The Red House by Mark Haddon

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The Red House by Mark Haddon

This is the story of estranged siblings Angela and Richard who attempt to bond during a rainy week in Wales. The self catering cottage is booked, the board games packed and waterproofs donned as the two bring their families together in order to make up for the years lost over bittThe Red House by Mark Haddoner feuds. Of course the fireworks are going to be set off as soon as they’ve managed to get the key in the door but there are deeper secrets waiting in the wings.

The Red House is lovely portrayal of the British Holiday, cooking on mass, coping with a mixture of personalities, attempting to find any activity suited to all ages and usually in the rain. Haddon creates a realism to this holiday that spans the course of the book making it so easy to connect with.

As a reader you are left with a series of questions and concerns for the family once the week’s holiday is over. Will brother and sister meet again, will Angela recover properly from the miscarriage she suffered so many years ago, will her husband end the affair which is causing him to somewhat neglect his three children? So many questions which are delectably left to the readers imagination

An enjoyable read, a rollercoaster of emotions and a great one to leave behind on the communal bookshelf on your holiday this year.

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The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

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Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

The plot: Something of a coming of age story with a twist. Julia is a Californian teenager who goes through all the normal teenage issues of bullying, boys, bickering parents, and friendships gained and lost Yet all this is shadowed by disaster – the world is slowing down. As time shifts, and the days and nights get longer, society slowly fragments and communities divide, in this timeless thriller.The Age of Mircales by Karen Thompson Walker

The good bits: The best bit of this book had to be the build up of tension of what was going to happen next. Julia narrates throughout the book and drops clues here and there of what was still to come. Little hints like the last grape she tasted and unaware of the illness that was causing her mother so much pain. As the birds are unable to fly and the mass beaching of whales spoils their beaches there is a sense that this nightmare played out in darkness will never end.

Great talking point: Julia’s dreams and hopes for the future aren’t explored as day to day survival takes priority. Realistically, life goes on as normal, however, at some point Julia must have thought about university, a career and whether she would have a family of her own. This will obviously be a great talking point for book groups.

Worth a mention: This is Karen Thompson Walker’s debut and has been chosen as part of Waterstone’s 11, a collection of debut’s worth adding to your ‘to read’ list.

When should you read it: The perfect holiday read, but take a few more as you’ll get through this one in a day if not hours.

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The Last Summer by Judith Kinghorn

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last summer 20_9x2

The plot: Clarissa, a young girl with a life of privilege in her family home Deyning Park, falls in love with Tom, the housekeeper’s son, visiting from University. Although both accept the impossibility of their situation, it is the last summer before World War One arrives to shake their world. Through suffering, pain, grief and survival their lives will intermingle but will the world ever accept their love?

The good bits: By the last page you will have discovered the secrets, the lies, the missed opportunities, and the over whelming sense of waste but also the desire to not lose another minute of their shattered lives. As you can imagine – a real page turner.
The Last Summer
The bad bits: At times you wanted to shake both Tom and Clarissa when witnessing, in dismay, some of the actions they take. At times history repeats itself and you want this to grab the opportunity. However, that is perhaps more of the impossibility of their situation against a 21st century view rather than a criticism of the book.

Worth a mention: Some of the most heartbreaking stories around any war are those of the survivors who come home to even more suffering. This is something Kinghorn tragically highlights. One of the most memorable scenes are of Clarissa and friend Rose whose conversation always turns to a roll call of those they loved and lost.

When to read: A book that will take you through all the emotions so have your allocated chocolates and wine at the ready.

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Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

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Death Comes to Pemberley

The plot: Having read Pride and Prejudice umpteen times I was finally ready to succumb to a sequel set six years after Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy have married. Written by highly acclaimed author P.D. James and promising to be a darker tale of death, murder suspicion and intrigue, it sounded just the ticket for a winter afternoon.

The good bits: Very atmospheric…lets move onDeath Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

The bad bits: Although the plot is promising there are so many flaws it begins to become a painful read. Admittedly, I had to force myself to read the last 5 pages made up of Darcy and Elizabeth discussing their relationship ups and downs in P&Ps. There can be no real purpose of going over old ground, in detail, which ardent fans do not need to know, and those who don’t, can read the first book themselves.

The book focuses mostly on the male characters; Mr Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and of course the infamous Mr Wickham. If you are hoping for more adventures from the Bennet girls then don’t expect much. Even Elizabeth, our headstrong, witty and most
favourite heroine hardly has two words to put together. How can P.D. James possible write of our beloved girl ‘ Elizabeth had been sitting quietly wondering whether she could speak without making matters worse’ and a mere five pages later is quoted as not even knowing what to say. No, I couldn’t believe it either.

If it hadn’t been for the complete lack of Bennet passion, wit and friendly feuds then this sequel would have stood a fighting chance as a new classic favourite.

Worth a mention: P.D. James writes in her notes, ‘ I owe an apology to the shade of Jane Austen for involving her beloved Elizabeth in the trauma of a murder investigation….had (Austen) wished to dwell on such odious subjects, she would have written this story herself, and done it better.’ Well P.D. James, I couldn’t have put it better myself.

When you should read it: If you still want to give it a go, its suited to Autumn/wintry days. If you do happen to find Miss Austen’s classic, then read that, if not, find something else.

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A Gathering Storm by Rachel Hore

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A Gathering Storm

The plot: There is a family secret in Lucy’s family history that she thinks her father was on the brink of discovering before he died. Eager to find out more, Lucy travels to Cornwall, the home of her Grandmother, Angelina; finding a burnt out mansion and a woman called Beatrice - a family friend. On her daily visits to Beatrice, Lucy is told her family history from her Grandmother’s happy childhood in Cornwall to the devastation World War Two had on her family. It is in Beatrice’s story that Lucy discovers the unexpected.
A Gathering Storm

The good bits: Of which I can happily say are plenty. Beatrice’s tale is a fascinating one; with her move to London putting her right in the middle of the action, the horrifying casualties of war and the desperate attempts for survival. Hore successfully makes you feel you are in the middle World War Two unaware of the outcome like the rest of the characters. As the years drag on, you become more concerned that all those connected in Beatrice and Angelina’s world are not going to come out of it unscathed.

The bad bits: The main disappointment is that you could see the twist in the tale from very early on, however, the winding path of how the characters get there is still an interesting journey to take.

Worth a mention: Rachel Hore has now published five novels one of which, The Place of Secrets, was chosen as part of the Richard and Judy book club.

When should you read it: On a holiday to Cornwall and also when no other book will hold your attention – because this one will. Click on the cover to get your copy now.

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Wild Abandon by Joe Dunthorne

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Wild Abandon

…a family saga with warmth and wit

Have you ever thought that you’d make a good Prime Minister or could create a better society? If so, this is probably the book for you. Bestselling author Joe Dunthorne, is hoping for continued success with his new novel, Wild Abandon. It tells the story of a family who live on a communal farm in Wales facing all the issues that living the ‘good life’ brings.

Teenage daughter Kate, dreams of her escape to University and a more conventional life, where as her younger brother Albert, is eagerly awaiting the end of the world. Mum Freya, has decided her marriage is over with Don, who is head of the family and the commune struggling to keep control of both.

As the cracks begin to appear and more people start leaving the farm, Don decides to show one final mark of defiance; cutting the electricity supply. In the build up to the celebrations to mark this landmark event, the family come to terms with who they are and attempt to find reason in the chaos.

The first couple of chapters are a struggle to get into. You are suddenly thrown into this family and commune without any background making you ask questions like, where is this commune, why does it exist and who are all these crazy people?

Thankfully these questions are answered during a flash back to 1989. Here we meet a younger Don and Freya that we discover aren’t new-age hippies but disillusioned students, who decide that they could create a better society in their own commune after observing the ‘rat race’ of London. I think most can sympathise with that.

Star of the show is 14 year old Albert. Every time he popped up you couldn’t help but smile. He reminded me of Ben from Outnumbered, not only does he sounds as if he has swallowed a dictionary but has a determined mind of his own and a lifetime of experience of the unusual.

There are many dark undertones battling against the lighthearted humour in the book, which will surely create plenty of opinions. Nevertheless, by the time I was at the last page, I was wishing for more. Read this book if for nothing else, then for Albert.

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Pocket Austen

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Austen Set

Love goes out to Penguin for producing these beautiful Austen classics perfect for pockets everywhere. Not only would they serve for a great present, their handy sized format means that you never have to be without your favourite characters.

For many years I have tried to get friends who have always assumed they wouldn’t understand the language or that the pace woudl be too slow, to just give the stories a chance. Now I can slip a book into their pocket or handbag on the off chance they will pick it up in a spare moment. How many converts do you think I’ll get?

With gorgeous artwork covering some of the best stories to come out of Britain who could resist?  Click on the cover of your favourite novel to add to your collection.

Pride & PrejudiceEmmaMansfield Park

Sens and SensibiltiyPersuasionNorthanger Abbey

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The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

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queen

The Red Queen follows 12 year old Margaret Beaufort in her journey to marry well and produce a male heir to carry the Lancaster Royal Lineage. Despite being heavily religious Margaret’s family push her into an advantage marriage into the Tudor family and in time her dedication to God is turned to her little boy Henry who she is determined  to see him crowned King of England. 

After her husband dies, Henry is left to be brought up by his Uncle Jasper while Margaret is married off in another advantageous match for Henry’s cause. Her life is dedicated to planning her next move, spying on her enemies and plotting with her friends. The question is, how far is she prepared to go?

The story spans roughly the same period of the first novel in the cousin war’s series so the same events are chronicled as The White Queen but from Margaret’s point of view. Even though Margaret and Elizabeth are similarly ambitious and strong women, Margaret seems to be on a different level with her brutality which makes it difficult to warm to her.  

Although, as a modern reader you don’t feel much sympathy for Margaret, you can appreciate the turmoil and destruction that was being caused in the struggle for the crown. A fascinating read of for those who love historic fiction but I think many will prefer the loving White Queen, Elizabeth to the calculating Lancastrian Margaret.The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

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The MidWeek Pick

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Satchfield Hall

Suggested today by the author herself, Pauline Barclay’s new novel Satchfield Hall is a worthy pick this week. A family saga Satchfield Hall by Pauline Barclayof epic proportions, the story chronicles the consequences of family indiscretion which spans generations. A passionate tale of love, power and revenge.

Read the first two chapters at Pauline Barcklay’s website and click on the cover to get your copy today.

 

 

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The Wilding by Maria McCann

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The Wilding

…the perfect read for Autumn

It is 17th Century England, after the nightmare of the Civil War life starts returning to normality for its people. After living a quiet life with his parents, Matthew and Barbara, Jonathan Dymond’s world is about to become a little less stable. After the news of his Uncle Robin’s death JonathanThe Wilding by Maria McCann finds remains of a destroyed letter written by Robin hoping to put right the wrongs of his past before his death. Intrigued at what secrets could exist in his family’s past Jonathan sets out to his Aunty Harriet’s, under the premise of pressing her apples for the cider season, to find out more.

Jonathan senses that his Aunt Harriet is trying to cover her own secrets and past so it is up to him to unravel the mystery as to why his Aunt has something to hide, the secrets Robin wanted to confess before his death, and why Tamer and Joan, two beggars who live in the wood, are connected.

Although Jonathan’s narration is both interesting and believable, it is disappointing not to hear other character’s innermost thoughts, especially those of Tamer and Joan who are fighting for survival without food, water or heat in the woods behind Harriet’s house.

Without trying to spoil the plot there are parts which are quite predictable and other parts which are slightly questionable, but this will make a great group read as there will be plenty of discussion to be had.

Nevertheless, this is a beautifully written book. You can taste the apples, smell the chimney smoke and feel the cold Autumn air on your skin, which makes it perfect reading at this time of year. It’s enough to have you running home to your blankets and hot chocolate!

Click on the cover to get your copy today and make sure to leave your comments below.

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