What were your favourite reads for 2015?

As I look back on my library check out list for 2015 these four books jumped out at me - how about you.....?

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

Helen writes beautifully – from her overwhelming grief at the sudden death of her beloved father, to her difficult task of training a scary and highly strung goshawk through trial and error (and almost becoming feral herself), and her interest in the history of falconry training.
Like all great books it took me to another place, held my attention and I did not want it to end! Best book of my reading year.

The Green Road by Anne Enright
Anne Enwright writes with wit and honesty about the Madigan family, who are called home to Western Ireland for Christmas by their cold and difficult mother Rosaleen when she unexpectedly decides to sell the family home.
Set over three decades and three continents the believable and imperfect characters will make you wince, laugh, and think about your own family relationships and dynamics….

Swimming in the Dark by Paddy Richardson
Serena is a bright 15 year old living in Alexandra under the shadow of her rat-bag family’s reputation. When something horrific happens to her she is convinced no one will believe her story and goes into hiding. Her rescuers, trusted teacher Ilse and Ilse’s mother Gerda, have their own brutal family secrets from life in their native East Germany.
This novel is part gripping psychological thriller and part literary drama, detailing the recent history of the former East Germany before the fall of Communism. Themes of family, helplessness, power and courage come together in a powerful and suspenseful novel.

A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson
Deeply moving and beautifully written, A God in Ruins is an insightful view of what war means and the moral dilemmas of who is right and wrong. Written as a companion novel to the highly successful Life after Life, A God in Ruins could easily be read as a stand alone novel; or indeed the two books read in any order. Just do read it – the writing is exquisite. 


Posted by Katrina