Books: January to March 2023

Just a bit of a round-up of the books I have finished in the first quarter of the year.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Science fiction is not my go-to but this had such rave reviews that I gave it a go, and obviously loved it! It’s such an outrageous premise that a “regular” guy gets to travel to space to save the planet. And then it gets even more bizarre. But it’s such a great read: fast paced and heart warming. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone with this one.

Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater

I started this in November (when the chronicles begin) and have followed it throughout December and into January. It actually finishes in February. Not only is it a series of diary entries that are Christmas/Winter themed, but obviously also include his wonderful, home cooked recipes. It is a real treat to read.

The Hand of Ethelberta by Thomas Hardy

I have been reading (and re-reading) Thomas Hardy in chronological order for a few years now. This is his fifth novel. Ethelberta is what you might politely term a plucky soul. She eloped with her employer's son whilst in a governess position who subsequently died leaving her a widow. The paradox is that whilst her position in marriage made her upper class, her background (most of her family are in service) leaves her working class. 

She is desperate to provide for her family and give them opportunities but without revealing her true history. When she eventually settles on one of many suitors, love is very far from her mind.

Little Boy Lost by Marganita Laski

Such a strange book. A poet had a child with a French woman who subsequently died during WWII. He knows that his child is out there somewhere, but because he last saw his child as a baby, how will he know that the child is his? The reader is left until the very last sentences of the book to discover the truth.

The Silent Wife by A S A Harrison 

A dark tale of a marriage gone wrong when a husband has an affair with a much younger woman. The wife is coerced by a wayward friend into "doing something drastic" but when this comes to pass, it transpires that she is unable to determine that the result is her fault or someone else's.

The New Wilderness by Diane Cook

I was really hoping that this novel would have a similarity to the wonderful Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel, and it did (although not as exceptional). It is a futuristic dystopian novel following a band of people as they navigate life in the "wilderness state". Ironically, living in the wilderness is very much controlled and patrolled by rangers. A good read.

Deep Sea and Foreign Going by Rose George

Rose George writes with a deep passion about her love for the sea and fascination with container ships. She recounts her time on board a Maersk ship, and also some time on a merchant navy ship talking about the conditions, the staff, the life at sea and piracy. Interspersed with the facts are interesting tales of real lives at sea.

And to finish off, a question: what are you all doing with your books when you finish them? I rarely keep a book now but try to either pass them onto to friends and family or take to the charity shop. Just don't ask me to get rid of my existing bookshelves!

Love Mrs Jones x