Last Orders - Graham Swift

A very confusing beginning with a bunch of generic, old-man names and the narrator changing depending on the chapter. However after drawing a family tree diagram of characters and pertinent details it started to fall together. Touching on the intricacies of small town connections, all in English manner, it improved muchly. Not the most compelling story it revealed historical details on dribs and drabs that eventually coloured the scene and all of the interactions. A reflection in the grey between right and wrong, the power of faithfulness and what it means to live and to die. Worth it in the end.

6/10

December-January 2020

Chernobyl: History of a Tragedy - Serhil Plokhy

It's impressive how this book meticulously covers every aspect of the tragedy, from the scientific, to the medical, the political, and the human side in a manner that is both entertaining and easy to digest. I loved it. I've always been very curious about the tragedy itself and having visited the year prior, and watched the also-excellent HBO mini-series I still found this book to be highly engaging.'

9/10

December 2019

Corrections - Jonathan Franzen

A well-written tale that is more of a family history than a proper story. Really enjoyed the early chapters about Chip, the good-for-nothing son who leaves for Lithuania to swindle American investors. The tale of Denise starting the restaurant in Philadelphia was also engaging. Coming all together at Christmas for the ending seemed the right thing to do as well, though as my friend Lee put it, Franzen doesn't really know how to finish what he's started. Some hilarious one-offs in this book too. Entertaining if not superb. 

November 2019

7/10

Funny Girl - Nick Hornby

A non-classic Hornby, this didn't have any fantastic element but the story was fully entertaining and highly enjoyable. Plus it was great to see Nick stretch himself as a female protagonist.

November 2015
8.5

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius - Dave Eggers

Overly self-aware and self-aggrandizing it came across as a little over the top. The story was moderately entertaining but told in a rather annoying way.

5
July 2015

The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared - Jonas Jonasson

A grand novel with a huge, bold arch that pulls itself off with wit. Loosely following the spread of nuclear technology throughout the world the charming story allows for the suspension of disbelief because of the protagonist's likeability, easily compared to Forest Gump. Jumping back and forth from the historical to the present day anti-heist, both storylines are compelling and all tie up nicely. Definitely some oddball activities in connecting the dots of major events in world political history but with the humour to match, it was a frivolous delight.

9 June/July 2015

Notes from a Small Island - Bill Bryson

A classic Bryson travelogue. This time the twist was his exploring of the United Kingdom even while he still lived there, just prior to his return to live in the US of A. Although the references were somewhat dated, being published in 1995, the overall feel was conveyed. An interesting and funny primer for someone about to embark on a couple of years living in the country.

6.5
May 2015