If ever a book had my name in mile high capitals, this one qualifies: When I’m Gone, Look for me in the East – Quan Barry.
Definitely my Book of the Month and a hot contender for Book of the Year. Why? Well, it speaks to my interests, namely Travel and Buddhism. Plus, despite the small print, the chapters were exceedingly short, and therefore it was easy for me to read.
Here’s the publishers’ blurb:
Tasked with finding the reincarnation of a great lama – a spiritual teacher who may have been born anywhere in the vast Mongolian landscape – the young monk Chuluun sets out with his identical twin, Mun, who has rejected the monastic life they once shared. Their relationship will be tested on this journey through their homeland, as each possesses the ability to hear the other’s thoughts.
…Quan Barry carries us across a terrain as unforgiving as it is beautiful and culturally varied. …. The book is a stunningly far-flung examination of our individual struggle to retain our convictions and discover meaning in a fast-changing world, as well as a meditation on accepting what simply is.
The descriptions of Mongolian life and culture are vivid and have the ring of authenticity, plus the book offers much Buddhist teaching and wisdom en route.
As a novel, it is utterly original. I realise it is a niche novel, and I am definitely part of the target audience, but this said, if you’re looking for that elusive something different , then try this novel. And BTW, I’m not lending you my copy, I’m going to re-read it until it disintegrates.
FICTION
The Orpheus Descent – Tom Harper. Ancient Greece juxtaposed with modern Greece. A mysterious object excavated in an archeological dig may be the key to immortality; a thrilling hunt ensues. I could have done with less ancient Greek Philosophy, but nonetheless, an intriguing and exciting read.
The Secret , Book, & Scone Society – Ellery Adams . A cosy mystery, redeemed by a strong sub-theme of Bibliotherapy, earning instant Brownie points from me. Easy read.
The Whispered Word – Ellery Adams. Another addictive cosy mystery; more bibliotherapy, engaging characters. Easy read.
P.S. Due to our pestilential Load Shedding a.k.a Rolling Blackouts, I read a number of cosy mysteries on my Kindle which ranged from the not-bad to the dreadful, but have not listed them. One of the aspects of e-reading I dislike, is that you cannot loan your latest reads out to your friends. But on the plus side, the Kindle screen beams brightly, even through the darkest gloom, so needs must etc.
NON-FICTION
Terry Pratchett. A Life with Footnotes – Rob Wilkins. Terry Pratchett. You don’t have to be a fan of the satirical and funny Discworld novels to enjoy this warm and fascinating portrait of Britain’s No 1 Fantasy writer, he of the black Fedora hat. It’s a comprehensive survey of Sir TP’s life from Day One, to the end in 2015. His writing output was prodigious. Over 50 best sellers, due to the fact his busy brain never stopped working. Neither did his assistant Rob Wilkins – keeping up with TP required stamina – but en route, fun was had by all. I loved every page, every footnote (and there are many) and cannot recommend too highly, as a thoroughly entertaining read. Footnotes notwithstanding.
The Red Skirt Memoirs of an Ex-Nun – Patricil O’Donnell Gibson. A fascinating story about a devout Catholic girl who enters the convent. Very routine for a 1960s Irish-American Catholic family. Well written and sincere. Recommended. (e-bk)
Foreign Correspondence – Geraldine Brooks. A thought-provoking memoir about the writer’s Australian childhood and her childhood penfriends. As an adult, she tracks them down in France, Israel, and America with surprising results. A two-part book – I enjoyed both parts enormously.
DNF: The Reading List – Sara Nisha Adams. Books/libraries/reading – the book ticked all the boxes, but 109 pages in, I was exhausted by the doleful, depressed characters, and re-shelved it in the library. Can’t win ‘em all.
THE BOOKSMITH 