A promising first novel

In 1920s New Orleans, Raziela Nolan is young, rich, beautiful, and vivacious, as well as independant, educated, and prone to slipping pamphlets on birth control in books at the public library. She is torn between accepting an engagement to her boyfriend Andrew or starting her education to become a doctor, until fate denies her a decision when she slips and hits her head at Andrew's pool and drowns. Thus starts her journey into the afterlife, making friends with others who are as yet unwilling or unable to pass into 'heaven,' in Ronlyn Domingue's The Mercy of Thin Air.

Eighty years later, Amy and Scott buy Andrew's old bookcase (which he had given to the son of Emmaline, his parents' former maid) at an estate sale. Razi's attachment to the bookcase causes her to follow the young married couple; she discovers that Amy is granddaughter to the recently deceased Sunny, who was the younger sister of Twolly, Razi's best friend in life. After her grandmother's death, Amy is distraught with her Grandpa Fin for destroying Sunny's photos and many sentimental belongings, and then who dies before she can forgive him. This act of destruction causes Amy to gather and compile to disc the family's remaining family photos, with the help of Great Aunt Twolly, now in her eighties, but at the expense of her relationship with Scott. As Razi continues to shadow Amy, while reminiscing about her own life, she observes parallels in Amy and Scott's lives to hers and Andrew's.

In some ways, The Mercy of Thin Air resembles Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones. Both are first person narratives of the deceased character, both young women denied a long life, both full of regret for what is lost. The book also serves as a lesson to live life to the fullest, as Nel, one of Razi's friends in the afterlife, states after 'teaching' himself the cello in his spirit form: "that's what I wanted... I did the wrong thing... what I thought I should do, not what I wanted. And I can't take it back," a statement which causes Razi to look back to her own decision regarding her life with Andrew. The two titles also touch on how the living mourn the dead differently, and how some people cope and some cannot. And on how love continues, despite the pain. As Emmaline sagely notes, "that's how you know you love someone with all your heart, when the world get (sic) so cold without them."

May we all learn these lessons ourselves.

Keyes' Brightest?

Marian Keyes has been one of my favorite authors since one of her early books, Last Chance Saloon, caught my attention over a decade ago. Its plot consists of Tara, Fintan and Katherine, friends since the days of "legwarmers, pink stretch jeans and Duran Duran." Sure, it, like most of Keyes' novels, had it's serious moments, like dead-end relationships, broken hearts, characters' negative self esteem in regards to their bodies, drug addiction, and later on physical abuse, and tragic death, but it also had lots of laugh out loud funny scenes, witty and a bit over the top, that tended to overshadow the 'tragedy' of everyday life.

In her latest release, The Brightest Star in the Sky, Keyes' introduces an unseen, unnamed, 'magical' character who is able to infiltrate the daily lives of the numerous residents of 66 Star Street, Dublin, a la her fellow Irish author, Cecelia Ahern. Almost a dozen main characters and even more secondary ones flit through the narrative. My personal favorite, although I am reluctant to admit it, is the tiny but tough (okay, bitchy) Lydia, who mysteriously moves from a comfortable flat with her best friend into a cramped apartment with two Polish male students who cringe in fear from her. There is also Katie, a 40 year old 'babysitter' to artistes, who is on the rebound from her workaholic boyfriend Conall with the young and sexy Fionn; Matt and Maeve, a young couple whose early married life was horrifically marred seemingly beyond repair, and Jemima, Fionn's foster mother, a holder of great wisdom surrounded by despair and confusion, round out the residents.

While I did enjoy The Brightest Star in the Sky, and how the characters' lives would intertwine, I did however find that there was a bit too much going on, a few too many characters, to have this book replace Keyes' others as my favorites. And the magical element didn't quite do it for me. Now, to qualify my statement, I'm not saying this is a bad book: Keyes' style has grown to be more than light-hearted 'chick-lit,' her characters more developed, her situations less wacky. It is, in my opinion a good book, but lacks the levity of her previous writings. If you are considering embarking on a relationship with Keyes, I strongly recommend her earlier titles if you're looking for laughs, then grow with her into her later fiction.

Fiction that goes beyond its target

As a teen, I devoured the classics, such as A Tale of Two Cities, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Phantom of the Opera, Wuthering Heights, and practically all of Agatha Christie's mysteries. I wasn't into 'teen' fiction.

Looking back, I'm not sure if this was due to a lack of books that caught my interest, or a lack of Young Adult authors at the time. During university, I found myself turning to YA fiction as a break from academia, because of my notion that it was fluffy, therefore easier and lighter to read than 'adult' fiction; it wouldn't distract me from my studies through its plots or writing styles (no more "just one more chapter"!).

During this time, I came across multiple YA titles that challenged and changed my thinking, and rank them to be 'as good' as those classics I once voraciously read.

O.R. Melling's The Chronicles of Faerie
A series of four books taking place in Canada and Ireland, of crossings between the worlds of faerie and humans.

An Acceptable Time by Madeleine L'Engle
During a summer spent with her maternal grandparents in Conneticut, Polly O'Keefe and her friend Zachary Grey become involved with ancient hieroglyphs which attract druids who lived some three thousand years ealier.

The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Yes, a romantic story with a happy ending, but a bit of a different path getting there. 'Old maid' Valancy Stirling is diagnosed with a heart defect, and decides that it's time to get out of her mother's house. She proposes to local bachelor Barney Snaith, saying she will die soon, and just wants to live out her remaining days in peace and quiet. But of course, something changes, because it wouldn't be a happy ending if we left it there, would it?

Laura Whitcomb's A Certain Slant of Light
Helen Lamb spends her days with Mr. Brown, an English teacher in a public high school, and her nights in his house, with him and Mrs. Brown. But they don't know it, as Helen has been dead and lost for 130 years. One day, she gets a jolt as she sees one of the students watching her. When he speaks to her, he explains that he, too, is one of 'the Light' inhabiting the body of a lost boy. After finding her own host body, Helen and James start a most unusual and intense love affair, as they adjust to their new lives without their hosts' memories.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
In 1895, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely and guilt-ridden after her mother's suicide, Gemma is prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true. To make things worse, she’s been followed by a mysterious young Indian man sent to watch her and warn Gemma and her friends about using their powers to enter spiritual realms.

Ghosts and giggles

Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl Sadie Lancaster is spirited, courageous, slim, stylish, and beautiful. She's also dead. But she's not ready to let go of this world yet, even though she had 105 years in it. That's because she can't rest without her precious dragonfly necklace, a symbol of the happiest years of her life, those of her twenties. Sadie therefore enlists the aid of her great-niece, Lara Lington, who has failed in romance, business, and truthfulness with her family. Lara is the only one who can see and (creatively) communicate with Sadie, and together, they take on Lara's Uncle Bill to get the necklace back.

At first, Sadie and Lara clash. Sadie is a stiff upper lip, get on with it and have fun, personality type (she describes the Second World War as "cold and dreary and one's friends got killed, and I'd rather not think about it"), while Lara is one who likes to get in touch with one's feelings and over-analyse. Along the way, Sadie influences Lara to unwind, and even gets her to agree to asking Ed, an attractive stranger with whom Sadie wants to dance, on a date. However, while her mantra for living may be admirable, Sadie's taste in clothing and make-up are not quite in agreement with either Lara or Ed.

There were many instances in Twenties Girl that had me laughing out loud, and even a couple that got me teary. By the end, I was reluctant to let Sadie and Lara go; I had enjoyed hanging out with them. It's not often you find a feel-good ghost story, but this is one of them.

A great afternoon escape

Mags Grimsdale is a 40-something ex-Goth (okay, not entirely ex) married for over twenty years to Bill, a former Punk and the love of her life. Together, they have raised four straight laced children. Mags' boss, Julie Sultana, is her exact opposite, a cool blonde, play-the-field wedding planner who has little faith in happily-ever-after. While Julie juggles her time between her devoted fiance and her secret young lover, Mags must organise the upcoming wedding of a famous rock star, complete with bats, vampire attire, a haunted house wedding cake, and skull-patterned tuxedo. Plus take care of her depressed oldest son, his anorexia suffering girlfriend, her father's funeral (complete with bizarre relatives), her daughter's emigration to Australia, and potential financial disaster.

Sharon Owens' Revenge of the Wedding Planner is a light, entertaining story with fun and frustrating characters, quick moving scenes, lots of turmoil, and a woman trying to make keep her head amongst the chaos. It's a great read for one sitting, so try it for a late summer lollygag in the garden, or save it for a chilly autumn evening, or a snowy winter afternoon. It will lighten up your day regardless (mostly because you will be thankful you are not Mags Grimsdale!)

A rather charming read...

Penny Nichols (yes, she is aware of the absurdity of her name) is coasting through life: her research job for historical accuracy in made-for-TV films pays the bills, but it's not entirely fulfilling; she's had serious romantic relationships (with her boss, none the less!) but never been really in love; she's been to exciting international locales, but has been too busy working to really enjoy them. But that all changes with one phone call...

Penny's mum informs her that Penny must represent the family in London at the reading of the last will and testament of Great Aunt Penelope, who is represented by Penny's dashing cousin Jeremy. It is revealed that in addition to Aunt P's London apartment, Penny shares inheritance of a French Villa with Jeremy and their dastardly older cousin, Rollo. However, Rollo is not overly fond of the results, and intends to get all of Penelope's French property, by any means. Rollo's actions set into play a whirlwind of activity through three countries, as well as helps Penny makes personal discoveries of her great aunt, that turns Penelope from a lonely, drab old spinster to a woman who loved and lost, and then found a treasure greater than any material item.

C.A. Belmond's A Rather Lovely Inheritance is an entertaining combination of romance, laughs, history, exciting locations, and a mysterious twist. Most of the characters are light and enjoyable (I particularly enjoy Penny's fun-loving parents; what other kind of people would name their child Penny Nichols?), balanced by the greedy Rollo and his ancient mum. Yes, it's rather predictable, and has a happy ending, but it makes you feel warm and fuzzy and comfortable, like having your favourite cup of tea overlooking the Thames.

She's ba-a-a-ack!

There are certain things we can rely on every year: we will partake of some combination of birthdays, anniversaries, festive holidays, vacations, not to forget car insurance renewals, taxes, and dental appointments... and, for some of us, a new Stephanie Plum mystery! Lately, unfortunately, Stephanie hasn't been involved in quite as amusing predicaments as she used to be, thereby being more like, although not entirely, a literary annual physical with your doctor. Thank goodness, Janet Evanovich's Finger Lickin' Fifteen is like Halloween: fluffy yet entirely delicious and satisfying, something you want to devour in an afternoon, leaving your stomach aching, but this time from hearty belly laughs.

This time around, Stephanie, recently on a hiatus from all men, finds herself helping best friend Lula enter a barbeque competition for the best hot sauce, as well as protecting her from the killers of celebrity chef Stanley Chipotle, who's murder via meat cleaver Lula unfortunately witnessed. At the same time, Stephanie finds herself tracking down infiltrators to Rangeman Security, run by the mysterious and sexy Ranger, who's enjoying having Stephanie share his bed, although he wishes they were in it at the same time. Throw in the ever attractive Grandma Mazur, who's lending a helping hand to Lula's barbeque endeavor, a handful of shady characters who've jumped bail, and Mrs. Plum's idea of great blind dates for her unmarried daughter, not to mention the inevitable vehicular destruction, and you've got laugh out loud scenarios (including my favourite, Lula squeezing out of the car window).

This is summer reading at its best and most entertaining!

A delightful summer adventure

I recently took a trip to Kenya, where I learned a great deal about the local fauna, and a small bit about its politics, and I never had to leave my backyard. This feat was accomplished via Nicholas Drayson's A Guide to the Birds of East Africa.

The plot centres around mild-mannered widower Mr. Malik, who has a good old-fashioned 'crush' on the widow Rose Mbikwa, organiser of the local bird watching society. When the outgoing Harry Khan returns to Kenya for a visit, Mr. Malik finds an adversary for Rose's attentions. Unbeknownst to Rose, this rivalry starts a wager stating that whichever man can spot the most number of birds over the next week will have the honour of asking Rose to the Nairobi Hunt Club Ball. The novel follows the mainly comical trials and tribulations of the competitors with vivid and often beautiful descriptions.

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy this wonderful, humourous, gentle story, so did my visiting in-laws. We practically did battle ourselves over who got to have the book. So don't tell anyone how enjoyable it is until AFTER you've finished.

Could you love this man?

The book Les Liaisons Dangereuses, originally written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos in 1780s France, has been translated into numerous languages, as well as for stage, radio, television, and screen.

The story centers around the Marquise De Merteuil's request to her former lover, Valmont, to seduce Cecile, a young aristocrat who is set to marry another of her lovers. Valmont declines, stating it is too easy, and that he has set his sights on a real challenge: get the honourable Madame de Tourveil to break her marriage vows during her husband's absence. Merteuil bets a night with herself that he will fail. Things get more complicated when Valmont changes his mind regarding Cecile after her mother warns de Tourveil of his reputation, while Merteuil takes on the young girl's love interest as her own. Once Valmont manages to win their bet, Merteuil reneges on her promise, the two become enemies, and plot one another's downfall.

The late 1980s saw not one, but two English versions of Les Liaisons Dangereuses hit the big screen; the first, Dangerous Liaisons, was based on a theatre version by Chris Hampton, directed by Stephen Frears and starring John Malkovich, Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer. The second was directed by Milos Forman and starred Colin Firth, Annette Bening and Meg Tilly. Interestingly, the two versions, while sharing the same plot line differ drastically.

Valmont is selfish and childish, but utterly charming, at least played by Firth; Malkovich's portrayal is much more sinister, cold and calculated, a man who only really smiles with the conquering of a human spirit. Likewise, Close, as the Marquise De Merteuil, is cunning, cruel, and takes great delight watching the distress of others. Bening's portrayal of the Marquise, while vengeful and vindictive, is also witty, high-spirited, and affable; she appears to ensure trust and friendship to her 'victims.' Tilly and Pfeiffer both play Madame de Tourveil; Tilly's characterisation is vulnerable, innocent, and naive, while Pfeiffer's is more articulate, astute and stronger-willed.

I admit to loving both versions, and have watched them repeatedly. Dangerous Liaisons comes across as more structured, with a clearer motive and plot, but the sets are darker and the characterisations are less multidimensional that Valmont. Valmont is lush, colourful, playful, and much more joyful; I understand why Madame de Tourveil ruins her marriage because of Valmont, and why Cecile takes the Marquise as her confidante. They are real people who are flawed, and weak. Does it mean I prefer Valmont? Not necessarily; the two films are equal, but different.

Next time a rainy day threatens to keep you inside, try one, or both, films, and make your own decisions!

Pat

To re-read or not to re-read

Too many books, too little time. It's a motto that pretty much all voracious readers live by. Working in the library is a kind of beautiful agony; surrounded by so much magnificent reading, I am aware that I will never, ever be able to read all the glorious titles that I see. I almost sigh with relief when a new book order arrives, and nothing tickles my fancy; I will not be distracted from the books I already have at home by some new hard-covered interloper.

Therefore, with so much literary temptation, I pose the question: should a book one truly loved and enjoyed be reread? Why take up something with which you're familiar? Well, I think good reads are like good friends; you get to know them, grow with them, find new significance with them; you don't just hang out with them once, you go back to them again, and again, and again...

Here's a list of some of the good friends I've made over the years:

Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley - The story of King Arthur from his half-sister Morgan Le Fay's point of view. And no, she's not an evil, conniving, power hungry you-know-what.

Marianna; Named of the Dragon; The Shadowy Horses - Susanna Kearsley - Kearsley combines past and present, either through reincarnation or ghostly visitors, in these eerie, romantic titles.

ANYTHING by Barbara Erskine - Like Kearsley, Erskine using themes of past lives, either those of the main characters, or through spirits possessing them, but is much, much, much more frightening!

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden - Two young girls are sold by their impoverished parents in 20th century Japan. Memoirs focuses on Sayuri, who becomes one of the most popular and sought after geishas of the time.

Morgan Llywelyn's Irish Century (1916, 1921, 1949, 1972, 1999) - The series follows the family and friends of Ned Halloran during Ireland's tumultuous struggle for political and religious freedom from Britain.

Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes - Three friends from Knockavoy, Ireland, lean on each other while trying to get through their (often hilarious) trials and tribulations.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - The enduring 'love' story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff which is so bizarre it carries on into their children's lives.

The Drowning Tree by Carol Goodman - Art, history, murder, suicide, mystery, love, suspense all rolled into 300+ pages! The kind of book that makes you (wish you could) take a sick day from work.

Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier - A retelling of an ancient Celtic tale: in order to free her older brothers from a curse which has turned them into swans, Sorcha must face years of silence as she knits them shirts made of nettles.

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding - Get into the head and emotions of London's Bridget Jones as she looks for true love, and an outfit that fits just right.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult - What lengths would a mother go through to save one of her children from illness and death, and is it fair to expect others to go along with her?

Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund - Una, wife of Moby Dick's Captain Ahab, tells her story of unconventional life on the New England coast.

Possession by A.S. Byatt - Two modern day academics' lives become intertwined as they research two Victorian day poets and the truth about their past before it is discovered by rival colleagues.

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier - A young girl inspires the Dutch painter Vermeer with one of his most famous works.

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier - What happened to the first Mrs. DeWinter, the beautiful, vivacious Rebecca, and why does her memory continue to haunt her former friends and family, and particularly the new Mrs. DeWinter?

The Passion of Artemesia by Susan Vreeland - Based on the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the few female painters of the Italian Baroque period.