Archive for the ‘Modern Fiction’ Category

Comments Off on Dr Haggard’s Disease by Patrick McGrath

Dr Haggard’s Disease by Patrick McGrath


2007
10.10

Published in 1994 and well done. Reminded me of Greene’s End of the Affair. A WW2 love affair, told to us by the love lost Doctor who isn’t able to cope with his tragic life and falls for his lovers son, this is his a once sided affair.
The flavour is odd and makes you wonder just what the author wants to say. Good read.

Score 8/10

Date read October 2007

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Comments Off on Theft; a Love Story by Peter Carey

Theft; a Love Story by Peter Carey


2007
10.07

What a great book, brought to life in audio edition by Stan Pretty. Will I recommend Carey to others, yes.
The wonderful Butcher Bones and his dim brother Slow Bones. A tad slow paced but full of humour and descriptive prose.
The bit where Butcher gives the bugs and flies names using choice swear words is classic.

Score 9/10

Date read October 2007

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Comments Off on The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney


2007
08.28

“Winner of the Costa Award.
Canada 1865. What the author does well is give a vision of this frozen setting with splendid vividness.
Took me to long to read it which makes me think it’s not as good as everyone says it is.

Score 7/10

Date read August 2007

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Comments Off on A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon

A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon


2007
08.07

First novel since The Curious Incident of the Of the Dog in the Nighttime.
Not a crossover book though. He is a good writer.
Retired and with a dysfunctional family, this has a cast of great characters. It takes time to get to know and like them all but well worth it.
Funny and sad, thought provoking but never shocking.

Score 8.5/10

Date read August 2007

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