Friday 28 March 2014

52 Genres in a year

18 Poetry

Bone Monkey by Janet Sutherland

Her third collection published by Shearsman books.  Bone monkey sits on the shoulders of men and women and all the poems in this collection are about him or seen through his eyes. The dark edges of life are explored in these lyrical pared to the bone poems, raw and exposed, displaying the sadness and pain of the human condition with vivid contrasts to both the beauty and the underbelly of the natural world. Her  mastery of language is exquisite in it's understatement, painting vivid landscapes with a few brushstrokes. The clarity of expression fills me with awe and her creation of the bone monkey as her poetic muse is inspired.  Her best collection yet.

Tuesday 25 March 2014

52 genres in a year

17 Childrens

The thirteen treasures by Michelle Harrison

Borrowed from my brother in law, this book is indeed a treasure. The first of a trilogy, I can't wait to read the next two books. A dark " Fairie Tale" with inspired twists and turns .I loved the rhyming goblins and the wickedness of the fey. Emotionally engaging and pacy.


The Liberators by Philip Womack

Another dark tale with an engaging concept. Fast paced but I was less emotionally engaged with this one and found some of the language irritating. Too much" old boy, old chaps" I was not drawn into the story to the same extent as the previous book so it was a less believable storyline.

52 genres in a year

16 Literary

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

A modern classic. A portrait of a deeply troubled country, loyalty and friendship, fathers and sons, betrayal and redemption ,the power of evil and the capacity for hope. This book is shocking and unforgettable.Tears for a nation and the personal sacrifices paid will track down your cheeks as you read.

52 genres in a year

15. Historical

Empress Orchid by Anchee Min

Based on the true story of the last Empress of China, this book was a truly fascinating read.The political intrigue and machinations of a male dominated society where one tiny mistake could lead to summary execution belies the strength of character of Orchid. Fast paced and riveting.