Archive for the ‘Modern Fiction’ Category

Comments Off on Black Swan Green by David Mitchell

Black Swan Green by David Mitchell


2006
01.10

“A superb and accessible novel by this well respected and shortlisted author.
One might be pardoned for thinking this is like a ‘Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ but not for me, much better.
Thought to be loosely biographical, 13 year old lad in 80’s middle England, has to deal with family problems, gangs, girls, and having stammer.
Very funny in places, observational and thought provoking. Will take many grown men back to an awkward time.
I’ll read more by him, although I know the novels to be challenging.

Score 9/10

Date read January 2006

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Comments Off on The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch

The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch


2005
12.06

Recommended and lent to me by a trusted source… The stock manager for Dublin City libraries.
A hugely absorbing and heart-warming coming of age novel.
It all happens over one summer in Washington’s Puget Sound when Miles discovers a giant squid.
It’ll mess with you emotionally. Lovely.

Score 7.5/10

Date read December 2005

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Comments Off on Astonishing Splashes of Colour by Clare Morrall

Astonishing Splashes of Colour by Clare Morrall


2005
12.06

Kitty, youngest of a large family, on the face of it this about her and a complicated troubled life.
But its so much more than that, deeply emotional and perfectly written I loved this book and it stayed with me for ages.
Vivid and intense…wonderful. The Man Booker Prize Best Novel nominee.

Score 9/10

Date read December 2005

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Comments Off on The People’s Act of Love by James Meek

The People’s Act of Love by James Meek


2005
10.06

Shortlisted for the Booker, but doesn’t go on to win. All the action takes place in frozen Siberia just after the first world war.
Strongly visual and atmospheric, a cast of dozens, all with unpronounceable Russian and Czech soldiers.
A bit far fetched and a challenging difficult read. Great cover.

Score 5.5/10

Date read October 2005

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