I have loved all of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘ novels, and there is much to love here, too, in this slim volume. It is an essay based on a TED talk, addressing the fact that society still needs to change to make the sexes more equal. Read easily in a sitting, This is a thought provoking, thoughtful consideration on Adichie’s experiences, and hopes for the future.
Month: January 2020
The secrets we kept by Lara Prescott
The Secrets We Kept is a fictionalised version of the publication of Doctor Zhivago. You don’t have to have read Doctor Zhivago to enjoy it; I know, because I haven’t. Set in the 1950s, in the Soviet Union and the United States, we follow Boris Pasternak and his mistress, as well as typists for the CIA, as the novel takes the rough journey to publication. This thriller is full of danger, espionage, illicit relationships, and intrigue.
Shetland. Season 4
Shetland season 4. This is the face of someone who really loves Shetland! It is absolute accent heaven, has beautiful scenery, the characters are complex, and endearing, and the mystery is topical, harrowing, and clever. This is the latest season; we have them all on DVD. Read the books, too; they are quite different.
Therese Raquin by Emile Zola
A deliciously gothic tale of adultery and murder in a dingy part of Paris, published in 1867. Thérèse Racquin married her sickly cousin but began a passionate affair with Laurent. The pair plotted to murder Thérèse’s husband in order to give full rein to their lust, but the act haunted them in increasingly horrific ways. If you read Nancy Mitford you might think that adultery is an accepted part of French life, but reading Madame Bovary, and especially Thérèse Racquin, will put you off adultery for life!
Wild and crazy guys by Nick de Semlyen
I was in my teens when I saw the movies The Three Amigos, Spies Like Us, Beverley Hills Cop, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Blues Brothers – and this book brought all those memories back. It was interesting to read about these comedic superstars and how they handled their fame and the workings of the film industry. A well researched book with a straight forward presentation. It was great to spend some time in the eighties.
Thirty thousand bottles of wine and a pig called Helga by Todd Alexander
Todd and Jeff live the high life in Sydney, with corporate jobs, and cooking and renovating as hobbies. They turn their backs on city life and head for the Hunter Valley for the quiet, rural life that turns out to be anything but. Amusing, in turns self deprecating and aggrandising, with a dash of camp, and a lot of fun, this book shares the highs and lows of life on a working property. Definitely one for animal lovers.
Children of blood and bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Zelie is a girl who makes mistakes, who gets in trouble. The events of one particular day change everything for herself, her family, and the whole of her country. Children of Blood and Bone is set in a fictional version of Nigeria, where magic existed, but is now held back by a violent king. Zelie begins a journey to bring it back. I listened to the audio book, and really enjoyed the accent, along with the imaginative detail, and the passionate fight to end oppression.
Where the crawdads sing by Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing is the story of Kya, grown up alone and wild in the marshes of North Carolina. Told in two time periods, there is the story of Kya’s youth; harsh realities as well as kindness and care, and a murder mystery and court drama. The landscape features heavily, and Kya’s journey is affecting and compelling. While I think the narrator did a good job, it’s not my favourite accent, and I might have enjoyed it even more if I read the print book, rather than listened to the audio. It’s a To Kill a Mockingbird/romance/nature book that I can really see being turned into a movie.
Taking Tom Murray Home by Tim Slee
A dairy farmer burns his house down instead of letting the bank have it and unfortunately dies while doing it. What follows is an offbeat story of a funeral procession from the rural town to Melbourne. Is it a funeral procession or a protest? And who is burning buildings along the way? Having the story told through the eyes of the farmer’s 13 year old son makes this story unique and quirky.
Challenge accepted! by Celeste Barber
I very much enjoy Celeste Barber’s Instagram posts. They highlight the ridiculousness of celebrity images, and make us feel good about ourselves. This book is a memoir, about her youth, her career, her friends and family, and it is also about her philosophy; very Australian, and very much of her time. A light, fun read, with touches of sadness, vehemence, and a fair bit of wine.
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