August & September reading
The last two months have seen me whittle down the Booker list even more, as well as indulge in some heavy chick-lit, for no other reason than it’s easy to find in charity shops. My attempt to be frugal has resulted in a lower calibre of books being read, but has also introduced me to some new authors. Typically, when I did splash out on a new hardback (Nick Hornby, Juliet naked) I was disappointed.
The Life and Times of Michael K by J.M Coteze
A moving tale featuring a Forrest Gump a like protagonist. Expertly woven characters flesh out the book and the miniature descriptions of activities such as sleeping and eating add poignancy.
Daemons are Forever by Simon R. Green
Green is famous for his rollicking fight scenes, boundless enthusiasm and characters that don’t just jump off the page, they come swords drawn and teeth bared. For this he can be excused plot repetition and a disregard for syntax. We follow the antics of Shaman Bond, one of the Drood family, in his quest to save the world from evil spirits, followed by his sidekick Mad Molly of the woods. Fast-paced and full of life, this is popular sci-fi at its best.
White Tiger by Aravinda Adiga
An entertaining breeze through the strange occurrences that make up Indian life, with brutality and segregation cloaked in a veil of humor and an oddly compelling narrative. The protagonist displays a strange mixture of casual racism and sensitivity and you’re torn between condemning and commiserating with him. Read more…