The House on Rye Lane - Susan Allott

 57%

18.04.24

This was one of those books where the setting was really the main character - the author clearly loves Peckham Rye and Victorian houses and was keen to show us all her research. The main twist (spoiler!) was that there was nothing supernatural going on - even the theme of history repeating itself ended up being more of a coincidence. A quick and easy read.

Queenie - Candice Carty-Williams

56%

05.08.20

The reviews say it's a hilarious award-winning tale of the misadventures of a young black woman. It's actually a depressing account of her sexual and racial abuse and the way society has disempowered not only women like her but a whole generation. As a novel, it's fine but, like the reviews, didn't know what to make of itself.

My Name is Leon - Kit de Waal

49%
24.02.19

Heavy-handed story of a deprived kid saved by foster mothers, substitute fathers and, er, the redemptive power of gardening.