I don't know why I've been dragging my feet about writing this post. I loved this return-to-form story by Anne Tyler, one of my favourite character-driven authors. Perhaps, it's simply because I don't have a lot to say about it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved how Tyler teased out the unique behaviours of her … Continue reading Redhead By the Side of the Road | Anne Tyler #USfiction
Oh, this was utterly delicious. Deliciously melancholy, if that's a thing.The Heather Blazing is the story of Judge Eamon Redmond, and the loss and grief that has defined his whole life. Tóibin writes these rather sad, introspective characters so well. Like Nora Webster, you're left wondering, if perhaps Eamon's first person story is missing an … Continue reading The Heather Blazing | Colm Tóibin #Begorrathon
I have to ask straight up - who is Norah's father? Could you work it out? I wasn't sure. There didn't seem to be any repercussions or exposition after the reveal. Was it all about the #metoo element? But since you kind of figure that out for yourself very early on, it wasn't so much … Continue reading Actress | Anne Enright #Begorrathon
Nothing to See Here made nine of the 'best of' lists as compiled by Kate at the end of 2019, with comments like 'laughed so hard', 'a most unusual story of parental love' and 'hilarious' leaping out at me everywhere I looked.I was expecting a belly laugh or two, at least. But no. It was way … Continue reading Nothing to See Here | Kevin Wilson #USfiction
I had no intention of reading Such A Fun Age. The premise sounded mildly appealing/interesting:When Emira is apprehended at a supermarket for 'kidnapping' the white child she's actually babysitting, it sets off an explosive chain of events. Her employer Alix, a feminist blogger with the best of intentions, resolves to make things right. But Emira herself … Continue reading Such A Fun Age | Kiley Reid #USfiction
In some ways this will be the easiest book response I've ever written. Quite simply, Olive, Again is all the same wonderfulness that was Olive Kitteridge. If you loved the first Olive; you will adore the second.I don't want to say too much so as not to spoil your own reading experience. Except that Strout has … Continue reading Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout #USfiction
Hamish Hamilton | Penguin AustraliaIn 1989 Saul Adler (a narcissistic young historian) is hit by a car on the Abbey Road. He is apparently fine; he gets up and goes to see his art student girlfriend, Jennifer Moreau. They have sex then break up, but not before she has photographed Saul crossing the same Abbey … Continue reading The Man Who Saw Everything by Deborah Levy
Text Publishing: Tom Hope doesn’t think he’s much of a farmer, but he’s doing his best. He can’t have been much of a husband to Trudy, either, judging by her sudden departure. It’s only when she returns, pregnant to someone else, that he discovers his surprising talent as a father. So when Trudy finds Jesus … Continue reading The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted by Robert Hillman
The profoundly moving new novel from the critically acclaimed and Miles Franklin shortlisted author of PAST THE SHALLOWS and WHEN THE NIGHT COMES. A tender and masterfully told story of memory, family and love. Prague, 1938: Eva flies down the street from her sister. Suddenly a man steps out, a man wearing a hat. Eva runs … Continue reading There Was Still Love by Favel Parrett
The Japanese have a curious relationship with cats in their literature. It's intense, tender, humane, faithful and compassionate.Neko to Shōzō to Futari no Onna or A Cat, A Man and Two Women by Junichiro Tanizaki is a short novel that is a prime example of this feline devotion.There are oodles of gorgeous descriptions of cats … Continue reading A Cat, A Man And Two Women by Junichiro Tanizaki
Jamaica Inn was my latest CC spin choice. I also realised recently that I would be able to join in Heavenali's Daphne Du Maurier reading week too, provided I got my review done on time. So here we go!My Du Maurier journey began many, many years ago when I read Rebecca, undoubtedly her most famous novel. … Continue reading Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier
Bel Canto was our May book club choice. It was a reread for several of the members, but for me it was my very first time. I'm now wondering why on earth I left it so long to read.Bel Canto is a glorious story about the power of song to soothe the beast within us all … Continue reading Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
