Overkill - Vanda Symon

In a nutshell

Set in the small town of Mataura on the South Island of New Zealand, this is in some ways a conventional murder mystery.  It opens with what seems to be a suicide, but the officer on the case (Sam Shephard) quickly determines that it was actually a murder.  As Sam begins to investigate, her superior officers soon decide that given her previous romantic relationship with the murder victim's husband that she may actually be a suspect.  Suspended from duty, Sam is left to her own devices to solve this case.

Did I like it?

I loved it!  Although I identified it as fairly conventional, that did not take away from the experience of reading this book at all.  I loved how Symon pulled in contemporary events to make the story topical.  In addition, Symon is fabulous at creating a sense of place (her later stories set in Dunedin are equally fabulous).  I felt like I was right there in small town New Zealand with the plucky heroine. 

Will you like it?

If you're looking for a really page turner with a sympathetic main character and a rip roaring plot, this is the book for you.  It's a book to take on vacation when you want something both readable and compelling, but that isn't too taxing.  It's also a great read for individuals wanting to get a feel for rural New Zealand.

What else happened while I was reading this book?

Another beautiful weekend accompanied by a lovely treat from Wellington's Cafe Polo.  'nough said.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

In a nutshell

Tells the story of the final days of an Icelandic woman (Agnes) who has been accused of murder and sentenced to death by beheading.  The story opens when a local family is told that they are obligated to house the murderess until her execution.  From here, author Hannah Kent explores the relationship between Agnes and the family, along with a local priest (who is supposed to prepare her for death).  Through these interactions and conversations, we eventually learn how Agnes came to be charged with murder and her eventual fate.

Did I like it?

I really enjoyed reading this book (admittedly, I do have a bit of a thing for Icelandic literature these days).  Interestingly though, it was actually the relationships that Agnes forms with the family and the priest that engaged me the most.  Somehow, learning how Anges came to be accused of murder had become superfluous to me.  Instead, I was intrigued by how these local Icelanders came to grow and understand Agnes through their time with her.  Initially, they saw her only as a murderess, but as time progressed and they inevitably got to know her, these relationships became more nuanced.  For them, Agnes had things to offer that were distinct from her "role" as a killer.

Will you like it?

Readers who like historical fiction will enjoy this depiction of Iceland in the 1800's.  Additionally, there is a compelling psychological element.  It is interesting to watch how perceptions shift as the novel progresses.  Finally, it's a bit of a page-turner, so will also engage the reader who likes an element of suspense in their literature.

What else happened while I was reading this book?

Beach day!!  Had a picnic up on the Kapiti coast last weekend, courtesy of the Long Beach Cafe (pizza, pizza) and the Old Beach Bakery (mmm...scones and donuts).  Lots going on at work and thrilled that weekend #2 has arrived.

The Heart Broke In - James Meek

In a nutshell

Told from the perspective of three main characters, whose lives are changed when one is asked to sacrifice another to save his own skin.  Sounds kind of interesting, right?

Did I like it?

M'eh - minus!  At first I was just ambivalent to this book, but gradually I grew to resent the time wasted on this book.  The characters were just unlikeable (from my perspective).  In fact, I'm loathe to spend much time even writing this blog entry.  Though perhaps it will serve as a helpful warning to others!

Will you like it?

If you like books that ask moral questions, you may enjoy this one.  Prepare, however, to engage with some fairly irritating characters.

What else happened while I was reading this book?

A quiet weekend that somehow passed very quickly.  Spent Sunday making these fab baked beans before enjoying a nice walk with les petit chiens.

The Language of Flowers - Vanessa Diffenbaugh

In a nutshell

Alternating between two points in time, this novel tells the story of a young girl who grew up in the foster care system.  We are introduced to the younger Victoria when she has found what is seemingly the perfect setup for her.  She lives at a vineyard and learns about the Victorian tradition of translating flowers into language (e.g., a thistle means mistrust).  However, the story progresses and Victoria's time with her foster mother Elizabeth is cut short.  Flash forward 8-ish years and Victoria has just turned 18 and is "set free" from the group home where she had been living.  After a short homeless stint, Victoria finds her niche at a florist's shop and is able to use the knowledge she learned from Elizabeth to blossom (pardon the pun) as a professional and also finds love.  However, she still harbours guilt over what happened with Elizabeth many years ago, leading to a myriad of bad decisions that make for a very interesting book.

Did I like it?

I loved it!  Diffenbaugh is a fantastic writer.  This book was compuslively readable and you really felt for Victoria as she grew up.  The language of flowers was an interesting twist that Diffenbaugh pulls in nicely.  This Victorian element seems completely at home in this modern text and I loved learning about the different meanings of the flowers.

Will you like it?

If you like strong, if troubled female characters, this may be the book for you.  While you have to be able to tolerate some darkness as Victoria's past isn't an easy one, it's well worth taking the journey with her. 

What else happened while I was reading this book?

Another long weekend (yay!).  Saw a great movie musical - Sunshine on Leith, which is based on the Proclaimer's songs.  Went on a great hike across the Skyline trail (beautiful views).  Finshed painting our kitchen (finally).  Bright and cheery indeed.