Author: Slavomir Rawicz

This was a book from Mum and Dad’s shelf and, from the tape outline inside the cover, I assume it came from a book club offering; the brochure itself had been removed. One day we were looking at our book shelves and I came across a couple from Mum and Dad’s collection and pulled them out to read.

The Foreward purports this to be the true account of an escape from a Siberian labour camp, across Siberia, through the Gobi desert and over the Himalayas to safety in India. On looking a bit further online it seems that this may not, in fact, be a true story. Or if it is true it perhaps didn’t happen to the teller of the tale. Either way I enjoyed the read.

As the journey progressed I followed along on a map of Russia. I realized that were I dropped into the middle of nowhere I wouldn’t have a clue which direction I should travel to reach safety and, if I was dropped in another country, I wouldn’t have a clue what countries bordered where I was. Perhaps I need to spend more time learning my geography.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Jo Nesbo

I’ve read a few books by this author but this is the first that wasn’t part of the Harry Hole series.

The story is mainly from the point of view of one of two brothers, Carl and Roy. Roy has remained in Norway at the family homestead while Carl has travelled to both the USA and Canada. The mystery and mayhem begins to be revealed when Carl returns to Norway with his wife. He has great plans to build a resort hotel on the mountain near their home and wants the whole town to invest in it.

The story plays out quite slowly and by the time I was finished I was tired of them all.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Author: Boyne, John

Pat brought this home from the library but it was due back before I had finished it. Knowing it was only a two-week loan I added my name onto the list and waited for it to come back to me.

There are four stories in the book, each with their own plot line, and each of the stories are connected in one way or another. The connections weren’t always obvious and I enjoyed finding them.

Water tells the story of a woman whose husband has been convicted of the rape of several young girls in his care. One of her daughter’s has died by suicide and the other doesn’t want much to do with her mother. Willow has come to an isolated island, off Galway, in order to sort herself and her life out.

Earth tells the story of a young man from the island who longs to be a painter but lacks the talent. Evan does, however, have an innate ability in football. After trying unsuccessfully to realize his dream he gives up and joins a professional football team. All does not go well for the naive man and his life takes on a downward spiral in spite of the money he is making.

Fire tells the story of a doctor who specializes in treating burns. Freya had a traumatic experience in her less-than-ideal childhood and that trauma has followed her through into adulthood. In spite of her successful career she continues her habit of picking up and molesting young boys.

Air tells the story of a child psychologist who has moved from London to Sydney, Australia. He is in a dysfunctional marriage that seems to suit both parties. When their marriage breaks up Aaron is left to raise their son. His ex-mother in law’s funeral brings them all back to the island where their secrets are revealed to their son.

Author: Dexter, Pete

This book sat on the shelf on Texada for a long time. After reading a book that was really awful it was time to find something I might like better. The book cover reminded me of another book I loved – Bastard Out of Carolina – so I thought I’d give it a read.

Paris Trout is a mean shopkeeper who earns extra money on the side by lending to the Negro population in his small Southern town. A series of events, over the lending and purchase of a vehicle, leads to the murder of little Rosie Sayers, a 14-year old coloured girl. Through the book we learn of Rosie’s difficult past and the horrific man Paris Trout is.

I’m surprised our library doesn’t carry any of the author’s work, but I’d certainly read more if I came across them. This one will stay on my shelf.

Goodreads Rating: * * * * *