The Thirteenth Tale by Dianne Setterfield

This debut novel by Setterfield was absolutely outstanding. The plot, pace and content was second to none. Following the story of Vida Winters an ill and dying best selling authoress the main character Margaret begins to discover all is not what it seemed. It has quite a Gothic feel to it and an air of mystery that keeps you turning the pages. I felt like the way she described reading hit the nail on the head for me, the importance of words, no matter how long the writer has been dead their words will live on. Born as a conjoined twin herself, and grieving the death of her sister she was never to know about Margaret feels an affinity to the story of Vida Winters, but all is not as it seems. I hope To read more of her novels when she produces some more to see if they live up to this one. I certainly hope so!

Firmin: Adventures of a Metropolitan Lowlife by Sam Savage

I always read a book with great care not to bend the spine. If I lend a book to a friend or family member I always frown on its return to see the spine and pages creased and disrespected. I like to keep books in good condition and take care of them. I suppose aside from eating the books in the beginning of the story, I am much like Firmin the literary rat who devours words and relishes a great story captured on paper for a lifetime. It is a book with a depressive and lonely undertone and not one who leaves the reader feeling upbeat. It is a cleverly written piece which I hope to pass on to my more open minded friends who appreciate something a bit different. It does take an ounce or two of patience to get into the idea of a rat who reads but he is an endearing little thing who you ultimately grow to like and pity. Firmin articulately observes the society he can never be part of leading a lonely existence of unrequited love, friendship and contact.
I recommend this if you enjoy something a bit different to the norm.

The Misconceiver by Lucy Ferris

This is the only book i have read lately that I was relieved to finish!! It was so jumpy, hopping from one thing to the next and never really explaining parts of interest in any depth. The fact it was set in the future and under an authoritarian society that disallowed any form of abortions, know by the main character as misconceptions, any explanation of the society in which they were living or how it came to fruition were not clearly touched upon. Although I think she was trying to portray the technologically advanced society verses the culturally and politically backward aspect of control I feel it could have been done better and more clear to keep the reading wanting to turn the page. I think this would have given it more substance and made it flow more. Altogether a disappointing read already back in the charity shop for some other victim to purchase!