Category: Literary fiction

Girl, Woman, Other – Bernadine Evaristo

READ FOR BOOKERTHON A story of modern Britain and black womanhood told through the eyes of 12 different women ⚑ “This is a beautifully paced novel which at first I thought was a collection of separate stories. However the links and interwoven threads soon… Continue Reading “Girl, Woman, Other – Bernadine Evaristo”

Quichotte – Salman Rushdie

READ FOR BOOKERTHON A modern re-write of Don Quixote that broaches traditional elements as well as the current state of the world.  ⚑ “Confession time: I have not read Don Quixote. While I know the premise I don’t know its intricates nor how cleverly… Continue Reading “Quichotte – Salman Rushdie”

An Orchestra of Minorities – Chigoze Obioma

READ FOR BOOKERTHON A Nigerian chicken farmer sells everything he owns in order to win over his girlfriend’s wealthy family. ⚑ “An Orchestra of Minorities is about a Nigerian chicken farmer who falls in love with a girl from a wealthy family. The family… Continue Reading “An Orchestra of Minorities – Chigoze Obioma”

The Testaments – Margaret Atwood

READ FOR BOOKERTHON The sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale in which the republic of Gilead is taken down. ⚑ “I haven’t anticipated a book as much as this one since Go Set a Watchman was released (side story: when I bought Go Set a… Continue Reading “The Testaments – Margaret Atwood”

Less – Andrew Sean Greer

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Becks A 50-year-old failed novelist avoids his ex’s wedding by attending a series of obscure literary events “There are two important facts any potential reader should know about this book: 1. The author – a gay, middle-aged, white man… Continue Reading “Less – Andrew Sean Greer”

Sing Unburied Sing – Jesmyn Ward

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jodie An intimate portrait of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle; the archetypal road novel is transformed for twenty-first-century America ⚑ “Sing Unburied Sing was the first novel I have read featuring ghosts and Southern… Continue Reading “Sing Unburied Sing – Jesmyn Ward”

Disgrace – J M Coetzee

READ FOR BOOKCLUB Chosen by Jo In mimicry of his South African homeland, professor David Lurie seduces one of his students and sets in motion a chain of events that leave him utterly disgraced ⚑ “I admire Coetzee hugely after reading this great story… Continue Reading “Disgrace – J M Coetzee”

2019 NZ Book Awards

The past few years have been an interesting time globally as opinions around nationalism and free-speech have become hot topics. Yet, is it new? Or is history simply repeating itself in a more raw, no-holds-barred medium? Perhaps we can look back on history and… Continue Reading “2019 NZ Book Awards”

The New Ships – Kate Duignan

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Peter Collie reassesses past events in the wake of his wife’s death only to discover new secrets. ⚑ “Family matters are at the fore of Peter Collie’s life. Upon his wife’s death Peter learns of secrets kept about his… Continue Reading “The New Ships – Kate Duignan”

The Sound of Breaking Glass – Kirsten Warner

READ FOR NZ BOOK AWARDS Christel has two small children, a stressful job in reality television, an activist lifestyle, a Holocaust survivor father, and now her protest milk bottle sculpture has come to life, appearing in various spots around Auckland like a giant golem.… Continue Reading “The Sound of Breaking Glass – Kirsten Warner”