Heritage - Miguel Bonnefoy

Miguel Bonnefoy is a Franco born writer with a Chilean father and a Venezuelan mother and his novella Heritage draws heavily on his multicultural pedigree. Heritage is a prize-winning novel, rightly so.

The book could be seen as a work of historical fiction since both world wars are featured in palpable detail as are  South American dictatorships!  But it is so much more than a political dissertation. It is a richly observed saga chronicling four generations of one winegrowing family. The ‘action’ takes place primarily in Santiago but we do follow some of the characters to other far-flung destinations.

There’s a certain idiosyncrasy about the characters. Lonsonnier is the Frenchman whose wine business is ruined in the 19th century. His intentions to relocate to California takes a different turn when he is required to come ashore at Valparaiso because of illness. He remains in Chile. His son, Lazare, marries Therese who keeps birds, almost obsessively, she even gives birth in an aviary, can you believe?! They have a daughter, Margot, who becomes a female aviator and again she borders on obsessional. In turn she has a son Ilario Da, conceived in a sequence of almost magical realism.

It’s an interesting story showing the time when migration/emigration was not necessarily the norm. It seems to run alongside key moments in the history of the world with the family members observers of a world that changes throughout the generations. The characters are diverse and quirky and sometimes it seemed to me the story trod a slender line between reality and fantasy. I found myself curious about what happened to the characters but I didn’t find myself engaged with them although I think perhaps Margot’s story touched me the most and I found Therese a fascinating woman. What I also found fascinating was how the writer seemed to have identified how people evolve throughout generations. Ilario Da is a product of his age, his generation and it’s very clear in his more extravagant character than say his grandfather.

Given that it’s a story that spans several generations it’s quite a slender volume but don’t let that deceive you for somehow the author has managed to convey such a lot in those pages. It’s beautifully translated by Emily Boyce. At the conclusion of the novel when one of the characters returns to France and one of the mysteries in the book is clarified you find yourself wanting to know what happens next, WHO happens next!

My thanks to Gallic books for a gifted copy.

Exciting News for Millenuim fans

 MacLehose and Quercus present

EMBARGOED UNTIL 8PM 5 APRIL 2022

PRESS RELEASE

 LISBETH SALANDER AND THE ‘DRAGON TATTOO’ SERIES GIVEN NEW LIFE BY ONE OF SWEDEN’S MOST SUCCESSFUL

Karin Smirnoff lives on a farm in northern Sweden, just a short car journey away from Stieg Larsson’s birth place. She is a bestselling author whose novels have sold over 700,000 copies in her home country, has a black belt in karate, and enjoys spending time with her mother and kids. But now, her life is due to change completely as she is about to become one of the world’s most famous novelists after taking on the Stieg Larsson mantel to write about one of Sweden’s most iconic women, Lisbeth Salander. With approval of the Stieg Larsson estate, Karin Smirnoff has taken on the monumental task of writing the next three books in the ‘Dragon Tattoo’ series. The first novel (number 7 in the series) is due to be published in the UK on 31 August 2023. 

Karin was born in Umeå in the north of Sweden, grew up in Stockholm, and left school at 17 to travel. Now, she has returned to her birthplace and lives on a farm which has been in her family for many decades. Karin has hinted in interviews that the main storyline for Millennium 7 (as the as-yet-untitled novel is called) will move from Stockholm and the south to the wild expanses of northern Sweden that are so familiar to her. She read the Millennium novels when the first three books came out and is familiar with the universe created by Larsson and continued by fellow Swede David Lagercrantz.

With Karin Smirnoff as the new writer of the series, and its acquisition by Katharina Bielenberg of the MacLehose Press, an imprint of Quercus Books, the series – which has sold over 100 million copies worldwide – will have a female author and publisher, with a female translator also being lined up. 

Karin Smirnoff says, “It feels almost solemn to write the sequel to Millennium. I said yes to the project without hesitation, even though it postpones my own ideas for new novels. It’s an exciting opportunity to independently create and make something new based on a unique fictional universe that is known worldwide. The Millennium books are classics in their genre, where the combination of unforgettable characters and the strong political and societal engagement still fascinates readers. I will continue to build on Stieg Larsson's core themes, such as violence, abuse of power, and contemporary political currents.” 

Katharina Bielenberg says, “The Millennium series has been a constant at MacLehose Press and Quercus since Christopher MacLehose acquired Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo back in 2008. Everything we know about Karin Smirnoff and her work tells us she has the perfect sensibility not only to continue on from David Lagercrantz’s trilogy with great drive and imagination, but also to make the series her own. And it feels just right that Lisbeth Salander’s universe should now be brought to life by a woman. We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Karin on these next instalments.”

Jon Butler, MD at Quercus Books, says, “The Millennium series – ‘the Dragon Tattoo books’ to most people in the English-speaking world – of course constitute one of the biggest publishing stories of the last twenty years, selling over 100 million copies worldwide. Stieg Larsson’s iconic creation, and the brilliant sequels written by David Lagercrantz, reached people who rarely buy books, which is the holy grail for any publisher. So, we couldn’t be more excited to announce a new trilogy; except that I probably am more excited. Karin Smirnoff is a literary talent of the highest order, and a huge bestseller in her native Sweden. We can’t wait to launch her creation to the widest possible English-language readership next year.”

For further information, please contact Corinna Zifko, corinna.zifko@quercusbooks.co.uk / 07917 158 986. 

----ENDS 

The Sanctuary - Charlotte Duckworth - Social Media Blast

I have read all of Charlotte Duckworth’s books. And with each one I begin by thinking, no, she can’t…… a few pages later, no, she can’t possibly…… a chapter later, no, she can’t…….possibly imagine another darkly twisted tale that will have you reading way past your bedtime because you just can’t stop. But dear reader she can! And she has. I think The Sanctuary is her best yet. 

A sanctuary, a yoga retreat is just such an incredible paradox to the sensations you actually experience when you read this book. The whole novel is a sustained melting pot of tensions and unease. At silly o’clock in the early hours of the morning, the feverish turning of pages was all you would have been able to hear from my house. 

Four pregnant women arrive for what should be a prenatal weekend of pampering. Their hostess, Selina, seems to be calm and experienced, full of positive and useful advice for managing their pregnancies. But nothing is as it seems. Of course not! We wouldn’t have a story if it were! 

Although not necessarily apparent instantly every single character has a secret of some kind. Nicky and Bonnie are sisters, with hints of sibling tensions. Georgia is a journalist missing her transatlantic boyfriend, Poppy, unsure if she’s sixteen or seventeen weeks pregnant, suggests some unresolved issues. Then there are the four residents at the sanctuary Selina, her partner Will, her son Kai and Badger, the volunteer……. None of the characters are particularly likeable or so it seemed to me! But I often think that is important in books of this genre because you don’t need to invest too much emotionally in any of them, as a reader, or it can cloud your objectivity as you’re trying to unravel what’s going on.

A cast of characters who will all test your powers of deduction and your equilibrium before you finish the book! However I refuse to be the Queen of spoilers so I’ll say nothing of what transpires except that it is very much an onion type tale where layer by layer the truths are revealed. So

it’s not a shocker of a tale and therein lies some of its strength.  Because it’s a series of subtly, unexplained, disturbing events that create such a palpable sense of unease and the sense everything is spiralling out of control. But it is a very “busy“ plot. It very cleverly builds up to the crescendo and conclusion with sinister chills around every corner. And I suppose maybe subliminally, it has something to say about the new age, self help culture from well-intentioned and supposedly knowledgeable gurus. 

Several of the chapters had one of those italicised prologues that you frequently get at the start of a thriller, usually you’re given few clues as to the identity of the narrator. It works well here and I don’t know if it was just me but I didn’t have an inkling till the end of who it was! 

I’m full of admiration for the quality of the plotting and how all the ends are tied up you aren’t left dangling. But now that I’ve finished the book I need to go and have a lay down because I am, frankly, exhausted! 😉 

My thanks to Ella Patel at Quercus books for an advance proof and a place upon the social media blast.

How Beautiful We Were - Imbolo Mbue

 I read this book as part of Canongate Book’s March readalong. And I’m so grateful for the opportunity. It’s taken me a while to cement my thoughts and commit them to “paper“ for I found it to be a profoundly moving read. There is something quite beautiful about the dignity of a people treated callously who refuse to just take it.

An American oil company have devastated the environment and ecology of the village of Kosawa where the growing land has been rendered infertile and the toxicity of the water has caused death amongst babies and children. False promises are made. But the village fights back. However it takes generations of dedication and sacrifice to fight the profiteers.

A solid, pertinent story is one thing but the quality of the writing behind the story adds so much substance to this novel. The sense of time passing through the generations is cleverly achieved by the chapter structuring. There are chapters featuring one of the main characters followed by chapters entitled The Children. By the end of the book many of “the children“ of the village have their own children! And somehow that had such a potent effect on me.

Thula, her uncle Bongo, her mother Sahel, her grandmother, Yaya and her brother, Juba all enjoy their own chapters but it seemed to me that Thula is the thread that binds them together and her single-minded dedication to her cause and the sacrifices she made are humbling.

It’s a sad, devastating story almost but the indomitable spirit of a wronged community and the determination to fight is inspirational. The cultural traditions of an indigenous people are celebrated too, perhaps subliminally, but nevertheless it’s there. And that was something else I found uplifting. The spiritual beliefs too add another dimension to the overall situation. 

I guess we can hope that books like these can be read, lessons learned and maybe fuel and inspire others to act for what is just and right. 

Thank you Canongate books for the privilege of reading this story. 

Orphans of the Storm - Celia Imrie

 

The Navratil ‘orphans’ will be well known to Titanic buffs, the lost orphans whose identity was uncertain initially but who were finally reunited with their mother just over a month after the sinking.  “Rescued“ by Margaret Hays after survivors from the Titanic lifeboats were safely aboard the rescue ship, Carpathia. But if Titanic buffs are expecting a story focused solely on the great ship they may be disappointed for Ms. Imrie has written a finely researched story that goes way back before the birth of the boys and even before the marriage of their parents. Credit for the immaculate  historical research goes to Fidelis Morgan.

However those of us with more than a passing interest in Titanic lore will find much to enjoy in this well crafted story of the South American seamstress and her fugitive, controlling husband. 

A palpable picture of turn-of-the-century Nice is created in the tale of deceit and manipulation. Our sympathies for Marcella are engaged as we see how a woman deals with social convention and expectations in early 20th century Europe. When she takes the courageous step setting divorce proceedings in motion against her husband and it sets in motion a whole chain of events. 

The story is told from three perspectives, Marcella, Michael and Margaret but I think throughout it is Marcella to whom we offer our allegiance. I found it hard to engage with Michael once I realised what a rat he turned out to be! I think I was as besotted as Marcella initially! I found Margaret an interesting character because she presents initially as a bit of a flake, a bit of an airhead but you realise that her intentions are true and she does a good thing in taking care of the two boys.

I would think that for people who have no interest or knowledge about the Titanic disaster this book will be received ‘simply’ as an historical fiction novel and the sequences aboard the Titanic as part of a bigger story. Those who were drawn to it because of the Titanic connection may feel that there wasn’t enough about the ship. And I’ll admit I fall into the latter category. I’ve been fascinated by the Titanic for years and I was even been fortunate enough to meet a Titanic survivor several years ago. She’s no longer with us now unfortunately but a lot of what she told me, particularly about being rescued by the Carpathia, was accurately described in this book. But as well as being a history nerd I’m also a reader and so I did enjoy this book. The author took an historical event and looked at the wider perspectives and has created a thoroughly enjoyable fiction around it.

My thanks go to my local library for allowing me to reserve this book. Use your library. Or lose your library.

Measuring the World - Ellis

  I feel that any kind of review for this book is superfluous to requirements. It’s not a book I want to review, it’s a book I want to revere. Simple, compact, slender by its page count, immense in its concept, Measuring the World is the story of Kimberly Paula Hetherington aged 10 who decides to……….. measure the world.

‘ I am scared, but I am brave. I know nothing and want to know everything.’

If ever a book like this was needed for the world, it’s now, more than ever. It’s a book for all ages so it can be experienced at whatever conceptual level the reader might be. Younger readers may interpret the text literally and their imaginations will accept that Kimberly can measure the length and breadth of the sea. Older readers will understand the metaphysical intention behind some of Kimberley’s measuring……

‘……. a preacher from each and every faith.’

It’s a book many of us could read in minutes but the content should remain with us for ever. It’s a book that is a perfect gift for those you love, and maybe those you don’t love. For the reading of it may bring about more love than you ever thought possible.

The presentation of the book is delightful. The text, by Ellis,  is accompanied by some simple yet effective black-and-white line drawings, and some pages have the suggestion of blue skies and white clouds along their tops. Drawings are by Emily Woodthorpe. The cover, plate and background design were by Desislava Georgieva.

My thanks to the early reviewers programme at Librarything and Hawkwoodbooks for my much treasured copy of this book. 

AERA - Markus Heitz translated by Emily Gunning and Charlie Homewood

 Reading AERA is the equivalent to binge watching a TV box set. Originally conceived as ten novellas they’re all now contained within one omnibus edition. And what a treat it is. A dystopian Raiders of the Lost Ark almost. Malleus Bourreau is Interpol’s answer to Indiana Jones, although it does take him until the final volume before he wields his whip! 

This is adventure for the grown-ups. It’s action packed with murder and with mystery and a premise that only the most imaginative of fantasy writers could conceive. So what is it?

‘November 2019. The gods are back, the world is in uproar – and only one man has the strength to seek the truth.

Malleus Bourreau, atheist and investigator, has never believed in any kind of god – but that’s a problem when they start manifesting.

But wait – Zeus,The Morrigan, Thor… these aren’t the gods that people have worshipped.

It’s the middle of an invasion, and Malleus is the only one who believes in that reality.’

The prologue sets the scene with a series of transcriptions from radio and TV programmes which introduces the reader to the idea that the ancient gods are back in the world and making their presence felt. We’re also introduced to Malleus with a physical description, let’s not forget his Fu Manchu moustache, some speculations about his life and an interview for the online forum Immortals Today. The prologue also gives us a flavour of our hero in action and it serves as a much-needed introduction to what follows.

Without wishing to give too much away we follow Malleus to various locations across the globe, from the Vatican to Cornwall,  as he searches for a variety of villains, murderers and ancient, missing artefacts. Interpol assigns him an assistant, Marianne Lagrande who proves to be a feisty and formidable lady who may possibly have romantic designs upon her new boss. More than that I’m not prepared to say lest I bring the wrath of the spoiler gods down upon me.

Malleus is a compelling character. If Houdini wasn’t referenced in the book at some point I would be calling him Houdini because he seems to be able to extricate himself from the most dastardly of situations. To be fair he is given some help from an intriguing source. His acerbic wit is an entertaining accompaniment to the mayhem that is sometimes unleashed by angry gods. Aiding his sleuthing is his trusty PDA and a selection of the finest cigars.

Marianne is a great character as well. The part she plays runs parallel to Bouurreau’s; whilst he’s hurtling his way around the world she is systematically solving clues and putting the pieces of the jigsaw together. She’s certainly put through her paces in a way that I’m sure she didn’t anticipate when she took the job on! But she shows herself completely equal to everything that’s thrown at her. I enjoyed her character immensely

I imagine that if people have read these volume by volume they would be desperate for the next one to be written and published. No such problem here with this omnibus edition. You’ve got the whole lot under one delightful roof and reading them all at once enables you to see what a skilful plotter Heitz is. 

It’s escapist entertainment. And there’s possibly a subliminal subtext upon the nature of religion. When accused of being an atheist Malleus avers that he is a denialist. ‘ There’s no such thing as gods, and the powers of these so-called entities are by no means divine.‘

But the book is divine! It’s meaty, substantial and at over 800 pages it’s a committed read but one, I feel, that is well worth the effort. Big shout out to the translators, Emily Gunning and Charlie Homewood, who have done a fantastic job. I wonder if they did it all in one go or as each novella was published?

My thanks to Joe Christie and Jo Fletcher books for a copy and a place upon the blog blast.