Books: September and October 2018

I've read some great books in the last couple of months. There's something about the turn in the seasons that makes me want to read more!

Foxlowe by Eleanor Wasserburg

This is the strange tale of Green and the impact that growing up in a cult-like commune has on her, and the other "feral" children living there. A baby (Blue) turns up one day and Green becomes responsible for her. She is indoctrinated by her mother with "all the ways home is best". The ritual of letting out the bad via the "spike walk" or through what is apparent is self-harming is pretty alarming. 

Frederica by Georgette Heyer

This was my first introduction to Georgette Heyer and I have to say I am little disappointed because, although by the time I finished the book, I felt enraptured by it, it didn't actually really get going until a third of the way through. Despite the fact that the outcome of the novel is rather obvious, the characters are wonderfully portrayed and have great eccentricities. I especially loved the interlude where Felix has his ballooning accident. 

Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee (slight spoiler)

This book felt epic in its proportions. The story is based around Casey, the daughter of Korean immigrants and the wider Korean American community. Despite having excelled at college, she is left with no job and is kicked out by her parents (her father is quite abusive and her oppressed mother is subject to a rape which she believes is her own fault). Her journey is a struggle to not just prove to her parents that she can stand on her own in the world, but also to herself. 

I really enjoyed this. It's one of those stories that really stays with you, and I felt a little bereft when I finished it.

Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney

Frances and Bobbi, two young performance poets befriend a married couple (one of whom is writing an article on them) and vye for their attentions: Frances for Nick and Bobbi for Melissa. They idolise them and become ingrained in their lives, but this causes a strain in their own. All the characters are flawed and none of them especially likeable, however it was an interesting and enjoyable read.

Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett

This novel is based around a home for unmarried mothers run by nuns, which was previously a hotel and centres on the story of Rose, how she got there and why she stays. It is told by three distinct voices. There are some wonderful moments in the book, such as what happened to the original Cecilia, but it is much weaker than Patchett's later works such as Bel Canto or State of Wonder.

Currently reading: The Party by Elizabeth Day 

Currently listening to: Circe by Madeline Miller

Love Mrs Jones x