17.Paul Hoffman-The Golden Age of Censorship
I came across this book on a recent trip to Borders(for me,browsing ALWAYS becomes buying)and was immediately interested in the subject matter.The novel is based arond the British Film Secretariat and their work classifying films.The chapters dealing with the difficulty and controversy classifying films like ‘The Last House on the Left’and the ‘Child’s Play’fallout after the murder of James Bulger were particularly of interest to me as I enjoy reading about the history of film and censorship is a particularly interesting issue.Where this book falls short though is in its actual plot.The first person narration is something of an oddity as although the character of Duncan is supposedly involved in the development of the plot itself for the majority of the novel he is barely a presence.This becomes less plausible as the story unfolds as Duncan himself begins to become more unstable and sociopathic.While this novel raises some interestng questions about classification,mentla health and power it never manages to really answer any of them,and fails to add meat to the bones of the complex issues it serves to analyse.
18.Neil Gaiman-Odd and the Frost Giants
A book published exclusively for World Book Day, ‘Odd and the Frost Giants’is a simple adventure in a fantasy terrain.The child hero of the story is an unlikely one as after being injured in an accident he walks with a stick.As he ventures into a frozen landscape Odd meets an eagle,a fox and a bear who tell him stories of bravery and take him on a journey.Rather simplistic as it is obviously aimed at a young audience the book manages to have enough magic to whisk itself along nicely,even if it does have some of Narnia’s sparkle to thank.
19.Ian McEwan-The Cement Garden
My latest McEwan and probably the most unsettling of his works so far.A novella about a family of children and their withdrawal into their own disturbing world after the death of their parents.The thing I love most about McEwan’s books is the sad,often heartbreaking romantic dysfunction at their centre,and this book is no exception.Incest looms over the characters throughout and as a result is an unsettling examination of what can be happening behind closed curtains.Not my favourite McEwan but interesting and tabook breaking none the less.
20.Nicholas Sparks-Dear John
An impulsive purchase for 50p and one I decided to read for some light relief after several heavy going books.This novel revolves around the relationship that develops between a couple in their early twenties,one of whom is in the army.As the years unfold the pair struggle to hold onto what they have,and the impact of 9/11 and John’s decision to re-enlist shatters them.Although the sections on life in Iraq are glossed over,perhaps in an attempt to avoid inaccuracies,the novel highlights the impact on young men in the middle of a war and the effect on the family they left behind.The descriptions and development of the relationship at the book’s core is reminiscent of Jodi Picoult and equally gripping.The tale is sad and although the ending brings no real surprises it’s impressive that a popular author is willing to tackle such contentious issues as the war in Iraq and Autism,the latter of which is dealt with very skillfully indeed.As a gap filler this book exceeded my expectations and I have since invested in several of the author’s other books.
21.Chris Cleave-Incendiary
Before detailing the plot of this book I’d like to urge anyone reading this to book up a copy of the book if they haven’t already.On reading the opening line “Dear Osama”I knew immediately that this book would be effecting and disarming.I was correct.This novel is brief but completely searing and so painful at times I had to look away.Nevertheless it is absorbing and gripping and beautifully observed.Male writers often struggle to craft a tangible female protagonist,but Chris Cleave manages it expertly.
Before I ramble any further I’ll outline the book for you.It revolves around a working class East End woman who loves her husband and child yet seeks the relief of an affair with a neighbour.As she commits infidelity on her sofa a live football match between Arsenal and Chelsea plays in the background,and as she watches a huge explosion attacks the stadium.
What unfolds is a graphic account of the woman’s journey to try and find her family and the horrific injuries she suffers.After her physical recovery she attempts to continue her life without its central elements,and it here the book packs its hardest punch.Not only does the author examine the impact of a terrorist attack on London but the psychological impact on an individual heavily traumatised but its events.The character constantly has graphically haunting visions of those around her being burnt to death and these are brutal and disturbing.In an awful coincidence this book was originally launched on the 7th of July 2005,the day that London was the victim of a very real terrorist attack.Regardless of the fact that this book would have been unlikely to see the light of day had it been submitted for publication after the London attrocities,it is an absolutely essential book for anyone interested in reading a book with its hand at the heart of modern England.A film version is due for release soon and I will eagerly anticipate its arrival.
