Grossman’s The Bright Sword prompted me to re-read Bradley’s classic 1981 story about the King Arthur legend with the usual male suspects: Arthur, Lancelet, Gwydion/Mordred … What distinguishes this re-telling is the focus on women: Viviane, Igraine, Morgause and especially Morgaine. A key plot device is the conflict between ascendent Christianity and the old religion of the Goddess and Druids. This book is a great companion to T. H. White’s sublime The Once And Future King.
Category: Genre
Death At The Sign Of The Rook – Kate Atkinson
Ms. Atkinson has written a delightful book about Jackson Brodie, her fifth story about the now ex-detective. All the mystery tropes are present: stolen paintings; a murder mystery play at a decrepit estate in a snow storm; and not surprisingly, murders ensue! The writing displays the author’s signature wit: “neither of them could open their mouths without a cliche falling out (p. 14). This is a clever and completely enjoyable read.
Truth Telling – Michelle Good
Ms. Good is an acclaimed author for the novel Five Little Indians (Canada Reads 2022 winner). This book is subtitled: “Seven conversations about Indigenous life in Canada”, and I respectfully submit that her thoughtful essays should be read by non-Indigenous Canadians. She categorically states that “it is not enough to wear an orange shirt or issue/listen to empty land acknowledgements”. Her general concept is that there can be no reconciliation without truth; that the goal of colonialism was to disempower leading to the genocide of Indigenous peoples; and that Residential Schools were an implement in the colonial toolkit to destroy Indigenous identity. Ms. Good’s personal story is particularly compelling as a 60s scoop victim with five years in care. Finally, her essay on cultural pillagers, the pretendians, is a clear expose of identity theft. Provocative writing – highly recommended.
The Hunter – Tana French
This brilliant sequel to The Searcher has retired Chicago policeman Cal Hooper trying to live quietly and unobtrusively in a small village in the west of Ireland. The insularity of the village is portrayed perfectly, with suspicion of newcomers. The psychology of the village includes greed when a scam opportunity is introduced, and there is a revenge motive. Although this is a murder mystery, only one death occurs after reading 60% of the book! Ms. French is a sublime writer of crime fiction, and the ending of this book is particularly well-crafted.
Curiosities- Anne Fleming
A Giller short-listed book describes historical fiction from the 17th century. Two children, Joan and Thomasina are plague survivors. Joan becomes a maid to Lady Margaret Long; Thomasina decides to adopt a male persona. And overall, there is the pall of witch accusations and ignorance producing confusion. Fleming’s account of life in England and especially a perilous sea journey, is fantastic.
The Book Of Koli – M.R. Carey
Carey wrote the magnificent The Girl With All The Gifts. This book is the first in a Rampart Trilogy, describing a dystopian future set several centuries after an apocalyptic disaster. A post-apocalyptic fantasy world is described vividly; much was lost including “old tech”. What will happen if Koli accidentally discovers a music/entertainment device? This is an epic fable, not to be missed. Thanks Amy, for this recommendation (via Chris!)
Wandering Stars – Tommy Orange
This is a brilliant follow-up to Orange’s There There with some of the same characters. The first part of the book is historical, the legacies of the Sand Creek massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Industrial School for Indians. Misguided attempts at assimilation by governments and adoptions are devoted to the eradication of Native history, culture and identity. The next section of the book entitled Aftermath is even better, detailing the brutal reality of contemporary life in Oakland for two grandmothers and their three grandsons. When is life more than surviving?
This book is both shattering and wondrous – highly recommended.
The Husbands – Holly Gramazio
Lauren returns to her London flat to discover her husband Michael but … she is not married! When Michael enters the attic, a different “husband” emerges. Amazingly, her attic is capable of creating an infinite supply of husbands so Lauren recycles them, looking for an ideal (or acceptable) married relationship. This is an original and totally entertaining book.
Before The Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi
A small basement cafe in Tokyo offers time travel, to travel back in time subject to specific rules. For example, nothing that is done in the past can change the present, and the duration of the trip is brief, limited to as long as it takes for a cup of coffee to become cold. Given these profound constraints, what is fascinating is the motivation for time travel as explored in four scenarios. Thanks Amy, for this book.
What David Read 