This is a book about the raw majesty of St Kilda as a place, and about the spirit, community bonds and resilience of its people. But itโs also a tragic tale about the devastation of colonialism and 19th century morality.
Tag Archives: fiction
Book Review: How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
I didn’t expect much from this book and was delightfully surprised by its immense depth and foresight. ‘How to Do Nothing’ is a profound and glittering jewel about the big topics of politics, internet culture, consumerism, capitalism and consciousness. It takes well-worn assumptions about how you spend your time and the tyrannical monopoly of banal “stuff” on your attention – and then rearranges your brain forever!
My summer reading ๐ list for #Litha
It is approaching Litha or Midsummer in my part of the world. I’ve worked like a speed demon for the entire year and to be honest I feel absolutely exhausted. I just want to luxuriate and wallow like a blob in tantalising worlds of imagination. What is better and more full of promise in lifeContinue reading “My summer reading ๐ list for #Litha”
Book Review: The Porpoise by Mark Haddon
This is my historical fiction pick of the year. The Porpoise is an exhilarating. There are lightning quick gear changes from one time period to another and one mood to another. Yet the cohesive whole of the novel never felt confusing, forced or contrived
Book Review: Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
Egan is author of the sprawling coming-of-age novel A Visit from the Goon Squad which won the Pulitzer Prize. She has written another epic genre-bending novel this time set during WW2 in New York City, it’s immersive, sparkling and exhilarating. Rating:ย ๐๐๐ Genre:ย Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Historical Fiction Publisher:ย Corsair Review in one word:ย Nostalgic * Contains no spoilersContinue reading “Book Review: Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan”
Book Review: The Wolf Border by Sarah Hall
An engaging and big novel that’s less about wolves, and more about instinct, wildness, independence and sexual connection coupled with big themes like Scottish political independence, class privilege and the UK’s national identity – 4 stars.
Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
A deeply harrowing, terrifying, funny, beautiful and relatable tale of a young woman coming to terms with her past and the ghosts that she carries inside.
Book Review: Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet
Rating: ๐๐๐๐ Publisher: Text publishing. Genre: Fiction, psychological thriller. Review in one word: Perky Scottish writer Graeme Macrae Burnet is the author of one of the best Scottish crime novels ever written His Bloody Project, which I have reviewed on this blog before. Burnet’s new book is yet another step back in time and anotherContinue reading “Book Review: Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet”
Book Review: Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan
Rating: ๐๐๐๐๐ Genre: Fiction, Coming of Age Novel, Historical Novel. Publisher: Faber & Faber Review in one word: Halcyon (and On and On) *Contains no spoilers This is both an unsentimental and deeply emotional novel, a book about past, present and future friendship set over the course of 30 years. It’s beautifully written, witty, funny and like a sweeping,Continue reading “Book Review: Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan”
Book Review: Featherweight by Mick Kitson
Rating: ๐๐๐๐๐ Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Outsider Fiction. Publisher: Canongate Review in one word: Triumphant *Contains no spoilers Annie Perry is an indomitable, strong and likeable main character. She is born into the muddy drudgery and coal mines of Tipton in the Black Country during the Industrial Revolution. Annie is born into an extremely poor Romi family andContinue reading “Book Review: Featherweight by Mick Kitson”
Content Catnip 