This is my own personal list of the fiction books which I read and enjoyed in the first half of 2004. I've written much longer reviews of some of these books at a consumer site; follow the links if you're interested in a more comprehensive outline and opinion.

For books (both fiction and non-fiction) which I've read from 2005 onwards, please visit my Recent Reading blog.

January 2004

Libby Purves - A Long Walk in Wintertime

This is a terrific book! Libby Purves' second novel features an apparently happy family: Dan - a 'new' man who enjoys cooking and organising; Alice - a boehemian, opera-loving, caring mother; Clemmie - a spirited, independent 14-year-old girl and Jamie: a shy, artistic 12-year-old boy who's rather lacking in self-esteem. Dan treats Alice and her closest friends (rather a mixed bunch) to a night at the opera and a meal in their home, on Alice's 37th birthday. Then he drops a bombshell, confessing to something which rocks the foundations of their marriage, and indeed their lives. The book looks at Alice's emotions and reactions as she and Dan have to grow apart for a while, and also how their children are affected in different ways. Yet it's a light-hearted book overall, with some mild humour as well as deeply moving scenes. A very enjoyable and satisfying novel. For a longer more thorough review I wrote for the Ciao site, see 'From London to Norfolk'.

Thom Braun - Holy Orders

Michael Dunn is a newly-ordained clergyman in the Anglican Church. He works part-time in a team ministry, and is also director of a large advertising company. He is not a typical new minister, preferring loud clerical shirts to plain ones, for instance; he also finds himself in embarrassing situations, saying or doing the wrong thing. Gradually he learns to combine his two careers, developing a pastoral side to his secular work, and a flair for pictures in the church. His wife Cheryl and five-year-old daughter Amy help to keep him sane. Enjoyable. For a longer review, see 'An Anglican in an Advertising Agency'.

 

February 2004

Libby Purves - Mother Country

Alex lives in the USA where he has been raised by his grandparents. He works as a computer 'techie' support man, and out of the blue is given a job in England for a few days. He has often thought of investigating his roots (his mother was a British druggie in 1974) so he starts to do some research while he's there. He meets a variety of people, struggles with cross-cultural issues, and eventually discovers something which astounds him, although by the time he does it was fairly obvious to me what was going to happen. The novel is well 'set' in historical context, in Libby Purves' usual breezy style, with good characters and interreactions. It was a little too business-oriented for my tastes, but on the whole I enjoyed it. See 'A Hard-Hitting Modern Historical Novel' for a longer review.

Georgette Heyer - Faro's Daughter

Max Ravenscar sets out to rescue his young and impressionable cousin Adrian from the toils of a scheming girl from a gaming house. Or so he thinks. He discovers that Deborah, the girl, is as strong-willed and obstinate as he is. While Adrian believes that he loves her, Deborah has no intention of marrying him. However as soon as Max offers to 'buy her off', she is so insulted that she lets him think she would rather marry Adrian! A delightful battle of wills ensues. Good historical background of Regency England exposing some class prejudices in an amusing way. A most exciting climax to the book is followed by a highly satisfactory ending. Recommended. See 'Gambling, Greed, Glamour and Green Peas' for my longer review of this book.

Rosamunde Pilcher - The Shell Seekers

A charming 'circular' family saga that I enjoy more each time I read it. Penelope is sixty-four, and his just discharged herself from hospital after a suspected heart attack. She ponders which of her adult children to phone, and decides on Olivia, after giving a brief word picture of each of them. The next chapter switches to the viewpoint of Nancy, Penelope's oldest daughter, who is uncomfortably married with two demanding teenagers. Each subsequent chapter is written from the viewpoint of a different character from Penelope's life, past and present, gradually spreading out amongst friends and new acquaintances. The characters are well-rounded and lovable, the digressions into the past are so well-written that they're not annoying or intrusive, but build up a wonderful picture of Penelope as a young woman. There's a rather shocking climax, yet in context it works; the conclusion is then hopeful and positive. Highly recommended. You can read a longer review I wrote of 'The Shell Seekers' called 'Peerless Pilcher' at the Ciao site.

CS Lewis - The Last Battle

This is the seventh and last of the Narnia series. It's an exciting children's adventure with a fairly overt underlying message about the Christian doctrine of the End Times. Shift, a manipulative and selfish talking Ape, persuades the gentle donkey Puzzle to don an old lionskin and pretend to be Aslan, King of the world. Then Shift begins to organise destruction of the forests and slavery of the other talking beasts, claiming that Aslan has ordered this. King Tirian tries to stop him, and meets Jill and Eustace, come from our world to help. The ending is beautifully written and encouraging, bringing this series to a satisfying ending. I've written a longer review of this book called 'End Times for Narnia'.

 

March 2004

Libby Purves - Regatta

Anansi, a lame girl in council care, who has been excluded from her school after fighting, goes to stay at a seaside farm in Suffolk. Her mother is a drug-dealer, her father unknown. The family she stays with comprise: Simon, a rather dour writer who has a shocking secret; Sheila, a motherly woman who loves to organise everyone, and two teenage boys who resent Anansi as her mother expects them to help look after her. Anansi finds herself thrust into the tennis/sailing orientated upper-middle class world, which is confusing and alienating to her. She's a fighter, but deep down longs for attention and love. This is an exciting and thought-provoking novel with a fast-moving and satisfying climax. See 'A Courageous Cuckoo' for a longer review.

Amy Tan - The Joy Luck Club

I found this a strange book, showing the lives of four Chinese families with individual portraits of the mothers and daughters. There are sixteen chapters in four sections, switching from character to character looking at different periods in their lives, so I found it quite confusing. Jing-Mei's mother has died so Jing-Mei has four chapters to herself; everyone else has two. Overall the book is about Chinese life and culture, adapting to the American way of life. There are odd amusing moments of language confusion, and some sadness, but I couldn't get emotionally involved as none of the people were really drawn deeply enough. It read almost like a series of short stories rather than a novel. The ending was positive, and tied in with the first chapter, although it rather left me wondering what was the point of the rest of the book! Still, it was a pleasant enough read overall and gave some insights into some cross-cultural issues. I wrote a longer review at the Ciao site called 'The Generation Gap with a Cross-Cultural Slant'.

Mary Wesley - An Imaginative Experience

This is a great book! Sylvester, travelling on an inter-city train, is startled when it grinds to a halt and a girl rushes out to rescue a sheep. A large bird-watcher annoys him by trying to push past him, and speculating on the reason. The lives of these three people are thereafter bound together due to some unlikely circumstances and coincidences - but the whole book has a slightly surreal feel to it, so it hardly matters. Julia, the girl, has suffered a recent tragedy; Sylvester, recently divorced, likes being on his own. Inevitably they meet after humorous misunderstandings and some deep emotion. Fast-paced action and delightful people; great ending. My longer review at the Ciao site is entitled 'A Writer, a Bird-Watcher and a Rescuer of Sheep'.

Kathleen Rowntree - Between Friends

Tessa and Maddy are peacefully drinking coffee together, as they have many times before, when Maddy makes a chance comment that almost rips Tessa's world apart. She was pretty sure that her philandering husband Nick had recently embarked on a new affair; suddenly she realises that his current mistress must be Maddy herself. The book follows Tessa as she decides what to do, weighs up her friendship and her marriage, and also deals with regular village life. Very moving with some humour and a satisfying ending. See 'A Tricky Triangle' for a longer review.

 

April 2004

Frances Hodgson Burnett - A Little Princess

This is a children's book which I find more appealing as an adult! It's a charming book set in Victorian England, first published in 1905. Sara Crewe is sent to Miss Minchin's Academy as her father works in India, and she is motherless. It nearly breaks both of their hearts to part, but India was considered very bad for children. Sara is eight years old, and a delightful child: wealthy and much-loved, but not spoiled. She befriends the class dunce and a kitchen-maid, and is disliked by Miss Minchin. Disaster strikes part-way through the book leaving Sara penniless, and badly-treated. However her integrity (which is almost too good to be true) shines through her hardships leading to some very moving weepy moments. There's an inevitable satisfying conclusion after a somewhat unlikely coincidence; all in all a lovely book. My longer review can be found as 'Sara Crewe and Malicious Miss Minchin'.

Elizabeth Goudge - The Bird in the Tree

David, Lucilla's favourite grandson, comes to stay at the family home of Damerosehay. Lucilla knows instinctively that something is wrong; that turns out to be something that may lead to actions that will impact the whole family negatively, most of all David's young cousins Ben, Tommy and Caroline. So David struggles to fight temptation, and Lucilla gently manipulates, and the old house weaves its charm. Descriptive and historical; moving, long-winded and philosophical, yet never preaching. The novel is about love and integrity, hope and love, and in the end self-sacrifice for the good of the many. A lovely book which I enjoyed more for having read it some years previously. See 'A Haven of Peace' for my longer review of this book.

Elizabeth Goudge - The Herb of Grace

Second in the Damerosehay trilogy. Lucilla persuades her son George (subtly) to buy the old inn 'Herb of Grace', although his wife Nadine wants to stay in her smart Chelsea home. But it's better for the children to live in the country - particularly Ben, who's prone to asthma - and eventually even Nadine learns to love her new home. Discoveries are made, lessons are learned; new people arrive and are women into the Elio tapestry. The wood becomes a special place to each member of the family, and hearts are healed. A charming book which leaves a good feeling at the end. My longer review at the Ciao site is called, 'Eliots of Damerosehay: book 2'.

Elizabeth Goudge - The Heart of the Family

Last in the Damerosehay trilogy. Sebastian Weber, deeply traumatised by World War II, comes to work as David Eliot's secretary despite a deep-seated and somewhat irrational dislike of David. His acceptance into the heart of the family is the main strand of the book, but other characters examine their fears, and forge deep bonds. More philosophical and mystical than the other books, leading to a superb ending with closure to the series and hope for the future. Very moving in places, extremely well-written.

Jan Karon - In this Mountain

Another episode in the American town of Mitford with Father Tim the retired Episcopalian priest and his wife Cynthia who is a successful writer of children's books. Father Tim is restless in retirement, and considering spending some time working in Tennessee ina short-term mission. But he's also battling diabetes, and trying to find the last two siblings for his adopted son Dooley. Meanwhile he continues to work with and pray for various people in the parish. This book covers Tim's growing reliance on God, and the need to continue surrendering everything, but this is presented in a low-key way amongst village incidents and lightly humorous moments. Although complete in itself, I'd recommend reading others in the series first. See 'On Diabetes, Depression and Divine Direction' for a longer review.

Noel Streatfeild - Apple Bough

The Forum family have been travelling around the world for a couple of years. Twelve-year-old Sebastian is a higly gifted violinist and has a contract to play in various cities internationally. His parents love seeing the world, but their other children long for a home like their old house 'Apple Bough'. When they go to stay with grandparents in Devon during a break, they begin a plan called 'Operation Home', helped by one of the children getting an unexpected part in a film. A lovely nostalgic book of family values, with some humour and several very moving sections. A pleasant conclusion; recommended for anyone of eight and over, but in my view even more enjoyable from an adult perspective. See 'Operation Home' for a longer review.

Marcia Willett - Forgotten Laughter

Louise goes to stay at Foxhole, a holiday home owned by Brigid who lives next-door. Both are having a difficult time emotionally, and Louise has a crisis which comes to a head when she suspects her partner Martin of having an affair. Unfortunately I found the book a bit too detailed and disjointed, with dozens of flashbacks even as the story progresses. While it's still a good story, I found it hard to relate to any of the characters much, and felt it could have been cut significantly to make it flow better. See 'Forgotten Editing' for my longer views on this book.

Georgette Heyer - The Nonesuch

Sir Waldo inherits a run-down house, and moves there with his young cousin Julian to supervise alterations, as he is planning to turn it into an orphanage. He meets Ancilla Trent, a governess, and the susceptible Julian falls for Ancilla's spoilt young companion Tiffany. Delightful, well-rounded characters, amusing misunderstandings, and an excellent conclusion although perhaps a little slow-moving in places. See 'Flirtations and Philanthropy' for my longer review at the Ciao site.

 

May 2004

Rosamunde Pilcher - Coming Home

Judith Dunbar goes to St Ursula's boarding school when her parents and little sister return to Colombo. She meets the rather flighty Loveday Carey-Lewis, and is invited to stay at her huge and friendly house for a weekend. Judith is supposed to spend her holidays with her Aunt Louise, but tragedy strikes not long into the book. The Carey-Lewises take her to their hearts, and her life becomes bound up with them and their other guests. Set in the late 1930s, in the shadow of World War II, it's a well-researched book, different from others by this author. A little slow to get started, but gripping by the end. Lovely characters and a satisfying conclusion. 'Growing Up in the War Years' is my longer review of this book.

CS Lewis - The Silver Chair

Sixth in the 'Narnia' series of books for children. Jill and Eustace are taken from their most unpleasant boarding school to meet Aslan the lion, who gives them a quest. They must find the missing Prince Rilian. To do so, they must follow four signs that Aslan gives them. With the delightful Puddleglum the gloomy Marshwiggle, they venture to the city of giants, often missing their way as they fail to remember the signs. Exciting, well-written, and even humorous in places. Underlying the adventure is a low-key message about obedience, and not getting distracted from one's purpose. There's also an obvious good vs evil theme. Could be a little frightening for sensitive younger children, but excellent for anyone of about eight or nine upwards. See 'Eustace, Jill and Puddleglum the Marshwiggle' for my longer review.

Adrian Plass - Stress Family Robinson

This is the story of the disorganised Robinsons, told by their fifty-year-old friend Dip. She cares deeply for the Robinsons, and is an honourary part of the family. I found the book a little dull at first, as Dip gives straightforward descriptions of each family member, but it's a lovely book overall with humour and sadness, and a clear picture of an 'ordinary' Christian family (albeit somewhat caricatured) who would really like to be better people. It's not in the same league as Plass's 'Sacred Diary' books, but still an enjoyable light read. My longer review is called 'Dip into Family Life'.

Alexandra Raife - Return to Drumveyn

Cristi has lived in Scotland since she was nine, and is finishing her degree in Edinburgh when she receives some startling news: her grandfather in Brazil has died, and has left her a large ranch and a huge sum of money. Although she hates to leave her adopted family, she decides to fly out to meet her unknown relatives and see the ranch. There she's caught up in a web of intrigue, and begins to fall in love. She has to make major decisions about what to do with her future as the book alternates between the gentle farm in Scotland and the exciting high life in Brazil. There's a good understanding of the problems of dual nationality, and culture shock related to class as well as to country. I thought the book was well-written, mildly exciting in places, and with some moving sections. Perhaps there were too many minor characters from previous novels, but overall I enjoyed it. I wrote a longer review with a tongue-in-cheek title, 'Aga Saga Meets Mills and Boon' on the Ciao site.

Judi Hendricks - Bread Alone

I found this a charming book, although I didn't expect to! It's written entirely in the present tense, but somehow it works. Wyn's husband wants them to separate, and her whole world rocks on its foundations. She goes to stay with her best friend fo ra while, and gradually gets drawn into life in another city, living on her own and baking bread (which she does to relax). The book is punctuated by delightful explanations of bread-making techniques learned in France, and even some excellent sounding recipes. Somehow the flow is not interrupted, unlikely though it sounds. I found the characters very believable, and the ending was satisfying. See 'Recovery, Romance and Recipes' for a longer review.

Anne Tyler - Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant

Pearl lies dying, and begins to reflect on her life and grown-up family: Cody, her materialistic jealous eldest son, Ezra, her placed stubborn middle child, and Jenny, her bright busy daughter. We're effortlessly taken back to their childhood, with family squabbles and problems, and a picture is gradually built up, switching perspectives without this technique seeming intrusive at all. We see the children through adult life until the book comes full circle adn the family gather at Pearl's funeral. Astute observation typical of Anne Tyler, a pleasant read in general, though not my favourite of her books. 'Family Quarrels and Sibling Rivalries' is the title of my longer review of this novel.

Terry Pratchett - Moving Pictures

This book is Pratchett at his best, in my opinion! The alchemists on the Discworld invent a new substance called octo-cellulose, and imps learn to paint very fast. Thus 'moving pictures' or 'clicks' are born. There are lots of jokes as the Discworld sees scenarios alluding to films produced on earth, and there's also a darker side as an unstoppable force gradually sneaks into people's minds, drawing them to the 'Holy Wood' where the clicks are produced. There's a dramatic ending, and the book is generally more thought-provoking than a lot of Pratchett's satirical writing. This can easily be read as a standalone book although it's ninth in the Discworld series. See 'Imps, Salamanders and Octo-Cellulose' for a longer review.

Noel Langley - The Land of Green Ginger

Aladdin's son Abu Ali, who talks fluently from birth, has to break the spell that turned a magician into a button-nosed tortoise. Along the way he wins the heart of a beautiful princess and has to beat the two evil princes in tasks set by her father. A traditional setting, but the book is full of irony and humour, and lots of political incorrectness! It's a delightful romp with a satisfying ending. Wonderful to read aloud, enjoyable as a light read for adults as well as children. Longer review at 'The Wonderful Wanderings of an Enchanted Land'.

Agatha Christie - The Hollow

A house-party gathers, Hercule Poirot is invited to lunch, and inevitably someone is murdered. By this stage it's clear that almost all the guests - and one or two other people - have some possible motivation for the crime, but the more investigations that happen, the more confusing it seems. Clues are casually dropped and followed up, only to find false trails galore. It's so cleverly written that although I've read this before, not that long ago, and remembered some of the false clues, I had quite forgotten 'who dun it' and couldn't guess until almost the last moment. A little rambling in places, but very well plotted. See 'Hercule Poirot and the Poolside Murder' for a more comprehensive review.

June 2004

Georgette Heyer - Venetia

This book is one of my favourites by Georgette Heyer! The beautiful Venetia has grown up with a reclusive father and a highly academic brother Aubrey, and has barely been outside her local circle. She is twenty-five and unmarried, but courted by the romantic and over-dramatic Oswald as well as by the prosy, worthy Edward. One day she meets Lord Damerel, a neighbour endued with every possible vice according to local legend. To her surprise Venetia finds that they share a sense of humour and become friends. Society frowns on a 'rake' but Venetia is a delightful heroine! The book is moving, realistic and fast-paced with some of the best characters in historical fiction interracting brilliantly. Very satisfactory ending. 'Beauty and the Beast' is the title of my longer review of this book.

CS Lewis - Out of the Silent Planet

This is science-fiction from the mid-20th century. Dr Ransom is drugged and taken aboard a spaceship bound for a planet called Malacandra. His captors intend him as a sacrifice for creatures they call 'Sorns', but Ransom escapes and instead gets to know the 'hrossa', an intelligent race of poets and fisherpeople. He learns their language, and also discovers that they are inherently good: caring, monagamous and without ambition or envy. Malacandra is an unfallen world. Very thought-provoking with an exciting climax. Highly recommended. See 'Wisdom, Philosophy and 1930s Science Fiction' for more information.

CS Lewis - Perelandra

Second in Lewis's science-fiction trilogy. This time Ransom goes voluntarily to the planet Perelandra, on a divine mission - although he has no idea why he is there. He finds a planet based on water, with floating islands like huge mats, populated by many animals and just two human beings. He is there at the 'Garden of Eden' stage of this world, and must advise the Lady who is facing a temptation rather like that of Eve and the forbidden fruit. Thought-provoking with a fair amount of theology, but it's well-expressed without being preachy. There's some violence and a most dramatic and exciting ending. A longer review can be found on the Ciao site called 'A Parable of Paradise'.

Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins - The Glorious Appearing

At last, the twelfth and final novel in the 'Left Behind' series. According to best calculations, the tribulation is about to end and Jesus is due to appear. But there are still wars and other serious problems. Most of the original Tribulation Force are dead. The day seems to take forever... of course, we know what's coming, but the book is long-winded, sticking in as much preaching as possible, and once again taking literally parts of Revelation. Still no character development so it's difficult to care about any of the people even after having read most of the earlier books. Not really recommended, other than to people who have read the earlier books and want to read the ending. My fuller review is entitled: 'Inglorious Eschatology'.

CS Lewis - That Hideous Strength

Mark Studdock is ambitious and somewhat amoral; he's a don at a small university, who has managed to penetrate the 'inner circle' and is then half-offered a post at a new experimental centre. His wife Jane has been having such realistic and frightening dreams that she takes professional advice. One on each 'side' - or being pulled that way - the book is a battle of good vs evil. Christians are on the good side, but not exclusively. The evil has grown out of a twisted humanitarianism. Often chilling, couched in wisdom, great ending to CS Lewis's sci-fi series.

Erica James - Hidden Talents

Dulcie, in her 60s, starts a small writing group. She has a secret: a three-year affair with a married man, who has had a heart attack just before the book opens. It follows her life, and the lives of those who join the group: widowed Beth, who has a delightful teenage son called Nathan; Alex, an estate agent whose wife recently left him; Jaz, a bright teenager hemmed in by her loud (though caring) large family. A nice blend of plotlines, with some moving moments. There are surprises for the characters, most of which I had guessed just in advance. An encouraging ending to a believable and well-written book.

Noel Streatfeild - White Boots

Harriet has been ill, and her doctor recommends ice-skating. He gets her into the local rink free, and her brother Alec starts a paper round to pay for her skate hire since her family are rather poor. Harriet meets Lalla, a rich girl her age who is being trained as a champion skater, egged on by her Aunt Claudia who dreams of grandeur and fame. Lalla is very spoilt, but loving underneath - and lonely, being an only child. She is thrilled to become friendly with Harriet's family. It's a nice book of family values, showing the importance of ambition and hard work where appropriate. Satisfying ending. My longer review is called 'Skating Shoes', which is the American title of this book.

Susan Howatch - A Question of Integrity

Alice, overweight and depressed, comes by chance to St Benet's Church in London. To her surprise, she finsd a healing service taking place and gets to know Nick Darrow the Rector. He helps her when her aunt dies, and then helps her to find a job. The book follows Alice's return to wholeness and integrity, Nick's serious marriage problems, and his colleague Lewis's battles against a hip replacement operation. There are some very traumatic moments, some high drama, a bit of psychology, and a hopeful conclusion. Gripping throughout, even at the third time of reading.

Susan Howatch - The High Flyer

Carter Graham is a high-flying city lawyer, convinced that if she follows her 'life plan' she will achieve happiness. But her marriage is rocky. Her husband Kim has not told her much about his past, and she becomes more and more nervous when his ex-wife Sophie starts stalking her. A lot of suspense and some shocking sections to this book, second in the St Benet's series. It's fast-paced and action-packed with a real battle of good vs evil, and some discussion of psychology and spirituality. Unusually for Susan Howatch the whole book is written from Carter's viewpoint. I enjoyed it much more reading it for the second time.

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