February 2010: Book no 3

Book no 3: Vinegar Hill by Manette Ansay
Imagine the bottom falling out of your world - loosing your beloved home and being forced to live with the most unpleasant people you can imagine - your in-laws, in a house filled with old dark secrets that shaped the ones living in it. This is what happens to Ellen when her husband looses his job and she becomes the carer not only of her family but her sour in -laws.

Even Ellen's husband changes accordingly, as if the environment shapes him into a vinegar sodden creature. I will never forget the line when he tells his children that it is hell having kids. Ellen needs to escape, and further than just her regular nighttime walk, dreaded by all but her.

The title functions on so many levels and truly reflects the mood of the place that it names. Well written and captivating this is a great read I can recommend to all.

Cat's rating; A well deserved 8/10.

January 2009 - Book 3

Book no 3 - Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

I am not a biography or autobiography reader. I have read and enjoyed a few, but they are not my chosen poison.I like the escape of fiction. But some true stories are certainly larger than fiction. This is one of those, and so well told.

The book tells the story of a dirt poor Chinese boy that gets chosen to go to the elite state ballet school - without ever having seen a ballet or know what it is about. It provides him with the opportunity to escape the hardships so graphically described and the chance to have a better future. In time he becomes a star and see the world. But he also realizes how he has been brainwashed to believe the communist principles forced down with the pirouettes.

The book is well written and holds the attention although it is a long read. I found life in communist China fascinating and the portrial of the west through his eyes is just amazing to read.

Cat's opinion: A well deserved 8/10