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Groaning bookshelves

Events over the past few years have led many to feel that we've been living out the plot of a science fiction novel, a political satire or...a black comedy?

Lockdowns, 'partygate', a merry-go-round of prime ministers - "it's beyond  belief", "you couldn't make it up"...

It's no wonder book sales soared as we all looked for an escape from real life. And fiction is a great way for stepping into other times and places, challenging our prejudices and preconceptions.  

The titles I've picked up by chance recently have all been entertaining and escapist, but they have at times felt frighteningly real and rather unsettling!

First there was 'Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons' which I mentioned last week. Though beautifully done, it challenges us to think about how we use our words and what we might do if they were restricted.

Then I read a recently published novel called 'The Library Suicides' (not the greatest title, but I'm often drawn to stories about libraries or bookshops!). This is an odd and bleak thriller, set in an imagined near-future in the National Library of Wales. It's rather intriguing in that it explores how we assess and value literature, and the written word in general.

But I also read 'End of Story' by Louise Swanson, due out in March. A bestselling writer is effectively under house arrest as a new regime has declared that all storytelling is banned. Novels have to be destroyed and the only books that are acceptable are those which present facts, the 'truth'. It's a gripping and thought-provoking thriller, with a brilliant twist. 

All well and good, then - some great entertainment with interesting, provocative themes. But in the New Yorker this week there was an article about schools in Florida where they are banning books, clearing the bookshelves and papering them over. 

These are strange times. How do we respond to such actions? At the least, let's keep supporting our bookshops, our libraries and our school reading programmes. And as our own bookshelves groan, let's not take books for granted!

Thank you for reading.


NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE WEEK
Taste: My Life Through Food
by Stanley Tucci

Last year I stumbled across a tv series called 'Searching for Italy', presented by the actor Stanley Tucci. Loving all things Italian, and having enjoyed Tucci in 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Julie and Julia' among other films, I gave it a go and was hooked. Beautiful scenery, food that made your mouth water and interviews in Italian with subtitles - after years of not being able to travel anywhere, this was a tonic!

Yet it's taken me a little while to pick up this memoir by the charming Tucci. It's now out in paperback, and finally I thought I'd read it. 

You can hear his voice in his writing, and his humour is evident too. At times you can also imagine his twinkling eyes, sharing wry asides with the reader just as if he was giving a knowing look to the camera.

It's an account of key points of his life in terms of the food he's enjoyed. His parents feature strongly, but he also gives us a sneak into his marriage and a recent health scare as well as behind the scenes at some of his most familiar films (I loved reading about the catering on set!).

He is creative in telling the story as he weaves some of his favourite recipes through the chapters, gives us a few critiques of meals and restaurants, and even dramatises some conversations, presenting them as a play or film script. 

It's a lovely book. Very enjoyable to read, and with dishes and cocktails to try too. 

For recommended non-fiction titles, take a look here.

CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK
Alice Eclair Spy Extraordinaire
A Spoonful of Spying

by Sarah Todd Taylor

Planes and motorbikes, couture and patisserie, models and spies - this book has it all! And it's set in Paris at the 1931 World Fair.

It is the second in the Alice Eclair Spy Extraordinaire series but stands very well on its own. Of course, once you've met Alice Eclair, you're eager to read more of her adventures!

Alice Eclair is a baker...and a spy!

She's in Paris where all the artists and inventors from around the world are gathered to share their newest ideas and creations. 

But there are some enemy spies who are trying to steal information for their own ends, and the inventors themselves may also be in danger. 

Alice needs to use all her guile, ingenuity and bravado, and her very best baking skills, to keep her friends safe and protect France's best invention from getting into the wrong hands.

This is a fast-paced, action-packed story from the very first page. The characters are engaging and entertaining, and it's a wonderful setting with engineering and aviation sitting alongside fashion shows and patisserie. It's aimed at readers aged 8-12 and I loved it!

Read about more recommended children's books here.

Browsers Bookshop Book Group
at St John's Hall, Woodbridge

Monday 27 February 8pm 
talking about...

The Ice Palace
by Tarjei Vesaas

Considered a classic of Norwegian literature, this was first published in 1963. A slim novel which Doris Lessing described as simple, subtle, strong, unique, unforgettable, extraordinary. What will we make of it? 
Buy your book from Browsers Bookshop in Woodbridge with the book group discount, and read along. Everyone is welcome to join in the meeting and more details will be available nearer the time.  
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