BOOK REVIEW Book Review
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY...
... but before you sigh, titter or groan, be assured I’m not about to give you the latest update on erotic fiction. This month I’m more interested in the rise of what I call ‘grey fiction’ ie books whose key characters are - how can I say it politely - over 60, retired or quite simply.....old. as I glanced over the piles of books at the bookshop recently I couldn’t help thinking that it’s a popular theme at the moment in the publishing world. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by
rachel Joyce seemed to start the ball rolling a few years ago and it now has its sequel in The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy. Then there was the snappily named The 100 Year Old Man who Climbed out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. like others, I have enjoyed these novels and both have taken the publishing world by storm.
But what makes these characters of a certain age
so appealing and why do the older generation seem to be dominating the market? With age of course comes experience, many memories and therefore perhaps more scope for story and more to talk about. They bring a sense of nostalgia along with an edge of familiarity and there’s often a quirky element which draws you in. One such book, which caught my attention, is George’s Grand Tour by caroline Vermalle (Gallic Books).
by Emma Jones Then there is Etta and Otto
and Russell and James by emma hooper (Simon & Schuster). This is another debut novel by a canadian writer who has been hailed for her powerfully moving and beautifully written account of an 82 year old (etta) and her quest to fulfil her wish to see the sea by walking the 2,000 miles across saskatchewan – a long walk for anyone of any age! The book has a dream-like feel to as it moves between the present and the past focussing on the relationships between etta and her husband Otto and her lifelong friend and neighbour russell. and lest I show my age and my propensity to forget - there’s a bookie date to note for the diary - World Book Day on 5th
march. as in previous years, all school children should receive their £1 book vouchers and they can be redeemed for a free book at many participating bookshops including the Dartmouth community Bookshop. I gather the Bookshop extension plans are progressing well so pop in and have a look, you never know what you might find!
It’s
not prominent in the review lists but it made it onto my bedside table as a light, humorous and easy read which tells the tale of two ageing French men who decide to set off on an adventure, driving the route of the Tour de France.
It has a positive and poignant message that
one should never stop taking chances and that life can surprise us at any age - in my eyes a good mantra for anyone!
The other ageing protagonist that everyone is talking about is 82 year-old maud in emma healey’s Elizabeth is Missing (Penguin Books, £7.99). The novel – a debut for the author - has a string of great reviews, is top of all the Book club lists and is the recent Winner of the 2014 costa First novel award. The Observer calls it ‘maggie O’Farrell meets Gone
Girl..it is both a gripping detective yarn and a haunting depiction of mental illness… poignant and darkly comic.’
Open all year but times vary seasonally.
12 Higher Street (opposite The Cherub Inn) 01803 839571
info@dartmouthcommunitybookshop.co.uk www.dartmouthcommunitybookshop.co.uk
A not-for-profit co-operative organised by volunteers.
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