Book Review on Esme Young’s Behind the Seams
Esme Young’s Behind the Seams was a gift from my daughter, as she knows I’ve enjoyed “The Great Sewing Bee”. So, of course, I read it. It was a quick and pleasant read. Like many celebrity autobiographies, its focus is on who the author knows and who she has interacted with over the years. It is well-written, and her style and voice are engaging.
Book Review on Claire Fuller’s The Memory of Animals
The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller is an unusual book set in what appears to be roughly contemporary times. The story unfolds through a series of letters from the narrator, Neffy, to ‘H’, who we later learn is an octopus that Neffy freed from an aquarium where she’d previously worked.
Atkinson’s Normal Rules Don’t Apply – Copy
Kate Atkinson’s Normal Rules Don’t Apply is a remarkable collection of eleven interconnected stories that expertly blend the complexity of its narrative with profound themes of human nature, the disruption of time, and the power of storytelling. Notably, it’s her first full collection in two decades.
Book Review on Mike Gayle’s All The Lonely People
Mike Gayle’s All the Lonely People immerses us in a narrative that effectively balances the simplicity of its storytelling with the profound themes of loneliness, family bonds, and the power of human connections. Hubert Bird, an 84-year-old widower, personifies the quiet isolation many elderly people face.
Book Review of Sarah Winman’s When God Was a Rabbit
It took me a while to get into Sarah Winman’s When God Was a Rabbit, but once I had it was well worth the read. At times it was hard to pin down what it was actually about, but I settled on it being an exploration of family life, friendship, and the inevitable passage of time.
Book Review on Sara Pascoe’s Weirdo
Sara Pascoe’s Weirdo presents a captivating exploration of contemporary fiction, resonating particularly with younger readers through its fresh, accessible style and relatable themes. Initially hesitant about delving into literature seemingly geared towards a younger demographic, I found Pascoe’s novel to be a delightful surprise, offering a blend of humour and insight that appeals to a broad audience.