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...
‘The Knife of Never Letting Go’ January Book Club Discussion
2017 is off to a flying start with the fast-paced sci-fi adventure from Patrick Ness. It wasn’t a short book by any measure but for many of your it seemed...
‘Everything Is Illuminated’ December Book Club Discussion
December was a busy month for everyone, with holiday celebrations and wrapping things up for the new year I wasn’t the only one falling behind with this m...
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...