rest of march reads

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Based on a true story, this story tells of the small Derbyshire village of Eyam, from 1665-1666. The village fell victim to the plague, which came to them in infected cloth from London. Under the direction of the young Reverend, the villagers took the extraordinary decision to quarantine themselves and seal off the village until the plague had gone. With some disturbing moments, this really brings to life the realities of the figures you see of the mortality rate. With all the panic, pain and grief brought vividly to life, this is a great read.

It prompted me to visit the real village and learn more about the real life heartache behind this story. A great book. 8/10

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Clare has known Henry almost her whole life, because Henry time travels. this story is about relationships and the effort to achieve normality in the face of overwhelming odds. Its beautiful and insightful, and totally let down by bad language which jumped off the page at me towards the end. Unnecessary and annoying, it ruined my enjoyment of an otherwise great novel. 2 points removed for that - 6/10.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

Starting at the end of his life, this is the story of Eddie's death and the people he meets in heaven who explain what his life meant and how their lives inter-related, even if Eddie didn't know it. Beautiful idea, movingly written. 8/10

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Considered a classic, this is the story of Emma Bovary, wife of a small town doctor in rural France. She has adulterous affairs and lives extravagantly beyond her means to escape the boredom and emptiness of her life. Voted by contemporary authors as one of the most influential books ever written, I personally can't see the attraction. I felt no empathy or understanding for Emma or any other character, so it seemed vain and vacuous to me. 3/10

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

You should read this, its not the story you think it is. Profound, and insightful, this can be interpreted so many ways. It surprised me, I expected a horror story and this is far from that. I found it an intelligent work on responsibilities. Easy to read, and worth every moment. 9/10