Let's be honest, Enduring Love is a difficult read; not because of the way it's written, but rather in the uncomfortable and challenging circumstance McEwan's main character (MC) finds himself. Indeed, the situation is so disturbing - in the "I'm so glad that's not me" sense - that I could only read it in short … Continue reading “Enduring Love” →

Some novels travel better through time than others, I feel; and maybe it's not surprising that Virginia Woolf's work can struggle a little. Between the Acts is, I think, one such novel. The technical artistry and innovation is clearly there to see, but the novel suffers in terms of distance because of the world it … Continue reading “Between the Acts” →

Although prisoner's dilemma is an early Richard Powers novel (1988) it's right up there: splendidly written; intricately constructed narrative; just enough tension - those big unanswered questions - which keep you going right to the end. And the characters - Pop and his clan - do indeed 'pop' off the pages. There is a great … Continue reading “prisoner’s dilemma” →