In a Nutshell: If you're looking for a sharp, witty and entertaining look at the more marginal side of life on the Emerald Isle, then you won't go far wrong in picking up this collection. With There Are Little Kingdoms Kevin Barry shows himself to be … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Burning Secret by Stefan Zweig
July 5, 2010 By 12 Comments
In a Nutshell: Written with pin sharp perception and translated by one of best in the business (Anthea Bell), Burning Secret is likely to give you one of your most incredible reading experiences ever. ***** A few years ago Vienna-born Stefan … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Extra Ordinary – Words by Supermundane
March 29, 2010 By 1 Comment
Produced by indy publishing house Present Joys, Extra Ordinary: Words by Supermundane (real name Rob Lowe), is a publication that certainly rings true to its name. Contained within a 20 page booklet are 55 ‘micro dramas’, which are probably best … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: A Life Apart by Neel Mukherjee
March 23, 2010 By 6 Comments
In a Nutshell: Despite suffering slightly from being overambitious in its scope, this is a stunning debut novel from Neel Mukherjee - one which throbs with poetic and cultural resonance. And so I’ve come to the end of what has been something of … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: The House of the Mosque by Kader Abdolah
February 5, 2010 By 8 Comments
In a Nutshell: Once read never forgotten, The House of the Mosque is one of these rare titles that both nurtures the soul and informs at the same time. It’s perfect for those wishing to learn a little about one of Iran’s most tumultuous periods, … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: All That I Have by Castle Freeman
January 31, 2010 By 2 Comments
In a Nutshell: Although All That I Have won’t win any prizes for being an all-out action-packed thrillfest any time soon, it stands out as being a very well written crime thriller which comes with delicious literary undertones and a delightful … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Soothing Music for Stray Cats by Jayne Joso
January 22, 2010 By 12 Comments
In a Nutshell: Soothing Music for Stray Cats turns out to be an absolute gem of a novel. Fresh, invigorating, engaging - and coming with one of the most triumphantly realised characters out there - Joso’s novel stands as a prime example of why … [Read more...]
Afterthoughts: Bequest by Anna Shevchenko
January 20, 2010 By 2 Comments
In a Nutshell: The prospect of reading a thriller based upon the musty files of a Soviet archive may not sound too enthralling, but Bequest ends up being a sophisticated and clever debut novel, from an equally sophisticated and clever writer. Well … [Read more...]