THE LAST BOOK YOU READ

[Book Concierge]

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark – 4****
Miss Jean Brodie is a teacher at conservative girls’ school in 1930s Edinburgh, Scotland. Rather than follow the school curriculum, Miss Brodie prefers to inspire “her girls” with stories of her trips abroad, favorable remarks about Mussolini, comments about sex, and field trips. She is, after all, “in her prime,” and she wants to instill in them passion, independence and ambition. I’ve had this on my tbr since the movie came out in 1969. I have to wonder what my reaction would have been had I read it back then. Nadia May does a fine job performing the audio version. She has good pacing and is able to differentiate the characters, though Spark’s non-linear style is more difficult in audio than on the page.
Full Review HERE

[Book Concierge]

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson – 4****
What an absolute delight! Simonson’s writing reminds me of Jane Austen's novels. Simonson sets her story in a small English village, whose residents would prefer that time stand still notwithstanding major outside influences. The villagers are left reacting to changes that make them very uncomfortable. Against these global events, however, is the very personal story of these characters; this is where Simonson shines. She has a great gift for dialogue and for creating a social structure that draws the reader into the small dramas of life that give her work universal appeal.
Full Review HERE

[Book Concierge]

The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – 4****
Wow. The plot is intricate and compelling, the characters complex and interesting, and the writing is simply wonderful. And, of course, we have the marvelous Cemetery of Forgotten Books. This is a dark, gothic novel full of mystery and intrigue. At heart it is a story of man’s struggle against his baser instincts. Although there are many twists in the plot, Zafón keeps some major surprises for the ending. Dan Stevens is simply marvelous performing the audio version.
Full Review HERE

[Book Concierge]

Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord by Louis de Bernières – 4****
Dionisio Vivo is a philosophy teacher, whose letters to the editor about the effects of the coca trade on the people of this unnamed South American country have attracted the wrath of the local drug lord. This is a fun romp of a satire, full of magical realism and totally outrageous scenarios. I laughed aloud in many places, and cried out in dismay in others. The language de Bernières employs is nothing short of delightful. The reader who can suspend disbelief and just go along for the ride will find much to enjoy.
Full Review HERE