Blog with Sidebar - Reading the West

October 15, 2025 In Fiction

The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller

During a bitter English winter two women struggle with pregnancy and family strife as well as dealing with family pasts that magnify their unhappiness. Finely and sensitively written this book is presently shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

September 13, 2025 In Fiction

We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad

Grim, funny and frightening, this tale of witchery, confusion and evil juxtaposed with a curious innocence is fascinating and compelling. Not quite fantasy, not quite stock fiction, not anything ordinary.

September 10, 2025 In Fiction

Mona’s Eyes by Thomas Schlesser

A young girl whose sight is threatened by a mysterious ailment is escorted by her grandfather through the great art museums of Paris so that she may view various forms of beauty before her possible loss of vision. Warm but intellectual, it is a joy.

August 13, 2025 In Fiction

The Book of I by David Greig

A Viking raid on a 9th century monastery, set on an island off the Scottish coast has unexpected consequences for all: the raiders, the victims, the reader. Written with a light touch, spiced with occasional humor, often of a delightfully vulgar nature, make this a good read.