April 29, 2007

• book reviews

     There have been a number of good books that have crossed my path lately. The one I'm reading now "Timothy, or Notes of an Abject Reptile" by Verlyn Klinkenborg is one such. Told from the viewpoint of a tortoise which lived in the garden of amatuer naturalist Rev. Gilbert White in the late 1700's, it's wonderfully atmospheric with it's descriptions("asparagus forests") & use of old-fashioned words("embosomed"). It's not a Disney tortoise, rather a philosophical one who turns his keen eye on not only nature, but of the humans surrounding him.

     A more conventional novel is "Breakable You" by Brian Morton, set in modern day NYC, concerning 3 members of a family; mother Eleanor, a therapist, father Adam, a pompous author & Maud, their adult daughter, a perpetual philosophy student. Her new boyfriend, Samir, rounds out the main characters, all of whom are drawn with crisp, clear strokes. The book delves into human thoughts that aren't often explored & some of it is so touching that I sobbed. It is a quiet book, about the interactions of these 4 people, but has a haunting quality that will stay with you long after you've finished it.

      Something very different is "The Gatecrasher", Madeline Wickham's story of a lady con artist who hooks up with wealthy widowers at funerals. When she becomes involved with the latest victim's family, the Favours, it's often difficult to tell who is influencing whom. Manipulation, manners & subtle humor in an English country manor.

     There you have it, the best books I've read in the past 2 months. If any pique your interest, you can probably find them at your local library or bookstore.

    

  • 6:42 pm
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