Modern Fiction Books > 20 GBP to 24 GBP Modern Fiction Books

Advantages: Two short stories, with lots to think about
Disadvantages: Have to be in a certain frame of mind to read it

This is one of the strangest and most enlighting book I have read. The book is split into two halves - One tells the story of Hero, the other Leander, based on an ancient Greek poem of two doomed lovers. Though neither of the central characters are connected in anyway, other than the time of their deaths. "Hero" tells the story of a young student who apparently commits suicide after finding out that her brother had an affair with her lover. Racked ...
...out in a blizzard as punishment. We later find out that Hero was killed in a jealous rage by her lover and only gives himself up when her severed head cries out. The story of "Leander" is of a 17th Century monk. When the Turkish and Austrain armies descend on Serbia he decides to build churches everywhere and anywhere he can. Chased by a Turkish warrior, Leander narrowly escapes capture. His untimely death is within one of his own constructions. ... Read review

Advantages: Great book a book you can't put down
Disadvantages: not that action packed

...into more detail I'll end up telling you most of the main plots, so if I was you get down to the local books shop and buy the first book MISSING: WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES, then when you've finished reading it you should read this one!!! GO AND DO THAT NOW!!!!!! ... Read review

Advantages: Amusing story and conversations, easy to understand
Disadvantages: lacks depth

...simple: imagine if the Greek Gods were still living, or existing, in a decrepit house in Islington. They are the same squabbling, bickering, incestuous family that myths were made of, but their powers are waning and they are entirely disregarded by the mortals that they consider so unimportant. Their powers and responsibilities remain true to history, but Phillips has given them appropriate, modern jobs; gorgeous Aphrodite is a phone sex worker while ...
...acutely conveys the boredom the gods are enduring by showing the mundane nature of even supposedly exciting moments and suggesting that one character's revenge on another might be 'swift and no doubt deadly, but at least it would pass the time.' The introduction of the human characters seems dull in comparison; this may be intentional, to suggest that their humdrum lives need livening up. Indeed, although they like each other, they seem barely able ... Read review

Advantages: Well written, easy to read, good characters
Disadvantages: A bit of a shaky start

Vintage is one of those books which is exactly what you expect. It has a glossy, expensive looking cover, with a model clutching a bottle of champagne, its title and author splashed across the middle of the cover in bold, gold lettering. It looks to be a glamorous, sexy read, and it does indeed deliver on its promises - and a little extra something added in there too. Vintage follows three women who enter the man's world of wine-making, well champagne ...
...Madeleine wants to produce a vintage wine of her own, and is determined to prove her critics, who don't believe a woman can create a great wine, wrong and to rise to the top of her game. Kelly Elson, a chambermaid in a hotel is also left a vineyard in a will, but unlike Madeleine, she doesn't want anything to do with it. Under the guidance of trustee Hilarian and and vineyard keeper Guy, she decides maybe there is something to be done in the wine ... Read review

Advantages: great characters
Disadvantages: remember te early chapters the will make more sence in the end!

...for Best Book/Novel White Teeth 2000 EMMA (BT Ethnic and Multicultural Media Award) for Best Female Media Newcomer White Teeth 2000 Guardian First Book Award White Teeth 2000 James Tait Black Memorial Prize (for fiction) White Teeth 2000 Mail on Sunday/John Llewellyn Rhys Prize (shortlist) White Teeth 2000 Whitbread First Novel Award White Teeth 2001 Authors' Club First Novel Award (shortlist) White Teeth 2001 Commonwealth Writers Prize (Overall ...
...(shortlist) White Teeth 2001 WH Smith Award for Best New Talent White Teeth This was Zadie Smith's first novel but if you liked this she has more out now. As I don't know any one else who read it id love t o hear your views . ... Read review