Stoke book chat December
Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent
Martha has a new position as Senior Editor at the Clarendon English Dictionary, after a decade abroad. When the Dictionary offices receive cryptic letters hinting at clues about the disappearance of Martha’s sister, Charlie, years ago, it seems that Martha’s ghosts have not been laid to rest after all. If you like language and words you may like this novel.
As snow falls outside Abbotsford vicarage on Christmas Eve, Rose Northwood finds a child lying destitute in the manger of the town's nativity display. Reminded of her younger brother, who died at Christmastime, she is determined to nurse the young boy back to health. As the boy’s health improves it becomes evident that he has lost his memory. Will Rose be able to discover his identity?
Half Life : a novel by Jillian Cantor
A bit like the movie ‘Sliding Doors’, this novel is about Marie Curie, and poses the question what would have happened if Marie Curie had married and had children (instead of working on radioactivity). ‘Very interesting.’
This story is told through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Matilda, who lives on a pacific island that is being ravaged by war. It’s 1991 and although most schoolteachers have left the ravaged island, the eccentric Mr Watt remains and sets about inspiring his students to believe in themselves and remain hopeful through the magic of reading. “A person entranced by a book simply forgets to breathe.” Matilda eventually manages to train as a dental nurse in Australia and later returns to the island, where she helps spread the love of reading. Our reader couldn’t rave about Matilda as a character, but found the book interesting.
Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie
A typical Christie, featuring Hercule Poirot.
‘Beautiful Caroline Crale was convicted of poisoning her husband, yet there were five other suspects; the stockbroker who went to market; the amateur herbalist who stayed at home; the three-time divorcee who had roast beef and the devoted governess who had none.’ (from NPL catalogue)
Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan
It’s Christmas time and Carmen who works at a beautiful bookshop, is at a loose end, with the love of her life being away. When she is approached by the owner of the bookshop with a problem – he may not get to take an important trip, Carmen decides to try and save the day by breathing fresh life into the bookshop – opening back rooms for customers to explore etc. Our reader found this novel funny in parts, but a bit trivial.
Into the River by Ted Dawe (Devon Santos Trilogy; 1)
From the back cover: When Te Arepa Santos is dragged into the river by a giant eel, something happens that will change the course of his whole life. The boy who struggles to the bank is not the same one who plunged in, moments earlier. He has brushed against the spirit world, and there is a price to be paid; an utu to be exacted. Years later, far from the protection of whanau and ancestral land he finds new enemies. This time, with no-one to save him, there is a decision to be made.. he can wait on the bank, or leap forward into the river." Controversy surrounded this book in the past because it was one of the first to include sex in a children’s book. Published in 2012
Into the World by Ted Dawes (Devon Santos Trilogy; 2)
Devon is expelled from an exclusive boys’ school, where he had been bullied. Although he chooses freedom, he learns how costly freedom can be.
The Christmas Killer by Patricia Windsor
Nancy Emerson disappears the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and her body is later found with a poinsettia on it. Thus begins the work of a serial killer who would become known as the Christmas Killer. Meanwhile Rose Potter meets Nancy in her dreams and is brought by Nancy to a pine-filled forest.
29 Dates by Melissa De la Cruz
Ji-Su’s traditional South Korean parents are concerned that Ji-Su isn’t taking her future seriously, including paying attention to her school work and finding the right boyfriend, so they send her off to a fancy private boarding school in San Francisco. This novel explores themes around status, and Korean class structure.
I Don’t Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson
Our reader enjoyed this light-hearted novel about working mother and fund manager Kate Reddy. It’s written in diary format, and the story has been made into a movie. ‘Preferred the book over the movie’.
Russel’s seemly perfect life is turned upside down and he finds himself single-handedly looking after his young daughter, while also trying to launch his own business. However, a chance encounter challenges him to find a new happiness – deeper than he could have imagined.
Our reader found the opportunity to get inside a man’s head interesting and was moved to tears in parts. ‘Very heartfelt – touching.’
The Bookseller’s Gift by Felicity Hayes-McCoy
Catherine and her mum Ann have decided to live their dream, by opening a bookshop on Ireland's west coast. But at Christmas, when disaster strikes, it looks like they'll have to close for the year's most important shopping week. Neighbour & builder Fury comes to the rescue by repairing the bookshop, which in its dishevelled state becomes the backdrop for all sorts of dramas, and a community focus, with a celebrity chef book signing.
Our reader ‘thoroughly enjoyed it’
The Village Vicar by Julie Houston [Audiobook]
Vicar Rosa Quinn navigates life as a parish priest, and a woman, and a sister - being one of a set of triplets with sisters Eva and Hannah. It’s a funny irreverent book – a great light read, even if some aspects are a little unlikely.
We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida, translated by E. Madison Shimoda
‘A cat a day keeps the doctor away’.
The title and gorgeous cat illustrations attracted our reader to this unusual book. The premise is that people who are dealing with some sort of emotional crisis visit a mysterious clinic they learn of through word of mouth (Kokoro Clinic for the Soul). At this clinic they are not prescribed anti-depressants, or some form of talk therapy, but a cat, to take home and look after for a prescribed period. It’s a lovely book in which you’ll meet: Bee a female mixed breed, Margot a strong muscular cat, Tank and Tangerine, and Mimita, a Scottish Fold. ‘We’ll Prescribe You a Cat shows how the precious company of a wise and satisfied cat never fails to rescue us when we are most in need.’ (from the cover).
Christmas at the Keep by Marcia Willett
A lovely warm comforting book about individuals thrown together, each struggling with their own challenges, and all set in the beautiful Devon countryside at the Keep, which has been in the Chadwick family for generations. There’s Lulu and her young son Oliver, who are finding their feet; Freddie who has just finished his commission as a naval chaplain and doesn’t know what is next for him; plus, Ed, the black sheep of the family who’s returned after tens years in the USA.
