The Children’s Act by Ian McEwan

The Children's Act by Ian McEwanMcEwan writes wonderfully; even sentences with multiple phrases separated by commas read smoothly. In this novel about a 59 year-old Family Court Judge, McEwan revisits a theme in Atonement, namely that actions have consequences. In this book, however, the main character is not very likeable, mainly because she is selfish, therefore it seems very unlikely that there can be any “atonement” so the ending becomes somewhat unsatisfactory. Not one of McEwan’s bestbooks but still worth a read.

Sweetland by Michael Crummey

Sweetland by Michael CrummeyCrummey writes beautifully descriptive books about Newfoundland, both people and places. Sweetland is both a person (an old codger) and a place (an island). The latter half of the book is a brilliant description of solitude. This book is very different from his previous novel Galore which was a mix of history and fantasy.

Amy notes: Later on the 2016 Canada Reads long list

The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell

TThe Bone Clocks by David Mitchellhis is the best book I have read in the last 6 months. Mitchell creates an epic story, from 1984 to 2043 with intersecting story lines. The first 2/3 sets the stage for the final 1/3, a fantastical story of psychic power, a form of immortality and a cracking conflict between the good guys and the villains. The future turns out to be very dystopian (but not post-apocalyptic). Overall, fantastic story telling. This is my favourite Mitchell book, definitely better than Cloud Atlas which I also loved.

(Amy notes: I’m pretty sure that I’m the one who introduced David to this very fine author!)

Nora Webster by Colm Toibin

This is a beautifully written quiet story about a 45-year-old recently widowed woman living in Ireland (County Wexford) who is conflicted by her need for privacy and the needs of her 4 children, and the attentions of her neighbours and friends. The time is the late 1960s, with approaching social and political changes. Nora is complex, often prickly and usually blunt – a fascinating character.

The Hero’s Walk by Anita Rau Badami

The Hero's Walk by Anita Rau BadamiA sweeping story of a multi-generational Indian family near Madras: a mean-spirited mother of two, a spinster daughter aged 42 and the older brother Sripathi who is the major figure in this story. Sripathi is married with a stay-at-home son and an estranged daughter living in Vancouver. Sripathi is angry is angry with life: his job; corruption in India; but his major disappointment is his family relationships, in particular his daughter who defied him by rejecting an arranged marriage. All live in a single big house that is decaying literally. A very important element in this book is dealing with change, their declining standard of living. When their estranged daughter is killed in a traffic accident, the 7-year-old grand-daughter (who they have never met) comes to live with them, a fourth generation, forcing them to cope (poorly) with even more change. This is a very fine book about India.

Note: this book is also from the CBC list mentioned above. And later was in the 2016 CBC Canada Reads list)

The Cure For Death By Lightning by Gail Anderson-Dargatz

The Cure For Death By Lightning by Gail Anderson-DargatzThis is a remarkable book, told in the voice of 14 year-old Beth who is growing up in rural B.C. in the early 1940s. There is exceptional detail in the writing, ranging from the recipes and remedies in her mother’s scrapbook to farming details like milking cows and separating the milk. There is also a very strong magical/mystical element. But be warned, there is some very unpleasant detail, described in a completely understated manner. So, highly recommended but with a warning.

Note: this book is from the CBC list: 100 novels that make you proud to be a Canadian, a superb reading list.