FAHRENHEIT 451

RAY BRADBURY

THREE STARS

I found the subject matter of this novel fascinating. A story surmising the perils of television, the dark possibilities associated with excess, and the hazards of political correctness; its implications are terrifying. Certainly, it's a compelling thought provoking read, especially since the hedonistic dystopian society Bradbury presents is not so alien from our own. That said, I would of enjoyed the book more if it included deeper description about the society itself, more background, more explanation about the proffered future. Of course, the rapidity of the novels pace is part of its charm, it's swift and decisive and as brisk as the chase that ensues; without sacrificing the momentum of the story, I felt there was so much that could have been expounded upon, but wasn't.

IN COLD BLOOD

TRUMAN CAPOTE

FOUR STARS

A true crime novel- the narrative style is accordingly detached and matter-of-fact. The banal every day details, paired with the unemotional tone, amplify the shocking nature of the subject matter. A disconcerting read, one that leaves the reader appalled, terrified, and yet strangely concerned for the criminals. I couldn't put it down, and not because it was enjoyable; I think I was hoping there'd be some kind of silver lining or resolution on the last page. Of course, sometimes there isn't.

THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE

ALAN BRADBURY

THREE STARS

The friend who recommended this book to me described it as 'delightful', and though I found the first few chapters to be slow going, by the time I closed the book on the last page, I entirely agreed with her. It didn't take long for the protagonist, Flavia, to win me over. She somehow manages to be simultaneously polite and cheeky, and there's something about that incongruous balance that draws the reader in. Not life changing certainly, but a fun, light hearted read nonetheless.

CHRISTMAS AT COLD COMFORT FARM

STELLA GIBBONS

THREE STARS

I enjoyed this collection of short stories. Laced with wry authorial asides, and careful, subtle wit, Gibbons' stories allow us to glimpse the make-do climate of England in the 1930's. Though WWI is by no means belaboured the series of stories reveals its effects on women in their various spheres; the career woman, the domesticate, the housewife, the spinster. 

The stories, if a little obvious at times, are interesting and compelling period pieces in their own right, and for my part, the collection certainly doesn't need to be touted as some kind of continuation of Cold Comfort Farm, especially since it isn't. The title story, "Christmas at Cold Comfort farm' is out of keeping with the themes found in the remainder of the compilation, which would be infinitely more cohesive without it. I'd be far more admiring of this collection if it were allowed to stand on its own two feet, rather than being masqueraded as something it's not. 

It's not Cold Comfort Farm, and that's fine. It's still an enjoyable read, and while it might not provoke all out laughter, there's still a lot to be said for a wry smile. 

THESE IS MY WORDS

NANCY E. TURNER

Five Stars

Offered through the device of a diary comes this roller coaster of a story, which is in turn joyful and harrowing, romantic and devastating. 

The opening chapters of the novel are a relentless barrage of horrific action. The trials of life on a wagon train are laid out in all of their brutality; the death of a sibling is followed by the death of a father and the rape of a friend; corpses are found, children are murdered, limbs are amputated, and there is no anesthetic for either the characters or the reader. Thank goodness the seeds of a beautiful love story were being sown. Thank goodness for a fierce protagonist whose thirst for knowledge is as great as her bravery. Thank goodness for humor, new born babies, and an entire cast of complex characters to fall in love with.

I enjoyed the subtle transition in the narrative style as Sarah's knowledge increased. I liked the honesty that was poured onto the pages and the tender moments depicted between mother and daughter, sister and sister-in-law, husband and wife. I love that even weeks after reading the book I'm still thinking about it, still devastated by it, and still completely in love with it.

THE REMAINS OF THE DAY

KAZUO ISHIGURO

Four Stars

I found this novel tedious at first, but as I continued reading I found that rather than being slow, the novel is quiet and subtle and therein lies its strength.

The narrative, delivered through the point of view of Mr Stevens, is polite and dignified to the point of absurdity; I certainly felt the frustration of Miss Kenton when she demanded, 'Why, why, why do you always have to pretend?' As memories are recounted in a manner completely void of emotion the reader is left to infer all that the butler has sacrificed personally, the depth of his self deception, and the extent of his misplaced trust.

Beautifully written and thought provoking as the reader is faced with the possibility that ideals can prove as destructive as apathy and cynicism.

THE SEANCE

JOHN HARWOOD

Three Stars for this one:


I really can't decide what I think of book.

The author utilizes the conventions of the Victorian gothic novel- ghostly apparitions, haunted woods, the decaying manor, mesmerism, and the question of an impossible murder. All of the ingredients for a gripping story are there, yet the narrative's lack of momentum keeps the book strictly in the 'good' category. Whilst rambling, overly detailed accounts are to be expected from a Victorian pastiche, the narrative is at other times overly abrupt- a jarring combination.

On the up-side, Harwood provides two female protagonists to root for. Their narratives are engaging, their similarities add interest, and their search for identity, in a world where insanity and nonconformity are one an the same, adds, perhaps, the most abosrbing dimension to the labyrinth tale.

A good story? Yes. A great story? No

COLD COMFORT FARM

STELLA GIBBONS

Five stars!

I loved this novel! Witty and engaging from the opening paragraph, Gibbons provides a parody which pushes beyond irony to all out sarcasm, and yet is never cynical. Whilst each character on the farm is certainly a fictional 'type', the overall tone of the novel remains non judgmental since the peculiarities of the London sophisticates are flawlessly balances by the idiosyncrasies of their rural counterparts. The result is hilarious and, just like the setting of the novel, completely timeless. A wonderful (if not hugely under values) novel, which is well worth a read.

PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER

PATRICK SUSKIND

Three Stars


After reading the final page and closing the book I found the chorus of OMC's 'How Bizarre' ringing in my head.

This is undoubtedly the strangest book I have ever read. It is neither historical fiction, fantasy, nor a horror story- and yet it almost fits under each of those umbrellas. Classification aside, It's a story about the dangers of hubris and obsession, and an account of the terrible possibilities of social displacement.

A hypnotic tale that somehow makes laborious details engrossing.

THE LIFE OF PI

YANN MARTEL

2 Stars

Upon eventually reaching land after his ordeal at sea Pi asserts that he 'barely had the strength to be happy'- a statement which pretty much sums up how I felt when I finally finished the novel. It was an ordeal to get through. For me, the short 'Part Three' of the novel was the highlight of the book. In those short final chapters the novels themes are condensed and the reader is ultimately left to assess the nature of truth, the power of stories, and the possibilities of faith. Pity that the journey to get there was in turn overly and, staggeringly, under descriptive.