The Right to an Answer by Anthony Burgess

The Right to an Answer
Anthony Burgess

Front cover

Denham is used to travelling for his job, but he takes some time off and visits his father. He meets the locals in the pub. On his travels back from one trip he meets Mr. Raj, who seems innocent enough, if a little intense. How could anyone foretell the events that are to follow?

Copyright date is 1960, and it's quite apparent in the way race is talked about. Everyone is very much on edge when interacting with coloured people, and immigrants are people to be feared. It's quite strange to read.

The ending is a bit surprising! I had a feeling something wasn't right with Mr. Raj, so although I didn't expect it, I wasn't utterly gobsmacked either. I'm not going to spoil the ending, but it was a nice twist!

A nice short book that doesn't require much thought.

Overall rating

Thanks,

The Wee Librocubicularist

Monstrous Regiment (Discworld #31) by Terry Pratchett

Monstrous Regiment
Discworld #31
Terry Pratchett

Front cover

Polly joins the army in an attempt to find her brother. Little does she know, all her squad are women! Among her is a vampire with a thirst for coffee, a troll and a few other fine young 'lads'. But will she find her brother? What will happen if her secret comes out?


It felt weird that this one wasn't centred around main areas like Ankh-Morpork and Klatch but it's good to explore other areas. And we weren't left completely without a familiar face; William de Worde made an appearance.

I liked the strong female presence in Monstrous Regiment. It makes me wonder just how many females disguised themselves as men in order to join the army in real life. Probably a lot more than are recorded, certainly.


Definitely worth a read.

Terry Pratchett

Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist

The Sacred Art of Stealing (Angelique de Xavia #2) by Christopher Brookmyre

The Sacred Art of Stealing
Angelique de Xavia #2
Christopher Brookmyre

Front cover

After the events at the dam, Angelique is feeling a bit lost. That's until she gets put on the case of a bank robbery. There's something different about the lead criminal. Something sparks between them, and she agrees to meet him. She learns about some of his plans. A robber and a cop? This can't end well!


I loved Zal. He's definitely not your typical antihero. He's smart, cunning and charismatic. And not a psychopath or mentally deranged. In fact, antihero might not even be the right word. He's a criminal in that he breaks the law, yes, but he has his reasons, and they're pretty good.

I'm looking forward to the next one, but I'm hoping that Zal isn't forgotten. He's far too good a character to be left behind!

This trilogy has definitely been worth reading so far!

Christopher Brookmyre

Overall rating

Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist