I'm not writing a review of this book as I couldn't possibly do it justice. For me, this just cements Boyne's status as my favourite author and the grI'm not writing a review of this book as I couldn't possibly do it justice. For me, this just cements Boyne's status as my favourite author and the greatest writer alive. What he has done in this quartet of books is beyond description, so why even try? Just read them, please, and come back and thank me later....more
This was a very sharp, funny novel - taking an issue(s) of our times and telling it in a humorous but also very smart and funny way.
Alex Lyons is a thThis was a very sharp, funny novel - taking an issue(s) of our times and telling it in a humorous but also very smart and funny way.
Alex Lyons is a theatre critic, currently at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and is well known for his cutting reviews. After seeing Hayley's feminist play (the climate emergenc-she) he delivers a devastating one-star review. However, later he sees Hayley in the bar (with Hayley oblivious to who he is and what he has just written) and the two hit it off and spend the night together.
However, when Hayley finally reads the review, her stage show changes placing Alex, and his behaviour (past and present), in the spotlight of her one-woman show. Suddenly, more and more stories about Alex come out....
This was a really clever book, taking issues over power, misogyny, cancel culture but looking at them in a humorous way, whilst never seeking to minimise them.
This is definitely not a one-star book
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | The Borough Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review...more
I love Louise Candlish and think she is criminally underrated as an author. Ever since I read Our House I have been a massive fan and she has never diI love Louise Candlish and think she is criminally underrated as an author. Ever since I read Our House I have been a massive fan and she has never disappointed.
This was another brilliant read. In this book, we meet Gwen who lives in the beautiful, iconic Columbia Mansions which is every bit as posh as it sounds. Gwen is the typical busybody, always involved, always knows everyone's business and very little ever gets past her.
When young Pixie starts to rent a room in one of her neighbours houses, she strikes up an unlikely age-gap friendship and becomes very protective of her, and when a crime comes to light, Gwen goes into overdrive....
I adored this book. Although it appears (and is) a domestic, thriller with many twists and turns, it also speaks to social issues about the housing crisis, men's behaviour, power and many more. Although we probably all know a 'Gwen' (and will usually cross the road to avoid being caught in a conversation with her), I actually felt quite sorry for her. There is a definite sense of loneliness in her and her difficult relationship with her children appears to be why she latches onto Pixie so quickly and so strongly.
I can't say too much more for fear of spoilers however I would definitely recommend to all.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This was a great debut novel from British TVs Steph McGovern.
What I would start out by saying though is that the synopsis is a little bit misleading.This was a great debut novel from British TVs Steph McGovern.
What I would start out by saying though is that the synopsis is a little bit misleading. The blurb is what initially drew me and how could it not? Britain's best loved TV presenter Rose is due to interview one of the most high profile politicians in the country the day after the budget is passed.
However, rather than hearing her producer in her ear, she hears a voice telling her that her wife and son have been kidnapped and she must do exactly as told.
Like I say, this initially drew me in, however this is only a small part of the actual novel. Although it is thrilling, the story delves more into poverty, class, power, greed against the backdrop of British politics.
I would recommend this book and I think Steph's background and knowledge of TV really comes through but just be prepared for it maybe not to be the book you were expecting.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review...more
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