In a Nutshell: Doran’s The China Bird is a real triumph, a literary classic which should be, and must be, eagerly consumed by readers of all tastes. If you've been following my reading journal over the past couple of weeks then you would have … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Ox-Tales Air
August 6, 2009 By 2 Comments
In a Nutshell: The second in a series of four, Ox-Tales: Air employs the same winning formula that was applied to the first volume, to produce a reading collection that’s original, varied and wholly entertaining. If you’re a regular follower … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Silence by Shusaku Endo
July 19, 2009 By 4 Comments
In a Nutshell: A remarkably eloquent and sympathetically penned novel which not only recounts a brutal period in Japan’s history, but also gives a voice to the thousands who paid the ultimate price for their Christian beliefs. If you only read one … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Ox-Tales Earth
July 14, 2009 By 1 Comment
In a Nutshell: An eclectic ensemble of original short stories and extracts which has a little something for everyone. No story is particularly bad, but such is the mix that readers will most likely enjoy some stories better than others. Well worth a … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: On Horseback and Other Stories
July 5, 2009 By 2 Comments
In a Nutshell: This is a well considered collection of nine short stories which offer a good snapshot of Guy de Maupassant’s writing variance and ability. The cover price of £6.99 is worth it for The Horla alone but with the addition of greats … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Song for Night by Chris Abani
June 22, 2009 By 6 Comments
In a Nutshell: Song for Night offers a vivid and powerful impression of what it may be like to wander a veritable ‘Hell on Earth’, in an African civil war that's left little for salvation. The main character’s ‘visionary interludes’ can … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano
June 15, 2009 By 6 Comments
In a Nutshell: Although it's not wholly triumphant in plot, The Solitude of Prime Numbers takes the ambiguous form that is literary fiction and gives it a clear, precise and glorious definition. Definitely one for the reader who loves to see their … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Little Roasts: A Collection of Stories
May 24, 2009 By 2 Comments
In a Nutshell: Although none of the four short stories presented in this anthology share a common theme, all have been well considered, making this collection fit the purpose for which the publisher intended i.e. a 'great little read', and one which … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Broken Glass by Alain Mabanckou
April 21, 2009 By 2 Comments
In a Nutshell: If one is not too easily offended by explicit material, and one can get past Mabanckou’s rebellious flouting of the rules of proper grammar, then what one can look forward to in Broken Glass, is a novel which offers a quite … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Fup by Jim Dodge
March 31, 2009 By 2 Comments
In a Nutshell: With Fup you won’t know exactly where the story's taking you, but don't worry! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the thrilling ride. Make sure you do though because the ‘thrilling ride’ is all over before you know it. It’s … [Read more...]