The subtitle “A Novel of John LeCarre’s Circus” is not surprising because Harkaway is the son of the late John LeCarre. Nevertheless, it is remarkable that the author can resurrect the character of George Smiley so perfectly. It is 1963, the missing decade between “The Spy Who Came In From The Cold” and “Tinker, Tailor …”. Smiley epitomizes watchfulness, the exercise of paranoia, and the awareness of constant danger. The plot is, of course, complex with a missing spy and action in London, Berlin and Vienna – very enjoyable.
A Brief History of Montmaray – Michelle Cooper
A fine example of historical fiction with an imaginative island of Montmaray in the Bay of Biscay, between France and Spain. The story is told by journal writing by 16-year-old (Princess) Sophie FitzOsborne in 1936. There is an eccentric and impoverished royal family clinging to relevance as Europe descends into chaos. Importantly, the story transitions from silly to serious, to become a heart-stopping tale of loyalty, love and loss. In short, this is a very entertaining book that gets better and better. Thanks Elliott, for this recommendation.
The Life Cycle Of The Common Octopus – Emma Knight
Pen(elope) and Alice are Canadian BFFs who attend university in Edinburgh, in part so Pen can learn about a mystery involving her father’s prior relationship(s) in Scotland. The story builds slowly but effectively with elements of female friendships, first feelings of love, and sacrifices of motherhood. And much withholding creates a compelling mystery. This is a very fine first novel that was Giller short-listed.
Becoming Duchess Goldblatt – Anonymous
My good friend Karen recommendd this book by stating “It has been a long time since I dreaded the approaching of the end of a book”, and I concur completely although the story will not be for everyone. The anonymous narrator, a writer and single mother, creates a fictitious character named Duchess Goldblatt to post on social media. Why create a fictional persona? Is it for personal privacy? Is it to construct an alternative reality, a social construct that is a better person, kinder and more compassionate? DG becomes a bright light in the darkness of social media. In contrast, the anonymous narrator is extremely introspective with intense relationships with her late father, son, a brother with mental illness, and yes, even Lyle Lovett. Highly recommended for a challenging read.
Book of Lives – A Memoir of Sorts – Margaret Atwood
Ms. Atwood is, of course, a Canadian literary treasure with books of poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Her memoir is, predictably, fascinating with her droll sense of humour. First, there is her somewhat unconventional childhood with summers spent in remote northern bush country with her entomologist father and resourceful mother. Second, key moments in her life are linked to books, like writing the Handmaids Tale in 1980s Berlin. And finally, the important people in her life are acknowledged, especially Graeme Gibson. Overall, an insightful and often very funny memoir from an imaginative and thoughtful author. Highly recommended.
Unless – Carole Shields
Sometimes when the CPL hold system fails to provide a new book, it is a great pleasure to revisit a classic book from my personal library, like this great novel from 2002 by Ms. Shields, a Canadian literary icon. Full disclosure: this is a book about and for women. Reta is a 44-year-old married mother with three daughters, and a writer/translator. Her female relationships are complex. Notably, her 19-year-old daughter Norah is living on the street; her motivation of choose a path of self-abnegation is a mystery. And Reta’s interactions with her female fiends and colleagues are also complex with profound feelings of powerlessness. As always, Ms. Shields’ writing is exquisite; for example, the description of a library trip is sublime.
Finding Flora – Elinor Florence
The setting: Alberta in 1905. A single woman and a widow with three children attempt to homestead land near Red Deer. Their efforts are complicated by weather (hail storms, brutal winter cold) and yes, sexism. There are dastardly villains but, spoiler alert – a happy ending. So, historical fiction featuring female resilience. Thanks Joyce, for this recommendation.
The Bookshop – Penelope Fitzgerald
Florence Green, a middle-aged widow, opens a bookshop in a small Suffolk coastal town. Her business is opposed by an influential and ambitious local woman who conspires to have Mrs. Green evicted. So, this is a satirical examination of stiffling small-town English cruelties and injustices. Overall, a very short read but very worthwhile.
Black Cherokee – Antonio Michael Downing
This is a book about belonging, identity and race. It is also a tender coming-of-age story. Ophelia is a mixed-race Black-Cherokee child of uncertain parentage, raised in South Carolina by her indominable grandmother. Ophelia’s lack of belonging is evident in her community where whe is neither Black or Cherokee, in her school, and in a devastating exposure to church hypocrisy. A chance listen to this author at the October WordFest has resulted in a very worthwhile read.
What David Read 