Review: ‘Reading in the Dark’ – Seamus Deane 1996
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Haunting tale of a family twisted by secrets and a society in conflict with itself. Set in Ireland in the 1940s and 50s Reading in the D...
Review: ‘A Man Called Ove’ – Fredrik Backman 2012
My rating: 5 of 5 stars Deeply touching novel about love, grief, and a neighbourhood that warmed the heart of a grumpy old man. I can’t think back on this story...
Review: ‘Anansi Boys’ – Neil Gaiman 2005
My rating: 4.5 stars. A dark and humorous novel about the things we settle for in pursuit of a ‘comfortable’ life and the chaos that can invite itself into our ...
Review: ‘A Christmas Carol’ – Charles Dickens 18143
My rating: 4 of 5 stars A cautionary tale of greed and selfishness, and their opposites in generosity and humility. Such a perfect story to read in the lead up ...
Review: ‘The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding’ – Agatha Christie 1960
3.5 stars. A fun collection of crime mysteries solved by Hercule Poirot, with a bonus one solved by Miss Marple. Sadly only one story in the collection of 6 is ...
Book Lover’s Guide to Bulgaria: Sofia
Our last destination before jetting off to frosty Iceland, Sofia delighted and surprised us with its modernity and its culture. Rapidly developing and expanding...
Review: ‘The Writer’s Room’ – Charlotte Wood 2016
4.5 stars. A deep and insightful look into the craft of writing, its challenges and its bounties. A wealth of inspiration and reassurance for writers both new a...
Review: ‘Dark Places’ – Gillian Flynn 2009
3.5 stars. A twisted thriller that highlights the complicated nature of family, loyalty, greed, and regret. The novel is filled with irredeemably flawed charact...
Review: ‘Furthermore’ – Tahereh Mafi 2016
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 4 stars (adult enjoyment) 5 stars (Middle Grade rating). A sweet, colourful read, perfect for confident readers aged 9 and up, or teens ...
Review: ‘Oliver Twist’ – Charles Dickens 1838
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Set in the darkest corners of London Oliver Twist is a scathing critique of class divisions and the inhuman treatment of England’s poore...