Category: Other 5 out of 5s

Justine Picardie’s — Daphne

This is a novel that blends fact with fiction. A young woman is writing her Ph.D on both Daphne du Maurier and the Brontes. Daphne, famous for her memorable books — Rebecca, Jamaica Inn and The Birds, finds her life in a downward spiral after her marriage fails. She lives out the remainder of her life in Cornwall, and the researcher uncovers secrets that make this an enthralling mystery.

Shani Mootoo’s — Cireus blooms at night

When Mala Ramchandin, suspected of murder, arrives on a stretcher at Paradise’s alms house, the only male nurse, Tyler, is given his first assignment. With Mala’s slow recovery, Tyler learns about her extraordinary life on the Caribbean island.

Marie Benedict’s — The other Einstein *****

In the late 1800s with the support of her father, Mitza Maric leaves her Eastern European home to study physics and math at the Polytechnic in Zurich. She is the only woman in her class where only Albert Einstein, a young student, befriends her. Mtiza is ambitious and a gifted math student, but when she becomes pregnant, her dreams are slowly shattered.

This fascinating tale based on research, makes us question how much of Einstein’s discoveries are accredited to the wrong scientist?

Lily King’s — Euphoria *****

In the 1930s, Nell is an anthropologist with a grant to study a New Guinea tribe. When Nell and her Australian husband, Fen and another anthropologist, Andrew find the group they want to study, Fen changes. He’s jealous that his wife has received the grant and he begins to break all the rules amongst the tribe. Nell grows wary of his behaviour, but not careful enough for what lies ahead.

Not only a great tale, but an interesting setting. In 2014 this book was nominated as one of the ten best books by the New York Times.