The Secret History by Donna Tart

⭐⭐⭐

My first Donna Tart novel. After seeing several reviews I thought I would read this, probably her most famous novel to date. The plot concerns a small group of classics undergraduates and their idiosyncratic but inspirational tutor. Following his promptings to experience total spiritual freedom, they recreate an ancient ritual. This leads to a drunken/drug induced manslaughter and this is where the story really begins. The group turns in on itself under the pressure of hiding the truth. Blackmail ensues, incest is revealed and they begin to unravel. They turn on one of their number and murder him. The pressure grows and grows. 

I found this novel to be sweaty, claustrophobic and paranoid. It seemed like a mixture of Crime and Punishment, The Dead Poets Society and Reservoir dogs. In fact Crime and Punishment is referenced through out the book. The difference being that Raskalnikov (sp) dealt with the demons of guilt internally, but the group fails to deal with guilt collectively. Its not an uplifting book and the group angst can seem to be a little repetitive. There are no real likeable characters in the book, all have major flaws. Perhaps this may be reflective of life in general. I personally thought It was a decent book but not up to all the hype.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cracking dark twisted whodunnit masquerading as a physcological thriller. A new therapist arrives at an institute determined to open up its most famous patient. A woman who has not  spoken since brutally murdering her husband, or did she? Why is the therapist obsessed with this case in particular? Are the staff covering something up?As the therapist delves deeper, he interviews people from her past. Many of them have motives to be the actual killer? It was one of the books where you are racing at the end to see what happened, desperately turning pages faster and faster. It had a excellent twist in the end too. Fantastic example of the genre.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

⭐⭐⭐

Not having read any Bradbury before, I decided to take the plunge with his most famous work.

  I enjoyed the plot and certain clever points within the short story, eg firemen that start fires. 

Bradbury seems to have had a keen eye for the future too. Published in 1952 this prophetic short story forsees things like critical thinking being despised, the  govt encouraged blandness of life supported by fake news and giant home tv screens. It shows how the people are manipulated. One of my favourite quotes in the book is "the most dangerous enemy of truth and freedom, the solid unmoving cattle of the majority. Oh, God, the terrible tyranny of the majority." I thought that was very poignant with the vast swathes of the population being brainwashed by the Brexit campaign. 

 In many ways it is a sister piece to 1984. Although in 1984 if there is hope it lies with the proles ( proletariat) in Farenheit 451 it lies with the intellectuals 🤔. To be honest I think that we are being swamped with knobheads in all levels of society ATM. 

 The only thing that I found uncomfortable was Bradbury's writing style which I, personally, found a little disjointed and etheral.

Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kurt Vonnegut was an American  P.O.W being held in Dresden  Germany during WW2 when U.S air force  and RAF totally destroyed the city. I Decided to read this because my wife's grandad was also a pow (uk) in Dresden at the time of the firebombing (which KV estimates as killing 130,000 and thereby being the biggest massacre in European history) He was a changed man after the war apparently in body and mind😮

When you read a lot of books you become used to the genre/literal patterns. This book takes those guidelines and blows them apart. For a start its the only war/time travelling/space travelling/family saga/ semi autobiography I have read. In addition the tone is passive, fatalistic and almost apathetic. Nonetheless it seems to flow. A thought provoking read, I was still thinking about this book days after finishing it. Its surrealism may put some off. Its what people in the UK would call a marmite book. You'll either love it or hate it with no middle ground. I am in the former group. If 4* is good and 5* is amazing I would give it a 4 and a half. After reading this book I googled Dresden and found a youtube clip of a ex paratrooper who was there being in interviewed on uk breakfast tv was absolutely gob smacking! KV employs a clever trick  every time a death is mentioned  he uses the phrase "so it goes" and now it is stuck with me. If a hear of a death my lil brain says "so it goes" or if I hear "so it goes" I think of death. Happy days eh! 😉. At lthe end of the book I still didnt know if our hero had PTSD, a brain injury from a plane crash or weather he was actually abducted by aliens and transported through time! Thats a hell of a last comment of a review. So will say no more than 😉👊🏼

 

Skinner's Rules by Quentin Jardine

⭐⭐⭐

Drawn to this due to appreciation of Edinburgh and Rebus. Good old  fashioned cop investigates crime which leads to international spy type shenanigans. Gritty and believable. Is now a bit dated due to references to now obsolete computor hardware and 1990s politics but still an enjoyable romp for lovers of scottish noir crime fiction.

The Nix by Nathan Hill

⭐⭐

I would grade this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars. This is between a "meh!" and an OK. Several of the blurbs mention the phrase "the great American novel," sadly I do not thing this book will achieve that status.

However, despite my relatively poor rating, there is much to commend it. Mr Hill is a very good writer and comes up with many quotes eg. "We can tell ourselves we’re not special because we weren’t born with it, which is a great excuse,” and "Sometimes we’re so wrapped up in our own story that we don’t see how we’re supporting characters in someone else’s." and "you shouldn’t think of it as your mother abandoned you. Instead, perhaps think of it as she gave you up for adoption slightly later than usual.” All thought provoking, incisive literary gems. 

Yes Mr Hill is a good writer, what he needs is a good editor. I often enjoy a sojourn down a side adventure, however Mr Hill takes too many and describes them using as many words as possible. It's as if he has a word count to hit and is padding out the book as much as possible, similar to a student struggling to reach minimum length on an essay. The reader has to invest heavily for little return. Pages and pages are spent on a peripheral character's avatar's fall from grace and death in an online game and Alan Ginsberg's various interpretations of the mantra word "ohm." 

There are several other areas where the book is engaging. It is a good snapshot of American society 1960s-2010s. It is a biting satire of several areas of modern culture including modern journalism, consumerism, political spin doctoring, collegiate politics and modern day entitlement. The plot, while not a seat of your pants thriller has enough intrigue to keep you steadily turning the pages.

The characters are multi dimensional and develop and change over time. in the book, as in life good guys/ bad guys and happy endings/sad endings are not distinctive black and white but more a sort of drab grey, and always subjective. I am OK with this.

In short an engaging OK book that could have been elevated to a good book with some prunage.

Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Purports to be a true story, however as you read through a 17yr old boy's adventures in north Italy during the war as an alpine guide for fleeing jews via the catholic underground railroad and later as a spy posing as a driver for a high ranking german general you become increasingly suspicious  of it's truth claims. So I did a bit of googling and amazingly it is true! including all the real life celebrities the principle met throughout his life and what later happened to the german General.

The book strong points are setting of the war background , its tense atmosphere and sense of chaos, its plot and generally its sense of being there. Where it could have been (slightly) better is character depth ie some characters are one dimensional good or bad. Romantic/sex scenes are notoriously difficult to write and it shows in this book where the author using the analogy of violins playing when the two main characters kiss hmmm. The author is a journalist and it shows, he has a great knack of creating a narrative of  the facts and background info but struggles a bit with the more romantic aspects. But overall its a very good book. Soon to be a movie with the young lad who played spiderman in the latest movie. Will look forward to that. 

Prob a 4.5 me amazing tale that the world should  know. I know I'll never forget it. Thank you Mr Sullivan

Blind Faith by Ben Elton

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In dystopian fiction literature terms the name of Trafford Sewell should be added to those of Winston Smith and Guy Montag as future anti heroes. With this book Elton has created a  totalitarian future that is very, very close to today's society. 

He is clever in that he can take a grain of truth, and build it up into a dessert, or the way he can take a current social feeling and build a vast corrupt social structure on its premise. For example I am sure at some point we have all felt the slight social pressure to ask an upset friend online "are u ok hun?" especially if others have already  asked this question or similar. In Elton's world failure to do this would be a heinous crime worthy of drawing down a pack of rabid bullies as well drawing unwanted attention from the formal social hierarchy. 

 In addition he can also work the reverse, he can drill down into that grain of sand to scrutinise its structure, or dissect that feeling into its often complex parts or even slightly change it so that now instead of asking "u ok hun?" out of concern or even formality it is now fear that drives you to ask and quickly before you are noticed and the pack turn on you.

 Very topical also in that it describes two plagues or pandemics of measles and mumps. Disease is now rife due to vaccination being illegal... food for thought there.

 Imagination, fiction, privacy and certain aspects of science do not exist in this world. Everyone's life is broadcast online including sex and childbirth. It is "1984" for the followers of "Love Island" and "Lord of the Flies" for the Facebook generation. 

I think that because Elton's terrifying new society is couched in online speak, with global warming, and the dumbing down of society, the rise of unintelligent"Reality" tv shows it is far more scary than Orwell's or Bradbury's future worlds. 

Elton's world has the lobster cooking potential. ie. if you put a lobster into a pot of water and gradually turn the heat up, bit by bit, over time it will cook without realising it is being cooked. That is the scary thing in Elton's book, we are nearly there, we are almost cooked!

Our (anti) hero is Trafford Sewell who works in monolithic government organisation processing various items of data to find obscure connections. I wont go into the plot, which has been done before ie individual battles for freedom from overbearing society. In the end, the fascination for this genre lies in the world that they create, not in the individual plot.

          

This is the third Ben Elton novel that I have read and one thing I have noted is that he does not go in for happy-ish endings. While this is not a criticism, I now find myself approaching his books with an idea of the outcome. Surely one happy-ish  in an odd book or two would add something to the suspense.

 To those who may not know Ben Elton, he was brash, loud, in your face political comedian and commentator in the UK in the 80s. He would point out double standards and cruelty in the government's polices and ministers. His style was fast, bubbling prose ending in a crescendo. 

His books are of the same ilk. I normally like my books like Werthers original toffees long, slow gentle sweets which are gently soothing. Mr Elton's books are fizzy bangs for the gob! However It does you good to have a blast now and again. Would make for a good episode of "Black Mirror"  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and silently weep for our future.

Contacts by Mark Watson

⭐⭐⭐

I would like to thank Harper Collins and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

A lonely man named James decides to take his own life. In the modern day equivelant of an old fashioned suicide note, he writes a short text on his phone and sends to all his contacts (like a "black mirror" version of Michael MacIntyre's schtik) hence the title. The book then reveals with how his contacts deal with the news and, in flashback, how he came to be in such a sorry state. Fair to say its not all rainbows and lollipops. There are numerous miseries heaped on our shy, good natured victim of life. I won't describe them, but leave them for the reader to find. However its not the big disasters that crack him, but the multitude of small sadnesses and loneliness that grind him down. Technology and in particular mobile phones form a background thread through the book. 

The author is a stand up comedian but this is not a humerous book. He wrings every little bit of guilt and anxiety possible out of the story. He makes you feel uncomfortable and socially awkward. It shows how an intelligent, affable person can be emotionally lost in the crowd. It is a very sad book. I may recommend it to friends but only if I feel they are strong enough to deal with the themes. I listened to the audio book. Mark Watson narrates the story and while the Welshman does not have the rich, melodious tones of a Michael Sheen or a Richard Burton, his voice is suited to the neurotic story. He is a sort of Welsh Woody Allen. The big plus for this book is that, at least in my experience, it will make you rethink how you interact with others and you may learn to be a slightly kinder person. Thats pretty good going for a book.

The Power of the Dog by Don Wilmslow

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a sprawling epic of a book. It is to Mexican drug cartels what "The Godfather" is to the Mafia or what "Lonesome Dove" is to the cowboy genre. It is a multi layered, multi inter connected ensemble piece. 

It touches on vast array of government agencies and initiatives as well as numerous criminal operations. Everyone gets a mention, CIA, DEA, Contras, the Chinese government, Marxist terrorists,Opus Dei and the Mexico City earthquake. As well as a multitude of agencies, characters and operations the story takes place over decades. 

Among others we follow Art an army veteran who is an idealist when he joins the DEA, only to find his morals being worn down over the years in his obsession to bring down Adan Barrerra. Art gets drawn into doing the wrong things for the right reasons. Adan the cold cartel boss who loves his disabled daughter. Raul is Adan's vicious brother and enforcer. Nora is a whore with a heart of gold. Callan is a gifted killer who drifted into the murder game by being at the wrong place at the right time.  

The set peices are memorable such as Adan being captured  when a young man and being being taken in a helicopter with another prisoner, and when Callan becomes a killer. 

These and many other characters and their vast array back stories are carefully woven into a complex slice of U.S. and Latin American history. 

This is very much a shades of colour book. the good guys can be bad, the bad guys can be good. Only Parada the catholic priest has a balanced moral compass. 

The author delivers some killer quotes in this novel, some of which I have brain filed for future reference. e.g.

 "I dont believe in God," Art says. "Doesn"t matter," Parada says "He believes in you." or

"It's the smell of death, unimaginable if you've never smelt it, unforgettable once you have." or

"There is money and the lack of money, and there's power and the lack of power. And that's all there is."

This book shows us America and the war on drugs, how the money for the war on drugs is funneled into sycophantic corrupt states and used to fund anti communist death squads with the tacit approval of the U.S.  and it is ugly and terrifying. 

The torture scenes are necessarily horrific.

If there is a criticism, and it is only miniscule caveat, it is that the protagonists have conflict after conflict. It seems there is no end to the unrelenting betrayals and shoot outs that each character goes through in their character arc. 

However, as I said it is a very, very small gripe. Pulls back the curtain on dirty deal politics. 

Amazing book. 

The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wanted to read a "modern classic" and had not read a Graham Greene before so 2 birds, 1 stone. 

The plot centres around an alcoholic, catholic priest who is also the father of a child from a relationship with one of his flock. 

 It takes place in a region of mexico where there has been a cultural revolution and the catholic church  is now banned. Priests are either shot or forced to get married and renounce. 

 

Against this back drop our priest goes on the run for numerous years. Giving clandestine confession, holy communion and baptisms. He travels around the country, in a destitute state, meeting a variety of characters. He is ruthlessly pursued by an anti religeous officer who wants to protect the peasants from what he sees as the exploitative ways of the catholic church and.... well thats just it, thats the whole plot basically. 

While the characters and settings are three dimensional, believable and well presented the plot just does not seem to develop. That is why I originally only gave it 2 stars. However the book has been swirling around in my mind for over a week, even though I had started on a new book. So I came back and gave another star and after a few days yet another star. So its a slow grower! Although it is a manhunt and gunplay is involved it is not actually an action book.

It is more about the soul and deeply flawed people doing the right thing in times of extreme pressure. Are there good and bad people or just selfish acts and unselfish acts? I think after reading this Greene would say both and even a mixture of both i.e. bad people can do unselfish acts (eg the priest) and good people can do selfish acts (eg the leutenant)

  

 In addition the priest's story can be seen as an alegory of Christ's life. He ministers to the people under persecution and threat of death from the civil authority. He has a choice between an easy out or doing his duty and consequently suffering pain and death. He knowingly chooses the latter. He is betrayed by his own judas figure. 

Later a mother tells reads her children heroic tales of catholic matyrs that idealize and hero worship the mudered priests. Perhaps here too Greene is pointing out how a dirty squalid execution can be elevated through time, literature and retelling into "the greatest story ever told."

  

Anyway, any book that can make me think like that deserves to have a 5 star rating so I am going to give it another one. Wow from 2 to 5 stars after I have read it a week ago!

   As a non catholic it did highlight themes of catholic church to me. They do like a bit of guilt! Guilty until proven guilty and a bit more guilt on top. So it was a  interesting for that insight alone. 

    I wont be rushing for a Graham Greene novel soon, my head hurts too much atm. But I will at some point reach for another. It is a bit like one of those magic eye pictures, you have to see beyond the obvious. Overall as an action book its a bit dull but look between the lines into the soul of the whiskey priest and it is immensly thought provoking.

Guest Reviewer Owen Powell

 

Owen Powell is a student of The Open University, currently studying for a degree in Arts and Humanities. With aspirations of a career in creative writing himself, Owen really appreciates the value of a good fictional story. His favourite genres are primarily fantasy and sci-fi.

Aims & Introduction

• Bio..

I am a 50 something Steelworker from South Wales in UK. I am also a bibliophile. As often as possible I rope my now adult kids (who also enjoy the written word) into contributing to this blog. My wife reckons I'm grumpy....but I think I'm OK  😁😛

As a grumpy old man and book lover, I often found myself to be trawling through book review blogs, looking for books that would appeal to me. All too often the reviewers would be far too young, handsome and happy.  Like life hasn't happened to them yet. You know the sort.... "Hi!😁, My name is Karisma with a K and I'm a Gemini" All teeth and smooth skin. Pretty but deep as a puddle, with all the sincerity of Matt Hancock.

Anyway, I often had to go through a lot of oysters to find a pearl good enough for my TBR pile (To be Read.) It was hard to find a book review blog by a Welsh, world weary, cynical, slightly sarcastic, 50+years Male. 

So I decided to be the change I wanted to see. 

So if you are a greying, too many miles on the clock, slight attitude problem type of guy looking for a book review, welcome to the site for you😉! A bit niche, but it does what is says on the tin 😁👍🏾

Please bear in mind that a review is completely subjective. What I may like another reader may not and vice versa. It's a "I like tea but not coffee situation."

If you ask for a review please bear in mind that I only give honest opinions. However in a world where it is important to be kind, I will always strive never to be negative and always be constructive.

About me & books 

*Likes historical fiction.

*Likes crime fiction.

*Likes courtroom drama.

*Not a fan of footballers autobiographies.

*Not a fan of romantic novels.

Rating System

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Book

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good Book

⭐⭐⭐ OK. Fairly Interesting

⭐⭐ Meh! 🤷‍♂️

⭐ Oh Dear! 🙈

To be a great book it has to be

• Enjoyable. 
• I have to be thinking about the book a few days after I have read it.
• I would be happy to read about the further adventures of the characters.
•  I would like to read a different book by the same author. 

That's it. Hope you like it. Always looking for my next TBR so please feel free to recommend.😁👍🏾

Also if you want a book honestly reviewed you can email me at 

grumpyoldbooks@gmail.com

Or message me on twitter... 

Grumpy Old Man Reviews Books.

@GrumpyOldBooks

* 2 Book limit for request reviews