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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Shadow of the Titanic by Andrew Wilson

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titanic-maiden-voyage-2

Unsurprisingly, this year, will spark a revival of interest in one of the most fascinating tragedies which after 100 years, still holds so much interest. The Titanic has always been shrouded in romance and intrigue despite the horrific loss of life suffered in such cruel circumstancShadow of the Titanic by Andrew Wilsones; and as memorial services, TV dramas, documentaries and a re-release of Kate and Leo’s epic romance (in all its 3d ‘glory’), the book world also nods its head in remembrance.

Shadows of the Titanic by Andrew Wilson is a book which turns its attention to the Titanic survivors. Unlike other publications, this doesn’t stop after their escape but explores how they continued to survive life after the disaster.

Although the concept of survivor’s guilt did not exist in theory, it was clearly felt by many on board that night. As the few made their escape while listening to the thousand, or so, souls fighting for their lives, the reality of being a survivor of the Titanic was dawning as something equally difficult to comprehend. Andrew Wilson highlights this in many of the stories he tells. One in particular is extremely heart breaking. Titanic stewardess, Annie Robinson, who had been so fortunate to survive that ill-fated night, took her life by jumping from the deck of a ship returning her to Boston two years later. Wilson describes how the conditions that night sparked memories of her escape and the overwhelming feeling became too much. It is difficult to see such vulnerability in the confident looking lady, dressed in black, pictured on her arrival in Southampton. However, her story like many others is the ‘shadow’ which haunted so many of the Titanic’s passenger’s lives.

There are of course an equal amount of success stories, like the two French boys, snatched by their father who had planned a new life in America away from his wife. On the night of the sinking, he wrapped his boys in warm clothes and placed them on a lifeboat and never saw them again. On their arrival in New York a frantic search the mother led to their reunion not long after. Wilson goes on to explain what happened to the boys in later life and the reunion of a little boy who played with them days after their arrival in New York.

There are so many stories to discover in this book that it won’t take you long to read through all. With a clear passion to tell the full story of the Titanic survivors, Andrew Wilson has paid a fitting tribute to them in this fascinating account.

 

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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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High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

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High Fidelity

The plot…Boy meets girl, loses her, attempts to woo her back while keeping afloat a record shop and unruly employees in a trendy area of London.High Fidelity by Nick Hornby, Penguin Ink Collection

The good bits…You’ll be laughing through the majority of this book and feeling quite sad at other parts. Fast paced and full of the vitality of reflecting on rather a disastrous life. Each character is full of life and you end up loving them all. It is a real story with what you feel like real people, all down to the beauty of Hornby’s writing.

The bad bits…Brutally honest Rob, tells us his secrets warts and all. You will dislike him passionatly at times yet there is something so good in him that you can’t help thinking that he is just a human prone to mistakes like us all. You may want him to just get on with life and get his act together but this confliction of opinion makes this point more a good bit than a bad. Afterall, it makes for a good read.

Worth a mention…By the time you have counted up all the records mentioned throughout the book you’ll have a pretty good play list. This book was chosen to have a special ‘tattoo’ cover design as part of the Penguin Ink collection.

When should you read it…When you feel in the mood to reflect on life, its good and bad bits. Just make sure you read it alongside a good set of records on a night in when everyone is on a night out.

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Top Manor House Books

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Brideshead Revisited

Ever since reading the secret garden as a child, I held a fascination with stories set in manor houses. Not only do these national treasures create the most splenderd and luxurious backdrop, but also, the stories are usually full of mystery and drama. To celebrate some of Britain’s grand estates, we have compiled a top 10 list of books set in manor houses.

1. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Who could forget the first line? “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again…”
   2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Even Elizabeth’s reluctance to Mr Darcy must have wavered when she saw Pemberley.
   3. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
A house beyond a causeway holding a dark secret. Destined to send a shiver down your spine. The ultimate Gothic mansion.
   4.The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Settlefield
Debut novel for Settlefield, and a good one at that. A house with a disturbed family and as we follow them through the twists, and turns, we learn the full secret of the tragedy. Full of drama from a unique writing talent.
   5. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
A character in itself, Brideshead holds a silent control the lives of those who live in it.
   6. Jeeves and Wooster by P.G Woodhouse
Whether in a stylsih apartment or at a country spoil, Jeeves and Wocester are gauranteed to delight.
   7. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
Well, the Professor did have a wardrobe to a different world in his house; you have to admit that’s pretty impressive!
   8. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
A historical novel set in the 20s with two sisters whoes secrets catch up with them. Full of drama, this makes a good Sunday afternoon read.
   9. The Forsyth Saga by John Galsworthy
The new house being built for Irene is meant to save her marriage but does quite the opposite.
   10. Atonement by Ian McEwan
A dinner at a country house results in tragic circumstances for everyone involved.

 

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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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Eleven by Mark Watson

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Mark Watson

…eleven lives entwine in this dark comedy

Comedian Mark Watson, famous for appearances on TV Panal Shows including the much loved, Mock the Week , is enjoying success with his new novel, Eleven. The story follows, late-night talk show host, Xavier, who spends his evenings consoling sleepless Londoners and his days trying to avoid problems. Walking home one morning Xavier fails to stop a group of bullies beating up a young boy which kick-starts a series of events which carries you through to the lastEleven by Mark Watson page.

As we discover the tragedy which brought Xavier, from his close nit friendship group in Australia, to England we also meet eleven characters who are affected by Xavier’s lack of action that morning. These eleven characters
have their own challenges and insecurities in life which tips the book from being something funny, as it is billed, to something more melancholy. Most of the humour Watson injects is somewhat dark.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t make the book any less of a good read. Watson proves he can control a good number of plots, subplots and characters, climaxing to a surprising end. His observations on real life and the darker side of human nature are handled with care and compassion.

Others may find Eleven a ‘laugh out loud’ book, but for me there wasn’t enough light relief to feel comfortable finding the story funny. As I readjusted my expectations, half way through, I began enjoying the book. This would be a great book to discuss with book clubs and will certainly divide opinion.

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Mr Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt

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Mr Chartwell

…a bold debut

As Esther Hammerhans prepares her spare room in the London home she once shared with her husband, a knock at the door signals the arrival of a potential tenant. Along with everyone reading the book, Esther is surprised to find a dog waiting on the doorstep. More surprisingly this is a dog who walks on his hind legs, talks and goes by the name, Mr Chartwell. Mr Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt

Meanwhile, Winston Churchill prepares a speech on the eve of his retirement from Parliament at his home, (yes you’ve guessed it) Chartwell. He is also visited bt Mr Chartwell, or Black Pat as he likes to call himself, and as Churchill and Ester’s lives entwine you see the intrusive and devestating effects Black Pat has on those he encounters.

The book could be compared to a fairy story albeit an extremely dark one because Mr Chartwell is the characterization of depression. He physically and mentally intrudes in both Churchill and Esther’s lives and presents himself as a sarcastic, annoying and slightly detestable character. 

This is the ‘black dog’ Churchill often referred to as the depression he suffered, and as Hunt weaves the Black Pat into the story she explores the emotions and attitudes that the illness causes.

A far fethched plot some would say and I have to admit that it takes a while to suspend your belief, and get into the story. However, as you become more engrossed in the characters, it all, strangley, starts to make sense making you realise how clever the story is.

Although hard going in places, which is expected from exploring such a difficult subject, keep an open mind though and you will be able to appreciate the creativity and uniquness of Rebecca Hunt’s debut novel.

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When Love Speaks edited by Adam O’Riordan

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When Love Speaks edited by Adam O’Riordan

…perfect for any Royal Romance

New release from Vintage Love, a beautiful collection of poetry and pose dedicated to love. Unlike many collections When Love Speaks edited by Adam O’Riordanwhich pull out the same Shakespeare sonnets and Wordsworth poems we are familiar with, When Love Speaks is different, with some unusual works and some you probably haven’t heard before.

Not only does it contain more unique material the sense of collection of learning and growing rather than full blown romance which is something quite refreshing and as editor, Adam O’Riordan, explains he became tired of anthologies that sounded like ‘clichés and tired-sounding greeting card rhymes’. So for example, when you come across Austen’s name you may expect the dashing proposal from Mr Darcy to Elizabeth but instead you are treated to an extract from Sense and Sensibility where Edward reflects on his mistake in his first, hasty engagement on his way to propose to Eleanor. These carefully selected works cover a wide spectrum of emotions and periods of life.

Expect more than the usual from When Love Speaks and whether you are preparing a speech, your vows, or simply a true romantic at heart, there will be something for you to enjoy.

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