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A Summer of Drowning by John Burnside |
During the surreal midsummer nights on an Arctic island, the daughter of an enigmatic painter recounts the strange events of a decade before which seem to have shaped her life forever. Thought-provoking, touching on suspicions stemming from contemporary taboos as well as mystic folk tales, the reader is left to contemplate the real nature and impact of the tragedies which unfold. Elegantly written (Burnside is a poet) but nevertheless a page-turner.
Ed's Note: See also review in bwl 64
(bwl 66 Autumn 2012) |
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An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris |
The Dreyfus Affair, the setting for this atmospheric and compelling thriller. The historical accuracy of the infamous miscarriage of justice only adds to the excellence of the story-telling. Our hero is an up and coming army officer, intelligent and patriotic. A man of principle and dedication who himself becomes the victim of the corruption and anti-Semitism of the powerful army elite as he fights to expose the web of deceit within the French Establishment and the cruel injustice of Dreyfus's imprisonment on Devil's Island.
(bwl 78 Autumn 2015) |
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Any Human Heart by William Boyd |
The fictional memoirs of aspiring author Logan Mountstuart, whose story told without the benefit of hindsight, brings to the fore the frailties of the human character and life's unpredictable passage. Set against poignant events in the 20C. you take each twist and turn as simple facts of life. Vividly drawn relationships include real historical characters, which rather than being a cheap nod to celebrity, effectively adds to the vitality of the story. Dare I suggest, a modern classic?
(bwl 63 Winter 2013) |
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Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan |
After a clunky start, the story of 17 year Pino Lella's wartime courage picks up a pace and is a really enjoyable read - a fictionalised true story of epic proportions. Daydreaming of first love, music and adventure, Pino's youthful exhuberance quickly leads him into real danger in Nazi-occupied Milan. Inadvertantly, he becomes a key part of the Italian resistance, first leading Jews through rough Alpine terrain to freedom and then finding himself at the heart of the Nazi organisation.
(bwl 101 Summer 2021) |
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Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors |
I got the impression the author had thought about this book for a long time and thrown everything in it, including love, passion, betrayal, addiction, loneliness, depression, religion, illness and death (by suicide or other). All set in a hedonistic New York where the above issues generally get the better of the 2 main characters (beautiful young artist and successful older ad-man) and their friends as they crash through their lives heading to destruction – or redemption ? A page turner and quite well written but it could almost be satirical as so many stereotypes featured .
(bwl 112 Spring 2024) |
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Dark Matter by Michelle Paver |
When his fellow adventurers are forced to leave their desolate Arctic outpost, Jack battles on alone determined to fulfil the expedition's mission and prove his loyalty. Out of the darkness of the winter sea he is slowly aware of a deep sense of dread invading his daily routine and dominating his existence. An emotional roller coaster, read alone if you dare as the midnight hour approaches - it can't hurt you - all it can do is frighten . . .
(bwl 66 Autumn 2012) |
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Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger |
A ghostly tale, centred around the gothic setting of Highgate Cemetery, which follows the life and after-life of Elspeth, sensitively exploring loss, desire, control and sacrifice through its array of intriguing characters including her lover and her estranged twin's twin daughters who, as a condition of her will, move from America to her London flat. Mystery and suspense build with promise but I was left unconvinced by the sinister elements which come to the fore.
(bwl 61 Summer 2011) |
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His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet |
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.
(bwl 92 Spring 2019) |
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In Siberia by Colin Thubron |
This is a first Thubron travel work for me. I am impressed. His sensitive writing combined with the vast, bleak subject-matter of Siberia gave me a sense of the surreal. A fascinating but largely grim adventure into a post-Soviet wilderness, you feel the huge weight of history and loss hanging over an impoverished and isolated people. I wonder how much has changed now but I am not sure I am brave enough to travel there and find out.
(bwl 75 Winter 2015) |
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Miss Emily by Nuala O'Connor |
We find ourselves in the home of the poet, Emily Dickinson - kind and curious but increasingly isolating herself from her family and the Amherst social scene - she prefers the company of the new maid - tough, outspoken Ada, just-off-the-boat from Dublin, determined to control her rebellious side and to better herself. Both girls face different struggles but we can really believe they find comfort in their growing friendship. The book's lyricism and economy of style allows you to devour it in one sitting.
(bwl 80 Spring 2016) |
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Music for Torching by A M Homes |
Provocative and unsettling. Paul and Elaine are stuck, increasingly dissatisfied with each other and their comfortable suburban existence. A claustrophobic and desolate tale of disintegration - of their marriage, their home and states of mind. Brutal, depraved, darkly comic and almost ridiculous in parts, their desperation builds. I felt a sense of foreboding throughout and almost relief when the end comes.
(bwl 69 Summer 2013) |
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Netherland by Joseph O'Neill |
A cricket-playing Dutchman abandoned by his wife to their temporary apartment in The Chelsea Hotel in a post 9/11 NYC. This story has a surreal feel but captures the essence of New York with its endless possibilities. Hans's detached and increasingly desolate existence regains meaning when he is drawn into a friendship with his charismatic team mate, Trinidadian, Chuck Ramkisson. Chuck is living the American dream and has it all figured out . . . Excellent.
(bwl 72 Spring 2014) |
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Pied Piper by Nevil Shute |
A peaceful fishing holiday turns into an arduous and unpredictable escape from the Nazi invasion of France. The simple prose is so effective in conveying the ageing Englishman's loneliness and loss and his deep sense of responsibility as he selflessly and steadfastly tries to deliver his charges safely from the escalating war. A poignant and dignified story read again with pleasure.
(bwl 85 Summer 2017) |
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Sisters by Daisy Johnson |
If you are interested in dark and complex tales based on deep love, co-dependence and rivalry between sisters this is for you. It is very well written and, whilst easy to read, you have a deep sense of unease throughout as you try and work out what has gone on and is going on. I can say no more but it is a psychological thriller which I think just avoids straying too far into the absurd.
(bwl 102 Autumn 2021) |
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Still Life by Sarah Winman |
A lot of people love this book and I enjoyed it as the story carries you along easily from East London to Florence and back over 50 years. However, for me, a lot of the characters seemed lacking in depth but maybe because there is such a lot going on. I was fond of the hero, Ulysses, and there is a lot of historical ground from the War to almost modern day and the descriptions of Florence and the food kept me going.
(bwl 109 Summer 2023) |
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The Affair by Lee Child |
I am a recent convert to the thrillers starring action-hero Reacher, the macho loner wandering at will with trouble always seeming to seek him out. This latest - fast paced with the right mix of murder, mayhem and intrigue - returns to his life in the Military Police setting the background to his current existence. Despite his killer instincts, he is a thinker and this paradox ensures he is one of the good guys - a winning formula for all fans!
(bwl 63 Winter 2011) |
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The Appeal by Janice Hallet |
I just saw this aptly described as fitting well into the cosy crime genre. It's a whodunnit or even, a what-did-they-do. Two junior lawyers are asked by the leading barrister to review a case file of emails and texts between a plethora of possible victims and suspects in an am-dram group and determine whether the convicted person is guilty. No police investigation but a series of red herrings and character assassinations - entertaining.
(bwl 104 Spring 2022) |
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The Fault in our Stars by John Green |
Heartbreaking and yet uplifting. I sobbed and I laughed out loud . Ultimately , a story of love and living made more acute as our lovers meet at a cancer support group. Wise beyond their 16 years - they struggle daily with the impact of cancer but their real struggle is not to be defined by their illness. Finding each other gives them a chance to live. Adored by the teen market but a poignant read for any adult.
(bwl 69 Summer 2013) |
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The Hare with Amber Eyes: A hidden Inheritance by Edmund de Waal |
Inheriting 264 netsuke from his Great-Uncle is the catalyst for De Waal's quest to uncover their story. A fascinating account of the ascendancy of his Jewish family from the grand salons of Paris to the high society of Vienna. The Ephrussi's wealth and lifestyle are unparalleled but almost all is lost as the Nazis march relentlessly on Europe. De Waal's eloquent and modest style avoids sentimentality but one still feels the emotion as he uncovers his remarkable ancestry.
(bwl 61 Summer 2011) |
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The Madness of Grief: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Rev. Richard Coles |
This is an emotional but reflective account of the grief which consumed the Reverend Richard Coles as a result of his husband's sudden and tragic death at 43. Despite the devastating pain, there are moments of levity, affirmations of friendships, faith and kindness. Although deeply personal, The Reverend does not betray David in exposing details of their life, you feel the agony of his loss and you are made so aware of his love for David.
(bwl 101 Summer 2021) |
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The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton |
Seventeenth-century Amsterdam: Nella, married-off to a rich and powerful merchant, is effectively abandoned by him to his austere sister and two faithful servants. His wedding gift of a cabinet-house and the deliveries of curious and prophetic miniatures have a sinister edge. Tantalising, but I felt much was lunexplained and perhaps was just inexplicable. Despite the strong depiction of a heroine who shows herself a match to adversity and lots of promising chapters, I was unsure.
(bwl 78 Autumn 2015) |
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The News Where You Are by Catherine O'Flynn |
O'Flynn's second novel is pitched against the background of Birmingham's legendary town planning and regional news programme. There is plot but its focus and beauty is the sensitive depiction of ordinary life through the vivid portrayal of Frank, a likeable news presenter, his family, colleagues and acquaintances. Despite his notoriety for bad jokes, Frank is prone to melancholy musings, illustrated by his obsessions over solitary deaths (think Eleanor Rigby). An easy, compelling read, witty and always poignant.
(bwl 61 Summer 2011) |
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The Outcast by Sadie Jones |
A good page-turner about the grief of a boy after the sudden death of his mother which paints a bleak picture of a claustrophobic, judgmental and hypocritical post-war village society. Ignored by a distant father and family friends, his loss and despair builds into withdrawal, self- harm and violence. The contrast between modern thinking on grief, emotional intelligence and expectations of parenting is stark.
(bwl 62 Autumn 2011) |
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The Secret History by Donna Tartt |
Cocooned on the campus of a prestigious East Coast college a privileged set of students are free to indulge their passions for the classics, their enigmatic tutor and general excess. As the debauchery increases their lives take on an almost surreal form and perhaps inevitably the rot sets in with dire consequences. Despite literary and classical references the writing has an easy flow and it's a real page-turner. Been sitting on my shelf for about 7 years so glad I finally read it.
(bwl 94 Autumn 2019) |
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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré |
Our unworldly lockdown was an interesting time to re-read this bleak story of a British intelligence officer seemingly at the end of his service in the Cold War. It's an excellent thriller, stark and compelling. No James Bond glamour here, it's a bleak and friendless World and chills appropriately as you try and work out the truth and where danger really lies in surreal circumstances.
(bwl 97 Summer 2020) |
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The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett |
At 16, twin sisters escape from their small, black community in Louisiana where the residents take pride in their pale skin colour. The ease of the writing style is deceptive as their lives, relationships and the views and expectations of society are explored over many years. Race is pivotal but there's a lot more to the story as generations and lives intersect. Will they return? Will they find peace with past and present? Well worth a read to find out.
(bwl 106 Autumn 2022) |
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This Book will Save your Life by A M Homes |
Cocooned in the seemingly perfect LA life, Richard's reality is an isolating routine controlled by his housekeeper, trainer and nutritionist. A sudden and unexplained seizure launches him back into the outside world. A darkly comic but touching satire of a lost soul reconnecting with living and love for his family through a series of bizarre events and friendships. Cleverly poking fun at the hang-ups and trappings of modern America, the result is a warm and affecting story.
(bwl 70 Autumn 2016) |
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This Boy: A Memoir of a childhood by Alan Johnson |
This book had been on my list for too long and I can't recommend it enough. Humble beginnings of the former Home Secretary are an understatement. The poverty and tragedy of Alan and his sister's childhoods in the slums of North Kensington take your breath away, however, his memoir is not miserable but full of warmth, love and hope and a strong sense of community. It is really a work of social history. I am full of admiration for him and his wonderful sister.
(bwl 103 Winter 2022) |
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Trespasses by Louise Kennedy |
Cushla, a young teacher just outside Belfast, meets Michael in her family pub and so it begins. A beautiful and heartbreaking account of a secret affair set in the middle of sectarian tensions and violence at the height of the Troubles. This is so well written with every detail drawing you in to Cushla’s moments of joy and despair. Her relationships with her Michael, his friends , her family, colleagues and pupils are brilliantly realistic. I loved it - my favourite read of this year.
(bwl 109 Summer 2023) |
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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë |
I have thoroughly enjoyed re-reading this after thirty years. I had forgotten how dark and desolate this story is. Romanticised by film, the Heathcliff and Catherine of the book are truly flawed - their passion and selfishness has huge and often fatal repercussions on the lives of those around them. The tragic events are driven by Heathcliff's cruel and violent revenge for his own mistreatment. Nasty but wonderful stuff in the bleakest of settings.
(bwl 68 Spring 2013) |
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