Some of you may have seen the 2008 film based on this book, starring Kate Winslet. I respectfully submit that this 1995 book is far superior. This is Michael Berg’s book, both reflective and introspective. In 1958, 15-year-old Michael has a short tempestuous affair with an older woman, Hanna. Eight years later, Michael is a law student who learns that Hanna is on trial for being an SS guard responsible for the deaths of many women and children in a World War II concentration camp. The writing raises important questions about how beautiful memories can be shattered in hindsight, along with issues of betrayal, guilt and shame. Overall, the story is a metaphor for the complexity of present-day Germany’s relationship to its Nazi past – highly recommended.
Category: Genre
Landbridge – Y-Dang Troeung
Simply put, this is an exceptional book that is heartbreaking to read. Ms. Troeung was born in a Thailand refugee camp, one of the last Cambodian refugees admitted to Canada in 1980. This is an autobiographical story of her life in Canada and Hong Kong with frequent trips to Cambodia to research the genocidal history. So it is about refugee histories, about refugee survival, to research the lives of the lost during the Cambodian genocide. And it is deeply personal, in part because letters written to her son Kai are included. Tragically, Ms. Troeung died of cancer in 2022. Overall, this is a work of outstanding humanity and honesty, a must-read book.
Welcome To The Hyunam-dong Bookshop – Hwang Bo-reum
This interesting story is set in Korea. Yeongju quits her high-flying career to open an independent bookshop in a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul. This is an introspective and philosophical book. What is the purpose of reading? Should you pursue something you like, or something that you are good at? The characters who frequent the bookshop are all taking (small) steps forward, encouraged by a space that is a refuge, to have meaningful conversations with good people. In short, a heartwarming story about finding acceptance in your life. Thanks Amy, for this recommendation.
The Storyteller – Dave Grohl
And now for something entirely different … Mr. Grohl has written a very literate autobiography about his life as a musician. As a self-taught musician, he initially tours with a punk rock band; the poverty of touring with a van is described with graphic detail (sleeping in the van with all the equipment, living on service station corn dogs). Then there is his mercurial rise as the drummer for Nirvana, and the short chaos of fame until the death of Curt Cobain. And finally, the considerable impact of the Foo Fighters. Grohl presents a grounded and candid self-portrait, and his love of family is paramount. A very interesting read.
Hell And Gone – Sam Weibe
This is a well-crafted thriller that explores Vancouver’s criminal underworld. Dave Wakeland is a PI who witnesses a mass killing in Chinatown. And of course there are many villains: a motorcycle gang, organized crime, and even police corruption. But best of all, the text is riddled with Vancouver references like the Pulpfiction Bookstore. Thanks Amy, for this recommendation.
We Solve Murders – Richard Osman
Osman is the author of the wildly popular Thursday Murder Club series. In his 5th novel, he introduces a new cast of characters: Steve, a retired policeman; his daughter-in-law Amy, a bodyguard; and Rosie, a best-selling author. This unlikely trio investigates money smuggling and murders, in wide-spread places like South Carolina, St. Lucia, Ireland and Dubai (where a murder-broker operates, of course), all while Amy is a target for killing! The plot is very clever: who is the principal villain? And above all, the writing features Osman’s trademark wit – very entertaining.
The Mists Of Avalon – Marion Zimmer Bradley
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.
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.
What David Read 