Charlotte Street by Danny Wallace

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Danny Wallace

Sometimes a book comes along where a reviewer has little else to say apart from those three magic words….just read it.

For Charlotte Street, Wallace’s debut novel, is one of those books which will hold universal appeal, cause enouCharlotte Street by Danny Wallacegh embarrassment laughing out loud on your public transport of choice and will ultimately tug at the heart strings.

Jason Priestley accidentally is left holding a disposable camera belonging to a girl he helps, with bags as she clambers into a taxi, on Charlotte Street. With little other direction in his life and the idea that maybe this girl could be THE girl, he is encouraged to find her with the help of his best friend, Dev. It is only when the photos are developed that Jason notices he has been captured in one of them; and so the mystery thickens.

As Jason’s life erupts into chaos, from the ex-girlfriend and a drunken evening spent on Facebook, to the career writing dodgy reviews for a London paper, the girl on Charlotte Street resembles one thing he can make happen. All he needs is some detective work and only a bit of stalking, well maybe more stalking than detecting.

This is just a celebration of life as it is of London; so if you are a Londoner, an ex-Londoner or a wannabe Londoner you will love exploring the city with these characters.

Charlotte Street is perfect for anyone who would like to invest a few hours into a good read with belly laughs and a great dollop of realism. So what more can I say other than…just read it.

If you like the look of this then start a collection with some similar great books.

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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 Modern Royal Marriage

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Debrett's A Modern Royal Marriage

A beautiful hardcover book published in celebration of one of the greatest events the UK has seen in recent years; the Royal Wedding.
A Modern Royal Marriage Debrett's
The book covers everything about the Royal couple from their childhood, to their first meeting at university to the big day itself. You will find every details explained from the music used during the service, the food menu from the reception and the language of flowers used on the cake.

Yet Kate and Will’s big day isn’t the only Royal Wedding featured in the book; from Queen Victoria there are details of all Royal wedding’s including close up images of everything from the dress to the bouquet.

In depth analysis of cakes and family trees aside; what makes this book the perfect keepsake, gift or excuse to dream about life as a princess; is the beautiful images used. Throughout the book you’ll find plenty of pictures from past wedding dresses to a close up of the the wedding jewellery.

There is something luxurious in this book’s feel and quality making it a perfect present for any Royal enthusiast or die hard romantic.

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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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Hill Farm by Miranda France

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Hill Farm

Billed as an exciting countryside romp through a typical farming community, Hill Farm, promised to bring a fresh new story for those who love the English countryside.

The story follows the Hayes family. Farmer, Harry Hayes struggles to make a living from his farm while his wife, Isabel, finds comfort with the new farm hand while recovering from a misscarriage. Their three children play on the farm with abandon while their parents are distracted. Their story will end in tragedy

One of the strong points of this book is that France  has clearly done her research. Despite the story being set during the 1980′s, many challenges farmers face today and attitudes from society are explored realistically.

The major downside to this book which makes any country dweller groan in dispair is the amount of stereotypes. You have the usual set of characters found in fantasy countryside villages, the Vicar who finds life dull after a stint in an inner city parish, the bitter feuds plauging the older generation of women, a disgruntled farm hand who, of course, is a bit dim. More annoying is this assumption that every jumble sale in villages are to fund the repair of the church roof.

There is a somber feel to this book which results in turning the page being a drag. If you are after a cosy English Countryisde story then try somehting like Mapp & Lucia or for a good balance of drama and spirit, Howards End.

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The Lessons by Naomi Alderman

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The Lessons by Naomi Alderman

…a great page turner

If you are looking for one of those books which you can sit back and relax with, letting the story unfold then this is the story for you.

James is in his first year at Oxford and feels out of place until he meets, the sympathetic, Jess who introduces him to a world of friendship he always felt distant from. At a party in an Oxford mansion he meets the owner, Mark, a flamboyant student who treats life as one big party. Mark’s family fortune means his generosity can stop reality from entering his house where he invites Jess, James and a small circle of friends to live in. Only once graduation the cracks begin to show on their sheltered lives, which has consequences for everyone.

Alderman is a great story teller and she really captures the sense of long uni summer’s, drink fulled parties and all the mixed feelings of life in the real world.

With strong themes of religion and sexuality this story echoes of Brideshead Revisited if not a distinctively more modern version. What is certain is that award winning writer Alderman can not only tell a compelling story but will leave you wanting more.

Great book for summer reading.

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London Under by Peter Ackroyd

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london under

Highly acclaimed historian and writer Peter Ackroyd delves into the depths of London in his latest exploration of what lies beneath one of the most fascinating cities in the world. 

The book gives an extraordinary insight into the history that has been discovered under the pavements we walk on every day. We aren’t talking about a few old coins and trinkets here but monasteries, plague pits, roman baths, pagan temples, wells and waterways long forgotten. It’s also easy to forget the labyrinth of tunnels created in our more recent history moving thousands of people through the city every day.
 
The majority of this book focuses on the waterways and tunnels including the Tube which opened in 1864. Ackroyd explores our perceptions of the underground as a place where we think demons and the un-dead belong but also as a place of escape and shelter which Londoners used during the Blitz.

The book may be a bit thin compared to some of his other works and admittedly you could easily read more, but even if you do feel a little short changed, it is still a great introduction for further reading on the topic. One thing is for sure, it will leave you wondering what is under your feet every time you step onto a London Street and the stories of London Under will stay with you for a long time.

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