Despite a reply I recently posted on a certain social network, I haven't a clue how many books I've
read this year. This isn't unusual. Below I've listed 5 that I've really
enjoyed. Right now, I would say they are
my top 5, but I've probably forgotten about that dazzling collection of poetry
I read last January. Several of these
books were published in 2015 – it is unusual for me to be this up-to-date. I haven't made a list like this before for
this reason, and don't hold your breath waiting for one next year.
A Brief History of Seven Killings:
Marlon James
The days of me keeping up with the
Booker Prize are long gone (and were brief anyway). I went to a shop looking for this on a recommendation
and found it along with the other shortlisted books. It's easy to see why this novel won. I've always been unsure about historical
novels: most seem desperate to shoehorn research into the story, or speculate
about what Henry VIII was thinking as Ann Boleyn was executed. A Brief
History of Seven Killings centres on the attempt on Bob Marley's life in
1978, but its relationship with historical fact is loose. It is a book with an epic scope and
linguistic experimentation that is as thrillingly inventive as anything Anthony
Burgess wrote.
The Most Dangerous Book: Kevin
Birmingham
You don't have to have read James
Joyce's Uylsses to enjoy this account
of the novel's publication, censorship and eventual triumph. Birmingham's book is more accessible (understandably)
and is a thrilling and thought-provoking story of art and censorship. Read this if you are interested in how art
triumphs over censorship. And if you haven't read Uylsses, read that as well.
Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink: Elvis Costello
It probably does help to be familiar
with the work of Elvis Costello before reading this. There is no ghostwriter, which shouldn't be a
surprise – Costello is noted for his ambition as well as a way with words – but
manages to be readable and innovative at the same time. More than anything it is a moving account of
the loss of his father, Ross MacManus, but it is also an incisive commentary on
pop music from about 1963 to date.
Three Moments of an Explosion: China
Mieville
China Mieville is quite happy to be
categorised as science fiction, which is fair enough, and sometimes seems to
get a little tetchy about people who say he transcends the genre. You don't have to be a Marxist to enjoy this
collection of short stories, but a fondness for science fiction (and an
interest in environmentalism) would help.
The Blank Screen: Blogging: William
Gallaher
Don't read this if you aren't a writer
interested in blogging. Otherwise, do
read it: It's rather good.
I have included links for each
one. If you do want to buy one or more
based on my recommendation (it's a possibility I suppose) please try to buy
from a shop, rather than a tax-avoiding online retailer.
