Jimbo

A classic, 10 Dec 2012

Nicholas Nickleby is a hugely enjoying read. The eponymous hero finds himself destitute following the death of his father. Along with his sister and mother, he hopes that his Uncle, Ralph Nickleby, will show some largesse and help them create a new comfortable life for themselves. Instead Ralph, a miserable usurer, finds positions that are demeaning and low paid for the siblings, with Nicholas sent to a school in Yorkshire run by the uncaring and brutal Wackford Squeers.

It is true to say that this book that contains features that are found in many of Dickens novels: coincidences abound; characters in search of fortune act at the margins of the law; heroes triumph because of… Read more

A cracking read, 14 Nov 2012

The Forgotten Stars is set on the Island of Havensea, situated just off the coast of Kent. Academic Jim Glass goes there on a year's sabbatical to escape a professional and personal scandal. Far from providing a relaxing environment to recharge his batteries and start work on his next academic project, he instead soon finds himself on the frontline defence of the island's entire way of life.

This book starts out as a classic outsider-in-a-close-knit-community story, as Jim tries to find his place within the island and unlock various mysteries, not least the constitutional position of the island. The book slowly broadens out into a pacey political thriller, as Glass is drawn into… Read more

A brilliant follow-up to The Corrections, 26 Oct 2012

In many ways Freedom follows the same formula as Franzen's previous novel, The Corrections. So, we follow the travails of the Berglund family, led by Patty and Walter, as they attempt to navigate their way through life, living their lives in the wake of grievances held against their parents, as indeed happens in turn to their own offspring. The book opens with former neighbours of the Berglund's providing a commentary about their behaviour when they lived on their road, focussing on Patty's overbearing nature and their disappointment upon discovering that their son is having sex with the girl next door. After noting that Walter has been caught up in some kind of scandal, the book moves on… Read more