My first book in 2025 is … great! The setting is the Red River Valley in North Dakota, with ordinary people coping as best they can with the impending financial collapse of 2008-09. There is a premature wedding, and an embezzlement with a masquerading bank robber. The people are flawed and decent, lonely and hopeful. There are also dark secrets in the aftermath of a tragic accident. And finally, there is a brilliant understanding of human relationships with the environment. Ms. Erdrich’s writing reminds me of Lionel Shriver, high praise indeed.
Category: Location / Setting
The Circle – Katherena Vermette
This compelling story is a worthy companion to The Break and The Strangers, to complete a trilogy of unforgettable Metis voices. The central event is the release of Phoenix from prison after 6 years confinement for a vicious assault. The implications are profound; stories and memories are revealed from different perspectives so the exquisite writing creates a type of restorative justice circle where both the victimized and accused confront how their lives have been changed. This is masterful writing with an ending that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
The Eye In The Door – Pat Barker
It is 1918, and the vengeful English public seeks scapegoats; pacifists and homosexuals are targeted for persecution and prosecution. The brutality of trench warfare leads to war neurosis (PTSD). The book title refers to being watched. The social stigma directed to “conchies” (conscientious objectors) is profound. This brilliant antiwar book is a worthy companion to Regeneration.
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.
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.
What I Know About You – Eric Chacour
This remarkable first novel is a Giller finalist. The story starts in Cairo in the 1960s, and eventually includes a Montreal sojourn. Plot details are unnecessary. Suffice it to say this is a love story when a chance encounter leads to obsession. The writing is beautiful; a simple action like the lighting of a cigarette becomes poetic, or when describing Cairo’s heady olfactory aura creates a visceral sensation. This is a must-read book, in my opinion.
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.
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 