The Diamond Takers (The Lady Violet Mysteries No. 3) by Karen Wallace

A good read, if a quick one, and, presumably as I am older than the intended audience, I managed to work out what was going on quite early in the story. However, that did not spoil the enjoyment of this book that I practically read cover to cover on the first day of my holidays! What a fun way to start the week!

The Time Machine - HG Wells

At last! I always enjoyed the film, and now, finally reading this novella, I could picture the film as I read the story ... particularly the scene where the Time Traveller rushes through the years watching the tailor's dummy change fashions. Which is not mentioned in the book ... the rushing years are mentioned, not the dummy. Anyway, I'm glad to have finally read and enjoyed this book!

Maps for Lost Lovers by Nadeem Aslam

Another magical journey through a Pakistani community, this time one based in Britain in the 1970s or so. A sad story, or rather a collection of sad stories, of loves lost, stolen, destroyed, misunderstood, of families at loggerheads, of marriages complicated and confused. An insightful view into a community of closed and off limits, sharing passions and heartaches. Highly recommended, beautifully written.

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Season of the Rainbirds by Nadeem Aslam

This is was also quite bleak in some ways, but in a much lighter and more poetic way. Nineteen years ago a train crashed, and three bags of post have only just been discovered. The running thread through the book is wondering how these newly discovered letters might affect the community, but there are already enough intrigues in this small village in Pakistan, and political unrest in the rest of the country, to cause disruption to lives. A very picturesque book.

(There is also an ongoing "other" story between the main action, that I think I'd need to revisit to fully understand. Was it one of the lost letters? Or the history of one of the characters?)

A mysterious book, then, like the ending.

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Some Kind of Black by Diran Adebayo

I think "gritty realism" best describes this one. Dele is studying in Oxford, but on a trip home to London is roughed up by the police, along with his sister, Dapo, and friend, Concrete. His sister goes into a coma, and the resulting benefit gigs see Dele come into contact with a variety of gangsters and ne'er-do-wells.

This is a book about growing up black in North London in the 90s. Insightful; perhaps a bit too bleak for me at times, though.


Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange