Book #34 Levels of Life

Levels of Life by Julian Barnes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An uncomfortable read. I refer to the third part of this book. A monologue on grief. Julian Barnes' wife, Pat Kavanagh, died in 2008 just 37 days after a diagnosis of terminal cancer. This is a very raw piece of writing. It's tough, it's hard to get through. Barnes discusses those several moments in the years following his wife's death when he contemplated suicide. There are no easy moments here, perhaps a diminishing of grief as the years pass. "We imagine we have battled against it, been purposeful, overcome sorrow, scrubbed the rust from our soul, when all that has happened is that grief has moved elsewhere, shifted its interest".

I guess this is a book for anyone who has loved and suffered loss. But it offers little in the way of an enjoyable read. It was not intended to....

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Book #33 Charlotte

Charlotte by David Foenkinos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'I am deeply, deeply affected by this sad, beautiful, indignant, wrenching, important book... It's stunning' Sarah Perry author of The Essex Serpent. How can I add to that. This story about Charlotte Salomon is heartbreaking - and true. I have read many books about the horrors of Naziism during the 2nd World War and their 'Final Solution'. Charlotte is different. David Foenkinos writes in prose form and it is this simplicity that makes Charlotte's story all the more lucid, inspiring and yet - awful.

Charlotte Salomon was born in Berlin in 1917. Unknown in her lifetime, she was one of Germany's great modern artists. Her greatest achievement was Life? or Theatre?. A song-play - an autobiographical series of 769 works, which she painted in the South of France while in hiding from the Nazis. Salomon died in Auschwitz in 1943, gassed along with her unborn child shortly after her arrival.

Foenkinos's achievement in researching Salomon's story is monumental. His writing has produced a beautifully told memorial of yet another victim of Nazi brutality. As a Jew in Berlin she is torn from her family and chased from her country, seeks refuge in France and pays the ultimate price. Her life.

Everyone should read this book. This exquisite book about an artist named... Charlotte Salomon.

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Book #32 Sanctuary

Sanctuary by Ken Bruen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Darker than Irish stout. Another cracker from Ken Bruen. Jack, who has sold up in Galway and preparing to travel to America.... doesn't. He stays put to offer support to his Garda friend (if 'friend' is the right word) who has received the devastating news that she has breast cancer. Meanwhile, Jack receives a letter containing a list of victims: two Guards, a judge, a nun and, alas, a child. The letter is signed 'Benedictus'.... And the list has already begun. Garda Flynn, deceased two days ago. Taylor determines to find the identity of the killer and stop him or her at any cost.

Jack has carried the burden of the death of a child - a young girl with Downs Syndrome, the daughter of his friends Jeff and Cathy - Jack was made to believe he was responsible. When he finds out the truth of what occurred his rage ends up in a bottle of Jameson, pints of the dark stuff and a hangover that almost pushes him over the edge. Is Jack suicidal? So much self pity. Come on Jack Taylor. If you can survive another beating at the hands of Superintendent Clancy and his thugs you can and will find a way through your despair. Get back on track.

Typical Bruen - the dialogue is harsh and authentic, the plot is compelling and I know that I am seriously addicted to this Jack Taylor series, particularly when I find myself buying CDs that happen to be Jack's favourites! Try Billy Joe Shaver. Never heard of him? Neither had I - this truly gifted alt.Country & Western singer/songwriter. Thanks Jack....



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