Modern Fiction Books > A Modern Fiction Books

Advantages: Unputdownable
Disadvantages: In some ways almost too short

Astonishing Splashes of Colour is the first novel by Clare Morrall and was shortlisted for the MAN Booker Prize 2003. The book itself is the first published book by its author, and I think it was the Astonishing Splashes of Colour that make up its cover that attracted me towards its purchase in the first place. The title itself is inspired by Peter Pan, “For the Neverland is always more or less an Island with astonishing splashes of colour here and ...
...character Kitty Wellington, and is set in a familiar part of Birmingham that is Edgbaston in the present time. Kitty herself is the youngest of six adult children, including a runaway elder sister who she does not remember, and four older brothers. Kitty does not remember her Mother either, as she died in a car accident when she was three years old. For the bulk of the book, Kitty herself speaks of a time as a 30 something married female who is ... Read review

Advantages: great storyline, well written
Disadvantages: won't really appeal to men

I brought this book a few months back now, simply because it was Marian Keyes.  I have read most books that she has writen, and have never been disapointed.  It is chick lit at its best.  So if you are into that type of thing - then you will certainly enjoy this one.  It does take you on an emotional rolercoaster, and when I came to the end, I was quite sad it was over, meaning that it was a really good read for me, the ending was good, and you don't ...
...unfolds before your eyes, and the characters come alive with the descriptions that Marian uses, you feel like you really know them.  You can't really say much about the storyline without giving to much away, so all I will say is, if you are going on your hols, or have some free time then give it a go, cause you won't be able to put it down!! ... Read review

Advantages: short chapters, addictive storyline
Disadvantages: can be jumpy at times, not the best book to put down

...good as eachother! It's a story about a family that has it's ups and downs like any other.... This book can be read by anyone! The characters maybe ordinary but isn't that what we all are? It makes you understand that we really don't know what goes on behind closed doors! There are lots of little secrets in this family and Haddon has managed to turn what could be a very plain story into a comedy. The basis of the story is on the whole family which ...
...deal with a marriage that the dad George isn't happy about, a homosexual son, difficult relationships, illness and coming to terms with getting old. The chapters are very small and changes from character to character frequently building up the thoughts and feelings off all family members. I really felt sorry for George in the novel, you can understand that he is worried about getting old and the thought of death which must cross everyones mind at ... Read review

Advantages: Amazing insight into a different way of life
Disadvantages: Very sad in places

...places, sexy - but in a very subtle way - a way most writers fail to achieve, but in a way far more powerful than most other recounts. It is romantic but not gushy, and disasterous but not gory. It provides a valueable insight into foreign life, but it could easily be us, very unlike any other book I have ever read. Well worth reading, Hosseini has once again amazed the nation. You will not be dissapointed. ... Read review

Advantages: great read, romance, drama, comedy,
Disadvantages: Its addicticve. Cant put the book down.

Author: Sheila O'Flanagan ISBN: 0-7553-0755-0 Published by: Headline books publishing 2004 About the story: This book focuses on the charachters of Andie and her sister Jin as well as their mother Cora. The book is set in Dublin and happens approximately a year since the passing of Cora's late husband Des. He died of cancer. In this novel, Sheila O'Flanagan does not only explore the relationships between siblings, parents and their children, between ...
...in classes. Andie Corcoran lives on her own in a single flat, is a music teacher who has had a relationship with a married man for the past 4 years but does not agree with the way her younger sister Jin's only care is money. Jin is married to Kevin Dixon who has 2 children from a previous marriage and is a very wealthy business man and himself and his wife enjoy the comforts of a 7 bedroom house in the suburb of Malahide. Andie, Jin and their mother ... Read review