The Life I Left Behind By Colette McBeth
We often hear about “difficult second book syndrome” where an author’s highly anticipated second book fails to measure up to their first best-seller. Not so in this case, as Colette McBeth’s second psychological thriller proves to be even more of a rollercoaster read than her first. Melody Pieterson is a woman on the edge. She seems terrified to leave her house unless accompanied by someone else, she is obsessive about her personal security, and she’s had to give up reading newspapers and watching the news because sad or tragic stories have the potential to overwhelm her. So when she hears about a woman’s body being found in a nearby park, it’s hardly surprising that she reacts strongly. But Melody has a reason for focusing so closely on this particular case. Meanwhile, in Lovely Bones style, there is a narrative arc featuring the woman who has just been found dead. All in all, it’s a very compelling read.
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The Girl on the Train By Paula Hawkins
Touted as this year’s Gone Girl, this newest girl sure has a lot to live up to. Publishers, and readers, are always looking for the next big thing, and Paula Hawkins – former journalist and author of non-fiction titles – has apparently hit the jackpot with her first novel. There is something compelling about The Girl on the Train, which tells the story of the down on her luck Rachel. Her marriage has ended, she is drinking far too much, and she has lost her job but keeps up the pretence of travelling into London every day so as not to alert her housemate that she has sunk this low. While passing by her old street on the train, she catches the odd glimpse of a couple who live down the street, and becomes fascinated with them – giving them names and occupations, and taking pleasure in how close and loved-up they look. But then, one day, she sees something shocking, and when a big news story breaks a few days later, Rachel realizes that she holds a missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. But is her grasp on reality strong enough to convince others of what she knows? If the police don’t believe her, and her family don’t believe her, can we as readers trust her account? It’s no Gone Girl, despite the hype, but it is a lively and gripping read.
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Lucky Us By Amy Bloom
“My father’s wife died. My mother said we should drive down to his place and see what might be in it for us.” As introductions go, it’s a humdinger that sets the tone for a highly engaging and likeable tale. Amy Bloom writes beautifully, but even more than that she has a knack for creating characters we can care about and root for. Eva is 12 and has grown up used to having a part-time father, who steals time away from his ‘other’ family. On the death of his wife, she finally gets to meet her 16-year-old half-sister, and the bond between the two girls will soon surpass any other relationships in her life. Along the way there are other thoroughly engaging people to meet and a quite unorthodox life, although Eva is so matter-of-fact in her narration of events that nothing seems too far-fetched or bizarre. It’s a cracker of a book. As author Colum McCann, no slouch himself in the must-read department, says: “Lucky Us indeed – another Amy Bloom book.”
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The Book of Strange New Things By Michel Faber
Michael Faber’s new book is a hard one to describe. It’s futuristic, without being off-putting to those who dislike science fiction; it has a strong religious core, without alienating those who don’t share those beliefs; and it is peopled by very odd characters who still, somehow manage to resonate with the average human reader. Peter Leigh is a missionary who has been chosen to go on the journey of a lifetime. He will literally be based in another world – another galaxy, even – where, he has been assured, the inhabitants are hungry for the teachings of the Bible. But in order to fulfill his mission, he must leave his beloved wife Bea behind, and he struggles with this part of the equation. When messages from Bea start to describe very scary things happening back on Earth, Peter is torn between his love for her and his growing affection for the strange new beings to whom he is now ministering. It’s a brilliantly original and quite gripping tale of love, humanity, and faith
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Contact Information
Darina Molloy, Castlebar Central Library, John Moore Rd, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Email: dmolloy@mayococo.ie Phone: +353 (0)94 9047953
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