Location:Nr Oxford, UK
12 Books
See allA cli-fi, spec fic, dystopian, noir crime thriller - this novel has all of those! Third novel, but first available in English from Tuomainen. I really enjoyed it. Full review here: https://annabookbel.net/nordicfinds-finland-week-a-cli-fi-spec-fic-dystopian-noir-crime-thriller
The book that introduced me to Nordic novels. I loved it when it first came out and I loved it all over again re-reading now. A superb narrator in Smilla, and what turns out to be a complex thriller. Full review on my blog: https://annabookbel.net/nordicfinds-denmark-week-my-gateway-book
Lily, an epileptic, goes in search of her younger brother after her mother dies, moving down to London from the small Yorkshire seaside town. Wonderfully written, especially in how he portrays Lily's fits. Reviewed in full on my blog here together with thoughts about the film. https://annabookbel.net/electricity-by-ray-robinson-electricity-film-agyness-deyn
Absolute classic - I loved it. With soaring uplifting moments, beautiful nature writing, but full of poverty and tragedy. Full review on my blog here: https://annabookbel.net/book-group-report-yorkshire-classic-barry-hines-kes-kestrel-knave
Take one big happy family; add some horses, a big country manor in Cornwall, plus doses of first love which doesn't go easily. Shake it up and relocate to London; mix with rock'n'roll and serve with love again. This is the essential recipe for Eva Rice's new novel, a thick and satisfying feel-good read.
It's the story of Lucy and Tara, third and sixth of eight children in the Jupp family. Pa is a country vicar, Ma died some years ago. Lucy is a beauty who loves old buildings (Pevsner is her bible), whereas Tara can sing but prefers horses. Sneaking a ride on their neighbour's steeds and becoming friends with poor little rich girl Matilda, the daughter of the Manor, will change Tara and Lucy's lives forever, ending up with Tara becoming a pop star at seventeen in the ready-to-swing London of the early 1960s.
Lucy and Tara are strong young women who want to experience life in full. Lucy's relationship with her husband may be troubled, but Tara's coming of age and first real romance with photographer Digby, (obviously based on David Bailey) is fun. Matilda continues to feature too, becoming a mainstay in their lives.
This is a big-hearted novel about achieving your dreams, and while it may not spring any big surprises, the characters are rounded and compelling to read about. My only quibble was that it ended just as the 60s were about to really take off, and I'd have loved to read more.