Review of 2016

The move to fortnightly reviews reduced the number of books read in the year to twenty-six, though these included (as planned) some hefty tomes from favourite authors. As a result the overall standard was high and restricting my books of the year to eight was tricky. However from the titles reviewed the following are picked out as the books of my reading year and so are particularly recommended (full review in bracketed month).

Books for serious readers:

The Goldfinch – Donna Tartt (Jun) – A traumatic childhood event leaves Theo Decker bereft of family but in possession of a secret treasure; both consequences shape his future in this fine depiction of a developing young man surrounded by richly drawn characters.

Life After Life – Kate Atkinson (Jul) – Time-looping depiction of a 20^th century life, lived over again in an attempt to get things right – the author at her mischievous best.

White Teeth – Zadie Smith (Dec) – Multicultural, multi-generational tale of the intertwined lives of a group of working class London folk; full of comedy, irony and pathos.

The Bone Clocks – David Mitchell (Dec) – Six differently narrated episodes provide a snapshot every decade or so between 1984 and 2043 (with perceptive views of the past and perceptive visions of the future); each a good story, the combination linked by recurring characters and an age old mystic battle between good and evil.

General fiction:

The Journal of Dora Damage – Belinda Starling (Apr) – Unusual in its conception and physical presentation, which both factor into a story that sees representatives of some oppressed minorities rise and take control of their lives via an unconventional bookbinding business, against the odds, in 19^th century London.

Joyland – Stephen King (Jul) – Fine, quick paced and nostalgic yarn of a young man’s 60’s summer working on a run-down amusement park; a fun job that turns darkly serious.

The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins (Nov) – Cleverly crafted and unusually constructed modern murder mystery that works to perfection.

Nonfiction:

Manhood for Amateurs – Michael Chabon (Mar) – Short essays from a wise man and a gifted writer who here turns his attention to the male zeitgeist based on his experiences as a son, lover, husband and father.