"They said, when they died, that all they could hear was the screaming." When Hope Arden was 16, she started to disappear. Not literally, but from people's memories. It wasn't long before she was being greeted as a new student in school every morning, but when her parents started redecorating her room she knew she had … Continue reading The Sudden Appearance of Hope – Claire North
"Veterans: Are you fixing to forget?" A mysterious man appears in a small town in West Virginia. Both seem haunted by the (American Civil) war, not so long over. As the stranger's life mingles with those of the townsfolk - three sisters hiding their varying griefs, families torn apart by violence, the town bully and more - … Continue reading All Their Minds in Tandem – David Sanger
"Most people are insecure, and with good reason. Not me." I held off on reading this book, for several reasons. For one, I'm meting out the last few unread Banks' books on my shelves, saddened by the knowledge that there will be no more. And, even less happily, because I'd heard less than good things … Continue reading The Quarry – Iain Banks
"He walked as far as the hedge that signalled the end of the airfield." Kate Atkinson has stated that she thinks of this as a ‘companion piece’ to Life After Life, and perhaps one of the untold episodes from Ursula’s many lives. This time, the story follows Teddy, Ursula’s beloved, youngest brother. And in contrast … Continue reading A God In Ruins – Kate Atkinson
"A fug of tobacco smoke and damp clammy air hit her as she entered the café." Ursula Todd is born and dies. Ursula Todd is born, and manages not to die, at least for a while longer. Again and again her life is reset, as she falls foul of accidents and illness. Eventually it seems as if … Continue reading Life After Life – Kate Atkinson
Ho this is a mighty twisting thing fast as a fish being pulled by its mouth on a hook... The words 'Award Winning' usually have me running for the hills - Oscar nominees are usually very good, very boring films, for instance! But somehow, the accolade of winning the Man Booker Prize this year brought … Continue reading How to be Both – Ali Smith
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