Our first Book Chat for the year at Hastings Library brought out a great mix of must-read books that make you think as well as some exciting page-turners.
Gallows Rock by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
The Gallows Rock of the title used to be a place of execution but is now a popular Reykjavik tourist attraction. When police find a murder victim here Detective Huldar is puzzled by what he finds at the man’s flat – a child whose parents are missing and some disturbing drawings. A well plotted, brilliantly written novel by this Icelandic author and fourth in the series featuring Detective Huldar and child psychologist Freyja. Middle England by Jonathan Coe
This sharp and witty examination of British culture is the third in a series that follows the lives of several friends from school, beginning with The Rotters Club set in 1970s Birmingham. Several decades later we have Brexit on the table, England is changing and divisions are opening between generations and even within families. Recommended.
Birthday by Meredith Russo
A transgender novel from the YA collection, this Book Chat reader thought it was a book we should all read. Morgan and Eric were born on the same day and we visit them each day on their birthday from the age of thirteen. As they grow up they must each find their path in life. An unconventional love story that unfolds in a similar way to One Day by David Nicholls.
This book resurrects Plath as a great poet and writer, rather than focusing on her mental illness and the tragedy of her short life. As the author says: “I hope to free Plath from the cultural baggage of the past 50 years and reposition her as one of the most important American writers of the 20th century.” Weighing in at over 1000 pages, this scholarly book is full of factual detail not seen before in print; although it looks daunting it is well worth the effort.
Aué by Becky Manawatu
Another book we should probably all read. Becky Manawatu writes a story about a dysfunctional family where gang violence is the norm – a father who has died leaving a mother in hiding and a young vulnerable child. A brilliant, compassionate story with characters that will tear at your heart. This novel won the top prize at the 2020 Ockham Awards.
Moving by Jenny Éclair
After living in the same house for 50 years, Edwina decides to sell up, but walking through each room with the estate agent, her past comes flooding back to her. And so unfolds the story of a family, the secrets and lies, and the question of what has happened that has left Edwina so alone. A brilliant novel with a fascinating character at its heart.
The Poet by Michael Connelly
Crime reporter, Jack McEvoy investigates a string of apparent police suicides. But a pattern of coincidences suggests that a serial killer is at work. Coast-to-coast, Jack follows a trail of unusual suicide notes evoking the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe – creepier and creepier! Another terrific thriller from this best-selling author. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Eve was part of a network of spies that worked undercover in France during WWI, and is haunted by betrayal. Charlie is unmarried and pregnant when she’s sent to Europe by her family in 1947 to sort out "her problem". The two pair up unexpectedly on a mission to discover the truth from years ago and the novel describes the huge risks undertaken by women spies in France. It's a great read for historical fiction fans.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
A wedding between two celebrities on a storm-battered island off the coast of Ireland, with a very select guest-list and no expense spared. Throw in some creepy folk stories, way too much alcohol and some seriously uptight characters and you have the makings for an edgy thriller. The author cleverly avoids not only revealing the killer before the ending, but the victim too which really keeps you guessing.
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