My Review of "The Ballroom" by Anna Hope

I was desperate to read this thoughtful book having seen so many positive reviews and comments about it on Twitter. It is a novel that has clearly had a deep affect on people. The cover is also enticing- I love the imagery of the birds. This metaphor of flying and freedom is echoed throughout the story; the main character Ella is likened to a bird, "something small but wild....something made for flight..." It is a subtle reminder that the thrust of this book is an exploration of freedom and the different types of prisons we build for ourselves - not just externally with physical walls and boundaries but also internally through our mental and emotional states.

The novel is set in 1911 in Sharston Mental Asylum on the Yorkshire Moors. It is a reasonably progressive institute where the men and women are kept segregated apart from one night a week where they are invited to the exquisite Ballroom to dance. It is here that Ella, incarcerated for breaking a window while at work in the Mill and deemed to be hysterical, and John, a melancholic, quiet, but hard working Irish man, meet and fall in love. Dr Charles Fuller administers to the patients and in his initially more visionary approach, which endorses rehabilitation, he takes on the extra role as Bandmaster, attempting to use music and dancing as a therapeutic cure for these "defective" patients. It is a tale of "unlikely love and dangerous obsession, of madness and sanity and of who gets to decide which is which" (Goodreads.com) and as the front cover claims, "love is the only escape."

The prose is excellent. The writing is lyrical. The opening description of Ella attempting to flee the asylum is gripping and the jumbled short phrases capture the sense of her fear, confusion and desperation. The setting of the bleak Yorkshire Moors exaggerates the desolate atmosphere and sense of being ostracised and rejected from the rest of society. The derisive words used to described the "depraved and degenerate" "specimens", the "lunatic paupers" confining them to the "chronic ward"- their "feeble mindedness" which causes them to be treated as a "weaker", "inferior race" captures the cruelty of their plight. Research into Eugenics is beginning to dominate the scientific and political world with preparation of the Mental Deficiency Act of 1913 (with the working title of "The Feeble Minded Bill"). Leading figures such as Darwin and Churchill are backing moves to introduce compulsive sterilisation of the "feeble minded" for fear of the country becoming over run and leading to a national disaster. Phrases like "raw fear", "swaying", "hands fluttering like two small birds to her chest", "glassy dead eyes" and haunting descriptions such as "women plucking at themselves, women staring into space" leave the reader with the same "panic" that "sent its dark roots deep inside" Ella on her arrivel. Hope's arresting descriptions embody the sense of confusion and befuddlement that consumes the "patients".

The novel adopts the effective device of presenting the story from three points of view which take it in turns to reveal the story. Each character offers a contrasting view of life at the asylum and madness.

Ella and John are "inmates". As the men and women are segregated, they have very different experiences of life at Sharston. John gets outside much more with physical labour and his constant observations of the weather emphasise the women's imprisonment. There is an obsession with the description of air, wind and sunshine which reiterate the themes of freedom and incarceration. It seems inappropriate for them to be in this place, despite glances of Ella's violent outbursts and her propensity for "hysteria" (which Charles claims is from the Greek word womb which confirms to him that hysteria is passed womb to womb, mother to mother- fascinating!) John and Ella's love brings hope, optimism and affirmation to the novel. Their gradual recognition of their shared emotions is endearing and affecting: "she was there when all other thoughts had fallen away."

By far the most interesting character though is Charles Fuller. Initially Charles brings the concept of music therapy and rehabilitation to the asylum. He has a vision and a drive to create new research. However his obsession to become a "superior man," to be accepted and his absolutely violent denial of his most inner feelings and acknowledgement of his true self, lead to a massively destructive path of danger and horror. He suddenly doubts his ability to "cure these people of their hereditary taints" ranting instead that the "incontinent and intemperate must be brought to hell." He struggles to maintain rational behaviour with to do lists and order but his self repression and delusions become more threatening. These passages are so well written that his spiralling thoughts are truly frightening. The reader is spellbound, left to decide for themselves who is really mad.

Hope has researched this novel thoroughly. The articles about Eugenics are horrifying and make this novel thought provoking and poignant. It is a real investigation of different degrees and experiences of madness, what people perceive to be madness and which characters are truly suffering from madness. The novel is also about power, obsession, love and a insight to the social and political time. It is captivating. It is stunning writing. The characters stay with you and I found the more peripheral character of Clem and her journey particularly engrossing as well as poignant and moving. This is a hugely atmospheric tale with vivd characters. I highly recommend you read it and decide for yourself who is the "superior" mind and the importance of valuing the true healing powers of music and literature.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy of this publication in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications on the right hand side.

Suggestions for the Mini Bibliomaniac!

It's World Book Day next week and your children may receive a £1 book voucher.  There are some specially published £1 books available or you can put it towards another book of their choice. I know what mine will do! And it probably won't just be the one book.... but let's face it, I am in no position to complain!

So I thought you might like some suggestions of what they could spend their money on or what they might look for in the library. Hopefully, World Book Day will generate lots of conversations amongst them so they share lots of recommendations with each other as this is the best way to find something they'll enjoy. Don't worry about what they choose, whether it's "worthy" or "educative" or too easy. Let them choose. If it's too easy, they'll feel more confident and adventurous next time. If it's a comic style book it doesn't matter, it's still a book. If it's too hard, they'll give up and then you can help direct them to something else. If it's risky or challenging subject matter then they'll either put it aside until they're more comfortable or they'll take it in their stride. Make sure you're there ready to talk about it if you need to be - sometimes novels about death, pregnancy, drugs, bullying etc are excellent ways to open up an objective dialogue and actually give children a safe context in which to explore complex emotional subjects. The most important thing about World Book Day is to enjoy it and celebrate books! That means you should treat yourself to something new too. Make sure your children see you reading! ....But maybe not to the point where they start to say "Are you at the end of your chapter now?"......... Who would let that happen?! *cough*

A lot of these books have been around for a long time but I hope you find something that grabs your mini bibliomaniac!

Ages 5-8 years

Enid Blyton 
You just can't beat her really. Although some of the writing is a little dated and sometimes takes a while for children to get used to, it's undeniable that her books are still very readable and still enjoyed universally. For younger readers there's the "Faraway Tree" and "Wishing Chair" selection, then "Amelia Jane" or the "Naughtiest Girl" series and then for slightly older readers all the school based adventures at Malory Towers or St Clares. "The Famous Five" work for boys and girls at this age. They are good books to read aloud to your children until they are ready to read alone and this may help overcome any language or contextual explanations.

Darcy Bussell's Magic Ballerina Series 
Yes I know, it's pink, it's sparkling and it's about ballet..... ! We all thought we'd never do it but do you know what, your daughter will love them! And there are plenty of them! In their defence, they do encourage an interest in the classical stories on which actual ballet's are based and include instructions for real ballet moves. They are easy to read aloud to a 5 year old and make a great choice for a 6/7 year old who is beginning to read independently.


Mrs Pepperpot
Again, a timeless classic but a great choice to be either read aloud to a younger reader or for someone beginning to read independently. Gentle, imaginative, humorous and full of harmless adventures!



Tony Milton's Groovy Raps Series
This are really good fun - although a little hard to track down through Amazon - we borrowed several from the library. My son really enjoyed these. They are short, full of illustrations and large print text, very accessible and lots of fun. It even inspired him to start writing his own raps! There are also plenty of collections of Greek Myths available if your children show an interest in these timeless heroes and monsters! Marcia Williams' comic strips are particularly gorgeous and full of witty comments. Myths and Legends are a really good line to go down with boys as they are often short, more succinct stories with appealing heroes, monsters, quests and challenges.






Anne Fine "Killer Cat" series 
Anne Fine is a very established, highly acclaimed author who has published a lot of novels suitable for this age group and 8-11 year olds. These books are highly readable and extremely funny. They will be enjoyed by boys and girls - and adults!



Frank Lampard's Magic Football series
So just as we shouldn't buy the pink ballet books, maybe we shouldn't get the blue football ones either? However, yet again, they will be read and enjoyed! There's a whole bunch of them to get through if they are a hit which is always particularly appealing to boys. They are well written with the winning combination of football and magic!


Michael Morpurgo 
Mr Morpurgo has to be one of the most talented children's authors on the planet and the one who has written the most! A lot of his titles are for older, more confident readers but these stories are lovely. Gentle, entertaining, amusing and presented with lively illustrations they are a great stepping stone between "picture books" and "chapter books". Both my son and daughter read and reread these.

Ages 8-11 years


Michael Morpurgo
Sticking with Morpurgo, he has written several novels about King Arthur, Robin Hood, Joan of Arc and Sir Gawain which I think are really appealing for boys in this age range. The stories are classics but still resonant and still excite children. Morpurgo is a compelling story teller.

Helen Moss' Adventure Island Collection 
These have been a huge success in our house and have actually on occasion been read in almost one sitting! There are at least 10 books in the series; each involves a crime that needs solving and is full of all the classic ingredients for an adventure story - caves, hidden passages, secrets and plenty of suspense. These are modern and contemporary and a kind of reinvention of Blyton taking all the best elements and rooting them more firmly in today's world. Would highly recommend.

Holly Webb's Maisie Hitchens Collection
Holly Webb has written a great range of books for this age or for more confident 6/7 year old readers. She writes a lot of animal stories which will appeal maybe to younger girls but also has published these mystery books. They are set in Victorian London and follow the adventures of Maisie, the pluckiest detective you'll ever meet! Webb has also written a series of books about princesses and some longer novels like "Winter Wolf" which have captivated my daughter.


M G Leonard "Beetle Boy"
I haven't read this yet as it has only just been published but Twitter is raving about it and it is also highly reviewed in the paper and by Waterstones. It is a mystery / adventure story and sounds full of action, excitement and well crafted characters.


Michael Rosen "Uncle Gobb"
Michael Rosen is more well known for his humorous poetry but this brand new novel is highly entertaining and wonderfully perceptive. It's very engaging with some subtle messages about education and creativity. Your children will race through it and thoroughly enjoy it.

Other titles you can start to think about in this age bracket are things like "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", "Charlotte's Web", Noel Streatfeild's "Ballet Shoes", Philippa Pearce's "Tom's Midnight Garden".

Teenagers


Andy Muligan "Trash" 
This was recommended to me by a Year 8 "reluctant reader" who had totally got caught up in this story. It had also triggered a lot of thought and discussion about the broader issues such as poverty, corruption and waste that are raised in the book. Essentially it's an adventure story - very thrilling, very fast paced and good characters. It was apparently removed from the Blue Peter Shortlist for having too much violence in it but I think it's a really good read and will satisfy a lot of appetites.



Sarah Moore Fitzgerald "The Apple Tart of Hope"
Ok, so it was the title and the cover that made me buy this book! However it is a lovely read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Oscar, the best apple tart maker, goes missing. His best friend Meg and Oscar's little brother set out to find him. It's a poignant tale of friendship and hope. I can also recommend "Back to Blackbrick" which is a novel of suspense and intrigue as a boy tries to fulfil his promise to his grandfather.


Malorie Blackman "Noughts and Crosses" series
If you haven't read these books yet then you must! This trilogy predates "Hunger Games" and the subsequent eruption of recent "dystopian" trilogies but is by far the most captivating and compulsive. The clever premise is a romance between Sephy, a "Cross" and Callum, a "Nought". The Crosses are the dark skinned ruling classes and the Noughts are the colourless underclass. I'm saying no more. Just read it!

I hope there are some new titles in there for you and some things which will excite your mini bibliomaniac! Happy World Book Day and I do hope you've enjoyed putting a fancy dress costume together your children to attend school in!

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me inn Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications on the right hand side.

My Review of the Best Book Club Reads

There have been lots of articles in the press this week about the positive benefits of being in a Book Club. I'm sure anyone choosing to read this blog doesn't need to be told this! An article about "How Many Book Clubs is it Possible to be Part of at the Same Time" might be more appropriate for some of us! 

The benefits are very obvious and really important. They make you read, they make you read different things, they help you find new authors and genres, they make you socialise and meet new people or let you get to know your friends more deeply, you learn things about yourself, your fellow group members and your reading habits. Apparently it has now been proved it's good for your mental health too, protects against the ageing process and can reduce the risk of dementia. Reading is good for you and your brain! Who knew?!

The Reading Agency published a full report on their research into reading groups which they spent most of 2015 compiling with the assistance of 1500 nationwide book groups. You can see the full results on their website reading groups.org or through their Twitter feed @readingagency. Here are their results for what they found to be the "Top Ten Book Group Reads" in order. How many have your book group discussed?

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 

This would work well is discussed alongside her new release Go Set a Watchman. GCSE classic text which most of us read at school but remains resonant today. Highly readable. The story is about Atticus Finch and his court case defending a black man during a time of deep racism. Told through the eyes of his daughter Scout, it is a coming of age novel; highly perceptive and captivating. 

2.Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey 

The protagonist is suffering from Alzheimers and therefore the author's writing is incredibly clever as she manages to capture the thought process of someone who is unable to retain everything but knows something is very wrong. It is part mystery about what has happened to Elizabeth but also a reflection on ageing and memory. It could also be used to consider writing styles and narrative voices.Why not pair up with Lisa Genova's stunning "Still Alice" which also portrays dementia? 

3. We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

Highly controversial since its publication, this novel is told through the letters written by Eva to her absent husband about her relationship and feelings towards her son who is responsible for shooting 9 people during a rampage at school. It is a difficult read but throws up numerous points for discussion. 

4. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

This really is a fantastic book and was a record breaking best seller. It is set in the Second World War in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death. It is a beautiful, life affirming story about the power of words. It has also been adapted into a very good film if you want to reward yourselves after reading or compare.

5. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Set just after WW2 in Guernsey this is about life under German Occupation. It's a light, easy, well paced read but some of the stories told about what happened prevent it from being too saccharine. It has always been a very popular pick for book groups and appeals to a wide audience.

6. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

This book was a runaway success and winner of many awards. It also featured in Richard & Judy's Book Club. It is a magical tale set in Amsterdam in 1686. It's a weightier read than it appears but very different and worthy of consideration. 

7. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini 

Set in Afghanistan this is possibly one of the most powerful and moving books I have read. It is not an easy read in places and is harrowing at times. The writing is stunning and incredibly well crafted. It is thought provoking and will stay with you. You must read "The Kite Runner" if you missed it.

8. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

This was a novel that surprised book sellers with its popularity! More a novella than a novel, it is a gentle read about a man walking the length of Britain to deliver a message. Endearing, with some revelations, reflections and musings on life, love and families. Could be paired with Joyce's recent "Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy" which explores the "other half" of the story. 

9. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt 

This is not for the faint hearted Book Groups! At a whopping 881 pages this takes some real commitment! However, Tartt is an exceptional writer and this is an engaging story with a vivid and appealing main character. But I definitely preferred her first book, "The Secret History" and it is still one of my most favourite reads. 

10. The Help by Kathryn Stockett 

This really is an amazing read. Set during the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi it is about three women, a book, a quiet revolution and a pie! I could quote passages from this for hours. The film is true to the book and as moving and poignant. Well worth reading and watching! 

What would I recommend for a good Book Club Read?

Seriously, you want to get me started on this???! It will be the longest blogpost in history! Ok, I'll give you five and save some more for later! 

1. The Home-Maker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher 

This was first published in 1924 and I recommend it to every Book Club that are foolish enough to ask me for a recommendation! It is about an obsessively controlling housewife Evangeline, who is quite difficult to read about as she is so neurotic. Her husband has a terrible accident and is wheelchair bound forcing Evangeline to go to work in a Department Store and for him to stay at home - hugely controversial for 1924. The story then follows the transformation and blossoming of both Evangeline, her husband and their children. Moving, poignant, thought provoking, accessible and easy to read, this is a truly fascinating novel. Ps I totally love Persephone Books - please visit their website, indulge in their gorgeous books that are too lovely to put away on shelves and treat yourself to stunning stationary..... gift vouchers always welcome!!!!!

2. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This novel follows the relationship between Ifemelu and Obinze over the course of thirty years. It begins in Nigeria and then moves to America where Ifemelu travels to start a new life. It is an engaging and fascinating account of their experiences within the two different cultures and I found it quite unputdownable. It's 610 pages long so another heavy investment for a group looking for more of a challenging read but thought provoking and full or relevant issues for a global society. 

3. The Story of a Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

I don't want to be stopped by the adjective police for overuse but this really is beautiful! A lighter read than the above, it begins with the escape of Lynnie and Homan from the "School for the Incurable and Feebleminded". I'm not saying anymore. Stunning, enthralling, moving, captivating and just a great book. Enjoy!

4. Why be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson

This is a complete contrast and is the autobiography of the outspoken and controversial author of "Oranges are Not the Only Fruit." In fact, this non fiction account has been described as the silent twin to "Oranges" which was a fictional account of a traumatising childhood. In words taken from Amazon's blurb, it is "full of hurt and humour and a fierce love of life. It is about the pursuit of happiness, about lessons in love, the search for a mother and a journey into madness and out again." It is honest. It is truthful. It won't suit everyone, but is worth considering as a good discussion starter and insight into Winterson's upbringing as an adopted child with a mother who is overly zealous in her religious beliefs and somewhat unhinged in her approaches and views of life. It is about Winterson's emotional survival as a child and resolving this mental anguish as an adult.

5. Wonder by R J Palacio

I can not not recommend a Young Adult novel in my selection - I am a passionate advocate of Teenage Fiction and it should never be underestimated! This is a very special book which will grab you from the outset and stay with you. Ten year old August is born with a terrible facial abnormality and so far as been homeschooled. He wants to be accepted and ordinary but can this ever really be? Meet the most inspiring young boy you are ever going to come across! A book which is worthy of the description "epic" and it really will "blow you away!"

I hope that has given you some inspiration! Do let me know what you think! I shall post some more suggestions soon but will just leave you with the following thought......!!!

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat, follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 or sign up for the email notification on the right hand side! 

My Review of "The Widow" by Fiona Barton

I was drawn to this book by the publisher's claim that it was the next "Gone Girl" and for fans of "The Girl on the Train". It has also been highly recommended all over Twitter so it had a lot to live up to! I liked the clever title - a short, plain noun which carries huge connotations whether it be of older women dressed head to foot in black or grieving emotional figures of pity and sympathy. Fiona Barton's widow is neither of these things.

Jean Taylor is not yet 40 when her husband Glen gets knocked down in the road and killed. Her one line response, "I was glad he'd gone, no more of his nonsense," immediately creates intrigue and a sense that there is much more going on here than first meets the eye. She has spent the last few years hiding from the world who believe Glen to have abducted and murdered a child. She has spent the last few years defending her husband from accusations of molestation and child pornography. Was he guilty? Did she really know nothing of his illegal computer activity? Has she remained quiet and dutiful to protect him or because he was innocent?

DI Bob Sparks has been part of Jean's life for the last three years, although she suspects his presence will "disappear with you Glen". He is obsessed with the disappearance of a two year old Bella and the potential involvement Glen Taylor had with it. He is determined to solve the case and see Glen in prison, therefore Glen's death is a huge complication and all he can hope is that it finally leaves Jean free to tell the truth.

Kate Waters is a reporter desperate to get the next big headline, secure her place as a lead journalist and win recognition from her male colleagues. She is a woman with a hidden agenda -game plan; a kind, caring exterior masking a manipulative and selfish interior. Along with DI Sparks she hopes to coerce Jean into telling her exactly what she did know about her husband and how much she really knew of his guilt. Can she find out exactly what did happen to Bella now Glen is dead?

This is a psychological thriller with a difference. It is an exploration of the hidden character in a murder investigation. It puts the spotlight on the peripheral characters who are never usually given a voice. It looks at what happens after the main event when the mask slips, when the partners of the criminals are left to come to terms with the knowledge that their husbands are monsters. The reader is already presented with the main facts - it is not their job to particularly to solve the crime here, but rather work out who to believe and if in fact anyone is truly what they claim to be.

Barton uses the popular device of alternate voices for each chapter. We follow "the widow", "the detective" and "the reporter". I liked these honest headings. The narrative flips between present day (2010) back to the disappearance of Bella in 2006 and then jumps between 2007 and 2008 as the investigation and court hearing of Glen proceeds. The chapters are short which keeps the novel moving at a good pace and the disrupted chronology, use of flashbacks and different perspectives creates intrigue and suspense. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger or a hint about the truth.

What's compelling is that each narrator is unreliable. Everyone has an agenda. The reader is never sure who to trust or of what each of them is really capable.

Jean is a quiet, shy woman; comfortable in Glen's shadow and unquestioning in her role as a dedicated housewife, totally dependent on Glen with each decision she made and action she took. She refers to his computer habits as "his nonsense." Is she as naive as she appears? But then her asides such as "Secrets are dangerous things....I had to keep his as well as mine," and confessions like "I had never been a liar...with Glen it was easy," imply that actually maybe Jean isn't quite as weak or naive as she appears. In fact she too has some hidden secrets which show her to be obsessive and a little unhinged. Her behaviour following Glen's death switches between a grieving widow who can't accept the truth about Glen and that of someone slightly unhinged and dangerously obsessed. Jean's hidden fixation with her childlessness adds a captivating twist to the plot. I also like the way she becomes addicted to ringing in to chat shows everyday as a different person and relishes not being known by who you are married to and without being judged. Barton has a real talent for writing these almost throwaway remarks which actually suggest something much more sinister, pitiable and deeper. Jean appears simple but in fact as the story unravels she is shown to be someone with whom the reader feels conflicted towards. At the end I wasn't sure whether she was likeable, whether she deserved pity or sympathy, whether her actions were right or wrong. It was a great position to be left in.

One of the main themes in the novel is obsession. Through the flashbacks we see Glen's obsession is "getting even with the police." He has an unsettling confidence and smugness which clouds the reader's judgement. Is he a clever criminal covering his tracks or is he a proud, innocent man of integrity that refuses to be used as a convenient pawn by the police? Is he an innocent man seeking revenge on the police or playing them? Is he a good, nurturing, supportive husband or is he an overpowering controlling figure?

Kate is obsessed with getting the top headline. She is driven by sales and her pushy editor. She is calculating and underhand. Jean observes that "she keeps using my name. Like a nurse. Or a conman."

DI Sparks is obsessed with the disappearance of Bella and finding out what happened to her. He is convinced of Glen's guilt. He can't get beyond this. His whole life is about work and he is continuously making personal sacrifices in order to trap Glen.

This is a novel about deception, lies, secrets and appearances. It is a novel about love - whether it is misdirected, misunderstood or confused with duty and obligation. It is an exploration of how people present themselves, what is real and what is pretence. Barton keeps you guessing throughout the whole novel and the ending has some surprising twists and revelations.

I liked it. The language is very straightforward and full of pace. Barton writes fluently and builds characters succinctly. The narrative moves swiftly between characters keeping you engaged and carrying you through the story with ease. It is a light read with all the key elements of a satisfying thriller. It takes a slightly different viewpoint from other thrillers and I liked that there were no particular heroes or villains or even massively likeable characters. I think this matched Barton's aim to focus on the background figures in a high profile case who are often voiceless or forgotten about when in fact their reaction to the events, and even their knowledge of events, is more interesting and intriguing.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy of this novel in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or subscribe to the email link on the right.

My Review of "Carry On" by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell is a quirky, humorous, talented writer for Young Adults. Her previous novels are all a good blend of emotional drama and self discovery, teenage angst and perceptive observations about coming of age and relationships. I have enjoyed them all and was really pleased to get a sneak peak at her latest novel, "Carry On". 

This novel is more of a departure than the others. It is a story about magic and fits into the supernatural and fantasy genre. It is based on one of her other books "Fangirl" in which the main character becomes obsessed with Simon Snow, a fictional character in a comic. "Carry On" takes the character of Simon Snow and gives him his own story. As Rowell says, it is the story of a "fictional-fictional" character which gives her the scope and freedom to really play around and have some fun - which she does! 

The story is set at Watford School of Magicks, run by the Head Mage, and the main character is eighteen year old Simon. Even though he was born to "Normals", Simon is a magician - well, more than just your average magician actually. He is the "chosen one". He, and he alone, can save the world of Magick from the constant wars and the enemy "Humdrum". 

"Most magicians know who I am. Most of them knew I was coming before I knew myself; there's a prophecy about me - a few prophecies actually about a super powerful magician who'll come along and fix everything. .....Let the greatest power of powers reign. May it save us all." 

There are similarities with "Harry Potter" in that Simon is ordinary and unassuming; he doesn't embrace his magical talent or fully want to accept the responsibility to save the his people. He just wants to get through his final year of school and get over his heartbreak of being dumped by Agatha. "What's the etiquette for talking to your girlfriend after three months when the last time you saw her she was holding hands with your nemesis?"

He lives in a world of pixies, vampires, goblins, flibbertigibbets, old families, war and the evil of the Humdrum. He struggles with his spells and studies. ("Is there a book called All the Magical Things that are Actually True and All the Other Ones that are B******* just like You Thought?") He is a likeable, witty and appealing young man. However, what makes this book different from your run of the mill "wizard-esque" book is the sense of something more ironic and playful. Rowell's writing is fresh, innovative, imaginative and hugely entertaining. I frequently found myself chuckling out loud and smiling as I read. 

There is a wide cast in this lively engaging book. Each chapter comes from a different character. Agatha the ex girlfriend, Penelope - Simon's best friend, the mysterious Laura, the missing Baz, Mage, and several more. This creates great tension and pace as the plot develops into more of an adventure to solve the disappearance of Baz and the uncover the more haunting and eerie presence of the ghost Laura as "the veil lifts and dead people return to the living if they have something that really needs to be said." Laura's voice is particularly intriguing and mysterious, a real contrast with the energetic teenage humour of the others. 

There is lots of dialogue in the book which captures the vitality and dry wit of teenagers with realistic conviction. It makes it a page turning, easy read. Rowell has a real aptitude for writing conversations and creating believable, engaging characters. This book would adapt very easily to screen and also feels like a comic strip or film which plays appropriate homage to it's original inspiration. 

I loved all the quirky, imaginative, magical detail. The school has hidden rooms which can only be entered with the right spell, it has a whole extra storey hidden between two floors which echoes the floor above it - the same things happen but a day later. The characters talk about being half troll and half mermaid, they suffer from gnomeatic fever and go numpty hunting. I loved the spells - "have a break, have a kitkat"; the nursery rhymes being the most powerful spells you could use with Humpty Dumpty having the power to turn back an entire army. I loved the throwaway remarks and description, "She's all brute force and 90's cliches." And the more serious sense of duty and responsibility that the characters all feel with the burden of magical talent: "Magic is a religion. There is no such thing as not believing - or only going through the motions. Your whole life revolves around magic al the time. If you are born with it, you are stuck with it, other magicians and wars." 

The final section of the book moves at a rapid pace created through very short extracts and comments from all the characters giving glimpses of the action, revelations and confessions. I can't quote from the last pages without spoiling the adventure but they are very well written and poignant. 

Ultimately this is fun, fantastical, magical novel and you will need to suspend all reality to fully immerse yourself in the comic strip world of Simon Snow. But it is also a love story - a love triangle - a coming of age story, a story of belonging, identity, self discovery, friendship and high school. It is also a story of melodrama, murder, overcoming your nemesis and accepting destiny.  This must have been a liberating book for Rowell to write and she has clearly enjoyed inventing Simon's world and obviously cares about the characters she has created. This can be read alongside "Fangirl" or is equally successful as a stand alone novel. It will appeal to anyone over the age of 14, including adults who like magical escapism. 

I would recommend this book if you are looking for something different, refreshing, humorous and original. 

I would also highly recommend Rowells' "Eleanor and Park" as an incredibly moving story of first love and "Landline" is also a good read with a more supernatural element. You can follow Rainbow Rowell on Twitter. 

I am very grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book before publication in return for this honest and fair review. 

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications on the right hand side. 

My Review of "Runaway Girl" by Emily Organ

I came across Emily's writing through a mutual friend on Facebook who shared her status announcing she'd written a book. A few clicks on Amazon later and I had downloaded "The Last Day" to my kindle for 99p - it's a ridiculously cheap way to discover new authors - and this was possibly the best 99p I'd spent in a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, powered through it in a few sittings and would highly recommend you add it to your to read pile! (See review at end of this blog).

Since then, Emily has also written "The Outsider" which I have mentioned in blogs and tweets before. "The Outsider " is loosely inspired by the great du Maurier classic "Rebecca". It is a very successful reimagining and modernisation of the dramatic tale and absolutely worth a read!

So I was then extremely excited to be offered the chance to read an advanced copy of her third novel in return for a fair and honest review - although I knew this wouldn't be much of a challenge as I already felt pretty certain I was going to love it!

"Runaway Girl" is set in London, 1352. Following family tragedy, Alice has built a quiet, modest life in a monastery working with the foundling children. Then one of girls there, 14 yr old Constance, disappears suddenly in the night, leaving a murdered body behind her. The Prior insists she has fled with a young man but to Alice there seem too many inconsistencies and she is convinced something more sinister has befallen Constance. At the same time, a dead girl is pulled from the Thames and another is on the run. Are the girls linked? As Alice tries to uncover the truth she puts herself further and further in danger as someone is working desperately hard to make sure she doesn't succeed.

This is quite a departure from her previous novels and I was intrigued with the choice of historical setting but before I had time to really consider it further, I found I was thrown straight into the action in the very opening lines of the prologue. An unknown girl is witness to a murder and trying to escape. The murky world of London and the Thames are brilliantly evoked through smell, touch, sound, taste and sight. Details, such as their clothing, immediately transports the reader to 1352 and everything feels very real and alive.

There is a cliff hanger at the end of each chapter so you can't help but keep turning the pages to try and solve the mystery. The chapters alternate between the three different plot threads creating more tension and adding complexity to the story as they weave in and out of each other, building towards an exciting ending.

The characters are all highly convincing and believable. Emily has a real gift for capturing dialogue and her conversations really add colour to the characters and feel authentic. Alice, the protagonist, is strong, bold, independent and outspoken. She is a widow so has a little more freedom although she is later robbed of her home and financial independence as this is too much of a threat to those in authority. It's really interesting to have such a strong female lead in a time when women had so few rights and were deemed so lowly. Alice is a dynamic presence and adds real vitality to the plot. She fights against convention and all the obstacles she meets. Her voice is so often dismissed as that of an "hysterical woman" it is even harder for her to make people believe in the crimes she knows to have taken place. I loved the detail about the way she plaited her hair, or tied an embroidered belt; it captured the historical era with subtly and conviction. The author has clearly spent a great deal of time researching this novel to ensure it reads so easily and well.

My favourite character was actually one of the relatively small cast members, Millicent, a wise old midwife who nurses with ancient charms and herbs. The imagery which described her home and her livelihood was very effective. Her use of "the old language" gave a fascinating insight about people at this time. She is full of wise words: "Evil will always be among us and take the place of some people's hearts whether they're bandits on the road or the King's own knights."

I don't want to give too much away but Sir Walter is a deeply unpleasant creation who will make your skin crawl! Each character is well crafted. Each voice distinct.

In many ways this novel fits the modern genre of "grip lit" and the "psychological thriller" just set hundreds of years ago. It has secrets, murder, abduction and corruption. It has a strong female protagonist who won't be quietened and shows determination and resilience as she overcomes social barriers. There are duplicitous men, romantic interests and a sense of never quite knowing who to trust.

The last section of the novel is full of pace and dramatic tension. The way the novel finishes by coming back on itself to one of the scenes from the beginning gives a beautifully satisfying and circular ending to the narrative.

Emily's writing is well crafted and beautifully executed. She pays immense attention to detail in order to capture scenes and characters with vitality and strength. I am impressed with how she can produce such different types of stories in each of her novels so effectively. It may be set in the 1350's but is extremely readable and fluent. If you don't usually read historical dramas, I would suggest you make an exception here. I would highly recommend this novel!

"Runaway Girl" is published on March 15th.

If you can't wait until then, try Emily's first novel "The Last Day". This is an entertaining and clever read with a very charming and endearing male protagonist, George. When George was 11 years old he predicted the day he would die. Now, aged 53, that day has arrived....... I rated it 5/5 stars.

Thank you Emily for inviting me to be part of your advanced reading group!
You can follow Emily on Twitter @EmilySOrgan or Facebook at Emily Organ Writer. She also has a blog and website.

For more recommendation, reviews and bookish chat from me, follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications from this blog on the right hand side.

My Review of The Shadow Hour

Why have I not come across Kate Riordan before?! How have I missed her books?!

This is an absolutely compelling read. Alternating between the two different settings of 1878 and 1922, the novel follows the stories of Harriet and Grace, grandmother and granddaughter, both governesses, both working for the Pembridge family at Fenix House. Grace is sent to take up the post at Fenix House on the insistence of her grandmother. But why is Harriet so determined that Grace should go there? What secrets hide within the house? What haunts Harriet's past? Riordan takes you on a compelling journey filled with intrigue and atmosphere as Grace searches for the truth about her family's history.

This book is a perfect match for me. An historical drama, dual narratives cleverly woven together, secrets, hidden pasts, revenge, romance, troubled characters and all within the gothic setting of a crumbling country mansion lived in by a broken family.

I was captivated by the lyrical opening: "It's not always as simple as beginnings, middles and ends. Some [stories] are formed like a circle with something terrible and secret at the core and everything else radiating out, like ripples from a raindrop on water." Bewitching.

As you begin the story you are immediately transported back in time. The house is so easy to visualise because of the beautiful, fluid writing style which is so evocative and poetic yet accessible and unfussy. I was carried away with the plot from the absolute beginning; swept up in the mystery, suspicious hints and suggestions of something more untoward. Harriet's "glimmers" of the future imply a sense of magic, yet are so well executed that they don't become overly fanciful but only add to the brooding atmosphere. Both the characters of Harriet and Grace are realistic and convincing. At the beginning there is a sense that Grace is being unfairly manipulated by her grandmother by being pushed into a situation where she is not fully aware of the relationships, history and reasons that it's so important for her to be there. Harriet is a compelling woman; clearly still haunted by her buried past. Both are women are appealing and easy to relate to. Both generate tension and suspense.

Riordan's male characters are equally interesting, particularly Jago, Lady Pembridge's brother. His threatening, malevolent presence creates an unnerving sense of something more predatory and deeply unpleasant. A much murkier past and relationship with his sister is also alluded to. Robert, the master of the house, is a man of conflict whose eyes "seemed as full of sadness as the clouds above them brimmed with rain."

Agnes, the housekeeper, is also a well drawn character. At first she resembles the foreboding Mrs Danvers from "Rebecca" but there is much more to this outwardly brusque woman.

There are echoes of "Jane Eyre" - mysterious houses with people hidden away, harrowing sounds during the night, a young inexperienced governess ... This has been used as a deliberate device -a copy of the book features within the story itself- and it is effective in creating further atmosphere and anticipation.

The writing is exquisite. The description and phrases are stunning and enthralling. I could quote endless passages as examples of just how enchanting I found the writing. For example: "Misery, loneliness and regret seemed to leach out of every badly papered corner, lifting tiles and staining plaster as they bedded in over the years." Mesmerising.

I don't want to spoil the book in any way so I'm not revealing any more about the plot except to say if you want to read a novel with unreliable narrators, lies and revelations then this is the novel for you! If you like period dramas, then this is an excellent exploration of the life of a lowly governess within a troubled family. If you love well written books written by imaginative, talented authors this is definitely for you!

And I'm not the only one raving about this new release. It's all over Twitter this week! Dinah Jefferies, author of the also beautifully written and evocative "The Silk Merchant's Daughter" and "The Tea Planter's Wife" said she was "immediately drawn in .... I loved the sense of intrigue and the air of mystery at Fenix House and was itching for answers as the two narratives unfolded." Who needs any further endorsement?!

If I could write, it would be to write like this. If I could think of a plot, it would be this one.

I highly recommend this book and would rate it 5/5 stars.

Kate Riordan has also written "The Girl in the Photograph" (published last January) and her short story, "The Red Letter" was published in January 2016. Can't wait to read them!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication in return for a fair and honest review. It was a real privilege.

For more recommendations, reviews and bookish chat follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up for email notifications of new blog posts on the right hand side.