... book reviews from local book groups and individuals ...
if you have a book you'd like to recommend (you don't need to be in a book group) send it in ...
... and if you'd like to borrow one of the books below email and we'll try and connect you!
if you have a book you'd like to recommend (you don't need to be in a book group) send it in ...
... and if you'd like to borrow one of the books below email and we'll try and connect you!
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By Any Other Name
by Jodi Picoult This book was exceptional! What an interesting exploration of what it means to be a woman and have a voice that's aching to be heard. I'm a big Shakespeare girlie, so I'd heard about authorship debates in passing but never paid much attention to them, but the arguments laid out in the text and authors note are both intriguing and compelling. I actually wasn’t sure if Emilia Bassano was a fictional character or not, until reading the author’s note at the end. To know that she was indeed real made me appreciate the story even more. What an amazing testament to a woman history could’ve left behind. I love Piccoult’s books because they’re so well thought out, with great characters and excellent research, and as the reader she paints the picture in such a way that you feel like you’re an expert on the subject despite knowing nothing beforehand. Reading this makes me want to learn even more about Emilia Bassano, I’ve never considered Shakespeare’s authenticity but what an incredible eye-opener. This is definitely a long, detailed, read, but it’s still easy to get through and keeps you wanting more. I never once felt like it was dragging, even with some of the old English dialogue. I adored Emilia and the love story between her and Southampton. The story and character development were so well done. I will say that even though I also enjoyed Melina’s chapters, I think this could’ve easily been written just about Emilia. The ending was amazing and sad all at the same time. And don't skip over authors' notes, it was the cherry on top! |
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In a Good Light
by Clare Chambers |
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The Death of Mrs Westaway
by Ruth Ware A suspense thriller set mainly in Cornwall with Brighton scenes included. The main protagonist, Hal, is in a desperate situation to which she takes a bold, but morally questionable, response. This not only gives her a possible way out but involves her in a chain of decision making with no easy answers. The deeper she gets involved the more she learns about her family’s mysterious history. Characters are well drawn and the tale unfolds with many possible outcomes. A riveting read which presents many ethical questions for both Hal and the reader. |
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Yellow Face
by R F Kuang Set in modern-day America this book gives an insight into the American publishing industry whilst also tackling the thorny subject of cultural appropriation. Can someone from one culture and background tell another culture’s story? Should they? The main character is not someone you will warm to, her self-justification for her actions and the lack of substantial challenges she faces make the story itself lacklustre. As it lacks surprises, twists and a satisfying ending I felt it could have been a lot shorter. However, it certainly got our book club talking! |
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Missing Boy
by Michelle Kidd Missing Boy is a detective novel by local author Michelle Kidd. It is set in and around Bury St Edmunds and Thetford and is a dark tale of child abduction and murder. Although bleak I feel it is very well written and it is fascinating to read a novel set where you live. I particularly liked the relationship between DI Nicki Hardcastle and her team, I felt I could work both with and for her. I dislike novels, and for that matter T V dramas, full of irascible bosses who seem to think they get the best out of their staff by shouting at them. In spite of the subject matter the conclusion is much more optimistic |
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The Mapmaker's Daughter
by Clare Marchant The Mapmaker’s Daughter presents a dual time line narrative from the perspectives of two women, alternating between the years 1569 and 2022. These women are linked not only by a mysterious map, but also by the men the marry and the paths they choose to take. While I recognise that the present serves as a gateway to the past and is essential for that transition, I found the storyline set in 1569 particularly riveting. The detail covering religious persecution, map making and the Elizabeth Court was thorough and the descriptions of this era were captivating. It is an easy and enjoyable read. 7/10 |
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A Man Called Ove
by Fredrik Backman A Man called Ove is the book that the Tom Hank’s film, A Man Called Otto, was based on. It is set in Sweden rather than America and is the story of ‘a grumpy old man’. As the story unfolds, the reader gradually discovers Otto’s backstory, delving into his past alongside the present storyline, and explains why he is the person he is. It is a gentle read, with a company of well written characters. There are surprises along the way and you start to really care about Ove and the people around him. It’s an engaging read, with an enjoyable balance of humour and heartfelt moments that play on your heart strings. A thoroughly enjoyable book! |
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The Women
by Kristin Hannah This book was well received by our Book Club. It is set during the Vietnam war and follows the traumatic and tumultuous journey of a volunteer nurse, who returns home with haunting memories and is met by a country, and family, who are ashamed of her. We had also read ‘The Four Winds’ by the same author which also contains a strong female lead character, although most felt that ‘The Women’ was the better of the 2 books. We felt the book was quite the ‘page-turner’ if at times fairly predictable. The characters and events were very well described and helped us to better understand this period of history and the indelible mark that the Vietnam war had on American history. It was sad in places but ultimately told of the power of enduring friendship. We would definitely recommend this book. |
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The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig This is a thought-provoking book that covers fate and the power of regret and questions what actually makes a perfect life. It focuses on a character, Nora Seeds who has reached rock bottom. The only release she sees is suicide. She feels a deep loneliness and isolation. She has past made decisions in her life often with regret. Career choices, past relationships, friendships, motherhood, personal goals and difficult family dynamics. Something we can all relate to … what if I had taken another path? On the stroke of midnight on the fateful evening when she tries to leave this world she is transported to a mystical library. There she meets an influential person from her childhood her old school librarian (Mrs Elm) who guides her to pick her story of regret encompassed in one of her life experience books, on the weird moving shelves, to have a second chance. Its transports Nora to each of those lives and experiences its outcomes and the happiness it brings to her, with interesting outcomes. It’s a good read not unlike the film 'It’s a wonderful Life ‘ It’s an uplifting, engaging story - Can recommend. |