Tag: world literature

Europe, Netherlands

“Midnight Blue” by Simone van der Vlugt (Netherlands)

Review “Midnight Blue” takes readers on a journey through 17th-century Holland, blending historical elements with a modern twist. The novel sparked mixed reactions among our book club members, resulting in a range of comments that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the book. Readers felt that it was an easy, light read that didn’t demand much intellectual engagement. Described by one reader as a … Continue reading “Midnight Blue” by Simone van der Vlugt (Netherlands)

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Asia, Uzbekistan

“The Devils’ Dance” by Hamid Ismailov (Uzbekistan)

Review Ismailov’s “The Devils’ Dance” is a novel that demands patience and perseverance from its readers. Initially daunting and complex, this novel gradually unfolds its layers to reveal a multi-faceted narrative that both frustrates and fascinates. At first, the book may feel like wading through mud, as one reader aptly described it. The intricate web of characters and the poetic prose were found to be … Continue reading “The Devils’ Dance” by Hamid Ismailov (Uzbekistan)

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Caribbean, Guadeloupe

“Segu” by Maryse Condé (Guadeloupe)

Book Club Favourite of Season 24 Review Maryse Conde’s “Segu” immerses readers in a vivid tapestry of 18th/19th century West African kingdoms, filled with the richness and complexity of history. In our book club discussion, diverse perspectives surfaced, reflecting the varied experiences of readers within its pages. For some readers, the book’s allure was immediate. They were captivated from the very beginning, loving the vivid … Continue reading “Segu” by Maryse Condé (Guadeloupe)

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Argentina, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, United States, world literature

Best Summer Read 2023 – My Father’s House

This year’s four shortlisted Summer Reads were all high-calibre page turners, with an enthralling mix of literary thrillers, mysteries and political intrigues. After an intense discussion on each of them, “My Father’s House” was voted Best Summer Read by a majority of readers. “My Father’s House” by Joseph O’Connor (Ireland) was chosen as Best Summer Read 2023. Set in Rome in the 1940s, it is … Continue reading Best Summer Read 2023 – My Father’s House

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Africa, Angola

The Society of Reluctant Dreamers

“The Society of Reluctant Dreamers” by José Eduardo Agualusa (Angola) Review Readers enjoyed this book a lot finding it intriguing and an easy read. They liked the different styles, such as magical realism and diary entries, which they said held their attention. They found all the characters interesting and warmed to the narrator. Readers liked the contrast between his withdrawn personality and his contentious former … Continue reading The Society of Reluctant Dreamers

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Europe, Spain

The Island

“The Island” by Ana María Matute (Spain) Review Once they had gotten used to the style of writing and dated language, most readers liked this coming-of-age story. They felt that the long passages and the frequent use of parenthesis as commentary demanded that they pay attention. They loved the descriptions of the people and places, and thought the imagery used was highly evocative of both … Continue reading The Island

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Asia, Indonesia

Man Tiger

“Man Tiger” by Eka Kurniawan (Indonesia) Review Even though it took them a while to get used to the writing style, which weaves back and forward through moments in time, readers agreed that the book, with its visceral descriptions and an evocative setting, was easy to read. They found some characters sympathetic, but didn’t warm to most of them as they felt that they lacked … Continue reading Man Tiger

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North America, United States

Ceremony

“Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko (USA) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Book Club Favourite of Season 23 Review Although readers struggled with the non-linear narrative to begin with, they quickly got into the story and were immersed in it. They warmed to the protagonist and liked the diversity of other characters: from his family members to the medicine … Continue reading Ceremony

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