The Truth About These Strange Times by Adam Foulds

The Truth About These Strange Times
Adam Foulds

Front cover

Date read: 30 October - 6 November 2019
Length: 324 pages
Published: 2007


Howard is working in a gym when an old lady collapses, and he visits her every day in the hospital. The family of the lady; Les, Barbara, and their son Saul, take Howard in and he works as their gardener. Saul is described as a genius, and going to participate in the World Memory Championships. But Saul begins to be unwell with the stress of it all, so Howard takes him away. What adventures will they have?


I really like Saul, and I feel sorry for him with all the pressure he gets from his parents. It's like he's not really a kid. He has to go to school, and then at home he is made to prepare for the memory championship. He pretty much has no free time to be a kid.

Howard did a very risky thing, but for good reasons. He could see the amount of pressure Saul was under, and the effects it was having on him. So he took him away from that and let him have a little time away. But in effect, it was kidnapping. His parents didn't know where they were, how long they would be gone, or even if Saul was alive.

Besides from his life with Saul and family, Howard has some things of his own to deal with, like the marriage to Irina so she can come to the country. I still have a question over whether they will get married or not.

I feel like there needs to be a second book, perhaps set about five years in the future to explain what happens to Howard and Saul.


I quite enjoyed this read!

Adam Foulds

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The Wee Librocubicularist

In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

In the Miso Soup
Ryu Murakami

Front cover

Date read: 25 - 29 October 2019
Length: 180 pages
Published: 1997 (2005 in Britain)


Kenji is hired by an overweight American called Frank, to take him on a tour of Tokyo's nightlife. A tour unlike any other. But Kenji begins to realise Frank's behaviour is rather odd, and suspects he may actually be a murderer. With his girlfriend Jun, can they get themselves out of the horrible situation alive?


I must confess I had no idea what this book was about before I started reading, and I was a bit surprised! Nevertheless I quite enjoyed the story.

I like Kenji and I didn't want anything bad to happen to him. I think he comes across as more innocent as he actually is, but he's not a bad man and just trying to make a living. He doesn't want to get Jun involved and tries to keep her out of it as much as possible.

Frank is a psychopath! He has many, many issues. Besides his behaviour, we know that's not actually his real name. Kenji handled him very well.


An interesting read that I was not prepared for!




Overall rating

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The Wee Librocubicularist

Matter (Culture #8) by Iain M. Banks

Matter
Culture #8
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 10 - 24 October 2019
Length: 593 pages
Published: 2008


Ferbin's father, King Hausk, is murdered by his best friend. Believed to be dead, no-one knows he has witnessed this cruel act. He flees, attempting to find his sister, Djan Seriy Anaplian, who works in Special Circumstances for the Culture, to inform and warn her. Their brother Oramen, is to inherit the throne when he comes of age, but is his life in danger?


I liked the characters but I didn't feel a particular attachment to one. Of course, there were some characters I definitely didn't like.

I wanted Tyl Loesp brought to justice! He's a bad, bad man. It's one thing to kill the king for power, but when that same man is your best friend, that's just evil on another level. I suppose you never really know who people are.

The relationship Djan has with everyone is so strained. She's barely even a member of the family after being sent away, but it's good that her brothers still think of her as their sister. You can tell they love each other, but maybe don't really know how to show it. The unfortunate circumstances bring them together a bit, which is nice.


Looking forward to the last 2 in the series!




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Cause Celeb by Helen Fielding

Cause Celeb
Helen Fielding

Front cover

Date read: 1 - 9 October 2019
Length: 342 pages
Published: 1994


Rosie Richardson is fed up with her life in London. She has an unhealthy relationship with a TV presenter, and so she sacks it all and spends 4 years running a refugee camp in Africa. But the camp is running out of food, the locusts are swarming and a very big influx of refugees is expected to hit the camp. In a desperate bid to help, Rosie returns to London to enlist the help of her celebrity friends. Will it be too late?


Helen Fielding is more known for her Bridget Jones books, but Cause Celeb is her first novel. It is easy to read, interesting and sometimes funny. It is a serious subject without being too serious.

I'm not really much for following celebrity culture, and even in the book I prefer the personalities of the people in Africa. They're more real, caring and genuine people.

Oliver, Rosie's TV presenter boyfriend in London, is a twat, put simply. He's controlling, nasty, and has no regard for Rosie's feelings. Everything is what he wants and when he wants it. I'm glad that at the end of the book, Rosie is able to stand up to him. Going to Africa was probably the best thing she had done for herself and she gained so much from it.


I feel like this would make a good holiday read.

Helen Fielding

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The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan

The Eye of the World
The Wheel of Time #1
Robert Jordan

Front cover

Date read: 11 - 30 September 2019
Length: 812 pages (including contents, maps, prologue and glossary)
Published: 1990


Three young men from the Two Rivers have their lives changed in one night. Rand, Mat, and Perrin are suddenly whisked into a world of adventure, accompanied by Aes Sedai Moiraine and warder Lan, they travel further than they have ever before. Hunted by creatures of the Dark One, will they make it to the Eye of the World?


Wow. Now. I don't even know where to begin. There is so much to this book that I'm sure we've only just scratched the surface of what's to follow. So I was given this book by a friend. The Wheel of Time series is one of those things that you're vaguely aware of, but really don't know much about. When I began I new nothing barring the name of the series and that it was a long one. Once given the book, I looked on Goodreads and was a bit apprehensive as the reviews were so varied. Was this going to be a long series that I would have to slug my way through?

The answer is no. I very much enjoyed The Eye of the World, and I'm really looking forward to reading more. Although it's not part of my main reading lists so it'll probably be about a year and a half before I read the next one!

There are a lot of characters here, but strangely I didn't find that confusing or hard to follow. There have been other series I've read that has had a lot of characters that I've found more challenging, but not this one. I suppose that's a good thing, but may well change the further I progress in the series.

I liked pretty much all of the story, but I really liked the thing with Perrin. I thought it was very interesting and I hope there will be more about it in the following novels.


I'm glad my friend gave me this book and I'm looking forward to reading more - whenever that may be!




Overall rating

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Look to Windward (Culture #7) by Iain M. Banks

Look to Windward
Culture #7
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 1 - 10 September 2019
Length: 403 pages
Published: 2000


Major Quilan has a mission; to go to the Orbital Masaq' and convince the composer Ziller to return home. But Ziller will be nowhere near Quilan, even at the risk of not conducting the opening night of his new symphony. But is that all Quilan is here to do..?


As much as I enjoyed this book, the main characters left much to be desired. Ziller is petty and Quilan doesn't care about life. You just want to slap them both and tell Ziller to grow up, and tell Quilan that all life is precious, including his!

I do have some sympathy for Quilan in regards to his wife. He obviously loved her very much and this is a major reason why he feels the way he does. I want to slap him and then give him a hug.

I'm glad Quilan didn't succeed in his real mission. I won't say too much here, but it wasn't a very good thing and it would have been devastating.


Looking forward to reading some more, only a few left in the series now!




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The Boy with the Bronze Axe by Kathleen Fidler

The Boy with the Bronze Axe
Kathleen Fidler

Front cover

Date read: 28 - 31 August 2019
Length: 156 pages
Published: 1968


A young boy named Tenko comes to an island in a boat made from wood, carrying a bronze axe. He saves two children, Kali and Brockan, and is welcomed to the island by their father Birno. But not all are happy with this stranger and his weird tools. How will this matter be resolved?


This is a nice children's story. For me it had a message of stranger doesn't always mean danger. I know children have to be aware of the potential risk a stranger could bring, but that's not always the case. Here Tenko brings knowledge to the island, and while most accept his teachings, there are some who wish him gone, or worse.

I didn't like Korwen for this reason. He is against Tenko and will do anything to sabotage his relationships with his new family. Korwen is sneaky and untrustworthy, and just an all round unpleasant person.

I feel that Tenko is probably not as old as he seems in the novel. From reading you could think he was early twenties, but actually I think he's probably only mid teens, if that. It's hard to gauge his age, as he seems so mature, and he's obviously come to the island on his own, but he still needs the guidance of a parent.


It was a nice little read.




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Sepulchre (Languedoc #2) by Kate Mosse

Sepulchre
Languedoc #2
Kate Mosse

Front cover

Date read: 9 - 27 August 2019
Length: 732 pages
Published: 2007


In 1891 Leonie Vernier leaves Paris with her brother Anatole to stay with their aunt in the country, at the Domaine de la Cade. There, she discovers a sepulchre full of mystery.
In 2007, Meredith Martin is researching for a biography she is writing, as well as trying to learn about her own family history. She visits the Domaine de la Cade and is intrigued by the past. Can she work out what happened all those years ago?

This story begins in

a city of bones...

I really enjoyed both parts of the story, although I will say it can sometimes be a little frustrating when you're right in the swing of things and then it changes to the other story. It's a good thing I do like both parts!

I liked the story of Anatole and Isolde. It's both surprising and tragic. I felt sorry for them and just wanted things to work out.

A lot of the time when I was reading the part of Meredith, I was waiting for her to work out the things that happened in the past, so that I would know too! I kind of felt like I was there with her, figuring out all of the events by her side.

The song at the end of the book is really good, and I actually still listen to it from time to time. You can find it on YouTube.

I have read Labyrinth, the previous Languedoc novel, and I have to say the writing has MUCH improved. I felt when I was reading Labyrinth that it was a good story, but that the writing was letting it down. I did not feel that way at all when I was reading Sepulchre. In fact, sometimes I struggled to put it down, I was so absorbed in the story!

I'm looking forward to reading Citadel much more now, though I have no idea when that will be!

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Inversions (Culture #6) by Iain M. Banks

Inversions
Culture #6
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 30 July - 8 August 2019
Length: 405 pages
Published: 1998


Doctor Vosill is the physician to the King, and although she has a good reputation, some believe there is more to her treatments. She has more enemies than she realises. Across the mountains, DeWar is the bodyguard of the General, who also has his share of enemies. How are they connected?


Although Inversions didn't really seem like a Culture novel, I really enjoyed it. I like the ones that are more about the people the their relationships with each other.

I liked Vosill, but even though she's one of the main characters, I felt like we didn't really get to know her. I couldn't help but think there was more to her, hiding just beneath the surface.

The relationship that DeWar has with the General's son, Lattens, is very wholesome. I loved reading about their time together and the stories DeWar would tell him.


I am looking forward to more in the series!




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The Locked Room Mystery Mystery (Nursery Crime #2.5) by Jasper Fforde

The Locked Room Mystery Mystery
Nursery Crime #2.5
Jasper Fforde

Date read: 29 July 2019
Length: 6 pages (according to Goodreads)
Published: 2007


Locked Room has been killed in the library of Usher Towers. The room was locked from the inside and there were no witnesses. Can Detective Inspector Jack Spratt and Detective Sergeant Mary Mary solve the case?


This was a very short story originally published online by The Guardian. I felt since I had read the two novels I might as well read this, even though it's not actually in printed format! I'll admit it did feel a little strange, but at least it was only for one night!

It's basically Cluedo (or Clue for those across the water). You have the murder, and need to figure out who did it and with what. It was a fun little story.

I liked the names of the other people attending the dinner party. Some examples are Red Herring, Least Likely Suspect, and Overlooked Clue. It adds to the fun!

I really wish there was more Nursery Crime books out. They are so unique and I really enjoyed the first two. I think there is supposed to be a third one, but I have no idea if/when it will be published.


I recommend you read the series if you're looking for something a bit different!




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The Sign of Four (Sherlock Holmes #2) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Sign of Four
Sherlock Holmes #2
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Front cover

Date read: 25 - 28 July 2019
Length: 153 pages
Published: 1890


Mary Morstan has been receiving a pearl in the post every year for the last six years. But now the stranger wants to meet to right a wrong. She calls upon the help of Sherlock Holmes, and with the help of John Watson, they embark on an adventure.

"You are a wronged woman and shall have

justice. Do not bring police. If you do, all will

be in vain. Your unknown friend."

It has been a while since I read A Study in Scarlet, but I have enjoyed reading about Sherlock Holmes again!

I enjoyed the first part of the story but I could feel myself getting lost or not concentrating enough towards the end, which is probably due to reading too late at night and entirely my fault. I feel I didn't take enough of this book in, and for that reason this review will be brief.

I liked the interaction between Watson and Morstan. I feel Watson is quite innocent despite his life experience, and this is one of the instances where it shows. It's very sweet though, and we might see what happens soon!

I'm looking forward to reading more, although I don't know when that will be. Next time I will make more of an effort to pay attention! What I did take in I really enjoyed, and will need to read it again at some point.

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Excession (Culture #5) by Iain M. Banks

Excession
Culture #5
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 14 - 24 July 2019
Length: 455 pages
Published: 1996


Something appears in space and no-one knows what it is, not even the super intelligent Minds. Genar-Hofoen is sent on a mission to retrieve a very old Mind from a dying spaceship, and his old flame keeps popping up...


Okay, so it was actually pretty hard to pinpoint a synopsis. There seems to be a lot of minor stories here, but not particularly one major plot. The novel took quite a while to get going, and I felt that pretty much the first half wasn't really much, it did get better towards the end though!

I like Dajeil Gelian. She's pretty interesting, and not just because she's been pregnant for 40 odd years! She's quite mysterious and obviously has a past that still influences her life today.

The ship names are interesting! They always have been but they seem to be even better here. I won't spoil any names here, you'll just need to read to find out.


Looking forward to the rest of the series.




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The Fourth Bear (Nursery Crime #2) by Jasper Fforde

The Fourth Bear
Nursery Crime #2
Jasper Fforde

Front cover

Date read: 4 - 13 July 2019
Length: 383 pages
Published: 2006


Jack Spratt and Mary Mary are back, investigating the disappearance of Goldilocks, a Friend to Bears. Meanwhile the Gingerbread Man has escaped from prison, and what's with all the unexplained explosions? And how dangerous can a giant cucumber be?

The Gingerbreadman - psychopath,

genius, convicted murderer and biscuit

- is loose on the streets of Reading.

If there's one thing you can say about Nursery Crime, it's that it's not boring. There's always so much more to it than you think, and it keeps you on your toes! One thing leads to another and more things are discovered that need investigating. Before you know it you have many questions that need answered.

I am very much enjoying this series and all the characters. They're just so unusual you don't know what to expect.

I kind of feel sorry for Jack. He is underestimated all the time and not taken as seriously as he should be. If he was just left to get on with things I'm sure he would manage perfectly fine, but for some reason people keep getting in his way.

Mary and Ashley were an odd couple, but I liked it. It was a little bit unexpected but also really worked. It's a shame about what happened to Ashley - I hope he asks her out again.

When is the next Nursery Crime novel going to be?! Apparently there is supposed to be a third one, but considering this one was published 13 years ago and the third isn't out yet, I'm not very hopeful. It's a shame because I was really enjoying this series!

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Saturday by Ian McEwan

Saturday
Ian McEwan

Front cover

Date read: 27 June - 3 July 2019
Length: 279 pages
Published: 2005


Dr Henry Perowne is trying to enjoy a Saturday away from work, but after a disturbed night, a car crash, and an assault all before lunch, he's finding it difficult. His daughter is coming home to visit, so at least he has that to look forward to, right?


I found this book a little difficult to read, not because of the writing but because I thought Henry was a bit dull. You know, he has the perfect life; a loving wife, 2 children, a good job and house, he plays squash at the weekend. Nothing much of interest. A lot of the book is him rambling on about various things like neuroscience, his thoughts on war etc.

His collision with Baxter was probably the most interesting thing to happen in the book, because it paved the way for the rest of the story. Baxter is an interesting character, even considering the fact he is thoroughly unlikable. Baxter angers me in a way that makes me wish violence upon him.

Daisy has a surprise is revealed to her family too soon, because of Baxter's despicable acts. I feel sorry for her and the family because the joyous moment was taken away from her family, and especially her. Another reason to hate Baxter.


I did quite enjoy Saturday but I think a lot of Henry's waffling was unnecessary.




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The State of the Art (Culture #4) by Iain M. Banks

The State of the Art
Culture #4
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 21 - 26 June 2019

Length: 216 pages

Published: 1991

Diziet Sma tells her story of when the Culture visit Earth. They learn all about the people, their way of life, the technology, everything. One member goes so far as to decide they want to stay on Earth, and even change their body to be more human. Also included are some short stories.

I like the fact that the Culture came to Earth, and not to destroy it or declare war, but to observe and learn. They get to know what being human is about and respect what they discover.

The short stories were okay but not really that memorable. I thought the pictures were quite cool though.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the series, after what feels like a little break.

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The Big Over Easy (Nursery Crime #1) by Jasper Fforde

The Big Over Easy
Nursery Crime #1
Jasper Fforde

Front cover

Date read: 11 - 20 June 2019
Length: 398 pages
Published: 2005


Jack Spratt is Detective Inspector with the Nursery Crime Division of the Reading Police Force. A new Detective Sergeant is assigned to him; Mary Mary. Together they must solve the death of Humpty Stuyvesant Van Dumpty III a.k.a Humpty Dumpty. One clue leads to another, and they only have until Saturday to solve it, or the case is handed over to Jack's nemesis, Chymes. Can they solve it in time?

Dead bodies never look like this.

This is a very interesting and enjoyable book. It's as if nursery characters were alive and real in this world. Everyone knows who they are, but they're just treated as if they're regular people. That being said, these characters are not designed for children! They have very adult qualities not present in their original tellings.

I like the relationship between Jack and Mary. Mary is very apprehensive at first, not sure if she'll fit in and kind of thinks the NCD is a bit of a joke and beneath her. But the more she works with Jack and the case, she realises there's more to it than meets the eye, and actually begins to respect Jack. Jack doesn't treat Mary like he's her superior, but rather a colleague. They make a good team.

There's more to it than just a murder mystery. We learn about Jack's home life, get to know more about the not-so-innocent people of the nursery story world, and even watch a romance blossom between Jack's daughter Pandora, and Prometheus.

It's an interesting take on a crime novel, and I'm looking forward to the next one!

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Dead Ice (Anita Blake #24) by Laurell K. Hamilton

Dead Ice
Anita Blake #24
Laurell K. Hamilton

Front cover

Date read: 28 May - 10 June 2019
Length: 566 pages
Published: 2015


Anita is called in by the FBI to help them with a disturbing case. Someone is making zombie porn, but that isn't the worst of it. The zombies have souls trapped inside their dead bodies with no way out. Not only does Anita need to catch the necromancer responsible, she has to find a way to lay the zombies to rest. Can she do it?

THEY DID ANOTHER ZOOMING CLOSE-UP OF THE
ZOMBIE'S EYES, AND THIS TIME THEY WEREN'T
EMPTY. THIS TIME THEY WERE TERRIFIED.

I enjoyed this story very much, it's more like the earlier Blake novels! It starts off strong, straight into the case and the mystery surrounding it. We see some old favourites like Manny and Zerbrowski. I missed the earlier days of Anita actually solving crimes and dealing with the preternatural.

The way these books have gone, I was surprised at how little sex there is in this one. This is a good thing in my opinion. We still get treated to some, and of course Anita still has a very complicated love life with all her various people, but it isn't just about that.

Of course, we can't avoid it completely. Anita is getting married to Jean-Claude, and there's things to prepare, such as the rings. Then there's having to choose another tiger to join them in the bedroom, and finding the best person suitable for another ring. 

If Dead Ice had just been about the zombie porn case, I think I would have given this book four stars. But Anita is constantly surrounded by drama and it takes away from the investigation side of the story. I understand she needs to have a personal life as well, but it's too much!

Laurell K. Hamilton

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Use of Weapons (Culture #3) by Iain M. Banks

Use of Weapons
Culture #3
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 18 - 27 May 2019
Length: 411 pages
Published: 1990


Cheradenine Zakalwe is asked by his rescuer from long ago to complete a task; break a man out of hiding and hand him over. His mind is fragile, however, and the job is not an easy one. Can he do it and retain his sanity?


Use of Weapons is slightly different in terms of how it's told from a linear perspective. There are kind of two parts to the same story, one in the present and one in the past. This is easy to follow as the chapters are named differently (ONE, TWO, THREE, etc & XIII, XII, XI, etc). It is an interesting way to do it and I think it breaks up the parts of the story well. Because of this though, I found it more difficult to pin point a brief synopsis, so what is above is a very poor attempt and doesn't do the book justice. Sorry!

The characters are all likeable, which I find rare in a book these days. Usually there's at least one character that I dislike, but not here. I even like the drone, although it still has an unreasonably long name!

The plot twist and the end is good! It is mainly for this reason that I had a hard time deciding between 3 or 4 stars for the rating, although I just felt that the book genuinely got better nearer the end. But I had to base it on the whole book and not just the last third or so.


Very much looking forward to continuing the series.

Iain M. Banks

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Hello, Mr Magpie by Penny Faith

Hello, Mr Magpie
Penny Faith

Front cover

Date read: 11 - 17 May 2019
Length: 273 pages
Published: 1999


Ms Hattie Gordon is trying to get her life together. A divorcee with very little job prospect and a relationship on the rocks, she is looking for more from life. Through flashbacks we piece together parts of her life and understand more of where she's been. Will Hattie have a happy ending?


There didn't really seem to be much of a plot here, and since most of the book is made up of the flashbacks, rather than a few to get to know her better, it seems a strange way to tell a story. Perhaps it might have been better written as a biographical book with the stories in order, leading up to the main point in the story.

I did like the flashbacks and I thought it was quite an interesting way to get to know more about certain points in her life. But the flashbacks jumped around so much in time you were constantly working out how old she was and what had already happened to her in life. I felt that took a little away from actually being able to relax and enjoy the story.

You never actually find out how old she is, but I'm assuming based on the flashbacks and when the book was published, she's in her late thirties. The flashbacks stop around the age of 33, but there's no real way of knowing how much time has passed since then. You also have to read a little to figure out when she was born, and then work out how old she is in each flashback based on the year given. Although it is easy enough given she's born in a round year, thank goodness!


I did enjoy the book, as is is written in an interesting way, but the plot was a bit lacking.




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Intensity by Dean Koontz

Intensity
Dean Koontz

Front cover

Date read: 29 April - 10 May 2019
Length: 469 pages
Published: 1995


Chyna Shepherd goes to her friend Laura's parents house for a break, but on the first night there's an intruder who kills the whole family. Chyna is a survivor by nature, and she manages to stay hidden. Not knowing if her friend is alive or dead, she follows them out of the house, and also learns about a 16 year old captive in the killers home. Can she help the captive but also survive herself?


I enjoyed Intensity. It was a good read, although I felt it could have been a little shorter. There is a lot of detail, however, so you feel you really get to know the characters.

This story is told over a very short time span; only a few days. A lot happens in those few days though!

It is not just told from Chyna's point of view, it is also told from the killers view, which I like. This way means you can really tell what each of the characters are thinking and feeling, even if those things are from the killers mind!

I felt myself getting really involved with what Chyna was going through. I found it so easy to read and I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. Very hard to put down!

Dean Koontz

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The Player of Games (Culture #2) by Iain M. Banks

The Player of Games
Culture #2
Iain M. Banks

Front cover

Date read: 21 - 28 April 2019
Length: 309 pages
Published: 1988


One of the greatest Game players the Culture has is Gurgeh. He has mastered every game he's ever played, so he travels to the Empire of Azad to play a new game. The game is so popular, the place is named after it! Gurgeh learns it's not all it seems to be, and is actually very dangerous. Will he survive and make it back home?


I like the drones, but their names are far too long! It's hard to remember them, so I'm glad for most of the book they are shortened to sensible lengths. One thing that is good though, is that Banks' personalisation is so good, that sometimes it's hard to tell the people from the drones.

I liked the idea of the 3 sexes on Azad. It's something a bit different and makes the life on the new planet more interesting. It's hard to imagine something like that in the real world though!

I enjoyed the story but I wasn't actually all that keen on Gurgeh. I just felt like I couldn't bond or relate to him in any way. It didn't take from the story which I'm glad about.


Looking forward to more in the series!




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The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Kim Edwards

Front cover

Date read: 11 - 20 April 2019
Length: 401 pages
Published: 2005


Dr. David Henry and his wife Norah are having their babies; twins, a boy and a girl. The boy is healthy, but there's something wrong with the girl. She has Down's syndrome, and so David makes the decision to send her away forever. He tells his wife she died at birth. This secret becomes the foundation of his life. Will he ever tell Norah the truth?

Families have secrets they hide

even from themselves...

This was a good, easy read. The story is very absorbing and you find yourself wanting to read more. There are not too many characters and it's easy to get drawn in!

As I was reading I actually found myself more interested in Pheobe's life. I just wanted to know more about her and her life with Caroline, what she was doing and how she was developing and growing. I found Paul boring and moody, and Pheobe had a much more positive outlook on life.

I began to gradually dislike David. In the beginning I kind of sympathised with the fact he had to make a very difficult decision, although one that should definitely not have been done without Norah's input. He does what he believes is the right thing at the time. But as time goes on, I found myself liking him less and less. What he did began to annoy me, and I began to resent him for it.

A thought provoking and easy read.

Kim Edwards

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