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!

Coastliners by Joanne Harris

As I finished this book I had to admit I felt quite a sense of achievement. I'd made it! My trudge through treacle had come to a painful close. Sorry, to all of you expecting another chocolat you will be disappointed...at least I was. I found it slow-going and lacking of any gripping storyline. Although as always her descriptive skills are fantastic the actual storyline lacked that something special. I don't think I'll be picking up another of her books for a while.
Now I am starting The Misconceiver by Lucy Ferriss, I picked it up from a charity shop for 60p s0 I will let you know when I have finished it.
x

Slammerkin

Another book finished and enjoyed. Although this was probably the polar opposite to The Book Thief I really enjoyed it. The character is believable and like me LOVE dresses and clothes. How could I not enjoy the book...not one for prostitution myself the similarities end there but I really enjoyed reading about a time and conditions I know little about.

I sat in the sun and read the last few chapters and the red shoulders prove that it was a gripping ending as I didn't have time for suncream or shade! I'm like a woman possessed with the last few chapters of a good book, I have to finish it at all costs!

The Book Thief

I finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak a few days ago and thought I would write a few words about it. I always intend to list the books I get through but there are so many and I never get round to jotting them down. This was quite possibly one of the best, most clever books I have read, and I have read a lot! It is narrated by Death himself and follows the tale of a young girl Lisel Meminger, the book thief and a child of Nazi Germany. Stealing stories helps her and many others through that terrible time. The use of language and the intricate story line kept me gripped till the last page. Death as the narrator gave me a totally different reading experience to the norm and I loved that unique stance. Rarely do I want to read a book a second time over but this one would definitely come in this category.

I am now half way to finishing Slammerkin, and again really enjoying it. I will review it once I have finished. The sun is shining, the house work is nearly done, and then the book will be my priority!!