Library Challenge: First Book of 2009

[callmemadam]

At the end of last year I rather rashly pledged myself to take part in the Library Challenge. My first library book of the year is The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher. This was shortlisted for the 2008 Booker prize and was one of the few on the list I wanted to read.

It’s a massive book, 738 pages of it and considering that it’s hard to manage such a heavy book when prone in bed, I read it quite quickly. Now I’m left wondering exactly what sort of book it is. The author gives the answer himself at one point; ‘it’s about people like us’. Oh dear me yes, this novel tells a story, about two generations of two families from the 1970s to the present. I rather feared it might be one of those zeitgeist-y books egged with references to Angel Delight and Vesta curries in order to press the right buttons for a certain readership. I’m pleased to say that Hensher is too good a writer for that and political landmarks like the miners’ strike fit naturally into the characters’ lives.

The action is set mostly in Sheffield, with some scenes in London and Sydney. There’s a wide cast of characters, some more interesting than others, some more interesting as children than as adults (just like life?). There are good things in it; I particularly liked the contrast between the staged English Civil War battle re-enactment in one section of the book and the real battle at Orgreave. It is really a chronicle of birth, marriage and death, with a Life Is Sweet moral to it. I prefer books (unless they’re 19th century, or The Bonfire of the Vanities) to be shorter, punchier and weirder, which is why I think Jonathan Coe’s The Rotters’ Club beats this hollow.

Here’s my next selection from the library.



I may not read them all, so no commitments. I thought I’d try an Agatha Raisin book, since someone commented here that they were awful. I’ve never met Inspector Peach, so I’ll give him a go. The titles you can’t read (that plastic covering) are A House in the Country by Jocelyn Playfair and Monica Dickens’ Mariana, both published by Persephone. I’m delighted to see the library is now stocking some Persphone books. I’m currently enjoying The Camel Bookmobile.

Comments

[lethe1]

Not read The Rotters’ Club (yet), but I really enjoyed the TV adaptation.

I'm looking forward to your review of A House in the Country, the few reviews I've seen weren't that favourable.

The Camel Bookmobile, what a wonderful title! Speaking of which, I was very happy to learn that my library has most of Alexander McCall Smith's books in English (the Scotland Street series is sadly lacking though), so I can try before I buy.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

I really rate Jonathan Coe.

I think TheCamel Bookmobile has been influenced by the success of McCall Smith's No.1 Detective stories. It's run out of steam but I'll finish it.

[vintagereads.blogspot.com (from livejournal.com)]

I enjoyed Mariana and I'd like to read more Monica Dickens. Agree with what you say about zeitgeist-y books. You have to be a really good writer to do them well without peppering them with references.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

I've read Monica Dickens' nursing books, which were based on her own experiences, also a horrible book called Thursday Afternoons. She seemed trying to be sensational in that one, so I'll be interested to see what Mariana is like. I like the cover!

There *are* references to Vesta curries in The Northern Clemency but like the other period details, they fit the story and are not just stuck in for effect.

[gghost.livejournal.com]

I'll be interested to know what you think of 'A House in the Country'.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Opinion seems very divided on that one!