Anosh Irani’s — The parcel *****

This is the story of how Madhu, a hijra, survives in Mumbai’s notorious red-light district. Madhu is too old for prostitution, so begs on the street until called for a special job when the parcel arrives. Continue reading “Anosh Irani’s — The parcel *****” →

Hannah Kent’s — The good people *****

In the 1800s an Irish village, Nora loses her daughter, then her husband before she hires Mary to help take care of her grandson. Because her grandson neither speaks nor walks at age four, she pleads with the priest for help, but he turns his back on her. The women of the village blame the boy for their troubles, so Nora seeks help from Nance who has the “knowledge.”

This books starts a little slow, but is as captivating as Kent’s Burial Rites. We are taken into the minds of the villagers, from their family woes to their superstitions where they readily blame their misfortune on anyone but themselves.

Jen Sookfong Lee’s — The conjoined *****

After Jessica’s mother dies, she discovers two dead girls in her mother’s basement freezer. Jessica cannot believe her mother is responsible because of the number of children she had helped foster over the years.

I liked how this tale, Lee’s best to date, leaves you pondering. This cleverly woven tale cannot help but impress on the reader the problem with the system. This is not the only profession where the most capable people are constantly given the most challenging to deal with.

Are you contemplating joining a writing group?

I’ve been working with writing groups for many years after struggling on my own for over a decade. My critique group consist of authors at the beginning stages right up to those who have published a long list of books, and facilitators with impressive writing credentials. Continue reading “Are you contemplating joining a writing group?” →