Archive of Books Reviewed in 2010-2011

These are some reviews from our previous web forum. We posted them here so they do not get lost ...

The Mayor of Casterbridge - Thomas Hardy

Star rating 8.5

The group gave this book a rating of 8.5 overall, although this does not reflect that it actually gained 4 votes of 10/10. The book was really loved by some of the group, others found the writing style hard to get into, although perhaps not as hard as they might have expected.


Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami

star rating 5

There was a mixed reaction to this book, and the star ratings varied from 1/10 to 8/10. Some of the group felt that the book may have lost something in translation. It was also felt by some that it would have been better to have more glimpses of "real" Japan. The book in a lot of ways could have taken place anywhere.
Any other opinions?


The Light of Evening by Edna O'brien

Star rating 3

Some members of the book group had read other books by this author and were disappointed with this book. Others were new to her books and wouldn't choose another by this author on the strength of this book


Small Island by Andrea Levy

Star rating 8.5

The group overall enjoyed this book immensely, a real eye-opener for a lot of us.


Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Star rating 5

The star ratings for this book from our group ranged from 1/10 to 8/10


Toast by Nigel Slater

Star rating 8

This book was enjoyed by the whole group, especially for the food nostalgia. It was an easy and enjoyable read.


The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
star rating 9

Everyone in the group enjoyed this book and gave a rating of 9/10. I would thoroughly recommend this book.



Visible World by Mark Slouka
Star Rating 5

Visible World by Mark Slouka 5/10. As a group we thought it was difficult to get into especially the first 2 parts. We agreed it was beautifully written, but the story jumped around a lot, making it difficult to follow. The insight into Czech history was also interesting – most of us agreeing we did not know anything about the role of Czechoslovakia in the 2nd WW.


The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler
star rating 6

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Enjoyed thoroghly by most of our group, a couple of people really didn't like it but the rest thought it was brilliant 9/10
Star Rating 9/10


Spies by Michael Frayn

This book had very mixed reactions, ranging from 3/10 to 8/10 with an even split of opinions


The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk

Star Rating 7.5/10

An easy and enjoyable read for most of our group, yet still managing to cover some heavy topics.


The Suspicions of Mr Whicher or The Murder at Road Hill House by Kate Summerscale

Star Rating 7/10

A mixed set of reviews from our group, ranging from 4/10 to 9/10, more difficult to judge because it is a true story written like a novel but with all the research included.


The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

Star Rating 6.5/10

There was a real spread of marks for this book.


When will there be good news by Kate Atkinson


Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry


The Earth Hums in B flat by Mari Strachan

Star Rating 8.5/10

Everyone enjoyed it, especially the character of Gwenni. Most of the group would read something else by that author.


Brixton Beach by Roma Tearne

Star Rating 8/10

Ratings ranged from 6.5 to 9/10 for this book, some found it slow to start with, others couldn't put it down.

Re: Star Rating 8/10
Carolyn

The main section of the book was a lovely read, made me want to learn more about the history of Ceylon/Sri Lanka; shame about the introduction and the final part, as I felt uncomfortable about using the backdrop of the 2007 London bombings.

Re: Star Rating 8/10
Rache

Yes I agree about the start and end, it was a difficult backdrop to use. I found it a good read over all too, but would have been happier with a different ending.


The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Star Rating 9/10

shocking ending

We gave ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne 9/10. We very much liked the book despite the subject matter and apart from those that had seen the film the ending came as quite a shock! It was interesting to see the holocaust from a child’s point of view, how they tried to make sense of what was going on in the adult world and the camp on their doorstep.


Brutal Art

Star Rating 7.5/10


We gave ‘Brutal Art’ by Jesse Kellerman 7.5/10. The majority of us liked it and would read something else by the author. We thought the book offered a lot more than just a straightforward crime novel, with details about the art world, romance, hidden family secrets and relationships all wrapped up in a murder mystery.


‘Home’ by Marilynn Robinson

Star Rating 5/10


We gave Home by Marilynne Robinson 5/10. It generated much discussion, but did not ‘grab us’ like some of the other books. We thought it was brave of her to write a story that mainly featured three characters and the strained relationship between them.


Hector and the Secrets of Love by Francois Lelord

Star Rating 7/10

Good discussion

We gave this 7/10, although we probably would not read another title by him. We decided it was easy to read and you could read it on different levels from an easy read to deep philosophical debates about what true love is and the ethics and pitfalls of a love potion. We all agreed it was right to throw away the research and love potion.


Restless by William Boyd

Star Rating between 3/10 and 9/10! Average 6/10

mixed reactions

A real mix of reactions, some people really loved it, others couldn't get into it, and didn't like the characters.