August Reads from Book Chat

Canvey Island by James Runcie

James Runcie’s novel, Canvey Island, begins with the devastating flood of 1953, which saw 58 inhabitants lose their lives and a temporary evacuation of a further 13,000. The flood has tragic consequences for young Martin and he aspires to become a water engineer. The novel follows Martin and other members of his family and describes the long-term effects of the event that shapes their lives. A thoughtful portrait of post-war England.


The Ties that Bind by Lexi Landsman

This riveting novel follows the trials and tribulations of an American couple, Courtney and David, who are desperate to find a bone-marrow match for their young son when he is diagnosed with leukaemia. Meanwhile in Australia, Jade wakes up in hospital following the bush fire that has destroyed her family home and olive groves. The connection between the two stories makes for a gripping novel about family, forgiveness, love and hope.

Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent

This is a charming memoir about unexpected friendship across the generations. When Isabel is asked to look in on Edward, an elderly man who has just lost his wife, she thinks she is doing a favour for a friend. Edward cooks delicious three course meals for the two of them and shows Isabel how to slow down and take things one step at a time, even love. A delightful little memoir about the things that matter most in life.

The Railway Man by Eric Lomax

As a prisoner of war, the author worked on the Burma-Siam railway and was tortured for making a basic radio. This affected him personally for years, until his wife encouraged him to seek help and to come to terms with his horrific experiences. Eventually he was able to travel to Burma and even to express forgiveness to one of his captors, and they even became friends. An extraordinary story, very moving.

The Loving Spirit by Daphne du Maurier

This early novel by du Maurier follows a family through several generations – the ‘loving spirit’ emerges as a yearning for travel, love and adventure that is passed down from grandmother Janet Combe. Set in Cornwall, the novel is based on the actual story of a shipbuilding family against a background of social and political change in England during the early 1900s. A powerful, atmospheric saga, extremely well written.

Posted by Flaxmere Library Book Chat