What perfect timing – its the first of November starting on a Monday posting about October’s books. I was travelling in October so most of this was read while travelling. Going over my Goodreads profile I also did see I have been reading less the last few months. In both October as well as September there was less reading done but I am also putting it down to the fact that I was trying to read through the Booker books which are usually not for easy reading. Lets get to what I read in October 2021.
Fiction
Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford
I really enjoyed this book. Its based in London starting from the 1920’s or so and follows the lives of about 5 – 6 different characters. The book definitely made more of an impact to me as a Londoner since it includes so much history about London which was a revelation.
The book is also premised as an alternative storyline – except one alternative is where the characters are dead which seemed like a redundant premise. What is the point of having an alternative history if you don’t actually show the alternative? It made it feel a little gimmicky to me but this was definitely my second favourite book of the ones that made it to the Booker longlist that I managed to read. The others I enjoyed are mentioned here.
The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed
I liked this enough but feel this book could have been shorter. Oddly the thread of the story that I enjoyed more was the secondary thread of the story which came to a very abrupt end. The main story was not the one I enjoyed the most although the writing is excellent and completely transports you to the Cardiff of that time.
Non-fiction
Everything You Really Need to Know About Politics: My Life as an MP by Jess Phillips
This was a very different kind of political book. It not only discussing politics but a day in the life, or actually several days in the life of a MP in the UK. I did think it was quite no-holds-barred. She discusses colleagues and events quite frankly which I appreciated. Anyone with a geeky interest in politics or even an interest in playing a part in politics in the UK would benefit from reading this. But I wouldn’t put it off even even if you are not, its still a great read – vastly superior to the immensely dull David Cameron memoir did not finish a few years back.
Articles
This was actually a good month for good news articles.
Inside the Booker Prize: arguments, agonies and carefully encouraged scandals by Charlotte Higgins
I saw this article pop up on the Guardian website and was totally gleeful. I love book and literary world gossip so this article was such a good read giving a lot of background into the Booker prize, the politics, the judges and of course, how they actually choose the winner. Perfect time for this read before the Booker prize is announced on Wednesday.
Who is the Bad Art Friend? by Robert Kolker
I love these kind of stories – about writing, art and inspiration and the morality, dilemmas and issues it brings. This article has been so popular since there are two equally compelling sides to this story and you can argue for both. Every new paragraph makes you change your mind. Fact is truly stranger than fiction.
The 37-Year-Olds Are Afraid of the 23-Year-Olds Who Work for Them by Emma Goldberg
I know – two articles from the New York Times. I really need to diversify my reading but this one was too good to pass up. Ignore the slightly dramatic headline and read on. Its a very perceptive article about the difference in working culture between the generations.
Once again, thanks for reading! In case you don’t know already, I have a podcast with a friend where we discuss books, movies, TV and so on and would love for you to listen. You can find wherever you get your podcast including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Listen Notes, Anchor and so on. You can also follow Fashion and Frappes on Instagram or comment below on the books discussed.
– Anisha
Leave a Reply