May 2011 - Book 10

Consolation by Anna Gavalda

I have to admit that sometimes, the cover of a book is the first draw card for me. This was certainly the case with this book with such a lovely cover.

Charles is a life-tired architect, frustrated in his work and life at home. In fact, his only bit of positive feedback and the light of his life is a teenager that is not even his own child. Charles also has a colourful past, dominated by his down to the rules parents , a unique neighbour , her son and a rather unconventional nanny. And although in secret, Charles loved that neighbour, Anouk, not like a son but like the man he was yet to become.

When he receives the news that she has died, his life all of a sudden goes into an out of control spin until, inevitably, he sets out to find her son. There life hands him the best consolation prize ever - Kate, a woman Anouk touched with her unique light. And a woman that will heal his heart.

I found the first half of the book a rather tough read - maybe due to the translation from the original French. But once you reach the last half it turns into pure magic.

A wonderful positive read and well worth a 9/10

May 2011 - Book 11

Wolf Hall - Hillary Mantel

Tom Cromwell starts life as the abused son of a blacksmith and rise to unknown power for a commoner, up to now, as the right hand man of Henry the VIII. As the story of the rise of Tom unfolds, the history of the time paints the rich tapestry that forms the background of the story. Many famous, or shall we say imfamous names become the people that fill the story of Henry's challenge to the church and related history to the reformation, all for the passion to marry Anne Boleyn.

Although a well researched historical novel, the characters become very real people to the reader and the emotions and character of most players gets displayed on a very personal rahter than historical level.

I did find the book rather brutal at times, but I guess that is the level of the horrors that took place in society in the name of religion at the time. I also have to admit that it took me ages to read this book and that I did loose interest at times. I think that it is mainly the use of language (in an almost old, very simple form) that is the reason for this. I does however suit the book and the period very well.

Well researched and written, it is an interesting, but long read.

Cat's opinion: 8/10

May 2011 - Book 12

Gone - Mo Hayder

When a car is hi-jacked with an 11 year old girl still in the back seat, DI Jack Caffery quickly realizes that he is dealing with way more than an accidental disappearance. When the hi-jacker starts to send letters to the victims and police, Jack knows that this was not the last child to be grabbed by this monster. He also realizes that he is dealing with the most intelligent criminal he has ever encountered.

Full of unexpected twists and turns and filled with a colourful range of characters, this book will keep you wanting for more and reading into the wee hours of the morning.

A thriller second to none, this will be only the first of many books by Mo Hayder that I will read.

Cat's mark: a well deserved 9/10