Evocative story telling about the late 70s in Little Portugal, Toronto. De Sa captures the rapid (<1 year) and heart breaking transition in the life of a 12-year-old, from blissful innocence (well, not quite complete innocence because these are young boys), from simple adolescence to the knowledge that the world is a tough and gritty place with sinister characters. The nature of the time with rampant homophobia is described vividly. Thanks Steph, for this recommendation. De Sa’s previous book, Barnacle Love, has some back story but is not as good as Kicking The Sky.
Category: Book themes
The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
This is a cracking good mystery, with misinterpreted observations, deceit and lies (intentional and unintentional). The writing is reminiscent of Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl, et al) with two time lines that precede and follow an apparent crime. The main character in this novel is delightfully flawed, a real train wreck.
The Unspeakable by Meghan Daum
A collection of essays that are introspective, insightful and (apparently) honest appraisals of life in general and the author’s life in specific. Two of the essays on mother-daughter relationships and motherhood are sensational. Overall the writing is breezy and ironic. Note: this title is from Lola’s Literature Lounge, so thanks Chris.
The Evening Chorus by Helen Humphreys
This is a quiet novel about love and loss, regret and contrition, and the aftermath of war. This is Humphreys’ 3rd novel set in WWII (Coventry, and the sublime The Lost Garden): each of them is different and perceptive. Humphreys is becoming one of my favourite authors.
Adult Onset by Anne-Marie MacDonald
This is a complicated sometimes messy book that will not appeal to all, but in my opinion the book and story telling is brilliant. Difficult issues of childhood trauma (real or perceived?), debilitating post-partum depression, and mother-child relationships including maternal love and rage are all included for an incredible spectrum of issues. The core character, Mary Rose (MR, aka Mister) is sometimes completely off the rails and often neurotic, so a hard character to care about at times, which makes the storytelling all the more compelling.
Girl Runner by Carrie Snyder
Snyder is another Wordfest discovery for me. The life of a 104 year old Aganetha Smart is told in flashbacks, from her childhood to a gold medal appearance at the 1928 Olympics to the present, so gender issues in sport is a major theme. The rest of the book is about relationships, family and friends. Overall excellent storytelling.
Broken Harbour by Tana French
This is a brilliant mystery; all of French’s books are a treat to read. There is very little place: the first half of the books is all procedural because a veteran homicide detective is training a novice partner, and then the psychological emphasis begins, the “why” of a horrific crime and unexplored secrets in the mind of the crime investigators.
Another French novel I read this month (The Secret Place) is set in a Dublin boarding school for girls: the 16-17 year old girls are secretive and manipulative with lies, deceit and gleeful bitchiness that confound the investigation into a murder. In other words, the mysteries of young adult female minds is explored wonderfully.
Punishment by Linden MacIntyre
This is an excellent story of lies and secrets over a lifetime; where doing the right things leads to a host of unexpected (and some expected) complications; the illusive search for justice. The book has a very satisfying ending, meaning that much is unresolved.
The Confabulist by Steven Galloway
Galloway uses the story of Harry Houdini to develop the larger theme of life as an illusion, both the present (magic tricks) and the past (memories). This is an excellent read.
What David Read 