Do you get lots of books as presents for Christmas?

I’m lucky – I got a bumper bundle this year and it’ll last me a couple of months. I read all sorts of books, for pleasure, for research, to extend my own skills. And this past week, I’ve read two absolutely brilliant books I’d love to share with you.

So thanks for the presents. xx

Thie first one is Julia by Sandra Newman. Many of you will have read Orwell’s 1984, set in the dramatic and dystopian world of Big Brother, in which Winston Smith betrays Julia, his lover. Well, Julia is the story retold from his lover’s point of view. It’s marketed as a feminist novel; Julia is the main character and her perspective and experiences are central.

Seventy five years after 1984 was published, Sandra Newman has presented Julia as a credible character whose story unfolds in ways that will surprise, shock and grip you. It’s very dramatic and breathtaking, and beautifully written. When I first started the book, I was impressed by the writer’s deep knowledge of the original text, how Julia contrives an affair with Winston Smith, and how she manages her own life. But then I was swept away by what happens to Julia in the second and third part of the novel. It goes far beyond the original story, and is profoundly unsettling. At times terrifying and hard to read, but utterly convincing, the story of Julia’s ordeal and survival is both provocative and powerful.Highly recommended if you like a book that will stay with you emotionally for a long time.

I loved it to bits. It may even be my book of the year.

Next, I read Yellowface by R F Kuang. Before I dived in, I checked out some of the Amazon reviews, because I’d heard that there were mixed opinions. Indeed, there were some truly negative reviews – some people disliked the main character excessively and hated the story. The central character Juniper Song’s no angel, but I felt compassion towards her predicament. The good reviews said that the novel was compelling, cynical, and thought-provoking. It’s a satirical piece, and deals with themes of publishing, plagiarism, racism, and internet trolling. I had to read it.

And I thoroughly enjoyed it. The first person narrative is compelling and at times humorous, and the premise is fascinating. Juniper plagiarises someone else’s work and profits from it. She lies about her ownership of it and is attacked and trolled by various merciless individuals who respond with vitriolic comments.

The story challenges the reader to consider the wide meaning of racism, of plundering others’ culture and profiting from it. I found myself whirled into the debate of what is ethical and what is appropriation. There are many villains between the pages and not always much tolerance or compassion; the trolling and attacking of Juniper is realistic and shocking.

But it’s a great story, with a cracking pace and a captivating voice. And there’s a lot to think about and discuss.

I loved the book. It won’t be for everyone, but I think it’s an important book, and well written.Great for book groups too.

On to my next read, which will be completely different…A Boldwood author whom I always enjoy…