exquisite wood engravings.Not an instructional manual - just pure joy!
(bwl 103 Winter 2022) |
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French Braid by Anne Tyler |
She said there wouldn't be another novel - but hooray, another Anne Tyler! As ever it's centred around an ordinary Baltimore family, the Garrett's, and spans three generations. I like the book's structure - chapter 1 is set on 2010, then it goes back to 1959 moving forward to 2020 during the pandemic. Near the end we learn the significance of the title. It's all there - sadness, humour and poignant moments, secrets, slights and misunderstandings. In essence, a family!
(bwl 105 Summer 2022) |
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Going into a Dark House by Jane Gardam |
A collection of short stories written in the 90's with many of the themes relating to end of life. Yet they are by no means depressing, often wickedly funny and richly descriptive. Gardam is able to tell a tale in a few well chosen words that might take another writer an entire novel. My favourite stories are Blue Poppies, Telegony - in three parts - and Bevis which has a final twist that had me saying 'Oh of course, why didn't I spot that'!
(bwl 100 Spring 2021) |
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Holding by Graham Norton |
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.
(bwl 92 Spring 2019) |
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In Cold Blood by Truman Capote |
The story is based on the factual murder of a Kansas farmer and his family in 1959. Capote studied the investigation of the crime, interviewed locals then wrote this fascinating book. A gruesome murder, but compelling reading, richly depicting life in small town America with its characters, and the background of the two young killers. I didn't expect to enjoy reading it, but was immediately hooked.
(bwl 55 Winter 2010) |
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In the Woods by Tana French |
For fans of detective stories this debut novel is a 'must read'. A 12-year old girl's body is found in a wood. Enter detective Rob Ryan and his side-kick Cassie. Rob is a complex character with a secret from his childhood that could be hugely significant on this case. A long book (too long!) but the characters are intriguing and the reader is really drawn in. I felt the ending was unsatisfactory but otherwise a good read for long winter days.
(bwl 87 Winter 2018) |
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Keeping the World Away by Margaret Forster |
A painting by Gwen John. Several women needing space and time to reflect on their lives are strangely affected by this small, quiet picture depicting the corner of a room. The story, spanning a century up to the present day, cleverly connects these women who each encounter the painting in various locations, and experience a deeper understanding of themselves and the significance of a special space. Melancholic yet uplifting.
(bwl 35 July 2006) |
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Last Stories by William Trevor |
Probably because he's Irish William Trevor is a natural storyteller having 'a way with words'. This book is a collection of ten short stories, with no obvious connection to each other and possibly spanning his long career. Written beautifully as always, with his typical insight into the human condition, there is just no need for a long novel as everything necessary is there. Perfect escapism for the extraordinary time that we are living through.
(bwl 96 Spring 2020) |
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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus |
Reviewed in bwl 106 this really is a terrific book, and a first novel by Bonnie Garmus who cleverly makes very wry observations about aspects of life in the 1960's, in an unusual and imaginative story. Don't be put off by the title - it's very readable - funny as well as tragic, with a surprising (if improbable) ending. I loved all the characters - especially the wonderful dog!
(bwl 109 Summer 2023) |
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Longbourn by Jo Baker |
A 'downstairs' version of Pride and Prejudice - focusing on the lives of the servants to the Bennett family. Clever twists and sub-plots link to 'upstairs' - the brutal side of war as experienced by the regular soldiers in comparison with the officers that visit the grand house, and descriptions of the tough life of the ordinary folk maintaining a smooth running household - make this book a light but beautifully crafted read.
(bwl 72 Spring 2014) |
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Love Untold by Ruth Jones |
A writer best known for her TV work, Ruth Jones is a great story teller. Covering four generations of women in South Wales, each chapter is told from one of their viewpoints, going backwards and forwards in time from the 1950's to the present day. It covers sensitively the varied relationships between women, life and death and of course love, tying up a lot of loose threads at the end. It's funny and sad, with a twist that I hadn't guessed - and a happy ending!
(bwl 108 Spring 2020) |
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Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe |
This very entertaining book is an account of the years Nina Stibbe spent working as a nanny to a publisher's family. Set in North London in the 1980s, the material for the book came directly from letters she wrote to her sister who discovered them in a box during a house move years later. Many well-known literary names make appearances - Alan Bennett is a neighbour and regular supper visitor - conversations round the table hilarious, characters delightful.
(bwl 72 Spring 2014) |
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Mrs Sartoris by Elke Schmitter |
Translated from German, this contemporary first novel tells of destructive forces following lost love. Margaret, a passionate woman jilted by her first lover, suffers a mental breakdown, then settles for a secure but boring marriage to Ernst. Some years later she embarks on an affair, and once again is jilted. Her emotions erupt. An unpredictable tragedy follows, entwining her story with that of her daughter's. Cleverly constructed to keep you reading to the end!
(bwl 23 April 2004) |
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My Life in Houses by Margaret Forster |
"My house is like a garret, made to my exact measurements, draped around me in the way I live. I never want it to change."* I love this memoir. Forster uses the various houses she has lived in as a measure of her journey through life. From humble beginnings to a more privileged later life she describes these sanctuaries with an honesty and passion but without sentimentality.
*Not sure where the quote came from, I had jotted it down and it seemed appropriate.
Ed Note: Puzzle: Does anyone know who wrote those words? If so, send us an email!
Mystery solved: Typing error, it should read garment not garret and the quote comes from an article in The Spectator
(bwl 83 Winter 2017) |
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Normal People by Sally Rooney |
A contemporary novel with the timeless theme of two young people falling in love. We follow them from teenagers in a small Irish town, to students at Dublin University. The agony and ecstasy, insecurities and awkwardness as their fascination develops and their very different personalities emerge. At times heartbreaking it is honest and believable. I was left wanting to know how their future lives will unfold, yet somehow knowing that they will always be shaped by the impact of their tender relationship. A young novelist to watch!
(bwl 91 Winter 2019) |
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Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf |
A strange little book, which has since been made into a Netflix film. A very easy read with short chapters and simple language. However, there is no punctuation to indicate dialogue which takes a bit of getting used to. Basically it's a touching love story about two elderly and lonely neighbours (both widowed) in small town America, and raises many questions about friendship and family loyalties. Perfect as a holiday read - (but avoid saying the title out loud quickly to anyone of a sensitive disposition!).
(bwl 89 Summer 2018) |
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Schott's Food and Drink Miscellany by Ben Schott |
A gem of a book! It is packed full of fascinating facts and figures, very quotable quotations, and is great for dipping into and learning something new. So why not celebrate the start of 2004 with a Negroni and a Mojito, but not so much that you Sniff the barmaid's apron.....and may you have a sheaf, a bell and a star in your tea-leaves.
(bwl 22 February 2004) |
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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan |
A short book telling a huge story. Taking the true scandal of the Magdalen Laundries in Ireland as a theme - they were all closed down by 1996 - the story is centred round Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, and takes place just before Xmas 1985. Bill, now married with five daughters, had an unusual upbringing and wants to discover his real father. The writing is so beautiful, simple and lyrical, with an unmistakable soft Irish lilt. I now want to read more Claire Keegan.
(bwl 108 Spring 2023) |
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Summer in February by Jonathan Smith |
This novel is based on the Edwardian artistic community that was set up in Newlyn and Lamorna, Cornwall, and revolves around the painters Harold and Laura Knight and Sir Alfred Munnings. Told from the viewpoint of Gilbert Evans the story covers unrequited love, tragedy, and wonderfully atmospheric descriptions. A great read, especially if you love Cornwall and have an interest in painting. A film has recently been made of the book, and is due out quite soon.
(bwl 68 Spring 2013) |
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The Century Girls: The Final Word from the Women Who've Lived the Past Hundred Years of British History by Tessa Dunlop |
Six women - ordinary yet extraordinary. All have lived 100 years, mostly in Great Britain, and witnessed remarkable changes throughout the 20th century. The idea behind the book had been to celebrate the centenary of 'Votes for Women' in 1918, but ended up as so much more as the vastly different lives of the six unfolded during the many hours that the author spent interviewing them in their own homes. A wonderful historical record and a fascinating and memorable read.
(bwl 88 Spring 2018) |
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The Dark Flood Rises by Margaret Drabble |
I have devoured Margaret Drabble's novels over the years, being almost her contemporary, as she wrote about the stage in life she was experiencing, and now is approaching the finale! The central character is Fran, in her seventies, energetic and refusing to slow down. Lots of colourful characters touch her life with humour and sadness. Although I enjoyed the story I did find it a bit disjointed and rambling (maybe deliberately?) but a must-read for Drabble fans.
(bwl 84 Spring 2017) |
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The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell |
The perfect antidote to the 'quick-click' on Amazon would be to browse the dusty shelves of the Wigtown Bookshop! I haven't been there, but reading this diary is surely the next best thing. Packed full of anecdotes - buying his collections, selling to customers (in the shop and on-line), the eccentric employees, and organising the annual Wigtown Book Festival. It's all a delight - and has been followed by 'Confessions of a Bookseller' and it's rumoured a TV series may follow.
(bwl 95 Winter 2020) |
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The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett |
Easily read in one sitting, this is Alan Bennett at his best. Originally published in 1989 and later included in 'Writing Home' it has since been adapted as a stage play and recently come to a wider audience as a film, both starring Maggie Smith. It tells the true story of the eccentric 'Miss Shepherd' who lived in a van parked in Bennett's drive. Touching, sad, humorous and much more, I found the discoveries made after her death most revealing and poignant.
(bwl 79 Winter 2016) |
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The Memory Box by Margaret Foster |
When she was just six months old Catherine's mother, Susannah, died. Her father remarried and they enjoyed a happy family life. By the time Catherine was in her thirties both her parents were dead and she decided to open the memory box her 'real' mother had left for her, containing a strange collection of wrapped objects which led her on a quest to discover the real Susannah. An intriguing idea for a story that I found both moving and absorbing.
(bwl 101 Summer 2021) |
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The People on Privilege Hill by Jane Gardam |
A collection of 14 short stories - not everyone's cup of tea I know, but these are Gardam at her best exploring life, love and loneliness with her gently mocking humour. The first story features Edward Feathers from her novel 'Old Filth' who now nearly 90 is living out retirement in Dorset. The rest are varied, some very short, often surreal, and I particularly enjoyed the last three. Ideal bedtime or holiday reading!
(bwl 112 Spring 2024) |
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The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver |
A fundamentalist Baptist missionary uproots his family from their American way of life, and deposits them in a primitive African village; the Belgian Congo of the 1950s. Their extraordinary life story unfolding over three decades is told by his wife and four daughters. Their very different personalities reflect on the culture, with political, religious and personal consequences. It is an enthralling epic, touching on every aspect of human existence, endurance and final estrangement.
(bwl 23 April 2004) |
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The Sea Road by Margaret Elphinstone |
Based on Icelandic Sagas of Viking explorations, this fascinating historical novel tells of a life's adventures seen through the eyes of Gudrid, dictating her story to an Icelandic monk in Rome, who translates and writes them down. I struggled with the numerous Icelandic names, but there is a helpful list of characters at the beginning, and a map! Reading it during the December freeze created ambience. A very hard life, a very readable book.
(bwl 59 Winter 2011) |
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The Seven Sisters by Margaret Drabble |
Candida Wilton has few expectations of a new life in London following divorce and estrangement from her daughters. However, a 'windfall' enables her to gather her friends, from different periods of her life, for a journey of discovery to Italy. It's beautifully constructed with wittily observed characters and unexpected, subtle twists, making an altogether excellent read - perhaps not so comfortable for men - the references to whom are superfluous in this journey of 'sisters'.
(bwl 21 November 2003) |
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The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence |
Hagar Shipley, a proud and stubborn 'curmudgeon' of 90 years, reflects on her long life spent on the Western Canadian Prairies. Hard though to empathise with her character - bloody-minded to the end - alienating all those closest to her along the way. I enjoy several Canadian women writers but had not come across Laurence before, I like her style and will seek out more. The stone angel of the title is revealed, physically and metaphorically.
(bwl 83 Winter 2017) |
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The Swimmer by Roma Tearne |
A wide Suffolk sky above a sleepy backwater during an unusually sultry summer, sets the scene to bring together Ria - a poet - and asylum seeker Ben - the swimmer. A story that explores love and loss, tragedy and grief, crossing boundaries of age and culture. Narrated in turn by three women from different generations whose lives are touched, linked and changed forever by the swimmer. Beautifully written and intensely moving.
(bwl 65 Summer 2012) |
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The Tin Can Tree by Anne Tyler |
Janie Rose Pike, aged six, is killed in an accident. The story revolves around the impact this traumatic event has on her immediate and extended family, how each of them cope with grief, guilt and each other. The second of her many novels, not considered one of her best, nevertheless, as a devoted fan of Anne Tyler, it didn't disappoint. The characters - typically sad, funny, eccentric - are wholly believable. Dysfunctional? Probably, but no more so than most families.
(bwl 67 Winter 2013) |
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The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon |
It's the long hot summer of 1976 and in a suburban avenue of an East Midlands town Mrs. Creasy is missing. Ten year old Grace and her friend Tilly decide to try and solve the mystery by visiting residents as 'helpful Brownies' - but first they need to find God, who knows everything, then all should fall into place. Characters emerge, secrets are disclosed, who is a sheep and who a goat? Amusing and entertaining debut novel.
(bwl 80 Spring 2016) |
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The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey |
Jake is 62, a retired architect, now suffering from Alzheimer's. The story is told from his point of view and unreliable memories. Who is real? Did some events actually happen? Confusing enough for the reader to unravel, but not nearly as bewildering as for Jake to try and make sense of his own narrative. It could be a depressing read - it isn't. Harvey's first novel, can't wait to read her second.
(bwl 63 Winter 2011) |
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The Wisdom of Donkeys by Andy Merrifield |
Gribouille is a donkey that accompanies the author on a journey through rural France. Between them they absorb their environment down to the tiniest detail. By travelling at the donkey's pace Merrifield finds the peace and tranquillity that has up to now eluded him, while reflecting on the historic and geographical significance of donkeys. With its touching simplicity this book is a perfect antidote to the modern world.
(bwl 47 September 2008) |
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The Year of the Runaways by Sunjee Sahota |
With immigration such a divisive topic this is an enthralling story about three young men fleeing India to find a better life in England. Recent media coverage of the 1947 India Partition provided some understanding of what led to the desperate risks these boys took travelling, and the often appalling conditions in which they were forced to live after they arrived. A strong sense of loyalty to family, religion and the caste system, plus emotional conflicts that arise from living and working in a different culture.
(bwl 86 Autumn 2017) |
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This is Not About Me by Janice Galloway |
A curious title for a memoir, but by the end it becomes clear. Novelist Janice Galloway recounts her childhood in Ayrshire in the 1950s and 60s. Suffering abuse and lack of love from her adult sister and mother, she copes by being a silent observer. Later she will find her voice writing fiction. Recently published, this first of an intended two-part memoir is chilling, but a very good read, evocative of time and place.
(bwl 49 January 2009) |
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Us by David Nicholls |
In a desperate attempt to save his marriage, research scientist Douglas organises a 'Grand European Tour' for his family - Connie, his artist wife and their 17year old son Albie. Predictably it doesn't go quite according to plan . . . The story unfolds in short chapters, flitting between present and past (confusingly) and I would have liked more of Connie's take on things, but it's engaging, very funny and yet so sad - I really cared about all the characters.
(bwl 77 Summer 2015) |
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Went to London, Took the Dog: The Diary of a 60-Year-Old Runaway by Nina Stibbe |
Having enjoyed 'Love Nina', her first book, I was looking forward to this diary account of a year in the life of Stibbe, but I was disappointed. Returning to London after 20 years from her home in Cornwall, she rents a room in the home of fellow writer Deborah Moggach. Now divorced and her children both students in London, Nina needs a change of scene to write. The resulting diary (though often funny) felt contrived and just didn't work for me.
(bwl 112 Spring 2024) |
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When we were Romans by Matthew Kneale |
Laurence is nine and trying to make sense of his increasingly chaotic world. His mother is suffering mental and marital breakdown and decides to drive to Rome with Laurence and his little sister. Their 'adventures' are narrated by Laurence, who has a fascination with emperors and science, illustrating how powerless we are when faced with events beyond our control. A deeply touching tragedy, but not everyone can cope with the weird spelling and grammar!
(bwl 54 November 2009) |
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Windmill Hill by Lucy Atkins |
A crumbling windmill, two eccentric older women in retreat from their past lives, three indulged dachshunds plus a sprinkling of characters form the the backdrop for this very entertaining story. The narrative is mostly taken from thoughts Astrid has while travelling on a train, with a backstory running alongside - the windmill was inhabited in the 1920's by bohemians (creating local scandals) - and letters found amongst their possessions in the windmill are quoted throughout the book. Haunting, tragic but often funny!
(bwl 110 Autumn 2023) |
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