June in Books

in books







According to Mark (Penelope Lively, 1984)

Mark, a respected literary biographer, is happily married, wholly satisfied by his career choice, and confident in his knowledge of Gilbert Strong, the subject of his next biography. But then he visits Dean Close, the old home of Strong, half preserved as a museum, and half taken over by Strong's granddaughter, Carrie, and her business partner, Bill, as their home and successfully-run garden centre. Here, much to his surprise, Mark finds a cache of letters and documents belonging to Strong, which he didn't know existed, and that he has fallen in love with Carrie, an unusual woman, almost childlike in her mannerisms, more interested in bedding plants than books or relationships, and certainly not Mark's type.

Four stars. I loved the leisurely pace of this one, as Lively seems to drift between the minds of her characters, raising thought-provoking questions about love, literature, truth, and memory, and how well any of us really know each other, or even ourselves. Highly enjoyable.


The Noise of Time (Julian Barnes, 2016)

The Noise of Time portrays Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich at three key moments in his life: in 1936, when his opera Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk had been condemned, 1948, when he goes to America as part of a Soviet delegation, and 1960, when he is offered the position of head of the Composers' Union. The focus is on Shostakovich's thoughts at each poignant moment in his life, and as he reflects on bravery and cowardice, truth and tyranny, and life and death, so does the reader.

Four stars. I actually found this book very similar to my last read, According to Mark, as both are slow, throught-provoking books, with a particular focus on truth. It also reminded me of a incredibly atmospheric play I recently saw called Collaborators, which is about the relationship between Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov, and Stalin. I would recommend both if you enjoyed The Noise of Time.


The Invisible Man from Salem (Christoffer Carlsson, 2013)

Leo Junker is a suspended Internal Affairs officer, shaped by his childhood in Salem, a rough suburb of Stockholm, haunted by his failed relationship, and increasingly reliant on medication and alcohol. One night he is woken up by blue police lights outside his apartment block, and bluffs his way onto the crime scene of a murder, which he assumes to be a coincidence. But it soon becomes apparent that the rogue investigation that Leo embarks on, to catch the killer, is closely linked with himself and a past he has tried to leave behind.

Four stars. While the world-weary, rule-breaking police officer with a past which comes back to haunt them is something of a cliche, it can still make for an interesting and enjoyable protagonist, if done well. I found The Invisible Man From Salem to be a solid four stars in this respect; too original for three stars but not original enough for five. Leo's backstory is surprisingly emotive, and his childhood home of Salem very well portrayed, while his character could benefit from being distinguished by more than just this past.


The Last Days of Jack Sparks (Jason Arnopp, 2016)

Jack Sparks, controversial, narcissistic, atheist journalist sets out to disprove the existence of the supernatural once and for all, in his new book 'Jack Sparks on the Supernatural'. But, in mysterious circumstances, he dies writing it. The Last Days of Jack Sparks presents this book, interspersed with interviews and letters inserted by Jack's brother to give the reader all the necessary information, to give the reader an account of the last days of Jack Sparks.

Four stars. It's a fantastic concept, and Jack's character is brilliantly portrayed through his own account, which the extra material inserted by his brother makes the reader constantly question. The Last Days of Jack Sparks is witty, engaging, and downright creepy, and refreshingly far away from the predictability of many books. The ending is perfect, and cynics of supernatural-fiction need not fear as you are in extremely capable hands. Highly recommended.


Lucky Jim (Kingsley Amis, 1954)

Jim Dixon has accidentally fallen into a job at one of Britain's new red brick universities. A moderately successful future in the History Department beckons - as long as Jim can stave off the unwelcome advances of fellow lecturer Margaret, survive a madrigal-singing weekend at Professor Welch's, deliver a lecture on 'Merrie England' and resist Christine, the hopelessly desirable girlfriend of Welch's awful son Bertrand.

Three stars. Lucky Jim made me laugh a few times, but, for the most part, it failed to hold my attention. An enjoyable enough read, but not one I'm likely to return to. I'd recommend it if you enjoyed The Catcher in the Rye.


Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (J.K. Rowling, 1997)

I love re-reading the Harry Potter series over the summer; I think it's the perfect time to revisit the familiar, magical world, especially since the books all start and end with the summer holidays. And so, despite having a desperately out of control TBR list, I re-read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone this month. After all, it is its birthday.

Five stars. Always.


Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (J.K. Rowling, 1999)

Another five stars for the second in the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.



The Gene: An Intimate History (Siddhartha Mukherjee, 2016)

Weaving science, social history, and personal narrative to tell us the story of one of the most important conceptual breakthroughs of modern times, Mukherjee animates the quest to understand human heredity and its surprising influence on our lives, personalities, identities, fates, and choices.

I'm still reading this one, so watch this space!