My Best for 2009

I've just finished the wonderful The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson. This is one of those rare books that you can't wait to finish but then feel flat when you've finished because the joy of reading it is over. This is the second in Larsson's trilogy and it makes you hungry for the next one. Mikael Blomkvist, journalist at Millennium is about to publish an expose about the sex trade written by two writers when they are murdered and crime scene evidence points to Lisbeth Salander as the murderer. Mikael knows this is not possible and sets out to find the real murderer. Salander is the most interesting character to emerge in thrillers in recent times.The reader is led on a trail of government cover ups, murders and espionage before the truth is finally revealed. I highly recommend this book, but be sure to read the first in the trilogy The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo before you read this one. 5/5

I've read this chilling fictional account of a "school massacre", We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. I had never intended to read this book because of the subject matter but it was set as our next Crime Club book. The story is told in the form of letters written by the murderer's mother, Eva, to her husband, Franklin. We learn about Eva and Franklin's life pre-Kevin, then the difficulties they have with Kevin as he grows up. Eva feels there is something "not quite normal" about Kevin but Franklin refuses to see his faults. Kevin's behaviour towards his family and his school are examined and focus on some incidents. As we near the end of the book, the suspense is heightened, even though we know some of what is to come. This psychological thriller reaches a terrible climax that haunts the reader for some time. Brilliant but disturbing! 5/5

Child 44 is the debut novel of Tom Rob Smith set in early1950s Soviet Russia where "crime" was not recognised because in this "perfect society" it couldn't exist, so to suggest that there was a child serial killer at large was itself a crime. Officer Leo Demidov has hunted down "criminals" whose "crimes" were non-existent in any free society e.g. being late for work, reading a "western" book, dissident thoughts or actions. When Leo begins to understand that the child murders are connected and not random acts of local "lunatics", he himself is hunted down for daring to believe that these crimes could happen. So it is a race against time as he hunts the killer and he himself is hunted. This was a thrilling story which at the same time revealed a society driven by paranoia, where "innocent" people were summarily executed or sent to spend years in the gulags. This era has been thoroughly researched by the author, who provides a list of books for further reading. It draws heavily on the case of Andrei Chikatilo. A follow up The Secret Speech was published April 2009. 5/5

This thrilling story The Winner Stands Alone by Paulo Coelho is set during the Cannes Film Festival amid all its glitz, glamour and "plastic" people. A spurned ex-husband, Igor, knows his ex-wife and her new husband are attending so sends "messages" to persuade her to return to him. The events take place in one day as Igor uses murder to send his "messages". He has a distorted view of the difference between "good" and "evil" which is different to the norm, but is his justification and motivation for the murders. A chilling story with some in-depth characters. The reader goes "behind the scenes" to see the artificial world of the super rich, actors and wannabes who populate this event. Another brilliant story from Coelho. 5/5

The Road Home by Rose Tremain won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2008 and having now read it, I can say the win was very well deserved. Lev, a Russian, moves to London to seek his fortune and send money home to his family in his small village. He had come prepared, so he thought, but soon learns that the reality of his new life is very hard. The reader follows his adventures and misadventures as he navigates his way around a new life in a very different country. We feel his loneliness and his frustration, follow his struggles and wince at his mistakes. He dreams of being a chef with his own restaurant - will this dream come true? This is one of those books that is sad to finish. The writing is so good and is a great story. 5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed the thriller The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo. It is a sequel to Redbreast but not essential you read that first. Det Harry Hole investigates a serial killer who leaves a five pointed star marked near his victims. Hole is also trying to expose his nemesis, Tom Waaler, a corrupt cop. The story has many twists and turns before the thrilling finale. 5/5

This beautifully haunting story The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell is very well written in an unusual "unstructured" style. Iris learns she has an elderly great-aunt, Esme, being released from an asylum after 60 years. Is Esme really insane? Why did her family put her there in the 1930s? The reader follows Esme's life as well as Iris's life and see how they will eventually interact. Esme was a high-spirited teenager who did not "conform" to her family's idea of how a young woman should behave - but why was she "punished" in this dreadful way? 5/5

I enjoyed this wonderful story The Help by Kathryn Stockett which was set in Mississippi in 1962. The story is told in the first person by three of the characters - Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter. Aibileen and Minny are black maids working for white families and Skeeter is an aspiring white journalist and writer who persuades these maids and others to tell their stories. In this environment, this is a very dangerous enterprise and secrecy is essential. The reader is faced with some of the realities of black people living in this time, some of which seem ridiculous to our 21st century minds. For example, black people's urine carries more diseases than white people's - seems laughable now but the consequences for black people at that time using a "white" toilet could be tragic. The author wrote with authority and experience as someone who grew up being served by a black maid, so she brings that personal knowledge as well as her research to write a suspenseful, unputdownable book that keeps you thinking. Highly recommended. 5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed the much awaited The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest by Stieg Larsson, the third of his brilliant "Millennium Trilogy". The wonderful character Lisbeth Salander is in a "tricky situation" (can't say too much in case you haven't read book two). She is accused of three murders and her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist fights to prove her innocence. This is excellent writing of the "can't put it down" variety, a book you want to finish but can't bear it when the story is over. We want more from this great writer but sadly that cannot be. Very highly recommended (but read the books in order). 5/5

I very much enjoyed The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. This cleverly written book is set in Guernsey shortly after World War II. Guernsey was occupied by the Germans during the war and the islanders suffered as a consequence. After the War, writer Juliet Ashton in London receives a letter from Dawsey Adams from Guernsey and so a correspondence begins. The story is told through letters, a literary device that works brilliantly in this book. This is a literary masterpiece, but sadly we shall read no more from this first-time author as she died prior to publication. Highly recommended. 5/5




I thoroughly enjoyed Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. The story is set in a circus in 1930s America but first we are introduced to 93 year old Jacob Jankowski in a nursing home. Jacob looks back to his time in the circus and the hard times that they were in that period. There is a love interest and the story moves along at a good pace. This is a terrific story - highly recommended 5/5.

Beautiful Bodies

This true story Beautiful Bodies by Gerald Stone was about the shipwreck of the female convict ship Amphitrite in August 1833 on its way to Australia. Stone has critically examined the events leading up to the shipwreck with his journalistic skill to reveal this was a tragedy that need not have happened. This is an insight into the social conditions in Britain at the time and the failure of the transportation system. Anyone interested in this period of Australian history should read this book. 41/2/5

The Lost Recipe for Happiness

I enjoyed The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal. Elena Alvarez gets the opportunity to start her own restaurant in Aspen. She works hard and gains the respect of her employees and her employer. Food is an important part of the novel (includes recipes) as they relate to each chapter. Elena has a haunted past and there is a romance. This is probably not a book for guys. 4/5

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

I very much enjoyed The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. This cleverly written book is set in Guernsey shortly after World War II. Guernsey was occupied by the Germans during the war and the islanders suffered as a consequence. After the War, writer Juliet Ashton in London receives a letter from Dawsey Adams from Guernsey and so a correspondence begins. The story is told through letters, a literary device that works brilliantly in this book. This is a literary masterpiece, but sadly we shall read no more from this first-time author as she died prior to publication. Highly recommended. 5/5

The Seance

I quite enjoyed the mysterious novel The Seance by John Harwood. Set in 19th century England it is about a series of characters whose lives intersect around a seriously creepy old grand house. There have been some strange deaths and disappearances involved with the house. When it is inherited by a young woman, Constance Langton, she sets out to learn more about the house and about her own heritage. The story is told through the journals of the characters and the suspense is carried through until we learn the answer to the puzzle of the house. 4/5

The Story of a Marriage

The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer was a gentle love story set in 1953 America. They were difficult times for the young couple, Pearlie and Holland and their young son. An old friend of Holland comes to visit and seeks to change all their lives. How will the situation be resolved? Well written. 4/5

Night Life

I enjoyed Nightlife by Thomas Perry. A female serial killer changes her identity to suit her situation and to entrap her victims. Det Catherine Hobbs sets out to find the killer and thereby sets up a contest. Who will succeed? 4/5

Water for Elephants

I thoroughly enjoyed Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. The story is set in a circus in 1930s America but first we are introduced to 93 year old Jacob Jankowski in a nursing home. Jacob looks back to his time in the circus and the hard times that they were in that period. There is a love interest and the story moves along at a good pace. This is a terrific story - highly recommended 5/5.

Dying Was the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me

This collection of stories Dying Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me by Dr William E. Hablitzel is quite inspirational. Dr Hablitzel tells about some of the patients he's had over the years and the lessons he's learned from them. It is an uplifting book, with some sadness but not as lugubrious as the title suggests. The person to whom the title relates was a "go-getter" who did too much, until he dropped dead with a heart attack. He was clinically dead for 10 mins and fully recovered to reassess his life's goals. This is a lovely book. 4/5

Good to a Fault

I enjoyed Good to a Fault by Marina Endicott. She won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2009, Canada and the Caribbean. Clara Purdy has a car accident and blames herself so takes in to her home the family in the other car, who are homeless. They are all taken to hospital and they find that the mother, Lorraine, has cancer. The father takes off, leaving Clara responsible for the three children and their grandmother. It is an interesting scenario and there are many complications arising from this. There is a romantic interest as well. The situation continues for about a year and the future depends on whether Lorraine recovers and then what happens to Clara and the children. Recommended. 4/5

The Time We Have Taken

I did not like The Time We Have Taken by Steven Carroll. It focused on several "related" characters as their lives were explored in early 1960s Melbourne area. The community decides to celebrate the area's centenary. I found the story tedious and didn't care about the characters. I very rarely give up on a book, but I came close with this one. 2/5

Reading in Bed

This story Reading in Bed by Sue Gee is a "light and fluffy" or "peaches and cream" story. Two female friends who met during University have known each other for 30 years and have been through a lot together. One is recently widowed and is dealing with that. The other is dealing with health problems and her husband's infidelity. A good story to "read in bed." 3/5

The Fig Tree

I enjoyed this lovely book The Fig Tree by Arnold Zable as it is about family history and migration. The author has a new born son, Alexander, and as he grows, he explores his own history and that of his wife for the sake of his son. We learn a wonderful history of his family and that of the countries from which they came and what they endured to survive. The author travels with his wife and then four year old son to some of the places where Alexander's grandparents lived. There are still distant relatives to meet and they discover more about those who left. Very readable and interesting. 4/5

The Gift

This parable story The Gift by Cecelia Ahern teaches us to value time. This "gift" is given to Lou Suffern who never has enough time, likes to be in two places at once and it takes this gift for him to realise the value of time. He strives to achieve well at his workplace at the expense of his family. Makes you think. 3/5

Wildflower

This biography Wildflower by Mark Seal tells of the life and death of Joan Root. Together with her then husband Alan Root, she made magnificent wildlife films and following her divorce she became a champion of the African wildlife, particularly in the area where she lived on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya. The destruction of the lake which followed the expansion of hot houses for growing roses was her last main cause. The area became a dangerous place as poachers on the lake and the land struggled to exist. Corruption was also rife. Joan was gunned down in her bedroom in 2006 and her murderers were never brought to justice. Hers was a very interesting life, a story well told. Next time you buy roses, wonder where they came from. 4/5

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

I thoroughly enjoyed the much awaited The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest by Stieg Larsson, the third of his brilliant "Millennium Trilogy". The wonderful character Lisbeth Salander is in a "tricky situation" (can't say too much in case you haven't read book two). She is accused of three murders and her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist fights to prove her innocence. This is excellent writing of the "can't put it down" variety, a book you want to finish but can't bear it when the story is over. We want more from this great writer but sadly that cannot be. Very highly recommended (but read the books in order). 5/5

A Cup of Light

This was an interesting novel, A Cup of Light by Nicole Mones. Lia Frank travel to China to appraise a large collection of porcelain. The story involves deception and sometimes fraud as valuable relics are smuggled out of the country. There is suspense, romance and mystery. Where did the porcelain come from? How much is authentic? Lia must work this out and advise her employers. Intriguing. 31/2/5

Moscow Rules

I don't usually read spy stories such as Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva but it was the set book for Crime Club for November, so I ventured into a genre I haven't explored for a long time. I won't be reading another one in a hurry though. It's really not my thing but this wasn't a bad yarn and Silva has researched it well. Israeli spy, Gabriel Allon, learns that the wife of a Russian arms dealer wants to "rat" on him because he's selling his wares to terrorists who will harm the West. It's a roller coaster ride with a high body count. 3/5

Sweeping Up Glass

This Sweeping Up Glass by Carolyn Wall was a sometimes confronting story of a woman, Olivia, living in Kentucky in the 1930s. She has had a difficult upbringing with a dysfunctional family, in a dysfunctional town. She is a white person who gets along well with the "coloureds" in the town, but at that time there are difficulties for many as they face racial prejudice. The suspense builds to a climax as Olivia learns the truth about some aspects of her life as she helps her best friend. A worthwhile read. 4/5

Alibi

I've read Alibi by Sydney Bauer and wish I hadn't! A waste of several hours of my life! It started out okay - a young pregnant girl is murdered and her boyfriend is eventually accused of the crime. There are a few different threads that point to the possibility that someone else may have actually dunnit. There is the evil ambitious DA who prosecutes the case while the "good" guy defends the "innocent" young man. The ending is a little too incredible, unbelievable and contrived. Disappointing to learn she's an Australian author. 21/2/5

The Help

I enjoyed this wonderful story The Help by Kathryn Stockett which was set in Mississippi in 1962. The story is told in the first person by three of the characters - Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter. Aibileen and Minny are black maids working for white families and Skeeter is an aspiring white journalist and writer who persuades these maids and others to tell their stories. In this environment, this is a very dangerous enterprise and secrecy is essential. The reader is faced with some of the realities of black people living in this time, some of which seem ridiculous to our 21st century minds. For example, black people's urine carries more diseases than white people's - seems laughable now but the consequences for black people at that time using a "white" toilet could be tragic. The author wrote with authority and experience as someone who grew up being served by a black maid, so she brings that personal knowledge as well as her research to write a suspenseful, unputdownable book that keeps you thinking. Highly recommended. 5/5

The Ghost at the Wedding

This true story The Ghost at the Wedding by Shirley Walker was the story of her mother-in-law, Jessie Walker. Jessie lived through two World Wars and experienced the tragedies of them. Her beau returned from World War I but had physical and emotional scars which affected their family. Jessie's mother suffered more terribly, losing sons in both Wars. As well there are happy times and we learn about their family history and the places they settled in northern NSW. This story is beautifully told. 41/2/5
To listen to an interview with Shirley Walker, click here.

Radiance

This lovely book Radiance by Shaena Lambert is a novel about Keiko, an 18 year old Hiroshima victim brought to the USA for plastic surgery in 1952 and to act as a symbol against further nuclear weapons being developed. She stays with a couple in an "ordinary" American suburb and they become very fond of her. However, she is manipulated by the group that brought her to America, forcing her to relive the horrors of the bomb. How will this affect her? This is a story of a time that was very frightening and the politics of paranoia prevailed. Highly recommended. 41/2/5

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox

This beautifully haunting story The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell is very well written in an unusual "unstructured" style. Iris learns she has an elderly great-aunt, Esme, being released from an asylum after 60 years. Is Esme really insane? Why did her family put her there in the 1930s? The reader follows Esme's life as well as Iris's life and see how they will eventually interact. Esme was a high-spirited teenager who did not "conform" to her family's idea of how a young woman should behave - but why was she "punished" in this dreadful way? 5/5

The Fisherman's Daughter

I've read The Fisherman's Daughter by Molly Jackson which is set in a remote fishing village in Scotland. A young man, Robbie Fraser, is summoned to the village where he was born and learns about the father he and his mother left behind. The story is of two boys, one Robbie's father, who grow up to be bitter rivals. The other, McBain, is an almost unbelievably evil character who goes to extraordinary lengths to make Fraser unhappy. This is a tale of love, hate, revenge and retribution which I found a little OTT. And I'm puzzled - who is "the fisherman's daughter"? 3/5

Brick Lane

This was an interesting immigrant story Brick Lane by Monica Ali telling of two Bangladeshi sisters, Nazneen and Hasina. Nazneen, 18, is sent to London for an arranged marriage with a much older man and struggles to adjust to her new life. Her husband, Chanu, is a wonderful character who always has a "project" but never seems to get anywhere, but he treats Nazneen well. Meanwhile we learn of Hasina's life through letters she writes to Nazneen. They often think back to their childhood and in particular their mother. The story spans about 20 years and we see the growing unrest in the Moslem community as world events take their course. This was a terrific story with great characters. 41/2/5

A Room at the Top

This biography, A Room at the Top by Heath Ducker & Samantha Trenoweth tells Heath's story of growing up in a "dysfunctional" family with his single mother and nine siblings in NSW, Australia. He was inspired by the Insearch group who help put young people "back on track". Heath achieved his life's goals and worked hard to achieve personally and academically culminating in his graduation from university with a law degree. He featured on "Australian Story" and demonstrated that with the right people to help, anyone can achieve in life. Early intervention is also crucial. An inspiring story. 31/2/5

The Dressmaker

I've read The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham which was set in a fictional town in Australia in the early 1950s. Tilly has learned dressmaking and worked in Europe perfecting her skills and returns home to care for her mother. The town is filled with many eccentric "characters" and they have their prejudices and hatreds, which impact on Tilly. She dresses the town's women. The town's police sergeant is a great character. But Tilly's past haunts her and the townspeople are very judgmental. Her presence has a huge impact on the whole town. This is a dark and haunting tale of love, prejudice and hatred. 4/5

The Neighbour

I've enjoyed this mystery The Neighbour by Lisa Gardner. A young mother disappears, believed murdered. Suspicion of course falls on her husband who appears unmoved by his wife's disappearance as he cares for the small daughter. The police investigate and uncover further suspects and the husband's use of the internet also attracts attention. The media have a field day of course. There are a lot of twists and turns before the final twist at the unexpected end. 4/5

The Post Office Girl

This poignant story, The Post Office Girl by Stefan Zweig was quite haunting. Christine works in a post office in a village in Austria in 1926 and she's invited to have a holiday with her wealthy Aunt at a luxury hotel in Switzerland. On arrival Christine is embarrassed to be among these wealthy and "beautiful" people until her Aunt transforms her with new hairdo, makeup and clothes. This is a "Cinderella" story and Christine is reluctant to return to her old life. It is a study of the meaning of poverty and the difference money can make to lives. This book was published posthumously, the author dying in 1942, so he was very familiar with this time and the consequences for many people of the First World War. 4/5

The Devil's Star

I thoroughly enjoyed the thriller The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo. It is a sequel to Redbreast but not essential you read that first. Det Harry Hole investigates a serial killer who leaves a five pointed star marked near his victims. Hole is also trying to expose his nemesis, Tom Waaler, a corrupt cop. The story has many twists and turns before the thrilling finale. 5/5

The Landscape of Desire

This fictional story The Landscape of Desire by Kevin Rabalais is based on the Burke and Wills story. A search party sets out to find them. A young actress anxiously awaits their return, so there is a romantic element. There is some background information about the explorers that adds to the story jumping to different time zones and characters. There is a whimsical, mysterious feel to this tragic story, well told. 31/2/5

What Alice Forgot

I thoroughly enjoyed What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. Alice has a fall at the gym and loses her memory of the previous 10 years. So she thinks she is pregnant with her first child. As she gradually learns from those around her, life has moved on since that pregnancy and even her personality is different. There are several shocks in store for her as to how her life has changed. This is a fascinating scenario and makes you think about your own "last 10 years". 4/5

Mercy

I've read Mercy by Jodi Picoult which told a story of a man who kills his wife because she has terminal cancer. He goes on trial and the issue divides the town. Meanwhile, the town Sheriff has an affair with a young woman passing through and thus tests his marriage. Well written, typical issue based Picoult story. 4/5

Grotesque

Grotesque by Japanese author Natsuo Kirino is a "different" book. The writing is tight and we learn most about each of the characters as they speak to us in the first person, an interesting technique. The main character, a woman now aged about 40, reflects on her life and the murder of her hated younger sister and also a schoolfriend while they were prostitutes. The younger sister was "grotesquely beautiful" and they never got on. We see inside the mind of all characters involved, including the murderer, learning about their lives. The main character is consumed by hatred towards her younger sister and to her own society and circumstances generally. She cannot find lasting happiness to overcome her warped bitterness. 3/5

The Women in Black

The Women in Black by Madeleine St John was originally published in 1993, recently re-published. This fictional story of women who worked in a department store in Sydney in the 1950s has delightful characters and the writing is witty and entertaining. Awaiting her senior school results, young Lisa joins the staff and a sophisticated "foreign" woman takes her under her wing. Another character yearns for a "nice" man to be her husband. Another yearns for a baby. I enjoyed this very much. 4/5

The Piano Teacher

I enjoyed The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee which was set in Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation and 10 years later. A British couple arrive in Hong Kong in 1953 and the wife, Claire, becomes a piano teacher for the child of a wealthy local couple. She meets the family's chauffeur, Will, and falls in love with him. Gradually she learns about his past during the War. The reader learns more about Will and his relationship with a beautiful Eurasian woman, Trudy during the War. The life for the British under occupation was of course not easy and in 1953 there are secrets from the War time that are brought to light. 31/2/5

The Road Home

The Road Home by Rose Tremain won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2008 and having now read it, I can say the win was very well deserved. Lev, a Russian, moves to London to seek his fortune and send money home to his family in his small village. He had come prepared, so he thought, but soon learns that the reality of his new life is very hard. The reader follows his adventures and misadventures as he navigates his way around a new life in a very different country. We feel his loneliness and his frustration, follow his struggles and wince at his mistakes. He dreams of being a chef with his own restaurant - will this dream come true? This is one of those books that is sad to finish. The writing is so good and is a great story. 5/5

Lady Killer

Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline was not as exciting as the title might suggest. A former classmate of Mary DiNunzio comes to see her seeking legal help with her violent boyfriend. The woman and the boyfriend disappear in suspicious circumstances and the hunt is on to find them. There is a lot of interaction with the Italian community, the Mob etc. It was a fairly quick read. 2/5

The Art of Racing in the Rain

This delightful story The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein tells the story from the dog, Enzo's perspective, his life with Denny the racing car driver and his family. Enzo tells of being picked from the litter by Denny and his enjoyment in watching racing car videos and then being driven in the car. Enzo observes when Denny marries and has a little girl and then how all their lives are affected. This is a lovely book - highly recommended. 4/5