Suite Francaise - irene nemirovsky

What’s it about?
A two-part story of the Nazi occupation of France during WWII. Storm charts the mass panic and fear that swamps Paris during the threat of invasion, and Dolce the relative peace of Nazi occupation in rural France. Published 64 years after her death, this is a beautifully written book. Had Nemirovsky been able to finish the three remaining parts she had planned, I’m certain it would have been deemed a masterpiece.

Highs n lows
The subject matter may not at first seem appealing but this is less about war and more about the people affected by it and their emotional reactions to it. From the privileged upper classes to the poor and destitute, it succeeds in describing brilliantly how daily life went on along with the conflicting emotions caused by events during the occupation. Every page evocatively describes a way of life that has practically been swept away by time; portraying the rigidity of social class and providing an incisive understanding of social mores that is outstanding.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5

Book club discussion primer
* Do people really judge another according to their own feelings as Mme Angellier is stated as doing in Dolce?
* What does the book tell you about the French upper classes of the time?
* If you had to leave your home quickly, which one possession would you take with you?
* Was the lack lustre attitude ascribed to those heading off to war for the second time, really partly to blame for France’s defeat?

The Blind Assassin – margaret atwood

What’s it about?
A sci-fi tale that mirrors the highs and lows of a true life romance as it spirals downhill, intersposed between an autobiographic tale of Iris’ (the main protagonist’s) life.

Highs n lows
Three books in one you either get this clever juxtaposition of fiction and fact or you don’t. You are taken on an interesting journey through the economic development of Canada and the very different mores of the time (1930’s), as you follow the Chase family fortunes as well as that of the fictional population of Sakiel-Norn.

Weaving through a lifetime of decisions contrasting the lot of duty vs freedom of will, and exposing class taboos, The Blind Assassin is an intriguing mix of history and fiction. Told in a fictional mix of flashback, current day narrative and news clippings, it is an interesting tale but one that could have effectively been shortened without spoiling the plot.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5

Bookclub discussion primer
* Bearing in mind Iris’ relationship with her sister-in-law, who do you think was stronger in the end, Laura or Iris?
* Do you think that the story of the Blind Assassin is based on an actual relationship, or a complete work of fiction?
* The rebel and the conformist – how accurate is this as a description of Laura and Iris?
* Iris often describes Laura as ‘special’ and one who didn’t realise the consequences of her actions. Who is the more naïve about the real world of the two?

A Million Little Pieces – james frey

What’s it about?
A self penned autobiography in the loosest sense of the word about Frey’s recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.

Highs n lows
A refreshingly simple read. Gutsy, straight to the point, evocative, not for the easily offended. Time and again I was amazed at how the author managed to conjure up a scene so realistically – particularly the toenail section, using such very simple language and sentence structures.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5

Bookclub discussion primer
- Does it matter to you that parts of the book are actually fiction?
- The stylised use of capitals for some everyday nouns – what does this mean? Did it add or takeaway from the narrative for you?
- Throughout the book James is against any form of religion yet swears by the Tao – isn’t this just another type of spirituality?

Author insight

A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.

G K Chesterton (1874 - 1936)

Be Near Me – andrew o’hagan

What’s it about?

Father David, an Englishman and a Catholic priest, in a small mainly protestant Scottish town, gets more than he bargains for when he befriends two local teens in a bid to relive his youth.

Highs n lows

I’m wondering whether this Booker Prize nominee got this book published just on the strength of his nomination. Yes it’s beautifully written in places, but the basics:

• Gripping storyline
• Believable characters
• Engaging sub plot
• Exciting dialogue

Just aren’t there!!

The main character feels unrealistic and hollow for a man of the cloth. Great chunks of his work life are skipped or just glossed over so you don’t get a sense of how his inner turmoil impacts on his work or how he relates to people in the village – key factors I’d have thought to successfully depict a priest. As a result we are left with far too much introspection with very little about what’s going on outside to balance it. There are few who can pull off an engaging and rounded story written in the first person, unfortunately O’Hagan failed miserably in this case.

Throw in some irritating inconsistencies for good measure, which you might forgive in a more enjoyable book, such as Mrs Poole saying they have a son, and Mr Poole saying they have no children, and you have a potentially shocking plot premise, which could have exploded across the page that has all the final appeal of a damp squib.

Is it any good?

A desultory 2 out of 5

Book club discussion primer

• What does Father David’s tale about why he became a priest say about the Catholic Church?
• Would Mrs Poole have been happy had she married someone she considered her equal?
• Why do you think Father David didn’t say ‘no’ when asked if he would have gone further when questioned about Mark?

Ugly – constance briscoe

What’s it about?

A heart rending true story of a black child growing up in sixties London, who is severely abused by her mother.

Highs n lows

This is very much a tell it as it was book. Written almost like a diary, in the first person, everything is told in a very matter of fact manner ‘that’s life get on with it’ is the viewpoint. You are given just enough explanation about why nothing was done to stop the abuse, for the question not to take away from the main story. Surprisingly, she doesn’t allow any self-pity or judgement to creep into the narrative, and part of me wonders how she could remain so dispassionate, but then I’m guessing this wasn’t the first draft. More practically, if more life and emotion was injected into it instead of the plainer description of events that we have, the book would be far too harrowing because the level of abuse is so bad. Despite this Briscoe’s style is very readable, and slightly older readers will appreciate the short reminiscences about some iconic sixties celebs ranging from Big Daddy, to Crown Court, and the extremely loud fashions of the day.

You won’t be left untouched after reading this. I was left horrified that any mother could be so inhuman to her own child just because of the way she looked. Jamie Oliver’s people I’m sure would find it a boon for his school dinner campaign as school dinners literally saved Briscoe’s life as a child. But the main thing that struck me was the amazing strength of character the author showed as a child, to make it through the way she did, many others would have crumbled from such abuse, I’m sure.

Although the book finishes at a natural closure with her change of name, I was left with so many questions about how her later relationship with her family and how she recovered emotionally from all this – perhaps there’s a sequel in the offing (please!)??

Is it any good?

5 out of 5

The New Contented Little Baby Book – gina ford

What’s it about?

Routines to ensure a contented baby and parents. Covers baby’s first year, and includes how to get baby sleeping through the night by 6 weeks (!), feeding (breast and bottle), naps, weaning, dealing with problems eg sleeping and how to increase breast milk production, and even how to wash baby’s clothes.

Highs n lows

Now let me debunk a few myths – something Gina herself spends 20 pages doing at the start of this rewritten book (raw nerve perhaps?). She doesn’t advocate not feeding a baby when s/he’s hungry or leaving her/him to cry (except in exceptional circumstances when treating a behavioural problem) but she does advocate no eye contact with baby at bed time, and is very specific in terms of what you must do and when. The whole tone of the book is quite authoritarian, so prepare for your hackles to bristle when reading it. If you like routine and order, and would appreciate being told what to do and when for every 24 hours during your baby’s first year, this could be the book for you. If not, don’t buy it because you won’t stick to the routines, you’d be better off reading a few books taking the advice you need and leaving the rest. Personally this wasn’t my cup of tea, although I did find the section on weaning quite useful.

Is it any good?

3 out of 5. Don’t let the negative press prevent you from at least leafing through this to judge for yourself.

RL’s Dream – walter mosely

What’s it about?

Soupspoon Wise has been searching for the Blues all of his life. Now, with his body being eaten away by cancer, he takes one last journey, reliving his youth whilst making the most of the sweetness of his last days.

Highs n lows

No one writes the pain and disappointment of life like Mosely. His writing is raw emotion. Every word jumps off the page and rips into your head, imprinting every ache, every leaden disappointment of each character in your mind.

We’re used to him dealing easily with the harsh realities of life, but here Mosely reveals the depths of his credentials by making the Blues sing out to you from the page. Read it for a harsh slice of American life, and for just a taste of the Blues.

Is it any good?

4 out of 5

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

What’s it about?
Bridget’s back. Gaaah!!

Book vs Film
Take a couple of seconds to take this a tiny bit seriously, and it could tell you a lot about modern society. With the constant obsessing about relationships, inability to trust or communicate, dump before you’re dumped mentality, and (Bridget Jones’ own theory) the replacement of faith with that of self help books … (Hmm okay maybe that’s a little bit far fetched).

Anyway, having put myself through the trauma of the first book, I thought I’d better have a go at the sequel just to see how far things could sink. Surprisingly enough, although you could never say the book was deep, I did like the way relationships were handled particularly the importance of friendships. The characters from the first book were developed further, making them slightly more interesting, but the plot, even wackier than the previous book, was too far fetched if written well enough for you to engage in the action. And yes I did laugh, once or twice.

The Film however, was crap; far too simplistic and sickly sentimental. As usual, the script writer took the big scenes from the book but changed who the action happened to so it all focused on Bridget, that plus the added ‘bonus’ of a wedding at the end was just too much.

Renee Zellweger’s Bridget became too dippy (okay we know she’s not mastermind, but still), and what was with that walk?? Overall I felt they were trying too hard for laughs and failed miserably. The whole thing really suffered from leaving out other characters’ relationships which are very simply explored in the book, but which provide some of the comic moments. The result, a claustrophobically dull ‘chick flick’. The one and only high point being Firth and Grant’s smacking fight in the fountain.

Is it any good?
Film a disappointing 1 out of 5, book a surprising 3 out of 5

Charmed the Gypsy Enchantment – carla jablonski

What’s it about?
The Halliwell sisters go up against dark forces conjured up by gypsy magic at the local circus.

Highs n lows
Created for teens as a follow-up to the hugely popular TV series, I was really looking forward to this read, being a bit of a fan of the series. Again, making an assumption that the book is generally better than what you see on screen I was looking forward to some really vivid character development, lively writing with great action sequences and even more sizzle to the magic. If only. I think the author could have done with some help from one of the writer’s master classes being run as part of today’s London Book Fair.

Overall this was a dull read. Far too reliant on the reader having seen the TV shows, it was even lacked some of the basics. Devoid of character development, with very little character description, the plot was slow and I certainly can’t say that the thrill of the magic sequences on screen was completely recreated on the page. Somehow even the plot line felt less complicated than in the series, with none of the sub-plots which funnily enough are routinely included on screen. Sadly it’s another case of there not being enough material from the TV screens for the book, and no attempt was made to develop it.

Is it any good?
A disappointing 2 out of 5.

The Eyre Affair – jasper fforde

What’s it about?
Welcome to the world of Thursday Next, where classic literature is enjoyed by the masses, a Will Speak (Shakespeare) machine is on every street corner, and forgery of original works is big business. Plus, the Crimean War is still raging, videos are still done on tape and a computer takes up a whole room, but book worms can create whole new worlds and people can literally stop time.

Complete with a whole new take on the origin of the banana and it’s own version of Blade this world might sound crazy but you quickly accept each new twist on reality because none of it phases the leading character Thursday, who herself is just a little busy trying to solve the mystery of who stole Dickens’ last manuscript ‘Martin Chuzzlewit’, whilst also saving her Aunt and Uncle, finding Acheron Hades, saving characters stolen from original manuscripts; and let’s not forget a little thing like finding a husband too.

Highs n lows
This was my first introduction to Fforde’s extraordinarily clever other dimension. The first of a series of four books about LiteraTec Thursday Next, the last of which came out in 2006, I’m not surprised this has such a huge following.

Fforde obviously enjoys his craft and has a great sense of humour which is woven easily throughout this beautifully written sci fi best-seller, which is strewn with gloriously vivid but efficient character descriptions, and demonstrates a keen sense of pace to match the slightly complicated plot.

Endlessly inventive, engaging, funny, and if you know your classic English literature you’ll probably get even more laughs out of this one. For more suitable ridiculousness, as well as background on the characters and the author visit www.thursdaynext.com

Is it any good?
4 out of 5. Scarily imaginative, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Arthur and George – julian barnes

What’s it about?
Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle inventor of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories, comes to the rescue of George Edalji a mixed race lawyer imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Based loosely on the true case of The Great Wyrley Outrages of the late 1800s.

Highs n lows
This isn’t really a detective novel, in fact two thirds of the book is spent getting in to the heads and lives of the two main characters, before the crux comes in the last third where the creator of Sherlock Holmes turns detective in ‘real life’.

This novel is notable for its detailed and vivid expose of the everyday lives of two very different main characters, as much as it is for its highlighting of a long forgotten case of injustice.

It’s not a page turner, but if you’re interested in finding out about how life was lived one hundred odd years ago, Sir Arthur, the vagaries of the British justice system, the impact of spiritual beliefs or the state of race prejudice at the time you’ll probably enjoy this. Don’t read it for the intrigue of solving the crime, you’ll be disappointed. Information about the crimes involved in the case, though detailed, is patchily outlined. The action is slow, and the resolution of the actual case no more than a one line postscript towards the end of the book.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5. Those who care will want to know that this was a Richard and Judy book club recommendation for the British Book Awards 2006, and shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2005.

The Birds and other stories – daphne du maurier

What’s it about?
Compendium of short stories starting with the Birds, the story which inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s chilling film of the same name. where after a harsh Winter birds start attacking humans. Other short stories are: Monte Verita, The Apple Tree, The Little Photographer, Kiss Me Again Stranger, and The Old Man.

Book vs film
A great idea and I can see why it appealed to Hitchcock. Being a short story there’s only so much that can go in, and in this case I’ve got to go for the film which is a lot meatier and scarier (although the characters aren’t the same). A classic Hitchcock horror, great in its day, but not of the ilk of other similar offerings like Psycho or Cujo for suspense.

As it’s only a few pages long I’d read the story out of interest. It has Du Maurier’s absorbingly evocative description and great character development. Combined with the slow but steady pace, the successful build up of tension climaxes in what for me was an unsatisfying ambiguous ending.

The rest of the stories are in a similar vein, a Twilight Zoneian mix of dark, supernatural tales. She is for good reason a classic writer and I wasn’t disappointed by the quality of the writing - highly atmospheric, and absorbing with well-rounded protagonists whose heads you literally climb into. However, as a group I ended up feeling the tales were a little too formulaic and I admit got a bit bored with the unfailingly steady pace of each story. I guess I’ve been spoilt with more modern writing which also relies on other techniques, like changes in pace and view point to keep a story moving.

For all that a quality read if you like something a little sinister.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 for the book overall.

Atomised – michel houllebecq

What’s it about?
Two half brothers’ lives, loves and hang-ups. Michel the withdrawn intellectual, and Bruno a sex obsessed loner, live totally separate lives that connect fleetingly at times of crisis in this dull chronicle of their lives.

Highs n lows
There’s been a lot of fuss about this winner of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and having read it I have to ask WHY?!! Perhaps it’s because I’m not a man, or an Oxford graduate, but this disconnected chopping and changing between the lives of these two very unhappy and completely uninteresting characters left me cold.

To be fair though, I have to say this is exceptionally well written with some graphic and un-PC treatment of some taboo subjects including school bullying, sexual liberation and child abuse. If you’re interested in the above or lean towards the highbrow, the often gloomy musings about anything from anthropology to the problem pages of girls’ magazines also included in this compilation might keep you going.

Is it any good?
2 out of 5 – great bedtime reading; if you’re having trouble sleeping.

The Emperor’s Babe – bernadine evaristo

October being Black History Month I couldn’t let the month go by without reviewing something fantastically different, written by a black woman about a black woman who could well be living in modern times.

What’s it about?
Zuleika, black Roman in Londinium AD211. A feisty and daring child bride from an immigrant family made good, she marries into high society. Watched closely by the servants whilst her husband is away, she hatches a plan with best friend Alba to escape her gilded cage and add some spice to her life.

Highs n lows
A novel in verse, this takes you effortlessly through the slums of Londinium to the debauchery of highest Roman society. An idea spawned by Evaristo’s stint as a writer in residence at the Museum of London, she vividly evokes Roman London, keeping the action going in the fewest of words. Cleverly mixing old Latin and modern slang so that everything feels familiar – ever heard of an Armani toga or the band Nu Vox with drummer Puff Daddy Fabius? You’ll find it a funny, sexy and moving quick read.

Is it any good?
5 out of 5 – excellent read. Even if poetry’s not your thing, don’t be put off, you’ll enjoy every word

Oliver Twist (1948)

What’s it about?
The old saying ‘originals are the best’ says it all for this restoration of the 1948 version of the film from the BFI National archive.

From the off the scene is set, skeletal branches, crows in the distance, clatter of thunder and torrential rain – you know no good’s going to come to the pregnant woman hammering on the Parish Workhouse doors.

I have to say the David Lean Foundation’s money was put to good use, it’s as if you are watching the picture as it must have been at its original release – crystal clear sound and sharp edged imagery gives us another chance to appreciate classic acting from Alec Guinness’ self-serving thug Fagin to the comical antics of Mr Bumble and his lady wife.

Book or film?
This sticks as close to Dickens’ text as you’ll find in any film adaptation with the added advantage of not having to wade through pages of florid 19th Century text which like me I know many find a turn off these days. You’re carried through the major episodes of Twist’s first 10 years of life at a gallop, through 3 ‘professions’ and dodging jail as circumstances combine to wrong foot all those conspiring to rob him of his birthright. But unlike the various terrible musical versions there have been since, it also conveys some of the depressing grimness and squalor of living conditions of the time that Dickens was so good at describing in his book. However due to the nature of the medium, the complexity and depth of many of the characters are only hinted at in the film; and you’ll need to ignore the odd anomaly of Twist’s distinctly plumby accent against his contemporaries’ raw cockney.

Good quotes:
Prosecutor: ‘The law assumes the lady of the house acts under the master’s direction’
Mr Bumble: ‘If the law assumes that, then the law is an ass’

Is it any good?
4 out of 5 . If classic literature isn’t to your taste this is a first class alternative.

Waiting to Exhale

What's it about?

Classic favourite (for us ladies that is) this isn’t such a male basher as the film would have you believe. Based on Terry McMillan’s 1992 best-seller, it’s a statement about modern times.

The plot centres on four black American women dealing with life’s ups and downs with the help of their friends – how they work it through, keep things together and resolve their problems, of which men are partly the cause in some cases, and in others they are part solution.

Robin’s (played by Lela Rochon in the film) – looking for the right man
Gloria’s (Loretta Devine) – a single mum afraid to commit again
Savannah’s (Whitney Houston) – a career girl dealing with a boss who takes credit for her work and an invalid mother
Bernadine’s (Angela Bassett) - locked in a divorce with a deceitful husband

The film was Forest Whitaker’s first go at directing a full length film so I’m surprised that he took the male bashing route. It definitely got the slick, perfectly made up, Hollywood treatment, and on the plus side provided a rare opportunity to see four black women on the big screen in leading roles. Not to mention a great sound track. This rightly did well at the box office but you only get a taste of the complexity of the book

Is it any good?
A tough one to call – an even 4 out of 5 for both book and screen. A definite feel good look for the ‘better half’

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian – marina lewycka

What’s it about?
Family feuding on a grand scale is the subject of this recent and Orange Prize shortlisted novel. Round 1 – Tractors have very little to do with it as two sisters fight it out go get one over each other, for their eventual inheritance and their father’s love. Round 2 – in the away corner sits busty, bottle-blonde Valentina, sophisticated gold digger who is hiding behind a very thin and battered maternal cloak.

Although billed as a comedy my ribs were barely tickled as I read my way through this, although it’s still not a bad read. It’s actually a perceptive portrait of a family’s fragile relationships thrown into strong relief, as old wounds are torn open when two sisters Vera and Nadezhda are forced to work together against a common enemy who marries their aging father in a bid to take everything he has.

Although there’s a definite fiery female bias, all the characters are tightly drawn, developing naturally with the storyline into a multifaceted whole. You start out hating Valentina, but as you hear about her circumstances you start to ask yourself how right are you to judge so harshly? Whilst you can easily sympathise with Nikolai (Vera and Nadezhda’s father) as he shrivels slowly to a pale shadow of his former sprightly self – he still remains a letch to the end, and you’re going to come to a point where you think won’t he ever learn?

Tractors are mentioned as part of Nikolai’s book, of which we get pages of extracts. At first sight, they seem unnecessary, but are in fact an alternative attempt at character exposition, as they serve to illustrate the old man’s state of mind (not sure if I’d encourage a repeat of that idea).

Is it any good?
At 3 out of 5, worth a read

Day of the Triffids

What’s it about?

After seeing the various film and TV versions, I was surprised how good this tale about a world taken over by giant killer plants, that stalk living prey – humans included, was.

This classic was done little justice by the 1981 TV mini series and even less so by the cheesy 1962 horror film effort.

Written as pure science fiction (not horror) in 1951, John Wyndham’s novel is still a gripping, suspenseful read. It paints a vivid picture of a quieter but still recognisable London, following an unlikely scientist and society girl couple in a race for survival, as civilization disintegrates around them.

Refreshingly, the heroine is more tough totty (for her time) rather than the screaming idiot that’s portrayed on celluloid. The dialogue may be a little old fashioned along with some of the characters’ manners and dress, but this comes across as quaint more than irritating and just adds to the authenticity of the book.

My one criticism would be the lack of clues about the nature of the mysterious disease that is also killing many of the survivors (– or did I miss something??).

Is it any good?

I’d give it 4 out of 5, this is definitely one to read not watch. The book’s slim line size also makes it great for tube reading.

Bridget Jones

I don’t usually rant (For those who've just read my previous posting - rant over, promise) , but I think something’s come over me since I finally got through reading Bridget Jones’ Diary – yes the original (I know I’m several years late!) But I loved the film and going on the usual premise that the book is always better, I dived in … what a disappointment!!

Where was the depth of character, the jokes, what was this crazy far fetched plot???!!! Grrr (to coin a Bridget term). Yes I know this book has gained a huge following over the years but I’m happy to be in the minority and say, as a thirty something single for many years I couldn’t relate to this self absorbed tale of drink sodden martyrdom.

Am I the only one? Someone out there please reassure me!!