Here you’ll find fiction of a thought-provoking nature, perhaps with some awards pinned to their covers, or perhaps they just don’t want to be pigeon-holed as a specific genre…
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
Hmmm. This is a tough review to write really, as it’s fair to say I had mixed feelings about it. More of that later; first, let me fill you in on the story’s premise. Kim Jiyoung’s paternal grandparents wanted a boy. When they finally got their wish with Kim Jiyoung’s younger brother, he was treated in a far superior way to the protagonist and her sister.
The Girl With The Louding Voice
I’ve been meaning to post this review for a while but wanted to wait until I found the words to describe how powerful I found it…
The Things I Want To Say But Can’t
Before I go any further, I’m going to warn you that this book is dark. It deals with some truly harrowing subjects, including domestic violence, self harm, alcohol abuse and child abuse.
The Light Keeper
In The Light Keeper, author Cole Moreton introduces us to Sarah, who wants nothing more in life than to have a baby. Over the years she has become increasingly desperate to fulfil this wish, and increasingly sad when it hasn’t happened. Sarah is standing on a cliff near Beachy Head, feeling alone and trying to decide what to do.
The Fallen Persimmon
I’ve been fascinated with Japanese culture for years so this book appealed to me immediately. The lyrical prose gently embraced me, pulling me into Mari’s world. That same prose evoked a stifling sense of paranoia and fear as Mari realised the dark truth of her situation.
Midsummer Dreams
As a lover of Shakespearean plays, I fell for this beautiful book immediately. The reader is led around Treddoch by a tour guide, much akin to a Shakespearean Chorus. The lyrical prose flows gently from character to character, as soothing as a babbling brook.
The Unravelling
Ella’s life is mundane and when strange encounters begin to occur, it is a shock to her system. The loneliness of both Ella and her daughter’s marriages are the backdrop of the story and I truly felt for them at times.
The Gentle Art of Forgetting
Oh my word, where to begin? I’ve just finished this book and I feel emotionally drained, uplifted, saddened, entranced, and so much more. I read an excerpt of this book on Book Sirens before requesting it and the author’s voice immediately spoke to me. It felt reminiscent of Terry Pratchett, my long time favourite author, and the quirky, conversational tone had me hooked.
The Memories We Bury
This book evoked long forgotten memories for me of the early days as a new mum, the feeling of helplessness and realisation that I was responsible for this beautiful tiny human (I’ve done ok, she’s made it to 13 with an 11 year old brother too!). In those early days I think I would have accepted help from anyone provided they had a kind smile and weren’t wielding an axe…
“‘You must do good for other peoples, even if you are not well, even if the whole world around you is not well.”
– Adunni, The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Dare
Booky Charm 