Tag Archives: Book Review

Falling By Emma Kavanagh Book Review

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fallingemmakavanaghA plane falls out of the sky. A woman is murdered. Four people all have something to hide.

This debut psychological thriller from former police psychologist Emma Kavanagh is stunning indeed. An engaging and exciting novel. This novel is brilliantly executed, it is a confident debut written by an extremely talented writer. You can tell that Emma Kavanagh was once a police psychologist: her novel is believable. She knows what she is talking about. The characters are incredibly well written and the nuances of life, grief and marriage are all well observed by the eye of a very adept writer.

The story itself is thoroughly engaging, drawing you in and making the book unputdownable. I love how the characters are woven together, how they end up dipping in and out of each other’s lives. This is a crime thriller that belongs on the same shelf as Nicci French. It is high praise indeed, but well deserved.

 

Jim is a retired police officer and worried father. His beloved daughter has disappeared and he knows something is wrong.

Tom has woken up to the news that his wife was on the plane, and he must break the news to their only son.

Cecilia had packed up and left her family. Now she has survived a tragedy, and sees no way out.

Freya is struggling to cope with the loss of her father. But as she delves into his past, she may not like what she finds.

 

Falling is available here. Read our Day in the Life piece on Emma Kavanagh here.

 

 

The Life of a Banana PP Wong Book Review

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Novels that bring an insight into race and culture can be sorely lacking. PP Wong is the first British-born Chinese novelist to be published and I find that very sad indeed. It does not say much for diversity. We can’t necessarily blame publishers, they only buy what they think will sell, what the public want. So maybe it is time we opened our eyes more to other cultures and the absolute horror of racism.

After the heavy opening paragraph I hope you don’t get the wrong idea, The Life of a Banana is a (mostly) funny tale of a young Chinese girl growing up in London. It is written in her style, something that is very hard to do, and harder to do well.

Of course, not everyone is racist or a bully and racists and bullies just embarrass people who aren’t racist and bullies, but some of the things Xing Li goes through are truly horrible and shocking. This is an excellent book on identity and the end of childhood. I really enjoyed reading it and it is a triumphant first novel.

thelifeofabananabookreview

Xing Li is what the Chinese call a banana – yellow on the outside and white on the inside. Although born and raised in London, she never feels like she fits in. When her mother dies, she moves with her older brother to live with venomous Grandma, strange Uncle Ho and Hollywood actress Auntie Mei. Her only friend is Jay – a mixed raced Jamaican boy with a passion for classical music.

Then Xing Li’s life takes an even harsher turn: the school bullying escalates and her uncle requests she assist him in an unthinkable favour. Her happy childhood becomes a distant memory as her new life is infiltrated with the harsh reality that comes with adolescence.

Consumed by secrets, violence and confusing family relations, Xing Li tries to find hope wherever she can. She realises that in order to find her own identity, she must first discover what it means to be both Chinese and British.

The Life of a Banana is available here.

This Is Bacon & This Is Gauguin Art Book Review

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Art lovers rejoice: Laurence King Publishing has launched a major series on great artists. We were lucky enough to be sent two of their books to review. This Is…Bacon and This Is…Gauguin. They present art history in a visual and accessible manner. The life and work of each artist is told by leading art historians and accompanied by specially commissioned illustrations, alongside representations of their most famous works. Design of the series has been overseen by Pentagram; with each title featuring vivid fluorescent spines and cut-flush binding, making each book the perfect gift for any art lover. Perfect for Christmas and beyond.

The books have it all: a great biography of the artist and wonderful art work. An art lovers dream. Well written and beautiful.

artbooks

This is Gauguin

George Roddam
Illustrated by Slawa Harasymowicz

This is Gauguin by George Roddam is a new instalment in a major new art series that rethinks art history and presents it in a highly visual, vivid and engaging way. In this book the story of Paul Gauguin’s life and work is brought to life through Slawa Harasymowicz’s specially commissioned illustrations.

Paul Gauguin created some of the most advanced art in a brilliant generation of artists – all of whom struggled against the stifling conformity of the late 19th century’s artistic mainstream.

He created paintings whose radically simplified lines and colours echoed the unschooled art of the rustic and native cultures he loved. After his famously disastrous stay with Vincent van Gogh in southern France, Gauguin escaped European civilization for the Polynesian islands. Immersing himself in the culture, he produced a series of radiant canvases and powerful sculptures – his last great works.

From his childhood in Peru to his experiences in Tahiti, the story of Gauguin’s life is recounted in authoritative text by an expert on the Post-Impressionists and compelling imagery by an award-winning illustrator.

As well as Slawa Harasymowicz’s unique illustrations, Gauguin’s art is shown throughout the book. Works featured include: Sleeping Child (1884), Van Gogh Painting Sunflowers (1888), Christ in the Garden of Olives (1889), Manao tupapau (The Spirit of the Dead Watching) (1892) and Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897-98).

George Roddam has taught art history at universities in the UK and US. His research focuses primarily on European modernisms. He lives in southeast England with his wife and two sons.

Slawa Harasymowicz is a Polish artist based in London. Following the release of the graphic novel The Wolf Man, she had a solo
exhibition at The Freud Museum, London. She was a member of the V&A Award’s jury in 2010.

 

This is Gauguin is available here and from from thebookpeople.co.uk

 

This is Bacon

Kitty Hauser
Illustrated by Christina Christoforou

This is Bacon by Kitty Hauser. In this book the story of Francis Bacon’s life and work is brought to life through Christina Christoforou’s specially commissioned illustrations.

Francis Bacon was one of the giants dominating the artistic landscape of the mid-twentieth century, and served as the inspiration and launching point for much of the figural and abstract art that came after him.

This highly illustrated book features 19 of the artist’s major works. In stunning original colour illustrations it portrays the events of his life and the circle of friends and associates with whom he formed a louche, brazen gang that cut open the belly of the old propriety. The major periods of Bacon’s life on the edge, such as his time spent in Berlin, Paris and the seedy milieu of post-war London, are portrayed, along with the influential figures, such as Peter Lacey and George Dyer, who shaped both his personal life and his art.

As well as Christina Christoforou’s unique illustrations, Bacon’s art is shown throughout the book. Works featured include: Three Studies for a Crucifixion (1962), Portrait of Isabel Rawsthorne (1966), Lying Figure (1969), Triptych, May-June (1973) and Sand Dune (1983).

Kitty Hauser is the author of Stanley Spencer, Shadow Sites: Photography, Archaeology and The British Landscape 1927–1955 and Bloody Old Britain. She lives in Sydney where she writes a regular column for The Australian.

Christina Christoforou is a London-based illustrator and artist. She started her career as an art director in Greece before gaining an MA at Camberwell College of Arts in London.

 

This is Bacon is available here and from thebookpeople.co.uk

 

 

Easterleigh Hall by Margaret Graham Book Review

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51ggbcnOkHL._SY300_The perfect novel is a truly wonderful thing: a key to take you away from your life. It transports you to another world and you can lose yourself and all of your problems for hours at a time. I read most of Easterleigh Hall on a glorious Autumn Sunday while the rain poured outside. I was grabbed straight away, the characters are so well-written and fascinating. Evie Forbes is a fantastic heroine: a ballsy, decent and ambitious young woman. She is smart and is willing to sacrifice and work hard to get what she wants.

Set in County Durham just before the First World War, it is almost impossible to review Easterleigh Hall without mentioning the success of Downton Abbey, and this book would make a similarly amazing TV series. It has its villains in Lord Brampton and a valet called Roger, every great novel needs someone to hate. Most of the rest of the characters, and especially the Forbes family, are impossible to not love. Things are not always what they seem and even those ‘upstairs’ come into their own.

Margaret Graham is a very versatile writer. Her other books are also amazing. Her historical books like this one are always well researched. You are taken into the past and you always learn something too. So not just entertaining.

Evie starts work as an assistant cook at Easterleigh Hall against her family’s wishes. Her family do not like Lord Brampton as her father and brothers work in the mine that he owns. But Evie wants to run a small hotel and her training will give her a way out. Little do they know that the world is on the brink of war. The book does not rush. It allows the story and the characters to grow, to really get into the story. I love this, you really feel like you know these people. This is a glorious read and one I will be recommending to friends. Luckily there are another two books in the series which will take us up to the Second World War. I can’t wait.  It is out on October 9th. Read it, buy it or steal it. Okay, maybe not the last one.

Easterleigh Hall is available here.

http://www.margaret-graham.com

 

 

Sophie Duffy The Generation Game Book Review

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sophie duffy the generation game book reviewThe Generation Game is Sophie Duffy’s debut novel. And what a debut. This book truly is unputdownable. Wonderfully written, fresh, relatable and with enough surprises to keep you hooked. It captures family life and human emotion perfectly. In fact, it is now one of my favourite books and I will recommend it to everyone I know. The novel is inspired by Sophie’s childhood growing up in a sweet shop in Torquay

 

Philippa Smith is in her forties and has a beautiful newborn baby girl. She also has no husband, and nowhere to turn. So she turns to the only place she knows: the beginning.
Retracing her life, she confronts the daily obstacles that shaped her very existence. From the tragic events of her childhood abandonment, to the astonishing accomplishments of those close to her, Philippa learns of the sacrifices others chose to make, and the outcome of buried secrets.

Philippa discovers a celebration of life, love, and the Golden era of television. A reflection of everyday people, in not so everyday situations.

 

Sophie won the 2010 Luke Bitmead Writers Bursary and the Yeovil Literary Prize 2006. She has another novel that I will definitely be reading soon called This Holey Life.

I highly recommend this book. It is a stunning debut.

The Generation Game is available here.

 

 

One Step Closer To You Alice Peterson Book Review

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onestepcloser-lgeThe main thing this book has going for it is Polly, a great character who is rebuilding her life. It is fun following Polly on her journey, you really want her to succeed and are willing her on along the way. You will laugh and smile as she makes a new life from the rubble of addiction. Polly has a son and her bond with her child is evident, she also deeply loves her brother Hugh. There is also a love interest on the horizon, will it work out? This is a love story, a rebirth story and a moving exploration of addiction and becoming a better person. It is honest about addiction and the impact it has on an entire family. Beautiful, honest and thought-provoking. Definitely worth a read.

 

After Polly ends her relationship with the father of her young son, Louis, she is determined to move on. All she wants is to focus on her job, her friends and to be a good mum. No more looking over her shoulder. No more complications…

Then Polly meets Ben.

Ben is guardian to his niece, Emily. They become close, with Polly teaching Ben how to plait Emily’s hair and Ben playing football with Louis. Their friendship is unexpected. Polly has never been happier.

But when Louis’s dad reappears in their life, all Polly’s mistakes come back to haunt her and her resolve weakens when he swears he has changed.

Will she give herself a second chance to love?

Available on September 25 2014. Buy/Pre Order here

 

Editor Catherine Balavage’s Radio Interview With Orla Barry

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Frost editor Catherine Balavage was interviewed on The Green Room with Orla Barry. Catherine was talking about her new book How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur. The interview is below and has lots of great acting advice. Have a listen and let us know what you think.

 

 

Are you an actor? If you have any acting questions then comment below and Catherine will answer them.

 

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur is out now and available here.

 

 

Frost Editor Catherine Balavage To Be Interviewed By Orla Barry On The Green Room

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Frost Magazine’s editor, Catherine Balavage, will be interviewed about her new book by Orla Barry on The Green Room this Saturday between 9-11pm. The interview will air on Newstalk 106-108FM (Winner-PPI Radio Station of the Year 2013). Irish readers can catch the interview live while a link to the podcast will be posted for non-Irish residents. 

acting, acting advice, how to be an actor, how to be a successful actor, hollywood, castings, auditions, casting directors.

Orla Barry is a BBC World Service Broadcast Journalist, Broadcaster of The Green Room Culture Show on Newstalk 106-108FM, Columnist and Documentary Maker.

Catherine will be taking about her new book, How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur, which has been selling well and getting rave reviews. Grab a copy if you are an actor or want to be.

Other guests Orla has interviewed include actors George Clooney, Harrison Ford, Salma Hayek, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, Jessica Chastain. Comedians Ricky Gervais, Phil Jupitus, Ruby Wax, Bill Bailey and Monty Python’s Terry Jones.  Film Directors Mike Leigh, Jim Sheridan, Neil Jordan, Kathryn Bigelow, Guillaume Canet, Morgan Spurlock and Michael Apted.  Authors, Joyce Carol Oates, Man Booker winner Howard Jacobson, Hanif Kureishi, John Banville, Jo Nesbo, Michael Palin and Garrison Keillor. Photographers Greg Marinovich, Steve McCurry, Giles Duley and performers Kristen Hersh,  Neil Hannon, Emmy-Lou Harris, Seun Kuti, Lisa Hannigan and Stevie Nicks.

So our editor is in good company!