Time to start thinking what we might like. I say we, because you never know, my kids could be reading this.
I have just read a belter of a novel out in hardback on 9th March, so put it on your list and do not forget.
The Little Theatre by the Sea by Rosanna Ley has a jacket which yells – sunshine. It covers adult daughter, and ‘life begins again’ parents.
Faye has just completed her degree in interior design, and is tempted to house sit for friends in Sardinia. Somehow or other, she is hooked into designing a theatre. How? Ah…
Her parents, toddling about in Dorset are feeling that they, too, could stretch their wings, and fly. Is there going to be a meeting of minds, or a clash? Give it to your mum and she can find out.
Much more serious but fascinating. Couldn’t put it down:
The Making of India: The untold story of British Enterprise by Kartar Lalvani
Not a beach read, let’s be honest, but a balanced and fair look at the British in India, a mile away from the banging and crashing and blaming that so often accompanies any look back at the British in the continent.
Lalvani explores how the subcontinent benefited in many ways, starting at the beginning, in the seventeenth century and moving on through the colonial rule. He discusses how the British unified and restored a fragmented country of many kingdoms. Of course, the Brits were not without fault, but this history looks at the institutional, political, and civil benefits embedded by us. Fascinating.
How about a frankly scary thriller by Sunday Times bestselling author of I am Death.
The Caller by Chris Carter is not one to read in bed, tell Mum. On the other hand, if she starts it in the afternoon there’ll be no tea for anyone, and she just won’t want to put it down after her Horlicks, or maybe she’s one of us, and we’re talking wine.
Tanya Kaitlin steps out of her shower prior to bed. The phone rings. The video call request comes from her best friend. Tanya takes the call. No, no, no. Because the nightmare begins.
Who wants to see images of their best friend gagged and bound to a chair in her own living room? Tanya doesn’t but must continue to watch or the predator will come for her next.
Not sure mum will be keen on answering a phone again, or flirting with social media. But she won’t be able to put this one down until she knows what’s what.
On a lighter note.
Cathy Kelly made me laugh in Secrets of a Happy Marriage.
With echoes of the aga saga which I gather is now a politically incorrect term, (for heaven’s sake – so use it I will), it is amusing too.
It’s all about a special birthday party. I had one of those, and arrived at the pub with my age roared out loud and clear on banners for all to know. It was not my best moment, as I have always skirted round the truth. Retribution I suppose.
Of course, with generations of Brannigans congregating in Cathy Kelly’s clever novel, some secrets are bound to emerge, some cracks in relationships might become hard to disguise, but… but… will something happen to bring the sunshine out on the whole proceedings? Ah… Give it to Mum and then borrow it and you’ll find out.
The Little Theatre by the Sea by Rosanna Ley. Quercus. pub 9th March. hb £19.99 and pb 1st June.
The Making of India by Kartar Lalvani Bloomsbury hb £25.00
The Caller by Chris Carter by Simon and Schuster. hb £12.99
Secrets of a Happy Marriage by Cathy Kelly Hb and ebook. Orion 9 March. £14.99