First, a confession. I have read only one Philip Roth novel: "American Pastoral". I can't remember when I read it; presumably not that recently otherwise I would have included it on my 'Reading' page and written a little review, outlining my thoughts. What would I have said? It doesn't really matter. Over the last two … Continue reading A small tribute to Philip Roth
Category: Uncategorized
Threat
Camouflaged by the city, men on mopeds sheathed in helmets and the immature roar of under-powered engines, keep their dialogue to themselves. With no idea we are being watched there is no vulnerability, no fear that we are profoundly exposed. Strangers measure us through lenses we never see, our casual movements recorded and … Continue reading Threat
What Next?
Having been so focused for the last six months on getting my most recent books completed, edited and published, I'm suddenly hit by 'the void'. OK, it's my own fault for not spreading the work out to ensure I always had a blend of writing whilst editing whilst preparing for publication - but I didn't. … Continue reading What Next?
New titles now published!
Coverstory books is pleased to be able to announce the following title: "An Infinity of Mirrors" - publication date, 1st May 2018 Given his profession as a Historian, it was inevitable that Mark would find himself one day writing the biography of his late father, the acclaimed author Charles Packard. As his biographer, Mark is … Continue reading New titles now published!
“Exit West”
Usually, if my opinion about a book changes as I read it, it tends to go from 'not sure' to 'hey, this is actually really good!'. Mohsin Hamid's "Exit West" was exactly the opposite. If I'd stopped about half way through and been asked to rate it at that point, 4 stars, no issue. But … Continue reading “Exit West”
Global Warning
Global Warning Shallow pools of meltwater reflect high summer sun in the empty immensity glazing the top of our world. Winds and currents conspire to generate imperceptible drifts, journeys that will last years. And as the … Continue reading Global Warning
“The Long Take”
Atmospheric. If we ignore the format for a moment, I have to say that Robin Robertson's "The Long Take" is tremendously atmospheric. It paints a picture of post-war America - and the brutality of the D-Day landings of WW2 - brilliantly, weaving the two within the darkness of a Veteran's internal struggles and the rebirth … Continue reading “The Long Take”
“An Infinity of Mirrors”
"An Infinity of Mirrors" is now published and available through your local bookshop (on order) and from on-line retailers such as Waterstones.com and Amazon. Don't be put off by any 'not in stock' messages; currently the book is printed on demand, so they can't have any in stock! "After the Rehearsals" and "Degrees of Separation" … Continue reading “An Infinity of Mirrors”
“The Heart’s Invisible Furies”
First thing to say is that there isn't anything wrong with the writing. But I gave John Boyne's book 200 pages and then had to give up. I'm afraid the subject / genre / style just wasn't for me. I was reminded of J.P.Donleavy's marvellously funny and bizarre books - which I loved and need … Continue reading “The Heart’s Invisible Furies”
“History of Wolves”
Emily Fridlund's book, "History of Wolves" is good in many ways: well written, a slightly off-beat story, a narrative that draws you in and keeps you tied to it. It's nowhere near a 'whodunit' - it's not that genre - but it does keep you thinking that something is about to turn up / happen … Continue reading “History of Wolves”
Ian Gouge - Writer 