Tag: Book review

Emma Donoghue’s — The wonder *****

Lib, an English nurse, arrives in an Irish village in the 1850s to keep watch over Anna so as to confirm that she doesn’t eat. The child’s fast is driving the faithful on pilgrimages to her house and Lib is suspicious.

This is not only a book about the politics of religion, but blind faith and Lib is determined to get to the bottom of why Anna fasts.

How did this author keep me engrossed in her tale when most of the story is set in Anna O’Donnell’s bedroom? It’s no wonder, this book is beautifully written as well as an intriguing tale.

Anna Smaill’s — The chimes

Simon arrives in London after his parents’ deaths and soon finds a new family amongst a gang of scavengers who roam their turf in search of metal. He grips his bag of junk — items that trigger the only memories he holds and slowly discovers with the help of Lucien, that he has a gift that others do not hold. But the London of the future keeps most of its citizens ignorant. Can Simon’s gift free them from their simple lives?

A real page turner that was not only well written, but revealed a unique story.

Tracy Chevalier’s — New boy

Dee develops a friendship with the new boy at school, but Rod is jealous. This is a YA novel, but I couldn’t put this well written book down. The entire novel takes place over one day and the ending will leave you spellbound.

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.