1. Restless-William Boyd-**** (sorry these are written in a really odd order)
It is 1939. Eva Delectorskaya is a beautiful 28-year-old Russian emigree living in Paris. As war breaks out she is recruited for the British Secret Service by Lucas Romer, a mysterious Englishman and under his tutelage she learns to become the perfect spy, mask her emotions and trust no one, including those the loves the most. Since then Eva has carefully rebuilt her life as the very English wife and mother, Sally Gilmartin-but once a spy, always a spy. Now she must complete one final assignment. Though this time Eva can't do it alone: she needs her daughters help.
This was a thrilling, quick paced novel that kept me captured right to the end. I was expecting maybe a little more drama and occasionally found it hard to keep up with where she was and who was speaking and what meant what but, from what I could work out, it followed an exciting storyline, flicking between dual narration of Eva and her daughter, both being equally entertaining tales.
Some of the characters are utterly detestable but it all adds to the atmosphere. I love anything to do with spies and it presented some interesting ideas of survival and trust which really got me thinking.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a fast paced book with tonnes of action, doesn't mind mega long chapters and can keep up with 100 characters (its worth it I swear!)
2. Elsewhere-Gabriella Zevin **
Elsewhere is where fifteen-year-old Liz Hall ends up, after she has died. It is a place so like Earth, yet completely different. Here Liz will age backward from the day of her death until she becomes a baby again and returns to Earth. But Liz wants to turn sixteen, not fourteen again. And now that she's dead, Liz is being forced to live a life she doesn't want with her grandmother she has only just met.
How can she let go of the only life she has ever known and learn to embrace her new one? Is it possible that a life lived in reverse is no different from a life lived forward?
In all honesty, this book doesn't know what it is. On one hand it presents some really interesting ideas about death, after life and what really happens to you when you die but on the other is so full of fantasy, has little story line as you already know the plot and is so totally unrealistic that the ideas it presents cannot get you thinking. Part of it could develop some really reassuring ideas in the minds of children about death but then, the ideas are potentially too complex however the writing is too fantastical and naive to either appeal to older readers or be reassuring to children. It was a really easy read and, maybe if you were younger could be quite entertaining however, it mostly just doesn't make sense. She falls in love with someone double her age and still loves him when she is two and the lack of storyline comes from the fact that Elsewhere is essentially the same place as earth. Personally, I was quite disappointed by this book.
3. We Were Liars-E. Lockhart *****
We are the Liars. We are beautiful, privileged and live a life of carefree luxury. We are cracked and broken. A story of love and romance. A tale of tragedy. Which are lies? Which is truth?
I don't want to give anything away about this book because you need to go into it with a clear head with absolutely no idea what its about or what has happened; it all adds to the plot. I too had no idea what to expect but that is the total beauty of it. It has however become one of my favourite books, it was so emotionally captivating and gripping and the writing style is so creative. I urge anyone to read this but read little into it before and dive straight; it totally adds to the book.
What have you been reading recently? Do you have any suggestions?
Katie x
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