Summer 2024 - Issue 176
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Summer Reading

It’s summer time and, in addition to the usual book review, Barrow Community Library Book Lovers Club are pleased to recommend a whole range of books to keep you occupied in the sun or in the rain.

Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry

Tom Kettle, widower and recently retired from the Irish Garda has his peace disturbed by the visit of two former colleagues who question an old case. The story unfolds centring around Tom’s deep love for his deceased wife. As his memories of childhood, first love, fatherhood and police career are peeled back and brought into focus, the effects of the many traumas in his life are revealed

The love story, the murder mystery, the ghost story, all combine in a sometimes shocking and heartbreaking way, but, by the author’s absolute skill his words pour into you, stun you and amaze you. You can somehow forgive the occasional confused recollections as they seem so appropriate to the circumstances. Even the ending, where questions are answered, is somehow totally satisfying. I wasn’t sure of this at the beginning but became hooked very quickly. Not for the faint-hearted, not a happy read but a stunning piece of writing by Barry.

Catherine Holmes


Here are some further recommendations for your holiday reading from the Barrow Community Library Book Lovers Club. Enjoy!

Rachel’s Holiday
by Marian Keyes

A deliciously dark and funny story of a woman who lives life rather too well and is whisked away to recover…with hilarious consequences.


The Whitstable Pearl Mystery
by Julie Wassmer

Pearl always wanted to be a detective, but her teenage pregnancy cut short her police career, so instead, she built up a successful seafood restaurant in Whitstable – famous for its oysters. Pearl is also a part time private investigator and now she has to tackle her first murder.


The Enigma of Room 622
by Joel Dicker and translated by Robert Bononno

A book to get lost in, and impossible to put down. Twists and turns on every page. Get ready to laugh a lot and gasp out loud with shock.


Five French Hens
by Judy Leigh

A light fun read for the more mature lady. Five ladies of a certain age (70s) go to Paris for a hen do. Wonderfully descriptive of places and food. However, it may show men in a very poor light!


Love is Blind by William Boyd

The unexpected fascinating story of the life of a piano tuner set in the 1890s. A great story, continental travel, romance, crime and some surprises along the way. Guaranteed excellent writing by the master.


Ghost
by Helen Grant

Augusta (nicknamed Ghost) lives with her grandmother in a remote Scottish estate, and has been kept from the rest of the world all her life. Her grandmother explains this is because of the terrible war. One day the grandmother drives to town and never returns, and Ghost makes a terrible discovery…A real page-turner, lots of great twists and turns.


The Husbands
by Holly Gramazio

Lauren’s attic is producing husbands, one after another. But does she want any of them? This unusual premise makes for an incredibly bingeable read.


The Night in Question
by Susan Fletcher

The octogenarian heroine of this glorious novel will capture your heart as you try to solve an important mystery alongside her.


Tepper isn’t going out
by Calvin Trillin

Murray Tepper always knows the most desirable parking spots in his busy New York neighbourhood; an ability that turns him into a guru for some and a fi gure of suspicion for the authorities in this very funny novel.


 

Barrow Voice is published by Barrow upon Soar Community Association.(BUSCA) Opinions expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the editorial committee or the Community Association.

Barrow Community Association is a registered Charity No: 1156170.

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