Book Club - Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Much delayed but as promised, here's a review of one of my holiday reads, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

The novel begins with 23 year old Jacob Jankowski preparing to take his final exams as a veterinary student, when he receives the devastating news that his parents have been killed in a car accident. Soon after Jacob suffers an emotional break down and abandons University before he is able to graduate.

He jumps a train in the darkness of night, only to discover later it belongs to The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. When the circus manager, Uncle Al, learns of Jacob's veterinary training he is hired to care for the circus animals. It is then that Jacob meets the beautiful performer Marlena and her charming but dangerously temperamental husband August.

The prose cuts between the months following his arrival at the circus and Jacob as an elderly man. These cuts are almost seemless, and added another dimension to an already exciting novel; though I did find the focus on the older Jacob less enthralling.

The theme of circus has never been one that appealed to me. Yet, Gruen's descriptions and dialogue create a magical, enchanted world that left me full of intrigue.There is also a sense of honesty to the writing. Gruen makes the reader aware that the circus of 1950s America was not all magic but a world of trickery, illusion and at times, even cruelty.

The writing is powerful, with a surprisingly uplifting sense of sentimentality - my eyes filled with tears within the first 30 pages. However, there is also humour in the novel, often in the most unexpected places. The drama was constant and absorbing, though I do wonder if there was too much to contain within the narrative and due to this some developments in the plot felt rushed and forced. For example, the romance between Jacob and Marlena.

Though an easy and enjoyable read, Gruen dealt with some serious themes including diseases of the mind, identity, animal cruelty and treatment of the elderly. These themes are incorporated into the plot of the novel so intelligently that they do not disrupt the flow of the story, yet are unmissable. There is a brilliantly varied cast of characters and friendships are developed beautifully through the prose. The ending is unexpected and original, though perhaps slightly abrupt.

I also found Gruen's author's notes particularly interesting to read. Discovering where the inspiration for the novel came from and what she learnt during her research gave fascinating insight to the novel as a whole.

I'm particularly keen to now see the film adaptation and can picture Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattison as well cast for the roles. I imagine the splendor of the circus will be conveyed even more spectacularly on screen and will be rather breath-taking to watch. Overall, this is an original, sad, hopeful and quick moving piece of fiction.

Book Club - The Crimson Rooms by Katharine McMahon

A little bit eerie, unconventional characters, perceptive descriptions, authentic settings and elaborate plot twists; I give you The Crimson Rooms by Katharine McMahon.

This novel follows Evelyn, one of Britain's first female solicitors, in the years after the first World War. Evelyn is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her younger and much beloved brother James, and her world is thrown into further disarray when Meredith arrives at her home claiming to have been James' lover and the mother of his child. Things are not straight-forward in her professional life either. Evelyn is constantly battling against the disapproval of male judges and finds herself caught up in two complicated cases.

This novel is thoroughly impressive. It deals with serious themes from shell shock and feminism to justice and truth. I see no reason why it could not end up on a course list for study purposes. Yet, it never loses the suspense and edge of mystery that keeps a reader intrigued throughout a good detective novel (which in-sorts this is).

Intelligently written, the narrative voice is quite unlike one I have read before; strong, confiding, captivating, but in no way an effortless read.

There are various twists and turns that make this a fascinating story, and leave me keen to read more of McMahon's work. If it is anything like this novel, it will be original and intelligently written. Intriguing and thought provoking.

Book Club - Sleeping Arrangements and The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham

A few weeks ago I read The Wedding Girl by Madeleine Wickham and have been intending to write about it ever since. I took another Wickham novel on my recent holiday and thought it only fair to review that too.

The Wedding Girl was the first novel by Wickham I've read, despite being a very big fan of her work under the name of Sophie Kinsella. I'd heard from other Kinsella fans that the Wickham books differed significantly in style, so I could only hope that I enjoyed them as much as the Kinsella novels I have read and loved over the last 10 years.

The Wedding Girl starts with 18 year old Milly marrying a friend to ensure he is able to stay in the UK. 10 years later she is a very different person and preparing to marry the adoring, wealthy and handsome Simon, in an extravagant wedding masterminded by her mother. No one knows about her first marriage, and Milly convinces herself that it's like it never happened. However, four days before her wedding to Simon, her past begins to catch up with her.

First things first, this was an easy, enjoyable read. There were plenty of twists and turns I didn't see coming and after a day at work I was always eager to get back to the book. I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings in Bath, Oxford and London - these were the right length to create full images but not bore the reader or disturb the pace of the plot.

The characters were varied and each had their own minor sub-plot which created a three dimensional aspect to the story and added extra interest.

Like the Kinsella novels The Wedding Girl easily fits the genre of chick lit. The main difference is the use of humour. While Kinsella novels have left me roaring with laughter and desperate to share the joke with someone, The Wedding Girl was more serious in tone and avoided any over-the-top, ridiculous scenarios which often play a part in the plot of a Kinsella novel. There was still comedy, but it was conveyed through dry witted dialogue.

Sleeping Arrangements follows Chloe and her family as they arrive in Spain for a week's holiday at her friend Gerard's luxury villa. Problems begin when Hugh and his family arrive - Gerard has also lent them the villa for the same dates. An uneasy week of sharing begins, and tensions soon start to mount. Whats more, there's a secret history between the two families, and as the heat soars an old passion begins to resurface.

I read this while on holiday last week, and whizzed through it in a matter of days - it was the perfect book to read by the pool. Light-hearted, a real page turner, fun with a little bit of drama, and a happy ending. It cemented my love for Sophie Kinsella, and finalised my decision to work my way through all of her novels under her Wickham name.

A common theme in both the Wickham novels was self-development. The Kinsella plots tend to involve an extreme secret or mistake that the key character is attempting to solve on their own with hilarious outcomes. The Wickham novels convey characters that face a fork in the road type moment, and through their decisions tend to learn about themselves (though never in an insincere or nauseating way).

If you're looking for a book for the beach or just a lighthearted read, these books are exactly what you're looking for.

Holiday Reading

For me, one of the things I look forward to most about a holiday in the sun (apart from a tan and a few strong cocktails obviously) is the opportunity to get stuck in to some brilliant books.

As a self-confessed book worm I always have a pile of novels by my bed and a list in my head of what to buy next. The only problem with this is that I can never read quick enough and the pile and list are ever growing.

Tomorrow I'm jetting off to sunnier climates with a few girlfriends and am eager to get that bikkini on and the first book open. Here's the shortlist:

Black Mamba Boy by Nadifa Mohamed
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna
Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham

I'll let you know how I get on.

A new role for Ms Paltrow

I never used to be a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, but over the last few years I've found myself somewhat in awe of her.

She first captured my attention when she arrived at the Iron Man premiere with newly bobbed hair, sporting a rather short black lacy Balmain dress and particularly high heels. This was not the type of attire we were used to seeing Ms Paltrow in.

Gwyn had always been one for the 'comfort-not-glamour' school; opting for androgynous blazers, plain shirt dresses and even vest tops on the red carpet. She had never been a style icon.

Bring of the Gwyn of 2008. What was so brilliant about the outfits of that year was Gwyn's ability to mix a hint of fun and originality with a real understanding of her own personal style, age and shape. Not once in the star's attempt to glamorise her wardrobe did she dress too young for her age, never did she appear uncomfortable or outlandish in her choices. Yet, the outfits were always a little suggestive and surprisingly on-trend.

This was honestly the first occasion I began to take more notice of the actress (despite always having enjoyed her films). But put that to one side, and she keeps on impressing. For a start, who knew this girl could sing? One word: Glee. And now, she's released her very own cook book Notes From my Kitchen Table.

I've recently become a little obsessed with cookbooks - I'm trying to teach myself to cook and some cookbooks are just beautiful to look at. I have a feeling Gwyneth's will be one of these. So I'm very keen to get my hands on a copy.

I've heard impressive reviews, suggesting the book is compulsive reading and that Gwyn has earned herself a reputation as a formidable foodie. So I'm keen to get my hands on a copy. In particular I'm looking forward to trying the tuna and ginger burgers, fudge chocolate brownies and crispy potato and garlic cake!

Book Club - Love and Summer by William Trevor

Last night I attended one of my book club meetings - always an enjoyable night as it consists of nibbles, wine and, of course, talk of books. On this occasion we discussed William Trevor's novel, Love and Sunshine.

None of us had read any of Trevor's previous novels, and I must admit I wasn't really looking forward to starting it. The story tells of Ellie, a young convent girl who has married a widowed Irish farmer. Although he treats her well there is no real love or passion between them. Then Ellie meets a stranger in the village and over the hot days of Summer Ellie and the stranger form an illicit attachment.

I had predicted the novel would be overly romantic and unrealistic to the point of frustration. I was somewhat pleasantly surprised - it wasn't as bad as I had expected.

However, the book club consensus went something like this: The book was slow and written in a complicated manner; worse still, nothing really happened.

Characterisation was another issue. Put aside the fact that all the characters were under developed and one dimensional; there were numerous characters that could easily have been excluded from the novel, their presence adding nothing worthwhile. What's more, the female characters were weak, badly treated by the men they cared for and dull - this is something irritating for a female reader.

Perhaps, I have been unfair in the portrayal of this book. It is an easy read, and the descriptions do create some beautiful images of the Irish countryside. But if I'm honest, there are much better novels out there.

Book Club - Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones

Though short, this novel is crammed with weighty ideas and hidden levels of meaning - when reading it, one can chose whether to accept it on face value, or whether to explore and probe its hidden depths.

Ideas of race, morality, education and identity spill out of the pages, and yet never feel forced upon the reader. The charming, innocent voice of the narrator, a 13-year-old black girl, Matilda, ensures a child like, light hearted tone is maintained.

Set in the 1990s on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, the story follows the community of a village as they struggle to live during a bloody civil war. Matilda's father has left to work in Australia, leaving Matilda and her Mother alone.

One day, Mr Watts, the only white man in the village and previously known to the children as Pop Eye, appoints himself as teacher and sits the children down in the old classroom to read them Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. Within chapters the children are hooked.

The power of reading and language are vital in this novel. Jones uses literature as a form of escapism - the children chose to live in Pip's world and avoid their own dangerous reality, and even Mr Watts shelters himself through storytelling.

The inclusion of old, cultural tales shared by the children's mothers in class, was an addition that I could appreciate and understand. Yet, I found them frustrating. These passages slowed the pace of the novel and the same effect could have easily been created through a simple description. That these passages were given the same page space as significant and shocking events was deeply unsatisfying.

Critics may argue the novel rarely steps beyond stereotypes - the drunk solider, the god-fearing black woman and the wise but odd white man. But there can be no denying that the novel is emotive and intelligent. The horrifying events the reader witnesses are never sensationalised, but relayed tenderly.

The final chapters are unnecessary, except to tie up loose ends (unfortunately, this is a messy and unsuccessful attempt). However, Jones does attempt to use these pages to communicate further serious concepts, and the overall effect does not detract from the rich novel as a whole.

Book Club - The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld

Credit must be given to Mr Rubenfeld, this novel suggests that he will not be a one-off sensation. Fuelled with research and attention to detail, it is a historical thriller with Shakespearean and Freudian focuses, as compelling and engaging as the Da Vinci Code from the off.

In 1909, Sigmund Freud arrived in New York, his first visit to America. The finer details of his Manhattan stay are clouded with mystery, but one can be sure they left a psychological scar. Freud expressed a great dislike of America thereafter, and blamed various neuroses on his sojourn in the great city.

Rubenfeld uses this mystery as the starting point for his first novel, intertwining fiction and reality. On the morning Freud arrives, the body of a young, beautiful debutante is discovered in her penthouse. Soon after, Nora Acton, another member of the social elite is found tied to a chandelier, with no memory of the assault, and unable to speak or identify her attacker.

With the assistance of Freud, Dr Younger, a student psycho-analysist, attempts to recover Nora's memory and discover her attacker.

The novel is packed with ravished damsels, power-hungry psycho-analysists, sinister aristocrats, complicated family relationships and corrupt police officers. There can be no doubt that Rubenfeld throws himself fully into his topic of choice, and has researched the setting (New York city in the early 1900s) with painstaking care. In fact, one of the novel's greatest feats is the detailed descriptions and information shared. The tour of the city is expansive and the detail about machinery, such as how a caisson works, and cultural systems in place at the time, is authoritative and a great asset. This detail could easily have made the book slow-moving and heavy, but combined with the never ending action, suspense and mystery there was no such problem.

I particularly enjoyed the combination of the detective genre, Freudian theories and literary references, as well as the spilt narration.

Although, Rubenfeld lacks some of the balance and skill of a more experienced writer, he makes up for it in his own confidence and conviction in his writing. A stylish novel full of twists and turns - but perhaps, too rushed and confusing an ending.

Book Club - Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

I first tried to read this novel over a year ago, I picked it up, read the first page and felt underwhelmed and disappointed. I put it down and added it to my 'will read one day' list. With a Hollywood film of the novel being released this winter (and with no less than a talented star studded cast), now seemed the ideal moment to give it another go. I am so glad I did.

This time around there was no hesitant, slow beginning that I remembered (or possibly imagined) from before. Instead, there was a strong and distinct voice that gripped me from the first page. It begins somewhat hauntingly: 'My name is Kathy H. I'm thirty-one years old, and I've been a carer now for over eleven years.'

The novel follows Kathy, a 31 year old carer living in England in the late 1990s, as she looks back over her schools. What at first seems like a near-perfect childhood, full of caring guardians, fun classes and friendships, soon alters into something chilling and sinister. Words such as 'donations', 'students' and 'complete' suddenly take on new, significant but unexplained meaning.

Although a science-fiction novel in topic, there is no sign of this in the text. At the centre of the story is the enduring friendship between Kathy, Tommy and Ruth. Ishiguro refuses to discuss the finer details of cloning, making the occasional references to the process all the more terrifying.

In fact, understatement is used to great effect in the novel. The students' quiet acknowledgement of what they face in the future (they consider it to be their duty, the reader considers to be an inhumane injustice), only emphasises the reader's feelings of frustration on their behalf. The novel raises piercing questions about exploitation and humanness, more through the subtle and precise voice than through the topic itself. This stirs a range of emotions in the reader from compassion to guilt to shock.

What Kathy is unsure of, the reader is left in the dark about, and it is this excruciating curiosity that pushes the story along. Of course, the mystery and illusion keeps the reader hooked till the final word. This is one of the many strengths of the novel. Ishiguro has struck gold. There is a strong plot, careful and intelligent characterisation, and a beautifully quiet but occasionally melancholy narrative. A heart wrenching, intriguing and worthwhile read.

Book Club - Wideacre, The Favoured Child and Meridon by Philippa Gregory

It is rare that I read a trilogy or series of books, especially one directly after another. When I first read Wideacre, I was unaware it was one of three titles based on the Lacey family and their grand estate in Sussex; the novel was strong and complete in its own right. But a trilogy is was, and boy am I pleased about that.

Wideacre tells of a rich squire's daughter, Beatrice. She is passionate, intelligent and devious, and will do anything to own the Wideacre estate, which by eighteenth century law must go to her brother. This book is full of delicious scandal!

Despite, Beatrice's corruption and deceit, I somehow continued to sympathise with her - quite an achievement on Gregory's part. I loved the moments where Beatrice was shown to be tender, but her fierce and ambitious side made a thrilling read.

The Favoured Child, follows Julia Lacey and her cousin Richard as they grow up on Wideacre. My favourite of the three novels, it was fast paced, unpredictable and gripping. One of its many strengths was the sense of familiarity Gregory created by using some characters from the first novel. Another factor was the vivid writing. Narrated by Julia, the prose was warm and heart-felt. It created rich pictures of Julia as she grows from a child to a young woman. I could not help but hate Richard with a passion; there is no doubt he was spoilt, cruel and selfish, a true villain. I willed Julia on, hoping she would develop the Lacey trait of courage.

Meridon begins away from Wideacre. This concerned me at first, I was unsure Gregory would be able to continue my interest in the Laceys away from their estate. But Meridon's childhood as a gypsy with a circus added new life and excitement to the series, making it impossible for me to resist being absorbed. As beautifully descriptive, and equally frustrating as the previous two novels (at times I wanted to shout at the characters), Meridon keeps the reader in suspense until the final pages with a satisfying, but not predictable ending.

The novels are more than just light-hearted fiction, each considers serious topical issues of the time. The inequalities between men and women, the injustice of the justice system, the rules that kept the poor down and the rich wealthy and the difficulties girls face as they grow into young women.

One of my previous dislikes of Gregory's writing was her tendency to begin her novels with a slow, descriptive passage. These three novels were an exception - the opening pages were cleverly placed, symbolic to the rest of the story or straight into the action. Characterisation was strong, with no unnecessary characters or dialogue. The three Lacey women as narrators were particularly intriguing, maintaining a balance between being familiar and individual. My only fault was that Gregory occasionally repeats herself in order to emphasise the important points she wants the reader to pick up on. A little more faith in her readers' common sense would not go amiss. But this is a small complaint in light of an otherwise fantastic read. I cannot praise Gregory enough.

Eat, Prey, Love: Film Review

This film is not a typical romantic-comedy. It certainly has all the ingredients - a broken heart, some soul searching, new friendships, new romantic interests. But it is a step beyond the usual chick-flick. It is more mature and intelligent; the central theme is focused on self examination, discovery and finding a love for life. It is more a case of 'does she find happiness?' and 'does she find herself?', than 'does she get the man?'

These may sound like corny and superficial questions, and therefore you'd be forgiven for assuming the film is shallow and cheesy, but it is not. It is a sophisticated attempt to tackle issues that have plagued women for some time. And I was completely taken in.

Julia Roberts shone brightly, as always. Her portrayal of Elizabeth, a 30-something newly divorcee travelling the world, successfully combines Elizabeth's confidence in her career and writing, and her fragility and uncertainty in her sense of self.

Javier Bardem, plays Felipe, Elizabeth's new love-interest, and is surprisingly good. I, unlike most, am not a fan of Bardem. Before watching the film, I presumed he would be a poor and disappointing casting choice. Instead, he was lively, refreshing and portrayed Felipe's vulnerability and tenderness perfectly. The chemistry between himself and Roberts was realistic and heart-warming.

The film was packed with wry humour, exquisitely polished shots, strong script writing and good quality acting. The film itself was a luxury to watch. Every scene was full of colour and beauty, there was breathtaking scenery and mouthwatering food. It will not provoke an array of emotions, nor provide answers to all your own problems. But for me, it was inspirational - I am now desperate to visit Italy, and learn the language. I am also keen to become a master of Italian cooking. There is an original story here. My suggestion... wait till this comes out on dvd, then sit back with a glass of a good wine, and enjoy.

Book Club - The Perfect Man by Sheila O'Flanagan

This is the first novel I've read by Sheila O'Flanagan, and to be honest I didn't have particularly high expectations. I'd picked this book to read by the pool on holiday. All I wanted was something light-hearted and easy-to-read. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised. This novel surpassed my expectations.

The story follows sisters Mia and Britt as they venture on a cruise of the Caribbean. Complete opposites and never particularly close, their relationship is tested to the max as they learn new truths about themselves and each other. Mia, is a single mother and hopeless romantic and Britt is a divorced lawyer turned romantic novelist who doesn't believe in true love. On board, they meet Leo, who is struggling to move on from a previous heart-break and the ship's entertainment officer Steve, a relaxed gentleman who befriends both sisters. There is plenty of drama, but it is never depressing or too serious. And the plot kept me guessing till the very end. This novel is anything but predictable.

With likable characters, and original, detailed back stories, the novel achieved an unexpected level of depth. And I enjoyed how each character developed as the novel progressed. I must admit the story was rather slow starting, and I could imagine some may not have continued. But it is worth the wait. A few chapters in, the novel becomes a page turner, and I couldn't put it down.

Setting the majority of the novel in exotic locations created perfect opportunities for O'Flanagan to 'paint a picture'. I'm glad to say O'Flanagan did not go over the top with her descriptions. They were kept short and sweet, and therefore were effective without taking over the narrative.

The dialogue was natural and lively, and the move between different narrative viewpoints was smooth and refreshing.

Though a rather long read, and possibly not as enjoyable if you aren't sitting in the sunshine with a glass of wine in hand, this novel is humorous, lively and fun. It is, by no-means, a classic; but it is more intelligently written and plotted than the usual holiday read and fully recommended.

Book Club - Gardens of Water by Alan Drew

This should have been the new Kite Runner!

I came across this book a few weeks ago; having now read it and discovered it was published in paperback over a year ago, I have to ask myself how it managed to pass me by for so long?

Ok, so the cover isn't exactly appealing, and there was a real lack of publicity; but these just seem like poor excuses. To be frank - I couldn't put this book down. And I can't believe I haven't heard about it from someone, somewhere...

The story begins in Turkey in 1999 when devastating earthquake brings the busy life of Istanbul to a halt. Its impact not only strips Sinan and his family of their home and livelihood, but also takes away from Sinan his confidence as a father, husband and religious man. As he struggles to cope with memories from his past, keeping his family safe and his daughter's ever-growing infatuation with an American boy; Sinan begins to make desperate decisions, setting himself and his family on a path of unimaginable consequences.

And it's difficult to find anything in this novel to criticise. The prose was engaging and evocative, and managed emotional depth without being overly dramatic or sentimental. There were occasions of truly beautiful, vivid descriptions and the carefully and quietly controlled suspense kept me hanging on till the very end.

The characterisation was intelligent and well balanced. Despite each character being used to represent a somewhat stereotypical viewpoint, none appeared one-dimensional or forced. There was naturalness about each character, as they all battled their own internal struggles alongside their new difficult surroundings. The complexity of humanity is effectively captured.

The only thing I could bring myself to fault is the ending, and even this I fault half-heartedly. The ending appeared rushed - as all loose ends are suddenly tied up in a few pages; yet with hindsight, the ending was entirely suitable. It wasn't what I expected or hoped for, but it was plausible and fitting to the rest of the story. I fear any other ending would have detracted from the seriousness and emotional impact of the plot preceding that point.

I loved the rich variety of topics in the novel, all of which were dealt with in depth: politics, war, history, family, love, wealth, race, religion, natural disasters, despair and hope. Still, I think what I admired most about this novel was the easy-to-read narrative style. I admit that at the end of each chapter I expected to find it difficult to get my teeth into the next. I decided it would be impossible to maintain the high level of intrigue and natural flow through a chapter break, and change in narrative viewpoint. I was wrong. This book was a real breath of fresh-air, and definitely a page-turner.