Ms. Quinn has written some superb historical fiction (The Alice Network, The Rose Code). And now for something entirely different: she offers a foray into magic realism. The heroine Alix is a misfit product of parental abandonment and the foster-care system. She takes refuge in a reading room at the Boston Public Library, and accidentally gains entry to the magical Astral Library which permits access to book lovers in need. Patrons in the Astral Library can enter and live inside books; imagine living in Jane Austen’s world in Pride and Prejudice, or in The Great Gatsby! Importantly, this book is a love letter to literature and libraries, with some exquisite book trivia. But there is peril and danger in the form of attacks on the library, requiring original defences. Simply put, this is a great read!
Category: Location / Setting
The Keeper – Tana French
Ms. French is a superb crime writer of some excellent police procedural stories. This third and final book in the Cal Hooper trilogy is entirely different. First, there are only two deaths in this story about a village in West Ireland, one at the beginning and one at the end of a 489-page book. The context is the village; casual dialog reveals subtle conversational codes. And most of the violence comes from rumours, generational grudges and power struggles. A compelling question: what is justice? Finally, the last 8 pages are … perfect.
Taipei Story – R.F. Kuang
Rebecca Kuang is an extraordinary author, in part because each of her novels uses different genres. In this book, Lily Chen is a Chinese-American Yale student who decides to spend a summer in Taipei in an intensive language program to improve her Chinese. Now, Lily is a young woman experiencing culture shock for the first time, and she makes some epic mistakes. Her program is difficult and her roommate is super annoying. And then mid-program she experiences a personal tragedy, the death of her maternal grandfather (Gonggong) in China which results in a profound identity crisis. Thus, the story is intensely introspective, all about belonging. Some of the writing is transcendent, like attending a piano concert. Overall, an amazing coming-of-age novel about self-discovery and understanding.
The Black Wolf – Louise Penny
This 20th Gamache novel is a direct sequel to The Grey Wolf. Inspector Gamache with a very small group of trusted investigators works to foil more dastardly plots in what must be a covert operation. Trust no-one! There are police moles, crooked politicians, the Montreal mob, and a great deal of misdirection. So, in short, totally entertaining.
When The Cranes Fly South – Lisa Ridzen
Reader be warned: this is a profoundly sentimental book about aging that will bring tears. The story is about an 89-year-old Swedish man, Bo, living alone with a dog as his sole companion, plus daily visits from caregivers (this is Sweden, after all). Bo’s wife has descended into dementia, adding to his isolation. Bo’s relationship with his deceased father and his son are complicated; stubbornness and flashes of anger prevent him from communicating what he feels which often is pride and love. Memories and dreams collide in his assessment of his imperfections. Overall, a magical reading experience
Fingersmith – Sarah Waters
This intriguing novel is a fine example of historical fiction. The setting: London and the south of England in the 1860s. Two 17-year-old women become involved in a Dickensian plot involving seduction and theft, but who are the villains? What if some villains become victims? Overall, this is a dramatic thriller with many thieves, and double crosses with some truly evil people, so very entertaining.
The Impossible Fortune – Richard Osman
This fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club mystery series is one of the best. Importantly, there is the clever and signature wit of Osman’s writing. Of course, the plot is devious: a missing person, a bitcoin fortune, a car bomb. But this is a story about the importance of relationships, old (Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim) and new, with family dynamics a key element. Highly recommended.
Revolution Songs – Carissa Halton
This remarkable first novel is a classic example of historical fiction. The setting is the Crowsnest Pass, specifically Blairmore, in the 1930s. The drama is labour radicalism, fueled by depression-era poverty and the dangers of coal mining. The influences of Communist agitation and even the sinister presence of the KKK creates a dramatic backdrop for exploitation. Thanks Sarah, for this recommendation.
On The Calculation Of Volume-I – Solvej Balle
This is a fascinating story about a groundhog day. For Tara, the 18th of November repeats itself, apparently endlessly. Does this improbability represent a fault in time? There are intriguing inconsistencies in time, in what stays and what disappears. What about her husband Tom? In fact, Tara remembers and Tom forgets. What is unique and compelling about this story are the psychological aspects. Does Tara have a future? Is there an explanation, a hopeful resolution? Can she escape or is this her new reality. Overall, this is an extraordinarily introspective story. Thanks Amy, for the gift of this book.
