The Lonely Polygamist - Brady Udall

Outstanding novel that beautifully describes the lives of a polygamist mormon family. Brought tears to the eyes at least twice (accounts of childhood tragendy are harder to bear when one becomes a parent), and belly laughs aplenty (never attempt to shave body hair). And this reader was unable to even look at another work of fiction for three weeks afterwards. I reckon it's even better than Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love. Though it's unlikely that there are many common themes between Cuban trumpet players and Utah Mormon sects...   (Dan Salkeld)

 

 

 
 

Here we will share our recommendations and those recommended to us by others. 
If you have read a good book lately, send us your review on the CONTACT US page, and we might feature it here.



 

   
   

 

 
 



The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery

An extraordinary but very engaging book! Through the voices of a couple of "misfits" one a humble but refined and highly intelligent concierge and the other a privileged, equally intelligent but confused teenager, Barbery explores the meaning of life, the beauty of art, music and language and the nature of true friendship. Not an easy read but well worth the effort.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

A very engaging epistolary novel which uses the exchange of letters, from post-second world war residents of Guernsey and an author, to paint a vivid picture of life during the German occupation of that island. I'm sure that there is some poetic license but it was an enjoyable read and inspired me to find out more.

I subsequently read Island Madness by Tim Binding,   which is on one level a murder-mystery, but is also a study of the way in which men and women behaved during the occupation. 

The Africa House by Christian Lamb

This is the extraordinary story of Stewart Gore-Browne, who, as the British Empire was disintegrating, endeavored to create an English country estate complete with ancestral home, rose garden and uniformed servants in Northern Rodesia. His personal life was equally bizarre: the love of his life was his aunt who was married and 20 years his senior and when he married, it was to the daughter of the only other woman that he cared for. The book chronicles his exploits and eccentricities including his contribution to the eventual independence of the region.  

Kisses on a Postcard by Terence Frisby

In this delightful memoir of his wartime evacuation to Cornwall, the scripwriter Terence Frisby describes, with great affection, his foster parents and the rich experiences which they and their environment gave him.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

An exhilarating novel that twists and weaves its way through the emotions, and through the heart of India.  Based on the true story of Gregory Roberts, the reader finds oneself taking on an epic journey as we follow the character and his many colourful allies and enemies on a tale of life and death.  We follow Roberts through the slums of Bombay to the mountains of Afghanistan, facing much horror, hardship, death and despair on the way.  Described as a revolutionary and philosopher, there is much to be gained from this book, and the heart of India shines through with magnificent allure.  It fills the reader with a lust for adventure, and an experience that will stay with you for a long time. With Johnny Depp buying up the film rights, you can be sure Robert's adventure will never be forgotten. (Mike Angill) 

Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen  by  Christopher McDougall

A gripping story that builds up to a fifty mile race across inhospitable country, but begins with the author asking himself the simple question, why do I keep getting injured whilst running?  In his search for answers he tracks down the incredible Tarahumara tribe of Mexico, arguably the most naturally gifted runners in the world who can routinely run for two days without rest, and explores questions like why greater technology in running shoes has just lead to a higher incidence of injury.