Modern Fiction Books > S Modern Fiction Books > Margaret Atwood

Advantages: britlliant use of language and literary techniques
Disadvantages: non-linear narrative may appear challenging

...is an uterly compelling read. Surfacing traces the physical and psychological journey of it's unnamed protagonist as she begins to dissct the fabricated lies of her past on a quest to achieve self-integration. Atwood's characterisation and manipulation of language throughout the novel provides the reader with a complex, intriguing and in some places frustrating narrative, which in turn envolpes the audience, immersing them in the narrators own journey. ... Read review

Advantages: An irresistible instalment in one of the finest series around.
Disadvantages: Not everybody's cup of bush tea.

...(and indeed a pair of blue shoes) all will eventually be resolved... oh, and Mma Ramotswe comes to an unexpected, not to say unprecedented, decision which may shock many! Meanwhile, there are ruminations on the nature of happiness and the places it can be found... Paperback edition published by Abacus, cover price £7.99, available new from Amazon for £4.84. 256pp. ... Read review

Advantages: Great story, well written, emotional
Disadvantages: None

...settled at home, and shocking things are revealed to Amanda which makes her question everything she thought was true about herself. Finally, there is teenage Hannah, who is devastated to lose her mother just when she needs her most. Her father Mark is concerned about bringing up hus daughter and 3 step-daughters without Barbara but will his family make it easy for him? This really is a wonderful book full of love and hope, and shows how important ...
...explores so many levels of relationships between people; mother and daughter, father and daughter, step-parenting, first loves, old loves and finding a new love - its all in this emotional roller-coaster of a book. The third person narrative from the author makes it easy for the reader to follow each girls story, as the book is divided not into chapters, but into a section about a person of the story (Lisa, Jen, Amanda, Hannah and Mark) and this ... Read review

Advantages: youthful, insightful, lite'n'easy, fresh
Disadvantages: I would like to know more of what Holden could have to say!

J.D.Salinger - The Catcher In The Rye It's been ages I had wanted to lay my hands on this book, as everybody talked about it as of a cult piece and a phaenomena. I was bit surprised by how thin the little book was, but it gave me a good vibe in the bookstore, so I've got it. The main character The story is narrated by this teenager going under the name of Holden Caulfield, an ungraspable creature who doesn't like to subdue to the rules of schools ...
...that way doesn't correspond with the rules. He also changes his mind pretty often, even on kinda important matters, but he doesn't seem to be worried by the consequences of his deeds. He's a moody fella, when he sets his head for sth, he will just do it or not do it. Or maybe he won't be in the mood in five minutes, that's how quickly he can lose interest. He doesn't like to get into fights, but the few times he does it doesn't turn out very good ... Read review

Advantages: Great Storyline, Astonishing plot twist near the end
Disadvantages: Was able to vaguely figure out the end as I read the book.

...both of her books. My Sisters Keeper is about Kate, who has a rare form of Leukemia, and her younger sister Anna, who was 'designed' to be a donor for Kate. All her life she gave countless transfusions and donations to keep her sister alive. Now, she is sueing her parents for medical emancipation, even if it means her sister will die. This book is written from several different perspectives, allowing the reader to get a deep insight into the characters ...
...story about such a complex issue with great thought, even though she had no real life experience of this kind of situation. I fully recommend this book, it is certainly one of her better novels. The plot twists near the end had me in tears. Four out of five stars. ... Read review