A Town Called Solace - Mary Lawson

 55%

31.10.21

This was Booker longlisted but I'm not sure why. It's like a slightly more complex (and rather more Canadian) Anne Tyler novel without as much charm and humour. Why 1972? Why certain characters? Why those particular narrative choices? It's fine but ultimately unmemorable.

The Other Side of the Bridge - Mary Lawson

49%
07.06.09

Am I missing something with this current crop of 20th century-set literary fiction? I know what I did miss in this one was a proper plot, and was not startled by originality or elegant prose. It all seemed rather pointless - write a history book if you're so proud of your research. But it must be said that most of my reading group enjoyed it - so again I wonder if I'm missing something.