trustee from the toolroom by nevil shute

Is Nevil Shute underrated? I kind of feel like that’s the case. When I enthuse about him to other people they usually look blank. Nevil who? His most famous book – A Town Called Alice – is slowly sliding into relative obscurity. Which is a shame, as it’s really good. My fave is On the Beach, a perfect study of bleakness. And this one was rather satisfying too.

He tends to write about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. So in this story, Keith Stewart, a normal man from London, who enjoys a hobby making miniature engines and writing about them for a specialist magazine, is suddenly launched into an international adventure when his sister dies unexpectedly and leaves their daughter in his care. As her trustee, he feels it’s up to him to provide the best possible future for her, which results in a journey most people would balk at.

It’s amazing really, that this is the basis for a thrilling adventure. But it’s totally compelling. Set in the 1950s – without the modern conveniences of technology – it’s sort of fascinating to discover how you’d actually travel to a remote island in the Pacific Ocean on little to no money in your pocket. Of course, things go quite smoothly for Keith, which is convenient for the narrative – and he does have some very handy specialist knowledge which stands him in good stead.

I love Nevil Shute’s writing because there are no frills, no fancy devices – it’s all very straightforward and elegant. It reminds me of Daphne du Maurier in that regard. Substance is everything. Honestly, there is a whole chapter in this book about a yacht sailing into a storm that was the most tense thing I’ve read in a long time. Masterclass.

In short…

If you’ve never read Nevil then you’re missing out. Top writer with top stories. Give him a go – this book is a gentle winner, a solid 8/10

the librarian by salley vickers

Picked this up on a whim from my local charity bookshop, and spent far too long avoiding it as I felt it was perhaps – a bit beneath me? Maybe not my sort of thing? I think I chose it because it’s set in the late 50s and I like that time period; otherwise, not sure why I’d go for it. The cover is a bit ‘chick lit’ which I’m well aware is a pejorative term and I don’t use it to judge, just not my cup of tea. Folks can read what they like, as long as they read.

Which is kind of where this book goes. Sylvia Blackwell arrives in a small countryside town as the new Children’s Librarian, full of dreams about how to inspire the local youth with literary fervour. But a poorly conceived love affair with the local doctor puts all her hopes in jeopardy. I was surprisingly captivated by all this. I’ve not read any Salley Vickers before, but she reminds me of Patchett and Tyler with her uncanny ability to create seemingly innocuous characters that you care about a great deal.

Also, the story is s tribute to reading, and the power of books, especially for children. I’ve always been a prolific and enthusiastic reader and I’m delighted my daughter is the same. I find it weird that some people don’t read. Anyway, I’m inspired to read some books mentioned in this one that I think I’ve missed in the past – Tom’s Midnight Garden (surely I read that as a child?) and Lolly Willowes to name two.

In short…

I was surprised by how much I liked this book, it’s deceptively well-written and reminiscent of my fave Ann (and Anne). Thoroughly enjoyable 9/10

the remains of the day by kazuo ishiguro

Ooh it’s a modern classic. I thought I’d read this one, but I hadn’t. I think had I picked it up years ago I might not have liked it as much as I did now; too slow, maybe, or too mannered. Reading it now I see why this is a fave – yes it is a bit slow and it is very mannered – but it’s also clever, moving, often amusing, and a great insight into an historical practice that we are rapidly losing in this progressive age.

Or are we? Does anyone butler any more? (Is there a verb: to buttle?) The narration is provided by Mr Stevens, a dignified head butler of Darlington House, once a great estate in Oxfordshire, now owned by an American ‘gentleman’. It’s the 1950s; the war is over, life will never be the same. Stevens questions his ability to serve his master in these different times. The book follows Stevens as he goes on a car journey across the country to visit Miss Kenton, who used to be housekeeper until she married and left.

There are all sorts of undercurrents, subtextual treats, and plenty left unsaid – it’s so well done though, you’d have to be wilfully ignorant to not get what’s going on between Stevens and Kenton. It’s very beautiful as well – the formality of Stevens’ language, his emotions only revealed when another character comments on his demeanour – almost heartbreaking.

Plenty of juicy historical details here for the fans. Maybe a bit too much political guff for my liking, but I can appreciate it’s from the butler’s pov and so an important context.

In short…

You can see why this is a classic and beloved by many. Lots to appreciate although my attention drifted slightly in places. Will have to watch the film now, 8/10

lessons in chemistry by bonnie garmus

Hooray! At last. I have read A Good Book. The relief! There are some Good Books out there. This is one! (I’m sure there are loads. I’ll keep reading till I find them all). But yes. Here is one. Funny, moving, interesting, well-written. Boxes, ticked, all over the place.

Elizabeth Zott is a chemist. Unfortunately for her, it’s 1950s America and women aren’t supposed to be chemists. They’re supposed to be housewives, and mothers. Or secretaries. This doesn’t stop Elizabeth from being a chemist, although she has to fight the whole time. Then she falls in love, with another chemist. It’s chemistry!

I’m not describing the plot very well, but this is a good thing, because it’s probably better discovered. I don’t want to give too much away, especially about things like cooking TV shows, rowing, precocious children, Six-Thirty, bad men, good men, amazing women, chemistry, and more. The story flips back and forth, lots of stuff happens – and it all finishes satisfyingly. Hooray!

Elementary: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus cover design

My one (teeny-tiny) bugbear would be the dog (you’ll see what I mean), especially after that book I tried reading recently with the narrating cat – but everything else is so good I just kind of went with it. The character of Elizabeth is also irritating at times, but she’s supposed to be? Who isn’t? I’m sure I can be an utter horror on occasion.

Anyway. Enough. Read it! It might change your life. And if it doesn’t, at least you’ve read A Good Book at last.

In short…

Some kind of manifesto in disguise, it’s marketed as a ‘women’s book’ (I guess? Are they still doing that?) but men should read this. We already know we’re short-changed. Be more Elizabeth Zott, 9/10

the magus by john fowles

Fancy reading a veritable labyrinth of plot twists and red herrings? Then this is the book for you! It’s fucking insane. There were many, many moments when I thought I’d gotten a handle on the story but no – I really hadn’t, and Fowles throws another curve ball – another total about turn – and suddenly it’s not what I thought at all.

Doesn’t make this a brilliant book, though – I mean, yes, I enjoyed it – but the resulting maze was more frustrating than inspiring, I think. There was a lot of psychological posturing that simply went over my head. It starts off as a possible supernatural tale, which I was more interested by, and sorry to see go when the Jungian stuff happened instead. Plus the constant flip-flopping between is-it-isn’t-it is bloody exhausting.

But that being said, it’s a fascinating concept. Set in the 1950s (one of my faves, obvs), a bored young man accepts a teaching post on a remote Greek island. There he meets one of the island’s notorious inhabitants, a rich old man, who has a colourful history and who quickly initiates the young man into a supposed ‘game’. High jinks ensue, and the guessing begins – what are the rules of this ‘game’, and what could the outcome possibly be – the reader only really finds out at the end. Or do we?

Could it be magic? The Magus by John Fowles cover design

There are well over 600 pages to this novel so it’s a commitment for sure. I’m glad I persevered as I want to read more classic fiction (not just contemporary stuff). And I remember enjoying The French Lieutenant’s Woman when I read it at uni (maybe worth a revisit?). Fowles is a great writer, with a knack for creating antiheroes – the young man main character is not particularly likeable or appealing, but you do empathise with how he finds himself in often bizarre and unnerving situations. The magus himself is also a brilliant creation. I do wish the female characters were better drawn, but I think it’s rare to find a male writer who can write an authentic woman, especially from 60+ years ago.

Anyway, it’s done and dusted, and I may muse on it more – or will I? I tend to read and forget, so perhaps this will fade away quickly too – or will it?

In short…

Constant plot twists and crazy reveals keep you reading this one – or do they? It could all be an illusion, an act. Very cleverly done though, 8/10

the hand that first held mine by maggie o’farrell

If you’ve read any of Maggie O’Farrell’s books then you’ll know what sort of deal you’re getting – luminous prose, emotional storylines and some kind of tragic death. This novel is no exception.

Two intertwined narratives: Lexie leaves a stultifying life in rural Devon for the glamour of London after she meets a dashing man in a country lane, and Elina and Ted, brand new parents, try to cope with a newborn baby as well as some devastating family revelations.

The first story is set in the 50s/60s, an era which always interests me, maybe because it feels within reach – my parents were born in the 50s. Whatever, it’s a fascinating setting, especially when Lexie reaches London and we read about the work she does, the artists she meets, etc. Her relationship with Dashing Man is lovely too, very believable, and yes, unsurprisingly marred by Tragic Death.

The story with Elina and Ted and baby is set in the present day and is probably one of the best accounts of what having a newborn is like that I’ve ever read. The exhaustion, confusion, pain, and sheer amount of feeling – good, bad, overwhelming – is all there on the page. You almost don’t care what the actual ‘plot’ is, you just want these characters to have a full night’s sleep. But yes, plot happens, and the revelation of how the two stories connect, while not a complete surprise, is movingly achieved.

Can’t believe I just wrote the phrase ‘movingly achieved’ for crying out loud. Ha!

In short…

PLEASE IGNORE MY AWFUL USE OF AWFUL PHRASE, this book is good and worth a read for sure. MOVINGLY ACHIEVED 8/10