Frank & Red, Think Twice, The Love of My Afterlife & Lessons In Cruelty - There is a theme...
- Hazel Butterfield
- 28 March 2024
"A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors." – Charles Baudelaire
The Love of My Afterlife - Kirsty Greenwood
Frankly, this was one of the favourite books I’ve read for quite some time. I loved so much about it, from the introspection, to highlighting how we so often let life happen to us and be swept along as if we are not in control of how our own story exists and ends. To how we have no idea what somebody else’s motivation for their being is and to judge less unless we want to actively be interested. We need to stop letting life happen to us and take action that makes our existence more meaningful. It was funny, character rich and even though it was about death, really uplifting!
There were so many great observations and profundity in this book, one that I loved was ‘Crying means you care, that you have feelings,’ I felt that, unfortunately I was reading this part in a café and was ‘that girl’ tearing over her book!
Frank & Red – Matt Coyne
Red, a young, spirited boy who has moved into a new area, started at a new school and navigating the breakup of his parents and how that settles (if ever). Frank, a grieving ‘old’ man who see’s little point in life without the love of his life that made it all palatable and who oiled the path of making him companiable. Suddenly both live next door to each other and regardless of how Fank wishes to ignore him, is unsuccessful.
Sometimes the most random of friendships just work, the reasons why they do work either through luck or the constant comfort zone that is being challenged forcing us to look beyond what we had gotten used to and clearly was not working for us.
It was funny, endearing, extremely charming and full of character.
Think Twice – Harlan Coben (Released in May 2024)
When Myron Bolitar, a sports agent and early prematurely retired basketball player, gave a eulogy for his ex-client, ex friend and ex rival 3 years ago. The last thing he thought he would need to do is try and clear him for a murder recently committed when the FBI come knocking. Luckily, Myron’s long-time friend, Win, is not only well connected and incredibly resourceful but has the kind of funds that would give Batman a run for his money…
I loved the self-deprecating and sarcastic narrative that really helped you identify with the characters’ complexities of life. It’s one of those books where you feel a bit more in the know, more savvy. I’m sure I’m now better equipped to find someone that doesn’t want to be found, should I ever need to. I wish it would hurry up and get commissioned for a Netflix special!
Lessons In Cruelty - Harriet Tyce
Harriet Tyce does thriller twists and turns that would give Thorpe Park a run for its money, and LIC definitely had those. Told in 4 parts which although you assume must be connected in some way, it Is not until the end that it becomes clear how and even then it gets thrown on its head, again, once or twice. Cruelty, revenge and justice can often melt into each other. Those who are in charge of how much punishment for a crime should be restorative are in a very intricate and tricky position and one size does not fit all. Even the most level-headed of people can make mistakes or let the power change their understanding of right and wrong or being able to clearly assess their motivations. Especially when we don’t always have the full picture.