Book Review - Engleby by Sebastian Faulks

I've just finished reading 'Engleby' by Sebastian Faulks.

On the back cover one of the press quotes declared this to be different to anything else he'd written. When my bf read this he asked me if the book was depressing, I answered 'yes', to which he said 'well then it's the same as everything else he's written!'.

I loved Sebastian Faulk's book 'Birdsong', and it was that which led me to buy 'Engleby'. This book followed the life of the character Engleby, narrated in the first person, through his childhood, university and career. The standard of writing was brilliant, the storyline flowed and the Engleby himself was at the same time both disturbing and compelling. Despite this, you never feel that you know Engleby or can work out what makes him tick, and that is the purpose of the book: that as his life moves on and mysteries from his past come back to haunt him, you realise that this child who you thought was mildly odd is frighteningly dangerous.

I don't know whether to say I enjoyed the book or not. Something drove me to keep reading, to finish it, but at the end I couldn't say whether I felt it had been a worthwhile experience.

If you like a compelling storyline, mystery, intriguing characters and a hero who isn't a hero, then this book is worth a shot; but I wouldn't declare it to be a book everyone should read.

Picture from amazon.co.uk

Book Review - Meltdown by Ben Elton

I've just finished reading 'Meltdown' by Ben Elton. I've been an avid reader of his books for a number of years now; his style of writing is so dry and he doesn't even try to pretend that he's not ripping off the X-Factor (in Chart Throb), transport systems (Gridlock) or Big Brother (Dead Famous). His general style is to take something that's happening at the moment - whether it's a TV programme or a political or social movement, and to run it to the absolute extreme. His humour is brilliant, and it's so easy to recognise yourself in so many of his characters.

However, I've found his last couple of books to be somewhat lacking. 'Chart Throb' I found to be annoyingly repetitive (though as this is the same effect that X Factor has on me maybe it did its job!) and Blind Faith to be just a bit too extreme so it became unbelieveable.

It was fantastic therefore, to see him return to form in his latest offering, 'Meltdown'. This book follows a group of high flying friends through the credit crunch as their fortunes (and friendships) take a nosedive. He looks at the banking crisis (the first bank to go under is Caledonian Granite, reminiscent of Northern Rock anyone?!), cash for honours, MPs expenses, insider trading and the the property market. With such a wealth of subject material he can really go to town on developing a great cast of characters, some of whom you love and some of whom you want to slap.

If the credit crunch has been getting you down and you can't see the funny side, then read this book. The subject matter may be serious but the writing is hilarious.

(Picture from www.amazon.co.uk)

My Folksy Favourites!

It's Tuesday again (the weeks are going too fast!) and I've been roaming Folksy finding more gems for you to feast your eyes on.

My first item this week comes from Niche, a gorgeous name for a fantastic shop. Stocking a variety of items, from amigurumi dolls to pendants to notebooks, this is the place to go if you're looking for something a little bit different... Being a sucker for stationary, one of my favourite items has to be this funky notebook.
My next item comes from Blue Fish Handmade, a little haven of crochet craft. With bright and funky colours that would brighten up anyone's day, if you're looking for something stylish to keep warm or decorate your home (like the little mice!) then this is certainly the place to go; take a look at these wrist warmers...
My final choice for this week is somewhat appropriate with Valentine's day fast approaching... Molly Moo Designs is a gorgeous gorgeous card shop, fantastic quality, great value and novel designs: what more could you want? My favourite card this week is this Valentine's offering.

I hope you like these, and there's plenty more!