Simply put, this is a seriously spooky book about trauma that spans five generations of Asian women, from Gigi, a comfort woman in Hong Kong during World Warr II, to Alice and her daughter Luna in contemporary Vancouver. Can terrifying physical abuse and anger create vengeful ghosts? How can unspoken legacies of violence shape a family? Moments of love and kindness are contrasted with evil and cruelty. Ms. Lee’s story progresses to a truly terrifying end – highly recommended.
The Game – Ken Dryden
Full disclosure – this is a book about hockey. But in my defense, this extraordinary book is widely considered to be the greatest hockey book ever written. For context, Dryden was the goaltender for the Montréal Canadiens during their epic success in the 1970s. Specifically, he writes about 1979 and the performance of the team and himself. Importantly, Dryden is a thoughtful and articulate observer. Has the team been spoiled by success, and is the team in decline? Dryden has also decided to retire after his 9th season: why? He describes ball hockey as a child, and offers cogent observations on his teammates. This is a great book about people and performance, aspects of image and reputation, and even superstition.
The Ferryman And His Wife – Frode Grytten
This is a beautifully written introspective story. On a grey November day, Nils Vik takes his last journey on his ferry boat on a Norwegian fjord. On the way, some dead passengers join him; other former passengers who have died observe as witnesses. His last day alive is not sad, but often transcendent with memories of relationships with his late wife Marta, his two daughters, and many others (including a dead dog who can talk). There is a spareness to his life that is meaningful. Finally, the writing (translated by Alison McCullough) is often breathtaking: “two brothers were like magnets with the same polarity – they approached each other, pushed against each other, and were flung apart again”. Overall, a masterful story about an ordinary yet utterly profound life – highly recommended.
Blood Ties – Jo Nesbo
Nesbo is an expert Nordic Noir author but his crime thrillers are typically from the perspective of the police and the actions of the legendary Detective Harry Hole. This interesting book instead features insight into the psyche of two brothers who are criminals (and killers). Can the brothers continue to cover their tracks over past murders and current criminal actions like bribery and overt threats? What about the stress of sibling rivalry? Great fun to read.
Karla’s Choice – Nick Harkaway
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.
What David Read 