Norweigan by Night by Derek B. Miller

This is a very difficult book to review. It is about an old Jewish man, Sheldon, who moves to Norway from America to live with his granddaughter, Rhea, after the death of his wife. Rhea and her husband suspect Sheldon may be suffering from dementia and as the reader it is not immediately apparent whether this is a correct diagnoses. Sheldon is apparently confused about his involvement in the Korean War and is racked with guilt over the death of his son, Saul, in the Vietnam War. The plot flicks between Sheldon's recollections of his time at war, his own delusions and an intriguing police investigation into a murder which Sheldon is inadvertently involved in. These transitions were on occasion a bit difficult to follow, particularly the delusions/flashbacks involving the war(s) which, for me, did not sit well with the remainder of the novel. It was almost as if the writer thought the aspects of the novel involving the analysis of war and conflict were too boring so had to be interspersed with some car chases and guns. Which to be fair is very astute. However, although I found the plot a bit disappointing, the writing is excellent and helps to lift this book. This is a very unusual book which is worth a read but is very hard to categorise and it's even harder for me to determine whether I actually liked it.

Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch

Another good fun read in the PC Grant series, which has certainly not yet lost its spark or originality although the writing and the plot line of this novel is in very much the same vein as the previous books. I always enjoy the unusual characters, the excitement of the story lines and the entertaining writing of these novels. Highly entertaining escapism and especially interesting if you live in London.

Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson

Set in World War II, this is a readable but very average book about a young half Welsh, half Turkish girl who is a talented singer. She joins the Entertainments National Service Association and goes to Cairo against the wishes of her family. You can, I am sure, predict the entire the plot based on that introduction. There are better and shorter beach reads.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

An excellent book which I would very much recommend. Don, who apparently has undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome, is a genetics professor in Melbourne approaching his 40th birthday and searching for a wife to share his life with. The book is narrated by Don who is very aware that he does not always behave in a way society expects of him and who struggles to apply logic and reason to social interactions and emotions. Don's friend, Gene, introduces him to Rosie and as Don helps Rosie search for her biological father his inflexible routine is disrupted and his assumptions about his ability to be in a relationship are challenged. The writing in this book is excellent - it is simple but portrays Don clearly and compassionately. Don's dialogues and thought processes often highlight the absurdity of many social practices in a really amusing way but without mocking Don himself. A beautifully written, very funny and touching novel which everyone should read.

The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

Set in the early 1850s, this novel is about Honor, a young Quaker who moves to the US with her sister following the break up of her engagement. Honor suffers during the long journey to Ohio and finds it difficult to settle in her new community, particularly struggling with the prevalence of slavery and the casual racism of her neighbours. As Honor befriends Belle, a non-Quaker milliner, and starts to help runaway slaves to make it to Canada and freedom, she becomes increasingly alienated which puts her relationships under further strain. 

I really enjoyed this book which is very interesting and excellently researched. Honor is a well drawn character but occasionally a little insipid which can be a bit frustrating. Belle is a much more colourful character and possesses a strength of will which makes her much more compelling than Honor. Although I did find the plot a little slow in places, it definitely sustains your interest. Overall a very well written and fascinating book about community and social prejudice.

The Fine Colour of Rust by P. A. O'Reilly

An enjoyable book about a young woman, Loretta, who is bringing up her two children alone in a small Australian town after her husband abandoned them. A book about friendship and loyalty, the plot follows Loretta as she battles to save the local school and to preserve the integrity of her small community. There are some likeable characters in this book, particularly Loretta's neighbour Norm, and the plot is gentle but retains your interest. An easy and enjoyable beach read.

Lost and Found by Tom Winter

An excellent novel about modern society which I very much enjoyed. This book is about a disillusioned mother, Carol, living in Croydon who feels trapped in a bland loveless middle class life. Carol starts to write and post unaddressed letters to express her dissatisfaction and these find their way to Arthur, a post office worker approaching retirement. Although this novel is tinged with what could be a depressing amount of cynicism, it is portrayed humorously and ultimately upliftingly. Both Carol and Arthur are touching, well defined characters who are easy to relate to and completely believable. I enjoyed the writing in this novel which is sensitive and easy to read but has a real depth to it. I would definitely recommend this book.