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Book Reviews: July 2019

Half a World Away by Mike Gayle
Hodder £12.99

Kerry is a lover of Mariah Carey, of sparkles, of mealtimes with her son. She is a survivor of the care system, single mother, cleaner and big sister to Jason, who she loves dearly. But she hasn’t seen Jason since he was adopted as a toddler and she was taken into care.
Noah is a successful barrister living with his beautiful wife and daughter in their beautiful house in Primrose Hill, but inside the pristine exterior of his life, things are going badly wrong. His wife, infuriated by his inability to open up, has suggested a separation. And then, out of the blue, he receives a letter from a sister he didn’t know he had, from a time he can’t remember, a time when he was called Jason. Absorbing and heart-rending.

Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel by Ruth Hogan
Hodder £7.99

When her mum dies, Tilda finds herself clearing out her flat. Memories of her unhappy childhood and fractious relationship with her mother begin to surface. Tracing these memories, Tilda, a woman 'wary of people' returns to Queenie Malone's splendid Paradise Hotel in Brighton to resolve the mystery of why her mother sent her away as a young child. Along the way, she discovers her mother was not the woman she thought she knew at all...
'Hogan has a reputation for eccentric characters, hints of the supernatural and the power of unexpected friendships. Here, she combines all these with a moving exploration of the complex relationship between mothers and daughters.' The Guardian

Shepherds Hut by Tim Winton
Pan Macmillan £8.99

A 'fierce and lyrical' odyssey across Australia following the fortunes of Jaxie Clayton fleeing the accidental death of his violent father and seeking help from the one person that he can trust, his young cousin Lee. Before he reaches her however, he must cross the vast salt lands of Western Australia. This novel was adored by several of our staff who like a gutsy read with weighty themes. A gripping story of survival, solitude and unlikely friendship. For fans of Cormac McCarthy and Sebastian Barry.

Anna at War by Helen Peters
Nosy Crow £6.99

An exciting new children’s novel by former English teacher Helen Peters, author of bookshop favourite The Secret Hen House Theatre and the Jasmine Green farm stories for younger readers. Set during the Second World War, this tender and gripping story follows young Jewish girl Anna as she leaves her parents in Germany and escapes to England on the Kindertransport. Supposedly safely established in Kent, she finds herself enmeshed in subterfuge when she makes an uncomfortable discovery on the farm where she is staying.
'Timely themes of emigration and prejudice are woven into a cracking adventure story. Fans of Emma Carroll and Philippa Pearce will love this.' Fiona Noble. The Bookseller.
 
Something Fishy by Polly Dunbar
Macmillan £6.99

So lovely to have a new book from Polly Dunbar. A deftly illustrated and humorous look at the effect of a new addition to a family on their cosseted cat. Why aren’t they so interested in fish anymore?
'A funny and charming picture book in which a first child’s jealousy of a new sibling is transposed onto a scratchily drawn cat whose owners, distracted by the baby, have stopped giving him the fish he constantly wants. A delightful way to tame a child’s dark feelings about a new arrival.' The Sunday Times.
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