Creation Lake by Rachael Kushner
Espionage, interesting concepts but lacking ability to hold reader enthralled
The Winter Fortress by Neal Bascomb
Well written in a lively way to keep interest in story of young Norwegian resistance fighters. A reminder of the heroic acts that happen in wartime by the ‘normal person’. Found some of the science dry
Sweet Caress William Boyd
Written as a present-day story intertwined with diary entries. Tense and puzzling narrative
Josephine Tey A life by Jennifer Morag Henderson
Interesting read as reviewer had read many of her books
Testament of Youth. An autobiographical Study of the Years 1900-1925 by Vera Brittan
Historically interesting older book about a young woman whose study at Oxford is interrupted by WW1. Details nursing career and subsequent life after the war. Interesting for the change in women’s roles and expectations that the book reveals.
The Colony by Audrey Magee
Relationships between 3 generations of women and a painter/ his male friend. Characters question their values and desires. Glimpses of IRA troubles
Love is Blind by William Boyd
Frustrating and captivating read. Complicated and dysfunctional relationship between a man and a woman.
The things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
Historical drama with plot that twists and reveals unlikely connections.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
A visual, gentle read. Exploring relationships between mother and daughters during covid lockdown. Reader drawn into a story of a mother reminiscing with her daughters about a relationship prior to marriage and children.
Northbound by Naomi Arnold
Entertaining, relatable, honest. Kindness of people a reoccurring theme. Writing style is flowing and easy to read.
You are Here by David Nichols
Charming, witty read about modern relationships. Creates enough reader interest to have you willing the couple to succeed in their relationship!
So Late in the Day by Clare Keegan
A delightful reflection on past life choices. Written beautifully.
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
Family drama, revealing manipulation between characters
The team that Hit the Rocks by Peter Jerram
Wāhine disaster from a survivor perspective. Study of remembering and misremembering. Written in less than successful three-part format. Reader recommends first third for shipwreck experience and last third for the legal fallout of the disaster. Phots are interesting as some never seen before.
Ground Work by Michelle Leggott
Study of Emily Cumming Harris an artist and a poet. Beautifully produced book. Artist interested in moving images and painted with the intention of artwork being seen back lit.
The last secret Agent by Phillipa Latour & Jude Dobson
Fascinating life story of a woman who reluctantly told her story of being a World War 2 spy.
The Girl from the South. Joanna Trollope
An old Man’s Love. Anthony Trollope
Read as a comparison as authors are related.
Similar in that both plots involve love triangles and conflict between desire/ convention.
An old Man’s Love has less developed minor characters.
