Lale is a Slovakian Jew, who arrives at Auschwitz and Birkenau, determined to survive at all costs. He becomes the tattooist, and falls in love with a young woman he numbers. The writing was a bit simplistic for my taste, and I didn’t really warm to the characters, but it is a great (true) story of survival in frightful circumstances, of the power of love and desire to live.
Month: July 2019
Journey to the centre of the earth by Jules Verne
A madcap professor and his dedicated nephew crack the code of an old, Icelandic document, that sends them on a journey to the centre of the earth. It’s a wild adventure, full of wonder and joy.
The overstory by Richard Powers
This is a novel about trees. It begins by slowly introducing a series of characters and their connection to trees, goes on to connect the characters to each other, and ends up connecting everything. It is grand and vast, with an interesting structure, but also digs deep into each character’s life and heart. It is climate fiction without being dystopian; thought-provoking and a warning, but also hopeful. A slow, but beautiful read.
Bloodtree River by Sarah Bailey
Australian romantic suspense. Indy goes undercover to a farm stay in Tasmania to investigate Logan, the main suspect in a case of missing women. There is danger, love and family relationships, enough to keep you interested for the whole story. There is a good flow to the story – no need to think real hard about the plotline – just go with the flow.
Those girls by Chevy Stevens
This was a horrifying, emotional read. There is a lot of violence, including rape, to the story. Even with all the brutality I could not put the book down. I had to keep reading to find out how these sisters survive their experiences, their bond so strong.
Sleeping giants by Sylvian Neuvel
A young girl goes out for a bike ride, and falls down a great hole. She is found lying in the palm of a giant, metal hand. What follows is a fast-paced, unpredictable, science fiction story about politics, relationships, intrigue, and the possibility of not being alone in the universe. I found it utterly compelling, and have reserved the second book in the series.
Not the end of the world by Kate Atkinson
No doubt about it; Kate Atkinson is one of my very favourite authors. I don’t tend to seek out short stories, but I really enjoyed these. There are twelve stories, recurring characters, and all the strange and wonderful twists and perspectives that I love in Atkinson’s writing. There is the ordinary next to the extraordinary, and lots of raw insights into people’s hearts and motivations. It’s only available at the Riverina Regional Library as an eBook.
In the valley of blue gums by J.H. Fletcher
The story of journalist/novelist Thea Anderson and her daughter Alison. There is love, war, wine and travel. Although it covers a lot of subjects the pace of the story is gentle. Thea is an amazing women who had lived through a lot but remains a very modest person, taking in all in her stride. Her emotions could of been so much more extreme which may of added to the story and my investment in her as a character.
The end of the wasp season by Denise Mina
The characters in this story were not very nice – they were troubled and did not make for an easy read. This is the second book in the series and we learn about Alex’s life and relationships. There is a very strong sense of place, being the gritty life in Glasglow.
Doomsday book by Connie Willis
Set both in Oxford, both in the future and in the 1300s, this is a rollicking, funny, moving, time travel story. Kivrin is a passionate historian, bent on exploring the 1300s, despite the dangers. Something does, indeed, go wrong, and she must adapt to her situation, as those who care for her try to get her back. It’s full of imaginative detail, endearing and infuriating characters, and is life affirming and hopeful.
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