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