Book Reviews: April 2019

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
Profile Books £8.99
George Washington ‘Wash’ Black was born into slavery on the Faith Plantation in Barbados owned by the cruel Erasmus Wilde; he has no mother but does have a prodigious talent for drawing. When Erasmus’s brother Titch arrives on the island with plans for a prototype hot air balloon, he takes Washington under his wing – first because Washington provides perfect ballast for the hot air balloon & then because of his amazing draughtsmanship. It is on this balloon that Washington & Titch are eventually forced to flee the island, pursued by the crazed slave catcher Mr Willard. His flight and subsequent quest over the years takes him from the frozen Arctic wastes to Victorian London and to the deserts of Marrakesh - always seeking to discover what it truly means to be loved and possessed. An absorbing study of the nature of freedom.
Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2018

The Overstory by Richard Powers
Vintage £8.99
Another contender for the last Man Booker Award, this is a magnificent and ambitious twelfth novel by a writer of whom Margaret Atwood has said “it is not possible for him to write an uninteresting book”. It brings together nine strangers who have each in their own way experienced mystical or life-changing effects from the natural world and join to become activists in the protection, first of a giant redwood named Mimas, and then of a threatened forest in Oregon. The dramatic interactions of these characters and the life experiences that brought them together are examined in rich detail. A solid and immersive read that inspires and ends on a note of hope.
A “majestic redwood of a novel” The Guardian.

The Mouse who Wasn’t Scared by Petr Horacek
Walker £6.99
Little Mouse wants to play in the deep dark woods although they are full of terrifying animals. After all, she’s not scared of anything. Is she? Petr Horacek’s bright, warm illustrations and charming story about bravery make this perfect to share with 2–5 year olds.

Flights of Fancy
Walker, £12.99
In this beautifully produced book, ten children’s laureates tell stories, talk about their inspiration, and offer their own ideas for activities such as writing stories and poems, taking a word for a walk, the shape game and much more. Wonderful inspiration for children of all ages.

Midnight at Moonstone by Lara Flecker
Oxford £6.99
Kit Halliwell is an embarrassment to her father. She has failed her school entrance exam, she is nothing like her older brother and sister, and all she wants to do is mess around with crafts. After a particularly disappointing encounter with her dad, she decides to pack her bags and go and stay with her grandfather, caretaker of Moonstone Costume Museum. But when Kit arrives, she finds that both the museum and her grandfather have seen better days. The costumes are torn and dusty, and her grandfather cross and unwelcoming. And there is an unpleasant property developer sniffing around the crumbling museum, sure he can get it for a knock down price…
But there is a magic about Moonstone, and Kit finds a whole horde of new friends who only come out at night. And if she can get everyone to work together, they might just be able to save the museum before it’s too late. A sweet, magical story for age 8+