-
The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley
Upper class partner swapping in wartime London. Genre: Family drama / Fiction Pages: 336 First published: 1984 Original language: English The plot: Mary Wesley’s landmark 1984 novel begins on the aforementioned Camomile Lawn, in the south of Cornwall, the summer before World War II breaks out. There, five cousins gather at their aunt’s house for Continue reading
-
Small Island by Andrea Levy
The story of the Windrush Generation, against the backdrop of wartime London. Genre : Fiction / wartime drama Pages : 530 First published: 2004 Original language: English The plot: Centred around four characters (Londoners Queenie and her husband Bernard, and Jamaican immigrants Hortense and Gilbert), this is a far reaching story moving between pre-war London Continue reading
-
The Great Debate : Print Books vs Ebooks
I love my Kindle. Let’s start with that. It’s light, it holds thousands of books, and is far more convenient that storing the same amount of books in my home. But recently I’ve been struggling with sleep and my mental health. In an effort to combat this, I’ve been taking steps to reduce my exposure Continue reading
-
The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Dare
A powerful tale of strength and courage. Genre : Fiction / Drama Pages: 312 First published: 2020 Original language: English The plot: Adunni is young girl living in Ikati, Nigeria, who aspires to an education. Sold into marriage by her father to a much older man, she is repeatedly raped but finds comfort and friendship Continue reading
-
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
So good I read it in hardback. Genre: Fiction / drama Pages: 352 First published: 2020 Original language: English The plot: Two twin sisters mysteriously disappear from Mallard, Louisiana. Many years later, one sister, Desiree, returns with her young daughter, having become separated from her sister years before. Their lives have taken very different paths, Continue reading
-
4 Self-Help Books Without Fluff
Four self-help books that aren’t terrible. Confession time: I don’t like self-help books. I’m old fashioned and prefer to manage my mental health myself, without anonymous advice. I find many self-help books to be filled with flowery, unhelpful language that bears no resemblance to my life, let alone anything will help me to mend it. Continue reading
-
5 Classic Novels for Beginners
If you’re new to classic novels, getting started can feel like a daunting task. Many readers aspire to read the classics, but it’s easy to be put off when you don’t know where to start. The archaic language of some texts can feel intimidating, the intricate plots and numerous characters more so. Fortunately, I’m an Continue reading
-
Making Time To Read : A Beginners Guide
I once knew someone who used to wake up at 4:30am to read. During the summer that was probably very tranquil, but in the dead of winter it may have been a different story entirely! I’m often asked how I find time to read. With a full time job, a reading group and family responsibilities, Continue reading
-
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Absent fathers, family secrets and stardom in Los Angeles. Genre: Fiction / family drama Pages: 365 Original Language: English First published: 2021 Start date: 22nd February 2025 End date: 3rd March 2025 The plot: Set over one day in Malibu, California (with frequent flashbacks to the past), every year the Riva siblings throw the party Continue reading
-
The Did Not Finish List
Because breaking up is hard to do. It takes a lot for me to break up with a book. As in life, I am someone who perseveres, who sticks things out. In the past I’ve stuck with jobs, relationships, friendships and projects long past their sell by date. My book break ups don’t happen often, Continue reading
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Book and a Brew 