The Memory Police - Yoko Ogawa

This book treads the path of just what is to be expected from Japan. It's flight borders on the surreal with the story taking, the route of the far less well trodden.

There's a story within the story, which mimics that of the teller almost identically. But, far enough apart for you wanting to find the conclusion of both. It mirrors the demise of the teller, with whom, as seems to be a Japanese favourite, not telling you the name of the main protagonist. In fact, the only name that I can with some certainty give, is that of the dog (Don).

 

This is up there with some of the best that I have read. I seem to have a love of literature from this part of the world.

Whether, you are new to Japanese works of literature. Or, an old hand. This is something that I recommend as a must read.

Status: Completed.

Rating: 4.7 / 5

My First Pin

Hopefully, plenty more to come. A new adventure starts with NetGalley.

Knife - Jo Nesbo

The twelfth installment of the Harry Hole series. This is up there with the best of Hole's investigations. Being flipped upside down, the detective, becoming the suspect.

The death of one of the main character's in other stories. And Harry's wife of recent outings. Leads to a relapsing Hole being prime suspect.

OK enough of that.

This reads well, very well. I liked the blue edging on the pages. A nice little touch. The pages turned very easily. I know I go on about being drawn in. But, this has it. Easy to lose a couple of hours in.

Status: Completed

Rating: 4.75 / 5

Mindstar Rising - Peter F Hamilton (Audiobook)

OK, so I am a virgin. Well no more. This was my very first audio-book, and I managed to steer clear of the behemoth that is audible. At least for now anyway, to my rescue, my local library does audio books available for loan via an app.

Enough of that anyway, here's what I came here to do.

Mindstar Rising. I realise, that Hamilton at times can be very heavy, and hard to read. However, that to me is acceptable, due to the fact that his stories are compelling. I found myself listening more, and more often. At breaks at work, in the car (on my own only!) at various times during the day, when I should have been doing other things instead.

I think that shows dedication.

The narrator, well voices aren't really his thing. Most sounded like a bad impression of a West Indian, and I'm sure that all of the characters weren't all of the same ethnicity.

Apart from that small thing. It was well written, and on the most part well said.

Backdrop, was, from what I can remember was based on actual possibilities. If the polar ice caps were due to melt because of global warming. Peterborough, a coastal town.

Status: Completed.

Rating: 3.75

The Taking of annie thorne - CJ Tudor

Well, there is no easy way to put this. This, is one of the best books that I have read recently (last 12/18 months). Completed in two sittings, I lost the best part of a full day. As page after page kept turning. Engrossed in the story, like all greats, it pulls you in and refuses to let you go.

I can not recommend this book enough. It is an easy five stars.

Status: Completed.