Book Reviews

Lewis and Benjamin Jones are twins, born in a Welsh farmhouse near the turn of the 20th century. This is the story of their lives, and those of their family, friends and neighbours throughout the century. The book also describes the technological and social changes which take place during this period, resulting in a very different world at the end of their lives.

A beautifully written, moving, and subtly funny book.

Lewis Little accompanies his mother to Paris, where she has the job of translating Valentine Gavrilovich’s latest romantic novel. 

While his mother works, Lewis spends his time walking Valentine’s dog and practising his French in local shops and cafes. He also develops a huge crush on Valentine, and when she disappears he turns detective to try to find her.

Thoroughly enjoyable – and an interesting insight into the way teenage boys think. 

This epic story covers the life of two women,  Mariam and Laila, in troubled Afghanistan with all its wars and atrocities. It shows the life that women in particular have but also how the troubles affect normal people in their everyday lives. 

It is an emotional story that tells of the bond eventually   formed by the two women   in order to overcome some terrifying obstacles.  It highlights how women were treated by the Taliban and also by some men in general, but at the heart  of it how love can overcome many things.

A very good read.

This is a laugh out loud trip through Peter Kay’s early years. From his time in school, his many driving lessons, his long list of jobs to eventually the beginning of his stand up career. 

For the sake of your health read it  in small doses as your sides will split!                                                       

A brilliantly entertaining read.

The Sigma Force battles a group of rogue scientists who’ve unleashed a bioengineered project that could bring about the end of mankind. 

This is a fast-paced thriller which starts with the oracle of Delphi and combines modern science and technology. 

A Frankenstein tale for the new age, but will the past be enough to save the future?   

Simon Darcourt is back – and this time he’s serious! There are some other familiar faces from earlier Brookmyre books too, including Angelique de Xavia.

Lots of twists and counter-twists will keep you on the edge of the sofa. As usual from this author, this is a black and violent comedy thriller, alternating between hilarious and sick.

Laetitia Talbot, aspiring archeologist, approaches her first assignment in 1920’s Crete with great interest.    But life at the Villa Europa is not what she expected, presenting more questions than answers.

Cleverly introduces her new protagonist, Letty Talbot, and paints an evocative landscape of 1920’s Greece.

Evokes Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Emerson series.  

Pi and his family live in Pondicherry, India, where his father runs the local zoo. They decide to move to Canada, and having sold most of the zoo animals to north American zoos, the family decides to accompany the animals by boat to their new home. Unfortunately the ship sinks, and Pi is left alone on a lifeboat with only a few animals for company, including a Bengal tiger.

The story is narrated mainly by Pi, and tells of long months at sea and his struggles to survive.

I laughed out loud and I wept at this book – truly a masterpiece. Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2002. 

An inspiring book showing the innovative use of textiles and other materials to create artwork.