I ended 2012 with an advance copy of Eva Rice's forthcoming novel 'The Misinterpretation of Tara Jupp'. it was an easy read, but very light weight and not particularly great. Below is the list of books I read throughout the year. Some great ones in this list and some I will no doubt return to.
The Misinterpretation of Tara Jupp - Eva Rice
Not one of my favourites from this year. See the main reviews page for full review.
Two Brothers - Ben Elton
Definitely one of Elton's best books to date. See the main reviews page for full review.
Bullet Points - Mark Watson
A clever story told very well by Watson, known better for his stand up comedy than novel writing. This follows the life and career of a psychologist who lives forever in the shadow of his best friend. Right up to the end it makes you question who really is telling the truth; Peter, the main protagonist whose life unfolds and unravels as the story progresses; Richard, the successful best friend who seems to excel at everything he wants; Richard's 'patients' and their relations, or stalkers. It's a well thought out plot with some subtle twists and turns and a great section on Christmas day diary keeping that gently reveals more of Peter than he would have originally intended!
This book goes on sale tomorrow (2nd November), but I got an advance copy to review for Waterstones and can recommend it as a great read. It tells the incredible story of a lost or veiled history attached to one of the wealthiest aristocratic families in the country. See the main reviews page for further detail.
Perfume - Patrick Suskind
This book is quite unusual in the way it is written, with almost the feel of a grown up fairy tale. It starts with an abandoned baby who has something unnatural about his presence, having to be passed around to a variety of different carers. The baby develops into a slightly ugly, disfigured man with a quiet intelligence bubbling away under the surface, unbeknown to outsiders.
The story takes him on a journey out of town where he escapes from people to live an animal existence in a cave for some time before reappearing in public to be used as part of a scientific demonstration.
He has an extraordinary gift of smell, managing to separate all the different elements and categorise them, storing them in his memory. This gives him the talent of composing the most amazing perfumes from just the right blend of scents. This gift comes with something he regards as a curse - the inability to produce a smell of his own, from his body. This curse acts as a cloak allowing him to travel around the town unnoticed by people.
His obsession with one particular smell (the smell of a virgin girl) drives his life and career as a perfumer. This is the the bit of the book that everyone is most familiar with. It's a great story well worth reading and I'm looking forwards to seeing what my book group thought of it this month.
Devoured - D.E. Meredith
This book is the first in what promises to be an exciting series of Victorian mysteries. Devoured centres around the murder of a wealthy young woman with a keen interest in the popular fashions for both collecting and the new, revolutionary theories on the origin of man.Professor Adolphus Hatton and his morgue assistant Albert Roumande lead via forensics and are keen on all the latest approaches and tools available to them. This duo lead the reader through the twists and turns of the mystery. They ask the real questions and do the real detective work alongside the police force.
Victorian London comes to life on the page through the descriptions of the various characters and locations that span the spectrum of classes which inhabit it.
A series of correspondence runs throughout the book which tells a secondary story of exploration and adventure that later entwines and collides with the series of grisly murders that occur along the way.
This is a great book that keeps you guessing to the end and also wanting to read more of Hatton and Roumande's cases. The next one is due out in January, and both novels have already been popular in the States before being released here.
Sweet Tooth - Ian McEwan
Another masterpiece from Ian McEwan. I have never read a bad book by this author and once again he doesn't disappoint.
The backdrop for this book may be MI5 and the various intelligence services it is connected to, but this isn't really a spy story. This is a book about reading, readers, writing and writers. McEwan seems to tilt the mirror towards himself as he reveals how novels are compiled and the creative process involved.For those who are new to McEwan I would recommend persevering if it feels at some points you don't know where the story is heading. I myself had that question early on and found Serena (The main protagonist) mildly irritating as a person and questionable as a narrator. Not in the quality of the writing, but as a character. I soon started to question her judgement and assumptions. The way in which she describes herself starts to tinge you with doubt on the kind of person she really is, as opposed to the person she is trying to portray. McEwan’s mastery of language and description is as beautiful as ever. Tom Haley, the writer in the novels explains:
No one ever dissolves in an Ian McEwan novel, they are always vibrant, fully formed characters who think, feel and act straight off the page, leaping straight into the reader's imagination.
The Marlowe Papers - Ros Barber
The book opens and we are plunged into dark Elizabethan London and all it's terror. Heretics heads are displayed on spokes along Tower Bridge and the plague ravages the city. And so Christopher Marlowe (or Marley, or indeed Morley to some) begins to recount his journey through both life and death, revealing the truth about that infamous tavern brawl that seemingly led to his demise. This is one of the best books I have read this year and one I will definitely return to. I hope that Ros Barber is recognised with a literary prize for this incredible accomplishment. See the main reviews page for further detail.
Whispers Underground
The third instalment of such an exciting series of books takes us beneath the streets of London this time, through the underground stations and the secret labyrinth of tunnels interconnected, revealing a whole new clandestine world beneath our feet.
See the Reviews page for further detail and also my All Things Bookish page for an article on a recent conversation I had with the author.
Run - Ann Patchett
A beautifully written story about lives that collide at the point of a road traffic accident and the connections and repercussions that ensue.
It is a story about love, faith, family and future - both lost and found in many ways. The characters are portrayed with such precision that you get to know their personalities and understand their perspectives very early on in the novel. And this familiarity builds so that you genuinely care and understand each character's point of view.
The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
Bit of a disappointing read, although much hyped since fist published. See the main reviews page for further detail.
The Accidental - Ali Smith
Not really sure what to say about this one! A stranger comes into the lives of a family holidaying in Norfolk and changes things forever. It is quite thought provoking and the impact she has (both for the better and worse) on each of the characters is interesting. The story itself is an intriguing one but the style she chooses to convey it (streams of consciousness of each of the characters, rambling poems, lists of film facts etc) isn't one I found particularly engaging.The Misinterpretation of Tara Jupp - Eva Rice
Not one of my favourites from this year. See the main reviews page for full review.
Two Brothers - Ben Elton
Definitely one of Elton's best books to date. See the main reviews page for full review.
Bullet Points - Mark Watson
A clever story told very well by Watson, known better for his stand up comedy than novel writing. This follows the life and career of a psychologist who lives forever in the shadow of his best friend. Right up to the end it makes you question who really is telling the truth; Peter, the main protagonist whose life unfolds and unravels as the story progresses; Richard, the successful best friend who seems to excel at everything he wants; Richard's 'patients' and their relations, or stalkers. It's a well thought out plot with some subtle twists and turns and a great section on Christmas day diary keeping that gently reveals more of Peter than he would have originally intended!
The Secret Rooms - Catherine Bailey
Perfume - Patrick Suskind
This book is quite unusual in the way it is written, with almost the feel of a grown up fairy tale. It starts with an abandoned baby who has something unnatural about his presence, having to be passed around to a variety of different carers. The baby develops into a slightly ugly, disfigured man with a quiet intelligence bubbling away under the surface, unbeknown to outsiders.
The story takes him on a journey out of town where he escapes from people to live an animal existence in a cave for some time before reappearing in public to be used as part of a scientific demonstration.
He has an extraordinary gift of smell, managing to separate all the different elements and categorise them, storing them in his memory. This gives him the talent of composing the most amazing perfumes from just the right blend of scents. This gift comes with something he regards as a curse - the inability to produce a smell of his own, from his body. This curse acts as a cloak allowing him to travel around the town unnoticed by people.
His obsession with one particular smell (the smell of a virgin girl) drives his life and career as a perfumer. This is the the bit of the book that everyone is most familiar with. It's a great story well worth reading and I'm looking forwards to seeing what my book group thought of it this month.
Devoured - D.E. Meredith
This book is the first in what promises to be an exciting series of Victorian mysteries. Devoured centres around the murder of a wealthy young woman with a keen interest in the popular fashions for both collecting and the new, revolutionary theories on the origin of man.Professor Adolphus Hatton and his morgue assistant Albert Roumande lead via forensics and are keen on all the latest approaches and tools available to them. This duo lead the reader through the twists and turns of the mystery. They ask the real questions and do the real detective work alongside the police force.
Victorian London comes to life on the page through the descriptions of the various characters and locations that span the spectrum of classes which inhabit it.
A series of correspondence runs throughout the book which tells a secondary story of exploration and adventure that later entwines and collides with the series of grisly murders that occur along the way.
This is a great book that keeps you guessing to the end and also wanting to read more of Hatton and Roumande's cases. The next one is due out in January, and both novels have already been popular in the States before being released here.
Sweet Tooth - Ian McEwan
Another masterpiece from Ian McEwan. I have never read a bad book by this author and once again he doesn't disappoint.
The backdrop for this book may be MI5 and the various intelligence services it is connected to, but this isn't really a spy story. This is a book about reading, readers, writing and writers. McEwan seems to tilt the mirror towards himself as he reveals how novels are compiled and the creative process involved.For those who are new to McEwan I would recommend persevering if it feels at some points you don't know where the story is heading. I myself had that question early on and found Serena (The main protagonist) mildly irritating as a person and questionable as a narrator. Not in the quality of the writing, but as a character. I soon started to question her judgement and assumptions. The way in which she describes herself starts to tinge you with doubt on the kind of person she really is, as opposed to the person she is trying to portray. McEwan’s mastery of language and description is as beautiful as ever. Tom Haley, the writer in the novels explains:
There was, in my view, an unwritten contract with the reader that the writer must honour. No single element of an imagined world or any of its characters should be allowed to dissolve on authorial whim. The invented had to be as solid and as self-consistent as the actual. This was a contract founded on mutual trust.
No one ever dissolves in an Ian McEwan novel, they are always vibrant, fully formed characters who think, feel and act straight off the page, leaping straight into the reader's imagination.
The Daylight Gate - Jeanette Winterson
This is the second book published by Hammer Horror (see my earlier review of the first – The Greatcoat by Helen Dunmore) and this is by far the best.
This is the second book published by Hammer Horror (see my earlier review of the first – The Greatcoat by Helen Dunmore) and this is by far the best.
Jeanette Winterson captures the mystical and superstitious atmosphere in this version of the infamous Pendle Witch
Trials that took place in Lancaster in 1612. The majority of the reviews I have
read on this focus on how gruesome and graphical the violence is in the book.
This is true, but it doesn’t overwhelm or distract from the story. It is
necessary, but isn’t excessive or overwhelming to the real tale that lies at
the heart, which is one of love, desire, the supernatural and alchemical. This
is a really enjoyable novella, well worth a read.
Tigers in Red Weather - Liza Klaussmann
An interesting story unfolds in this book of the lives, hopes and dreams of two couples who we first meet at the end of the second world war, where life seems to hold so much promise. But all isn’t what it seems and as the years go by we see how life pans out for them and their children. The chapters are arranged by character and year, so you follow their progress, or in some cases their demise, as the novel progresses via each character’s perspective. It definitely keeps you reading to the end to find out how these tangled, sometimes perverse, relationships conclude.
An interesting story unfolds in this book of the lives, hopes and dreams of two couples who we first meet at the end of the second world war, where life seems to hold so much promise. But all isn’t what it seems and as the years go by we see how life pans out for them and their children. The chapters are arranged by character and year, so you follow their progress, or in some cases their demise, as the novel progresses via each character’s perspective. It definitely keeps you reading to the end to find out how these tangled, sometimes perverse, relationships conclude.
Pigeon English - Stephen Kelman
In the style of ‘Room’ by Emma Donoghue and
‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas ‘ by John Boyne, this book employs the use of
the child narrative to dramatic effect.
Harrison Opoku, a Ghanaian boy brought over
to the UK by his mother in the hope of providing him a better life, conveys his
experiences living on a housing estate and the gang culture that exists and
governs. His innocence in
investigating the murder of a young boy (which echoes that of Damilola Taylor)
makes the story so much more poignant as he slowly uncovers the truth and
reveals it piece by piece to the reader. He sees his detective work like a game
that he is playing and is unaware (unlike the reader) of what he is exposing.
Seeing this world through his eyes allows the reader to inhabit a world most
only read about from an outsiders perspective. Sharing his experiences, his
humour and run-ins with the gang members really opens your eyes to a shocking
culture of violence and fear which is propagated by children and young adults with
frightening loyalties and ambitions.
A Spot of Bother - Mark Haddon
Unfortunately I read this straight after The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and found myself confusing Harold and his wife with George and Jean (both retired couples with disconnected relationships).
In this book we see life from the perspective of each member of the family and how their behaviour and personalities affect each other. I enjoyed this more than Harold Fry, partly because of the writing style that Mark Haddon employs. His comedy and tongue in cheek humour helps his story to border on farce on so many occasions. This novel is good fun and keeps you hooked to find out what is going to happen next and what hilarious repercussions will result.
In this book we see life from the perspective of each member of the family and how their behaviour and personalities affect each other. I enjoyed this more than Harold Fry, partly because of the writing style that Mark Haddon employs. His comedy and tongue in cheek humour helps his story to border on farce on so many occasions. This novel is good fun and keeps you hooked to find out what is going to happen next and what hilarious repercussions will result.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - Rachel Joyce
Another book that has been eagerly anticipated and surrounded in hype so I was curious to see if it met expectations. See the main reviews page for further detail.
The Marlowe Papers - Ros Barber
The book opens and we are plunged into dark Elizabethan London and all it's terror. Heretics heads are displayed on spokes along Tower Bridge and the plague ravages the city. And so Christopher Marlowe (or Marley, or indeed Morley to some) begins to recount his journey through both life and death, revealing the truth about that infamous tavern brawl that seemingly led to his demise. This is one of the best books I have read this year and one I will definitely return to. I hope that Ros Barber is recognised with a literary prize for this incredible accomplishment. See the main reviews page for further detail.
Whispers Underground
The third instalment of such an exciting series of books takes us beneath the streets of London this time, through the underground stations and the secret labyrinth of tunnels interconnected, revealing a whole new clandestine world beneath our feet.
See the Reviews page for further detail and also my All Things Bookish page for an article on a recent conversation I had with the author.
Run - Ann Patchett
A beautifully written story about lives that collide at the point of a road traffic accident and the connections and repercussions that ensue.
It is a story about love, faith, family and future - both lost and found in many ways. The characters are portrayed with such precision that you get to know their personalities and understand their perspectives very early on in the novel. And this familiarity builds so that you genuinely care and understand each character's point of view.
The Night Circus - Erin Morgenstern
Bit of a disappointing read, although much hyped since fist published. See the main reviews page for further detail.
The Accidental - Ali Smith
Bring Up The Bodies - Hilary Mantel
Another fantastic instalment of Cromwell's life. Just as good as Wolf Hall and can't wait for the final book in the trilogy. See the main reviews page for further detail.
The Hypnotist - Lars Kepler
Lots of hype about this one and it is a good story, but one that I couldn’t suspend disbelief throughout unfortunately. There were points in the plot that I really had to question - would that really have happened, is that really possible? It didn’t stop me wanting to finish the book and find out the ultimate conclusion, but it did impair my enjoyment.
Moon Over Soho - Ben Aaronovitch
The second in the series, not quite as good as the first in terms of the main story, but well worth reading as the training continues and we learn more about the magic that Peter is developing. Can’t wait for the next chapter - Whispers Underground!
Mrs Robinson’s Disgrace - Kate Summerscale
This shows that history really can be more exciting than fiction. See the main reviews page for further detail.
Skagboys - Irvine Welsh
One of my favourite authors and a great talent for characterisation. This is the 3rd instalment of this group of individuals and a prequel to Trainspotting. If you loved the first two (Porno is actually my favourite of the three) then you won't be disappointed. They are all back - Begbie, Sickboy, renton et al - and we discover their first encounters with drugs and the roller coaster of high and lows that ensue. There is also great social commentary about the era they grew up in and its influence on their outcomes.
“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards” Mark Renton, page 479.Would it have been appropriate for any other character in this novel to have made such a statement? Discuss!
Signs of Life - Anna Raverat
An affair that gets out of hand, obsessive and ultimately ends badly all round. But who is to blame? Where did it go wrong? Should Rachel have done things differently, was she selfish or did she just crave more excitement and attention? Was she right to want something different to the life she already had? One that keeps you questioning what went on and why you are being told certain details - and are they all exactly as they happened? See the main reviews page for further detail.
The Tao of Pooh - Benjamin Hoff
The fundamental ideas behind Taoist philosophy. One to read and re-read at different stages of your life. I think what frame of mind you are in when you read this will affect what you get out of it, but it does give an alternative way to think about life. Who knew Pooh would be such a great teacher! Probably a good holiday read to absorb in an idyllic setting with a clear head.
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter - Seth Graham-Smith
Can’t wait to see the film adaptation of this, and hope they do it justice. It’s a fast, exciting story with some great historical details. See the main reviews page for further detail.
Bright Star - John Keates
The true love story that accompanies the poetry is as beautiful as the poetry itself. The series of letters sent from Keats to his beloved are truly heartwarming.
The Gargoyle - Andrew Davidson
Stories within stories within stories. Another very accomplished debut novel, but not everyone's cup of tea. You will either get swept away with the storytelling and the language or you will tire of the constant diversions of fairy tales. See the main reviews page for further detail.
Before I go to Sleep - S.J. Watson
An amazing page turner and incredible debut novel. I really couldn’t put this one down till it had ended. From the first page you will continuously question your assumptions as to who is really telling the truth and who to trust. The idea that we are the sum of our experiences and memories, and should they be taken away we lose our identity, is an intriguing and disturbing concept.
Waiting for Sunrise - William Boyd
Having not read any of his previous novels I can’t compare it to anything else, but this was an interesting espionage tale with a few twists along the way.
The Greatcoat - Helen Dunmore
Really promising start, but the story faded away half way through and never recovered. There are some great ideas in here and some powerful imagery, but the story didn't really go anywhere it just fizzled out.
The Woman in the Fifth - Douglas Kennedy
This is an unusual book that keeps you guessing what is really happening right up till the end. And the twist will be one you either love or hate! I loved it and never guessed it was coming. It's another one that has been adapted for the big screen and am hoping they do it justice.
Engelby - Sebastian Faulkes
One of the most powerful literary devices I enjoy is the untrustworthy voice - the narrator who draws you in to their world and experiences, only to plant doubt in your mind as you start to question their motives - and sometimes their sanity - and finally the real truth that surrounds what they are attempting to convey. This book does it brilliantly, as your sympathies for the narrator start to waver from his troublesome childhood to his uncomfortable student life.
Juliet, Naked - Nick Hornby
Really good fun, full of humour. The life and times of an ageing recluse rock star and his continued effect on his obsessive fans years after his career is over and his whereabouts unknown.
Sense of an Ending - Julian Barnes
This one goes straight into my top 10 favourite books already. So much unravels in such a short but rich novel. One to be read over and over. I need to read this in one sitting again before i could really do it justice with a full review.
City of Thieves - David Benioff
Based in Russia during World War II this really opened up my eyes to a different perspective of the war and what the Russian people went through. An uncomfortable read at times, but with an underlying message of the importance of recording and sharing stories and history.
Middlesex - Jeffrey Eugenides
It's really hard to say what this book is about as there are so many strands to the story. It is essentially about life, family, family history, what makes us who we are. It is incredibly well written and beautifully told, moving the reader back and forth in time through the generations of one family.
Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch
The first of a series of books about a secret branch of the police force fighting against (and alongside in some cases) the supernatural elements that haunt London. Very easy to read, peppered with humour and an exciting romp around the streets and landmarks of London.
11.22.63 - Stephen King
This is one of those novels he started some years ago and never managed to finish till now. You can see why as this is such a big story to try and unfold. People have criticised this as being far too long, but I really believe that not a single word is wasted. It's essentially a time travel novel, but laced with some really big moral questions.
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