There is a lot to like about this story set in Australia after World War II. Billie is a private investigator with a whole lot of spunk, trying to make it in a male dominated world. Many underlying issues are explored in the story, such as women in work and society, returning soldiers, the wealthy divide, and policing. This is the first book in the series and was a great start – reminds me a bit of the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton which I enjoyed. Can’t wait to see what case Billie will dive into next.
Month: April 2020
The subtle knife by Philip Pullman
I love the first book, because I prefer Lyra’s Oxford, but I do love Will. The Subtle Knife sees Lyra in a new world, where she meets Will, a boy of her own age, from our world, and with his own quest. It’s a fascinating world, or set of worlds, and the characters are deeply endearing, but it is hard to see the big picture; what is the great good they fight for, and the evil they are fighting against. Still, it is a great adventure, with lots of heart, setting up the story for the final instalment.
Girl, woman, other by Bernardine Evaristo
Girl, Woman, Other reads like twelve linked short stories. They are the stories of British black women, and their experiences, struggles, and successes over more than 100 years. There is little punctuation, no capital letters to begin sentences, and yet it flows beautifully, and the women’s stories are sad, uplifting, funny, horrifying, wearying, encouraging and moving.
Newt’s emerald by Garth Nix
Unlike most of Garth Nix’s books, this is a regency romance, with magic. Lady Truthful Newington is just about to inherit her magical emerald when it is stolen, and she heads to London to seek it with the aid of magic, and a cast of eccentric, endearing, infuriating and handsome characters. A light-hearted, fun, sweet, romp of a story.
The secret life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
Historical fiction set in the duel timelines of 1914 and 1964. Socialite Vivian receives a battered suitcase which she discovers belonged to her aunt Violet. As Vivian sets out to discover Violets story we are taken back to find out what happened to Violet. There is romance, sass, spies, sex and betrayal Most of the story was interesting, but I found some of the interactions between the characters a bit unbelievable.
A monster calls by Patrick Ness
A beautiful, heartbreaking book about Conor, who, struggling to come to terms with his mother’s illness, is visited by a monster in the garden. It’s about loss, love, life, truth, and hope. Is very sad, but deeply moving and the audiobook is brilliantly read by Jason Isaacs.
Five days of fog by Anna Freeman
We are dropped into the life of Florrie for five days, during the Great Smog of London in 1952. Florrie is waiting the return of her mother from jail, who is part of a family criminal gang. Anna is great at setting the scene and building good characters. Florrie is at crossroads – should she stay with her family or leave? We follow her as she struggles with the choice.
The museum of modern love by
The Museum of Modern Love is set during Marina Abramović’s 75 day art work, The Artist is Present, at MOMA in New York City. There are lots of facts about Abramović‘s life and career, as it introduces characters who become fascinated by her, and visit MOMA often to watch. It’s about the impact of art on life, relationships, purpose, and hope.
Trust excercise by Susan Choi
Trust Exercise is set in a hot, sprawling, unnamed American town in the 1980s, with teenagers attending an exclusive performing arts school. It’s about the intensity of teenagers’ feelings, first love, the need to belong, the creation and abuse of power. It is unsettling and uncomfortable, told in three parts, with no other breaks or chapters; thought-provoking, not completely satisfying, but fascinating.
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