This is a remarkable first novel about relationships (my favourite topic): Naomi and her parents; Naomi and her childhood friend; Naomi and her fellow Wellesley College students. Parts of this book reminded me of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, which is high praise.
Category: Book themes
Winner of the National Book Award – Jincy Willett
A story of two fraternal twin sisters, both remarkably similar and dissimilar, and a misogynistic psychopath whose relationships with both sisters are both bizarre and sinister. This is an excellent read, some really funny parts, and some creepy parts.
Vinegar Girl – Anne Tyler
A man has two daughters, the oldest is Kate, there is an attempted arranged marriage – yes, this is a delightful retelling of Shakespeare’s Taming Of The Shrew by Anne Tyler, an American treasure as a novelist. A total hoot.
Sleep – Nino Ricci
Ricci is a fine Canadian writer (the excellent Lives Of The Saints). In this novel, David is a life-long jerk whose bad behaviour is exacerbated by a sleep disorder. David has addictive self-destructive impulses so his life is an endless series of bad choices. There is a fascinating excursion into an obsession with guns. So powerful story-telling.
King John Of Canada – Scott Gardiner
What with the recent fuss over the royal visit, this book presents the case for a Canadian monarchy, chosen by lottery! There is some very funny satirical writing about Canadian politics: Quebec separation and the Rest Of Canada, Alberta and Toronto politics – these sections are written perfectly. There are also some interesting contrasts with American politics (gun control, etc). My only issue with the book is that I didn’t like the ending. Nevertheless, a fun read so thank you Amy.
Purity – Jonathan Franzen
Franzen writes about dysfunctional relationships (The Corrections) and this new book is no exception, the most dysfunctional being the marriage of Tom and Annabel. Indeed, there are NO normal simple relationships which becomes somewhat tiring. On the plus side, the story has more depth than his previous novels in part because of multiple locations. So not a must read but a challenging and interesting read. In fact, this is my favourite Franzen book but this recommendation is almost reluctant.
NOS4A2 – Joe Hill
Sometimes a fantasy book written in the horror genre is just so appealing and Hill (Stephen King’s son) is a go-to author (previous recommendation for Heart Shaped Box). In this book, the title is from the license plate on a vintage 1938 Rolls Royce Wraith car, and of course stands for Nosferatu (German for vampire). This is an imaginative story with portals between the physical world and the mind, with child abductions and serial killings: the story is violent with many vivid descriptions of pain and quite a few deaths, so be warned. If you like (occasional) horror books, this is a cracking good read.
Kitchens Of The Great Midwest – JR Stradal
What’s not to love about a book with a first chapter entitled Lutefisk, when a Danish-Norwegian marriage is described as mixed race, and two children are named Rothko and Bracque (OK, the father is an art history professor). This is a book about the modern foodie culture, with a wise treatment of life in the Mid-West. The reading is very satisfying with some ridiculously funny parts and then amazingly poignant sections.
The Past – Tessa Hadley
This is a perfect introspective story of family relationships in the present and past. There are secrets, things that are observed but not spoken of. The point of view of the children is most extraordinary – what they observe and what they keep secret. This is a very English story with some surprises – overall a very fine read.
What David Read 