The Chrysalids - John Wyndham

Loving it loving it loving it.
Still addicted to John Wyndham.. Didn't find it quite as spooky as the kracken wakes and almost it was a lot more realistic with GM and nuclear accidents.. hmmm

9/10

Atonement by Ian McEwan

Gripping stuff, even by Ian McEwan's standard. Excellent portrayal of the lifestyle of different classes in the 30s and later. And excellent storytelling, of course. Loved it. 9/10

A Boy's Own Story by Edmund White

Based on his life story, this book caused quite a fuss in the 80s when it was published. It's about his early life to teens realising that he was homosexual and trying to understand why he felt as he did, living in America in the 40s and 50s. 8/10

Alentejo Blue by Monica Ali

I enjoyed this although was a bit confused at the beginning as the first two chapters seemed to nothing in common. Interesting study of diiferent people living in small town in Portugal. 8/10

(un) arranged Marriage by Bali Rai

Found this in the canteen at work. Was the story of a 17 year old boy who's family are pushing him into an arranged marriage. Felt very simply written but maybe that was because it was meant to be by a 17 year old?? interesting though

6/10

A short history of tractors in Ukrainian - Marina Lewycka

I was expecting more from this, it was very readable, but I found the history of Ukraine alongside the slightly silly current day plot, rather unsatisfying. It was long listed for the Booker which I thought was really odd.

7/10

The Regeneration Trilogy - Pat Barker

An absolutely brilliant trilogy which came out in the early 90s about the first world war. Very moving, very vivid charaterisation. Gives you a real feeling of insight in to what it was like for the men who were fighting, and the women they left behind. Was really surprised by some aspects of the story she's describing, which made it all the more interesting. At least in part it's based in fact, with fictional characters added, and you get a sense that it's very believable.

one of the best books (or three) in ages.

10/10

Dead Fathers Club by Matt Haig

A rather strange book, set in the present and based on "Hamlet". It's written as a child writes and so very easy to read and is interesting to see the similarities with the play. However I'm not sure how good it would seem if you didn't know the play. The ending is really odd. I still don't understand that. So worth a read but quite confusing.
8/10