Rosanna’s Autumn Book Reviews

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

This novel has been the subject of much praise and discussion, particularly with regard to its plot twist(s) which apparently led to Judy Finnigan’s comment about it having one of the best twists she has ever read. Hence the book’s meteoric rise up the book charts. But it should be there anyway – it’s a great and gripping read, compelling from first to last. If I had to quibble I would say that I preferred the ‘Jenna in Wales’ story to the police procedural. But having said that, the characters of Ray and Kate provided an effective counterpoint to the main plot with stories which were also relevant and interesting if slightly predictable. Jenna however comprised much more fascinating shades of grey. At times I wanted her to fight back and be stronger, but it was easy to see how she had lost sight of her strength – this was very convincing. Clare Mackintosh tackles this thought provoking subject with sensitivity and perception.  I also loved the characters Jenna meets in Wales – Bethan, Patrick and Iestyn. A good mixture! I don’t want to give away any spoilers about this psychological thriller, so I will just say that if you like a compelling plot with lots of unpredictable twists and turns, then this is for you. It’s a five star read.

The Lie by CL Taylor

Another slice of domestic noir… I love this genre. The Lie is about a woman who is not who she says she is. Five years ago she changed her identity and this gives CL Taylor her structure for the book. For me, it works well. The chapters switch between the main character’s horrifying experiences while on holiday in Nepal with three girlfriends and what is happening in the present day. Both timeframes are compelling because it seems the past has returned to haunt the present and it is time for Emma/ Jane to solve the past mystery. The story is told in first person narrative from her point of view and she seems likeable – it is rather confusing then when her friends begin to treat her so badly…

That aside, the plot is believable and Emma’s not knowing who she can trust is one of the aspects that give the storyline so much sense of menace. The cult they meet up with in Nepal is also very creepily believable and sinister. The Lie makes you think too about how far we can trust those whom we are close to. Another gripping read by CL Taylor. I will be looking out for her next book.

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

I am a huge fan of Sarah Waters. I love her quietly compelling writing, her attention to detail, her gradual builds and the way she presents a slow but simmering passion. This book is set in 1920s London and as always, her research is both impeccable and unobtrusive. Frances Wray lives here with her mother; the pair are still grieving for Frances’s brothers killed in the Great War and are impoverished by Frances’s late father’s debts. Frances’s life appears unsettled and empty – following her one past romantic loss, she has become resigned to the life she leads. And so the stage is set for the entrance of a couple from another social world, lodgers no less, from a ‘lower class’, Lillian and Leonard Barber who bring a certain modernity into the genteel household and who prove to unsettle Frances still further, although in different ways. My only criticism of this atmospheric and beautifully written book is that the story sags slightly in places and feels a touch repetitive. It seemed a little too long and the ending too drawn out. But it feels harsh to criticise such a brilliant author. It’s not Fingersmith, but it’s still a fabulous read.

A Single Breath by Lucy Clarke

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author and it impressed me with its clever construction, fresh use of language and fast pace. From the onset, it delivers drama – we are introduced to Jackson, who is in love with his wife but who nevertheless disappears early one morning whilst fishing on a wild Dorset coastline. The author then uses the primary narrative voice (of his wife Eva) to explore the story of their relationship and also of his past as Eva goes to Tasmania to meet Jackson’s family and friends in her quest to find out more. Here, I loved the descriptions of landscape and especially Eva’s discovery of the free dive experience which felt very authentic and liberating and helped balance some of the (albeit necessary) dark emotions on the page. To say more about the plot would be to give too much away, but the story fizzes with drama and it is confidently told. And the ending – thankfully – does not disappoint. A neatly structured and compelling read.

The Sudden Departure of the Frasers by Louise Candlish

As always, Louise Candlish’s writing has good pace and balance and her characters are strong and uncompromising. She draws the reader into the story with consummate ease. In this novel, she uses two female narrators. Amber Fraser was, this narrator admits from the start a ‘wild child’ with rough beginnings but she has since married well (the ‘silver fox’ Jeremy, older than Amber, self-confident and successful) and tried to leave her past life behind her. The couple move into a ‘perfect’ suburban house and Amber proceeds to charm the neighbours. But for some reason they leave this ‘forever’ house a short time later and disappear. Why? As we read on, we gradually discover the answer. The second narrator, Christy, is the woman who (with her husband Joe) buys the house they cannot afford at a ridiculously low price because the Frasers do not want it anymore. They try to fit in with a neighbourhood still smarting over the mysterious events surrounding the sudden departure of the Frasers. Made redundant, Christy makes it her business to find out what really happened, but in the process, hers and Joe’s lives become affected by turmoil of their own. It was hard to put this book down. Neither of the female characters were particularly likeable and Christy’s story felt slightly unfinished, but the novel remained a fascinating read. Louise Candlish is excellent at exploring psychological drama as she allows the story to gradually unfold – and her characterisation is spot on. Thoroughly engaging.

 

Creative Writing in Bridport

You’d be forgiven for getting confused. We have an Open Book event, we have Page to Screen, we have the Bridport Prize (literary) and we have Bridport Literary Festival… Is it any wonder that this town attracts writers of all genres and styles? (We like to think we’re a creative lot here in Bridport.)

So last night it was the turn of the Open Book Event organised magnificently by Frances Colville, which kicked off with a short story slam at the gorgeously atmospheric Beach & Barnicott on South Street, just opposite Bucky Doo Square. There were three judges (Nick Macey, manager of Waterstones Bookshop, Gail Aldwin, short story writer and myself) one MC (novelist Laura James) and lots of writers – so names had to go into a hat.

We eventually heard 12 stories of up to 5 minutes long with due judgerly deliberation after each section. There was fantasy and there was satire, there was comedy and there was pathos, there was excellent presentation all round as twelve writers had their names plucked from the hat, came to the stage and gave it their all.

Us judges were struck by the variety and range of the writing, the confidence of delivery and the multitude of voices we heard in those 12 short stories. It’s always hard to judge. Do you focus on technical merit over story and content or is a story which makes you laugh better than one that makes you sad? Do you forgive changes of viewpoint and weak endings or do these writerly crimes disqualify their authors from success? Well, yes and no. Ultimately, a good short story in a slam is one which engages the listener from beginning to end, which has a point and which uses language well. If a writer can be original and if a concept can be fresh; if a writer can make us laugh or cry or take us on a compelling journey – all the better.

The winner was Rob Casey with a sharply observed character sketch in eleven (thirteen actually, but he ran out of time) parts entitled Life of Guy. He was (unlike this cliché) a breath of fresh air.

The event raised £100 for Word for the Wounded. Prizes were kindly donated by Waterstones and Hive Beach Café and contributing businesses also included Beach & Barnicott and the Bridport Arts Centre.

Keep writing in Bridport. We love to listen…

Writing at Finca el Cerrillo – 2015

Writing Holiday or Writing Retreat? It’s hard to say, as this was both. For some, it’s a chance to escape from distractions at home in order to focus on a writing project; for some it’s a chance to be surrounded by other writing minds in order to get feedback, find new ideas and a springboard from which to launch a new short story, novel or poem. For others it’s a chance to relax, chill, reflect, and enjoy the excellent food, the Spanish vibe, the sun and the pool…

From the start I told the group that the amount of time they spent on individual writing was entirely their decision – this isn’t the place for hassling people to write or providing deadlines; it’s far too chilled for that. But everyone did write. And as usual we ended up with an eclectic mix which included autobiography, children’s writing, a historical novel, travel writing, fiction based on true events, and lots more besides.

This year we welcomed three new writers to the group and they fitted in with ease. It’s always great to see familiar faces but we need some fresh faces too – that’s always the best mix. We had morning writing sessions in the cool, white workshop and late afternoon feedback sessions under the carob tree on the terrace. We had a meeting in the tree house Gordon has built inside an olive tree (yes, really) and one to ones in one of the shady chill out areas with stunning mountain views. On our day off some of us went to Competa for lunch and on Saturday we went to the market there. We had evening meals there twice (all included in the price of the package) memorably at Oscars, from where we went on to watch some traditional flamenco dancing, and once at the nearer village of Canillas. The rest of the time we ate at the finca (where the food is wonderful, but I must stop going on about the food). Because we were there to write and write we did. It was wonderful. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen.