The True Deceiver - Tove Jansson

Tove Jansson is best known for her children's books about the Moonins, and I'd hazard a guess that most people would be surprised to learn that she wrote adult books.

I'm at a bit of a loss to describe this book; it appears to be about a woman and her brother's relationship with an older woman who is a children's book illustrator (it did cross my mind that it might be part biographical, but having finished it I think that's unlikely).

Like other Scandinavian novels I've read, and films I've seen, the author seems to feel no need to give her characters any depth, no history or back story.

I still don't understand (or really care if I'm honest) the motives for any of the things the characters do, or really what the book is about.

If I were to hazard a guess I'd say it's about truth, lies, deception and the gullibility of people.

I know that John enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure I'll be rushing to read another Tove Jansson book, having finished this I'm left feeling unsatisfied and with lots of unanswered questions.

Bought by John from Amazon.
21st May - 6th June 2011

Chasing the heretics - Rion Klawinski

In the summer of 1999 with my then boyfriend, Rob, we made a sort of pilgrimage to the Languedoc region in Southern France.

I say pilgrimage as for Rob it was. Having seen a Channel 4 documentary about the Cathars and their subsequent demise in the 13th century, he had decided to write a book about them; they were mainly based in the Languedoc region.

So returning here in 2011 I was keen to find out more, and also visit some of the sites and towns I'd been to previously.

On arrival I discovered a library of books in the house we'd rented. Amongst these was 'Chasing the heretics', lauded in the house visitors book as a 'good read' - I agree!

It's taken me 24 hours to read this part history and part travel journal around the region and story of the persecution and eventual eradication of the Cathars.

I knew the basics; of the glossy and unjust attack on Bram, of the blood thirsty land grabbing by Simon de Montfort, and the beliefs of the Cathars themselves.

In my first year at university I'd even written a short essay on the Albigensian Crusades - although it was probably completely crap!

But this book put much of it in order for me, and located it all in the landscape we were staying in on a recent trip to France.

The modern visits by Klawinski are interesting (despite to being that well written), and show how little remains of a very troubled time in the region. But the historical sections were of most interest to me - even if I am unsure of the academic rigour of what is written.

The book uses as it's main sources two books that I am aware of but haven't read - 'The Albigensian Crusades' by Jonathan Sumption (1978), and 'The Albigensian Crusades' by Joseph R Strayer (1971) - I wonder if anything has been written more recently?

It's fired my interest again, and I'm keen to visit some of the sites mentioned.

Borrowed from library of rented cottage in France.
3rd - 4th June 2011

Lilian's Story - Kate Grenville

I came to this book after reading The Secret River, and I wasn't sure when I first starting reading, or even two thirds of the way through. But it was certainly worth persevering with.

The Lilian of the title comes from a moneyed, but obviously damaged family early in the last century. It tells of her life, the rejection of her role as a debutant, her decision to go to university, and her eventual life on the streets living in a storm drain, reciting Shakespeare to anyone who will listen.

I found myself caring for 'fat Lil', and hoping that she would find the happiness she so longed for.

Although slow to get going, this is a fascinating story told by Lil herself. It made me wonder if it was based on a true character or story?  I'm certainly going to be looking at other Kate Grenville books.

April - May 2011

One Day - David Nicholls

Em and Dex, Dex and Em meet on the day of their graduation, too late in their university career for a relationship and anyway they are so mismatched it's unlikely to have lasted.

The One Day of the title refers to the author's method of telling the story of a near 30 year friendship between Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew.  Each chapter tells of St Swithen's Day (July 15th), the anniversary of the day the couple met.

But to me this isn't a love story, it's a story of how life doesn't ever go as you planned.

Many parts of Emma's life really struck a cord with me, and at points her friendship with Dexter reminded me of my friendship with Nigel (although Nigel and I have never actually taken it further than friendship).

But the observations of a woman in her 30s with no husband, children or career really hit home! I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to.

Bought in Doncaster library for 10p!
April 7th - 13th 2011 (in Spain)

True Grit - Charles Portis

If you've seen either the recent Coen Brothers film (and you should as it's excellent) or the original John Wayne film you'll know the story.

Fourteen year old Mattie hires a US Marshall, Roster Cogburn, to help her avenge the murder of her father.

In a time (mid 1800s) when women were very much homemakers, its interesting to read the story of how she sets of with Cogburn and a Texas ranger to catch (or kill) her man.

Written as if told by an older Mattie (in the 1920s) the voice is perfect and engaging, and despite knowing the story I was gripped from the beginning.

I read this book in one day (on holiday), it's a short read and the story is simple - the beauty is in the telling and the characters.

As the foreword by Donna Tartt indicates, it's a favourite of many (including Roahl Dahl), and I'd certainly agree.

Bought at Watford Gap Services

7th April 2011

Paranormality - Richard Wiseman

Yet again Richard Wiseman has written an interesting and engaging science book, unfortunately it's unlikely that those who really need to read and take note of the contents will get past the first chapter (how to cold read fortune tell).  Let alone read scientific explanations for out of body experiences, bending metal with mind power, speaking with the dead, hauntings, mind reading, foreseeing the future and talking mongooses!

This book is a skeptical look at the paranormal, and as such really is unlikely to be read by many believers in the supernatural.

As with his previous books I enjoyed the style and the frequent 'speaking' directly to the reader!  But I have to admit to being left wanting more from each chapter.  Wiseman has been studying these things for years and I'm sure there are more examples.

There is an accompanying website with added information and videos.  In fact throughout the book there are QR tags which link to short films and audio clips - although I currently don't have a phone capable of viewing them I will be visiting the site on my pc.

3rd - 7th April 2011 - whilst in Spain

Bought at WHSmiths at Watford Gap services.

The earth hums in B flat - Mari Strachan

Gwenni lives in rural Wales sometime after the second world war, but before decimalisation (I spent a lot of the novel trying to figure out when), with her Mam, Tada and sister Bethan.

She often looks after the two children up the hill, but when their father is found floating in the local reservoir Gwenni thinks that the police are on the wrong track, and wonders why her mam is so disturbed by the whole thing.

Oh yes, and Gwenni can fly - mostly in her sleep, unlike when she was younger and could fly when awake.

This book was slow and relaxed, yet enjoyable in a calming way. I'd like to have known when it was set, given it was very rural Wales the cultural clues were little help!

I enjoyed the voice of Gwenni telling the story, and the depictions of the reactions to the events in the small community, in fact I'd like to know what happened afterwards.

As a first novel, which this was, it was impressive - well worth picking up for a relaxing read.

I can't remember where I got it!

Late February to early March 2011