The Cream of the Crop from Wine, Books & More

Looking for your next great read? Check out these titles, all given four or five stars by Wine, Books & More book club. Some are books that have been making waves, and others you may not have heard of before.

Robert Harris is one of the world’s top historical fiction authors, popular for his gripping storylines and thorough research. His novel Fatherland however is an alternative history, set in a 1964 where Germany has won the war. Into this scenario, he creates a really interesting murder mystery. Our reader gave the book five stars.

But if you don’t like alternative histories, try Munich, also by Robert Harris, which is based on the true story of a plot to assassinate Hitler. Another top read.

Local author Charity Norman’s always popular, and for good reason. In her novel Home Truths In a family is torn apart by online conspiracy theories, with some tragic outcomes. As the blurb asks: how do you fight an invisible enemy? Our reader thought it felt very realistic, a five-star read that keeps you turning the pages.

It’s not surprising that another reader considered James by Percival Everett a five-star read – the book, which reinterprets Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, has won a bunch of book awards. The story is told from the point of view of James, the runaway slave who befriends Huck Finn. A book that really makes you think, says our reader.

Another book shortlisted for a Booker Prize is The Bee Sting by Paul Murray. This story follows the four members of an Irish family, written from four very different points of view. Described as a tragi-comedy, the story is both humorous and devastating, a five-star read from our reader.

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka actually won the Booker Prize. The story takes you to 1980s Sri Lanka during the civil war. The main character wakes up dead in a kind of celestial visa office. He has seven moons to find the man and woman he loves most and help them find hidden photos that will rock the country. A brilliant mystery that expertly blends in the political situation of the time. Highly recommended.

The Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson tells the story of Pheby, born on a Virginia plantation, where she has the protection of her medicine woman mother and the plantation owner’s sister. But instead of promised freedom on her eighteenth birthday, her life takes a terrible turn. This is a very sad historical novel but has a happy if abrupt ending. Four stars.

Dusk by Robbie Arnott is a gripping read about two desperate teenagers in nineteenth century Tasmania. When a puma is said to be living in the highlands, killing shepherds, a bounty is put on its head. Iris and Floyd are down on their luck; the opportunity offered by the bounty lures them into wild country and all kinds of conflict. A brilliant historical read.

Among the highly recommended but lighter reads is Funny Story by Emily Henry. It’s about Daphne and Miles, opposites who put on a romance just for show when the loves of their lives, Peter and Petra become a couple. A nicely turned “fake romance” beach read and an easy four stars.

Another recommended romantic novel is The Words by Ashley Jade which is particularly captivating for its characters who though flawed and complex you can’t help but love them in the end. This story is about Phoenix and Lennon and takes you into the world of music and stardom.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown brings together rare books, librarians and magic. Both a fantasy novel and a thriller, it’s the story of Cassie who finds herself in possession of a strange book with mysterious drawings. It’s also a gateway to a magical world of doors.  Our reader found this book a fun read with twisty time-travel and great characters. Another four-star read.

Emilia Hart’s novel Weyward is named for the ramshackle cottage where Kate flees to escape an abusive relationship. But the cottage which has been in the family for decades, has secrets going back to the witch hunts of the 17the century. An engrossing and fascinating story that imagines the lives of three generations of women and a four-star read.

The Last Dance by Mark Billingham gets the award for the most promising new series. We get to meet Detective Miller, an eccentric officer and also a dancer, returning to work after a bereavement to solve a double murder in a seaside hotel. We’re in Blackpool, and Miller has a new partner to get used to and a puzzling new problem. Plenty of humour and an unforgettable main character.

Wine, Books and More meet on the third Tuesday of the month at Hastings War Memorial Library, at 5:30 pm. New members welcome.

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