November 2024 Reading Superlatives
Looking at the titles I have selected, I realise that all of them are set quite far away from Maldon either in time or place. I’m not sure if this reflects a need for escapism, a desire to broaden my horizons, or is just a coincidence!
Most Enjoyable Science Fiction Novel
Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Alien Clay tells the story of Professor Arton Daghdev, a biologist who is interested in alien life, and gets an unwelcome opportunity to study it when he is exiled by an authoritarian government to a political prison on a different planet. There is a good amount of action, but also some reflection on society. I loved Daghdev’s narration with its dry humour, and found this a good page-turner.
Classic Crime Novel with the Most Interesting Setting
E.C.R. Lorac’s Murder in Vienna particularly appealed to me because of its fascinating setting. The descriptions of Vienna are excellent, and I found it especially interesting because it was first published in 1956, and has a lot about the occupation of the city by the different Allied powers after World War Two. There is also a well-developed, if rather complex, mystery.
Most Enjoyable Historical Fantasy
Set in 1920s England The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H.G. Parry is a compelling story about Clover, an engaging narrator. She is an apparently ordinary girl who unexpectedly discovers that she has magical talents which allow her to attend a secret university, Camford. I loved the description of Camford and the dark academia elements. Time passes and, some years after graduating, she finds herself and her friends are in ever more danger when the faerie door is opened. The action builds to an exciting climax.
Most Heart-Warming Children’s Book
Onjali Q. Rauf won a lot of praise for her The Boy at the Back of the Class, but I actually prefer her latest book, The Letter with the Golden Stamp (9+). Audrey lives in Swansea and is trying to avoid anyone realising that she is a young carer for her increasingly disabled mother. Her attempts to resolve their financial problems are both poignant and entertaining. It is very readable and there are some good characters.
Most Impressive YA Novel
I was very impressed by Julian Sedgwick’s 100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Cafe (12+), with illustrations by Chie Kutsuwada. There is a good manga story running through it in which Sedgwick and Kutsuwada help a young boy in his bid to fulfil a quest and return home. The major part of the text, however, consists of interlinked short ghost stories. I really liked these, and enjoyed learning quite a bit about Japanese mythology. I also appreciated the way the stories moved around in time, and seeing some of the characters from different perspectives. It all makes for a compelling read.
These are, of course, only some of the excellent books which can transport you to distant places or times. Do ask if you want any further recommendations.
Happy Reading!
Frances
Please note that I have taken the idea of ‘superlatives’ from the excellent book blogs Elle Thinks (https://ellethinks.wordpress.com/) and Laura Tisdall (https://drlauratisdall.wordpress.com/).
(If you are interested in any of the books on this recommendations list, just give us an email and we’ll order them in for you!)