The Cement Garden

Ian McEwan. I found this to be a rather strange book, but enthralling all the same. Four children, with a very disorganised mother, find themselves orphaned, quite suddenly. They seem to know what the right thing to do is, but somehow fail to do it. It's alluring to be left without any adult supervision, and together with the very hot weather they let life slide by without doing anything about their predicament. It had in my view overtones of Lord of the Flies.

The Kite Runner

So much to say about this great book, I don't know where to start. Absolutely fascinating, the story is set in 1970's Afghanistan, the narrator is Amir, aged twelve. This is a tale of friendship, but with the lines clearly drawn as to class. It gives a great insight into life in Afghanistan under the Taliban.

The book has the feel of a Dickensian story, or a Shakespearean tragedy.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

Angela's Ashes

by Frank McCourt. This memory of the author's childhood is absolutely enthralling. The poverty that the family suffered is unbelievable, and leaves you wondering how anyone could survive. It was interesting that when they were living in New York, the kindly neighbour Mrs. Leibowitz, who is as poor as the McCourts, manages to produce good healthy soups, whereas Angela McCourt seems incapable of cooking anything, other than potatoes. A fabulously written book, we re-live that terrible time through the eyes of the author.

Atonement

by Ian McEwan. Loved this book, beautifully written, it evokes so well the era in which it is set. The characters are wonderfully drawn. I couldn't put it down, and really wanted to know what was going to happen next. Briony changes the lives of her family for ever, and this story tells how she spends her life trying to atone for her mistake.

The Water's Lovely

Ruth Rendell. Well up to her usual standard, but I wouldn't say quite as gripping as some others of her's that I've read. Two sisters, one, Ismay, who thinks her sister Heather murdered their step-father, Guy, to save her from his attentions. Very readable.

Deaf Sentence

by David Lodge. Just read this, loved it. I really enjoy his work and have read most of his books. Once again we are Academia, but this one is different in that the narrator is chronically deaf. He hasn't lost his sense of humour though, and that's what makes this book hilarious in parts. The whole story is based on the main character mis-hearing what a young lady says to him at a noisy party. Great idea, although I don't know if I'd have enjoyed it so much if I was deaf!