Dear friends. Welcome to my round-up of books read in December. The two 5-star reads are both a little harrowing and have a theme in common - religion - but they are exceptional reads. If you'd prefer a lighter and more traditional read for this time of year, you will enjoy Christmas in Flanders Fields, although it doesn't shy away from the realities of war.
I'll be back next week with my most outstanding books of the year, plus my reading goals for next year.
An asterisk indicates a book I purchased myself. The others were supplied by the publishers as digital advance reader copies in return for an honest review.
A History of Loneliness by John Boyne (5 stars) *
General Fiction (Adult) | Literary Fiction
One of the most haunting and powerful books I've ever read. Not a new book, but one of Irish writer Boyne's back catalogue which I'm reading avidly.
Odran is persuaded to become a priest by his mother. He adapts quickly and shows promise. He's sent to Rome to act as a helper for Pope Paul, who is shortly replaced as Pontiff by the charismatic Patriarch of Venice. Odran's obsession with a woman causes problems in the chaotic ending of the life of John Paul I, Pope for just 33 days. This is one thread of the book.
Odran returns to Ireland and is happy working in the library at a boys' school. He is unhappy when he is transferred to the parish of his friend, a fellow priest who rarely seems to stay long in one diocese.
Odran seems like a good man and I was relieved he was not going to be unveiled as a paedophile. But then comes the realisation that maybe he has not been the good priest he believes himself to be.
A complex and emotional theme is handled beautifully by John Boyne. It will live with me forever.
He is one of the most gifted storytellers I have ever read, and I cannot understand why he has not yet won the Booker Prize.
Selah by Liana Richmond (5 stars)
General Fiction (Adult) | Literary Fiction | Women's Fiction
A searing and visceral account of a 16 year old girl's upbringing in fundamental Christianity. Selah has no official identity, as her parents chose not to register her birth and have home schooled Selah and her sister Chalice. They live in poverty, hiding themselves from prying eyes. Their father teaches them how to handle a gun.
When Selah is found drawing anatomical pictures, her parents and the church confer and books other than the Bible are withdrawn. She is then hastily found a prospective husband, a farm boy from down the road.
Selah takes marriage very seriously, heeding biblical and elders' guidance to always obey her husband. But her husband's parents are even more fundamentalist than her own. A disturbing incident with her husband's brother damages Selah's relationship with them. Tormented by visions of the Second Coming, and sightings of satyrs and nymphs in the forest, Selena is forced to take action to reclaim her life.
A powerful reminder of how dangerous fundamentalism is in all its guises. Richmond's descriptive yet spare writing is a pleasure to read. You'll find yourself rooting for Selah all the way.
This book is published on 26 December.
Christmas In Flanders Fields by Chris Waddington, 4 out of 5 stars
Historical Fiction
Set against the backdrop of the Christmas truce in 1914, this is a story that encompasses love, hope, fear, bravery and the most unlikely friendships forged on the rugged plains of No-Mans-Land.
It reminds us of the futility of war as thousands of young men scarcely out of boyhood gladly marched off to the western front, proud to be doing their duty. They found themselves in the horror of trenches filled with water, rats and dead bodies, and constantly under bombardment from shelling.
Among the soldiers is Jack Crosby, whose courtship of Rose is sweetly told in the language of the time.
The Christmas Day Truce never fails to disappoint, and here it is beautifully told. The perfect book for the festive period.
Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (Kindle edition) 4 out of 5 stars
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
What lengths would you go to, to secure the house of your dreams?
Margo has long dreamt of a perfect home in the right neighbourhood with her husband, a baby and all the accoutrements of success.
Unfortunately the real estate business in DC is a nightmare for prospective buyers. Margo hears about a beautiful home through the grapevine. It hasn't been listed yet. The fact that Margo brazenly prowls the grounds and finds a way in confirms we are not dealing with a normal obsession.
As the story develops, Margo's behaviour becomes more extreme. She is determined to secure the 1940s Colonial in Grovemont at any cost.
There are a lot of US property nuances and references to brands unknown outside of the US but I didn't find it off putting.
I found the ending, after a maelstrom of excitement, a little predictable, but thought provoking nonetheless. Be careful what you wish for!
The Night Watcher: Callie Munro Thrillers book 1 by Tariq Ashkanini: 4 out of 5 stars
Initially news that our protagonist, Callie, was a private investigator didn't go down well with me. Private investigators don't typically access to forensics, they're hardly feared by the criminal fraternity, and their cases are mostly adultery or misspers. But Callie proved me wrong. I did however wonder if she would actually get remunerated for unveiling a serial killer. The ending catapulted us straight into book 2 (not yet available). Tariq Ashkanani, I like your style.
BOOK BLOG TOURS IN DECEMBER
Sharing my posts with these fabulous sites.
Subscribe for 1 email a week from Is This Mutton for an update on posts you may have missed, or follow Is This Mutton on Feedspot. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky
No comments
Post a Comment