On the Calculation of Volume I – Solvej Balle
This is a great variation on the time-loop story. Tara, our narrator, wakes up on November 19 only to discover that it’s actually November 18 again. For the rest of the book she repeats November 18 every day, gradually realising … Continue reading
In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower – Marcel Proust
In Search of Lost Time continues. The narrator is now an adolescent, so this book is largely concerned with his newfound fascination with young ladies. The first half of the book continues on from the last book, featuring Swann and … Continue reading
The Dream Hotel – Laila Lalami
In a near future dystopia, we live in a panopticon: we’re all under universal surveillance, and computers constantly weigh up everything we say and do. If the algorithms determine that we are likely to commit a crime, we are institutionalised … Continue reading
Parade – Rachel Cusk
Parade is quite austere in style, but still packs an emotional and intellectual punch. The book is in four sections; they are connected, with a few characters’ stories intertwined throughout. Among the cast are three artists, all just called “G”. … Continue reading
But What If We’re Wrong? – Chuck Klosterman
Which artist is the essence of rock music? Who is the greatest writer of the last hundred years? Are we living in a simulation? These are all interesting questions. This book is about these questions and many more, but mainly … Continue reading
The Ministry of Time – Kaliane Bradley
Government-controlled time travel: what could possibly go wrong? The setting is pretty much the modern day, with the addition of time travel: occasional government-controlled time travel, enabling the titular Ministry of Time to research the physiological effects of time travel … Continue reading
Gould’s Book of Fish – Richard Flanagan
I do like a bit of fanciful historical fiction. The narrator finds the titular book, which is unique and strange and possibly magical, and tries to find out about its provenance. The tale goes back to a convict transported to … Continue reading
The Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank
Most people’s diaries are probably pretty boring to everyone else. (I’m pretty sure mine would be.) But not this one! During an incredibly difficult and stressful two years, Anne Frank chronicles her life cooped up with a bunch of other … Continue reading
Birnam Wood – Eleanor Catton
This is what happens when a guerrilla gardening collective called Birnam Wood meets an amoral billionaire who is up to no good (typical amoral billionaire stuff). Birnam Wood is set in New Zealand, partly in Auckland, and it’s always exciting … Continue reading
Audition – Katie Kitamura
This starts as a tense and austere description of an ambiguous relationship, as a young man comes into the life of a successful older actress. He’s a bit odd – his story doesn’t quite seem to add up. Just as … Continue reading