Bookish Hits and Misses from Flaxmere Library Book Chat

We discovered some brilliant new historical novels at our recent Book Chat meeting, and the variety of books in this genre is quite surprising. Maybe it's the next big thing in fiction. We also talked about some great suspenseful reads, with a couple of contemporary fiction books as well. Click on the titles to discover links to the library catalogue.

All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher is the true story of the Jane Collective, an organisation based in 1970s Chicago, that helped women with reproductive advice and safe, but illegal, abortions. The story follows Veronica, Margaret and Patty who each come to help out from different backgrounds, each with their own issues and secrets. While there is support for the Jane Collective in some quarters of the establishment, there are also those who are vehemently against them. A really interesting novel that is also a window onto a different time, with an issue that gives plenty of food for thought.

The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng has sparked one reader to reread her old copy of The Complete Short Stories of W Somerset Maugham. While describing the famous author’s sojourn in Penang at the house of an old friend, it is really the story of Lesley, his reluctant hostess. A beautiful story about the expat community, its secrets and betrayals, a changing political environment as well as the process of writing and creating stories.

1920s London is the setting for The Hidden Child by Louise Fein. Eleanor and Edward seem to have the perfect life, Edward however is a pioneer in the eugenics movement. When their young daughter Mabel begins to have seizures, she is hidden away, as her discovery would only damage Edward’s reputation. This book was a compelling story, well written but the attitudes to people who were deemed "less than perfect" made our reader’s blood boil.

Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop by Lesley Eames is an enthralling, character-driven novel set in an English town during World War II. Our three main characters are Naomi, who is unhappily married to a man who controls her money; Alice who is lost with her husband away at war, but happy she is carrying his child; and Kate who is in love with a pilot, but whose brother has returned home to their farm with terrible injuries. Can they get through the war unscathed?

A Woman Made of Snow by Elisabeth Gifford follows the story of Caroline, newly married with a tiny baby, and stuck at home at Kelly Castle, her husband’s family estate in Scotland. She’s missing her husband who is busy at work while having to put up with a difficult mother-in-law. Sorting through family archives, Caroline come across a family secret that goes back a hundred years and as far as the Arctic Circle. A stunning read, much recommended.

A more contemporary read is The Crossroads by Pamela Cook. This novel is set in rural Australia in a struggling town where the local pub is the hub of a small town. Rosie O’Shea has inherited the Crossroads Hotel from her husband, but it’s losing money and in need of repairs. Stephanie’s dealing with a distant husband and a drought-damaged property, while Sydney girl Faith is out of work and furious that she’s only just found out she’s adopted. A story of three women, their problems and secrets and endeavours to forge a brighter future. A great read.

Anyone who has ever sung in a choir will relate to All Together Now by Gill Hornby. The story follows a struggling community choir, desperate for new members as it aims to compete in the regional choir championships. The story follows three main characters: Annie who works hard in the background, planning and paperwork and setting out the tea while hiding her own troubled marriage; socially awkward Bennett who is recently separated and a bit lonely; and new recruit Tracey who can really sing, but who hides an embarrassing secret. A feel-good read about new beginnings.

Ramping up the suspense is The Chasm by Bronwyn Hall which one reader described as an edge-of-the-seat thriller. People blamed Andy King for the disappearance of Will Hoffman, her boyfriend years ago. So she left her hometown and vowed never to return. But a decade later, homesickness sends her back for a break – a  need for the mountains and fresh air. But her return sparks a threat to someone who is as desperate for Will to remain lost as Andy is to clear her name.

The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner is a domestic thriller about Tash, a new parent who was formerly an investigative journalist, now trying to go freelance. Joining a playgroup in her area, she comes into contact with a group of “yummy mummies” each with more disposable income than Tash can dream of. A mystery surrounding the death of a young nanny might be the story Tash needs, but at what cost? A very gripping read with a completely unexpected ending.

Another ripping read was Zero Days by Ruth Ware. The story is narrated by Jacintha (Jack) who with husband Gabe is a penetration expert - testing the security of businesses, their computer systems, as well as entrances and exits. When Jack discovers Gabe has been murdered, she's suddenly suspect number one. She has to go on the run to clear her name and discover who killed the love of her life. Terrific suspense as well as an interesting look at the dark side of the internet.

All the Broken Places by John Boyne follows on from The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, picking up the story of Gretel, sister to the tragic young boy from the first book. Now 91 and living in London, Gretel doesn’t talk about the war, or her escape from Nazi Germany at the age of 12. She becomes friendly with her neighbours, particularly young Henry. When she suspects abuse against the boy by his father, she must decide if she can save Henry, and face up to her own guilt. Another gripping read with a powerful emotional pull.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt is the 1992 novel that made the author’s name, now reprinted for the umpteenth time. It follows a group of students at Hampden College, who fall under the spell of their eccentric tutor, Julian Morrow, who teaches Ancient Greek. There is a death and a secret that can’t be revealed at any costs, but our reader found this book too lacking in pace to keep going with it. A good cure for insomnia, was the verdict.

Flaxmere Library Book Chat next meets on 16 April at 10:30 am. All welcome.

9 April 2024

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