Book Review

Book Review: ‘Stasiland’ by Anna Funder

20th Apr 2024Leave a comment

Anna Funder’s ‘Stasiland’ – a book club book – was my next read of the year.

As the title suggests, ‘Stasiland’ is a nonfiction book about East Germany during the GDR. What sets it apart is the perspective of its Australian author, Anna Funder. Funder visited Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. She found and interviewed people who lived during that era, including Stasis. ‘Stasiland’ weaves the interviewees’ and Funder’s stories together, as she navigates new Germany.

The book is informative and engaging. Considering its location in recent history, the material packs a punch and is weighty. Reading it, I learned a lot about this period. Hearing people’s opinions on both sides – for and against the division – was fascinating. The stories were breathtaking, the tension incredible, and many moments squeezed the heart. People can be so depraved and evil. People can be so brave and good. These people can live shoulder to shoulder.

While I can’t say that I ‘enjoyed’ this book in the traditional sense, it was riveting. The material is grim, but it’s not meant to be a fun read. It’s an educational journey through an unpleasant moment in time. It’s a book that will leave you with a deeper understanding of Germany’s history.

If Germany’s narrative over the last century interests you, I recommend ‘Stasiland’.

Book Review: ‘Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone’ by Benjamin Stevenson

7th Apr 20247th Apr 2024Leave a comment

Benjamin Stevenson’s ‘Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone’ is my next read of the year.

I liked being in a book club so much that I decided to start a new one at my workplace. ‘EIMFHKS’ was our first book choice, and I have to say that we started on a hell of a good novel.

The story follows Ernest Cunningham, a crime fiction rulebook writer. He’s on his way to a family retreat in the snowy mountains of Australia (I didn’t know Australia had snow). In the very first few pages, Ern assures us that – as given away by the title – everyone in his family has killed someone. But as soon as he arrives at the secluded hotel, things start going awry, and the body count rises.

I haven’t read many murder mysteries – I like the genre, but only when it’s bloody good. But ‘EIMFHKS’ enthralled me. The sense of humour with which Stevenson writes crackles and vibrates from the pages. The protagonist is witty and hilarious, and I laughed out loud more than once. If I had to summarise the novel in a singular word, I’d pick ‘playful’. It’s fun through and through. Stevenson recognises that his job is, first, to entertain. And he pulls this feat off with aplomb. As I said, I haven’t read much mystery. But this book feels like a deconstruction of the genre, only to build it back up into something original.

I recommend this book to everybody, even if you’re not into mysteries. Because I’m not a huge fan, and I completely adored this book.

I will read more from Stevenson in the future.

Book Review: ‘Fairy Tale’ by Stephen King

28th Mar 2024Leave a comment

For book five of 2024, I read Stephen King’s ‘Fairy Tale’.

My wife bought me this for Christmas, and I’ve been making my way through it at an unhurried pace. I’ve been enjoying the ride, soaking in the magic. But, having had nasal surgery last week (it all went fine), I’ve had a lot of time on my hands. Thus, I’ve ploughed through the remaining pages of ‘Fairy Tale’. Alas, my time in Empis has come to an end.

The novel follows Charlie Reade, a high school kid who rescues an injured older man. The old man is grumpy and reclusive, but he has a great dog and a secret that leads to another world.

All I can say is: goddamnit, Steve. Seventy-six years young and still knocking out classics with the ease of a man a third of his age. To call it action-packed is an understatement. In less experienced hands, ‘Fairy Tale’ would have been a trilogy. But for Mr King, it’s another day at the office. The book is under 600 pages, but it could have been triple that with all the events crammed between the covers. There is so much life in this book that it’s bursting from the pages. I wanted more of the characters – both good and evil. I wanted more of the world of Empis. And, of course, I wanted more of Radar.

I adored this book.

If you like King or fantasy, you will have a good time too.

Book Review: ‘Piranesi’ by Susanna Clarke

12th Mar 2024Leave a comment

Book four of 2024 is a book I read for my book club: ‘Piranesi’ by Susanna Clarke.

I’d heard a lot of hype surrounding this book, and its Goodreads score is awe-inspiring. People from a few different circles have suggested this novel to me. It’s won awards.

First of all, the good. I loved the character of Piranesi. He’s adorable and heartfelt, like a lost puppy. The other characters were also super interesting. The story was great, and learning about the house and its circumstances was fun. The very idea of the house is fascinating. The initial mental images of the place were vibrant and grounded.

So, I must have loved the book. Right?

Well, no. And why not? There are endless hallways and vestibules—on and on and on for 250 pages or so. At some point, I began to get irritated. Immersing yourself in these sorts of books is a delight for many readers. But it’s not for me. I need more direction and urgency.

It’s an excellent book that will appeal to many. But if you’re like me and get annoyed by unhurried prose and somnolent storytelling, it might not be for you.

And that’s okay.