On a very wet, and windy, storm 47699753 of the year so far, I was lucky enough to receive the most amazing book mail from - Europa Editions UK.
Here is a summary of each but that I have kindly been sent! A huge thank you to Daniela who has organised the delivery of these books! There is also a section on my Amazon Store Front for Europa Edition Books.
Love At Six Thousand Degrees by Maki Kashimada:
Winner of the Mishima Yukio Prize, this novel unravels the compelling tale of an ordinary housewife who, on a whim, abandons her family. Drawn by haunting visions of a mushroom cloud, she embarks on a solo journey to Nagasaki. There, she engages in a fleeting affair with a young half-Russian, half-Japanese man.
Influenced by Marguerite Duras's "Hiroshima, Mon Amour," Kashimada skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into the woman's complex psyche. Her memories, triggered by the Nagasaki bombing, intertwine with personal traumas, paralleling the national trauma of those bombings. The novel unfolds through the intricate relationship between the woman and the youth, revealing how he serves as a poignant reminder of her past.
As the story progresses, the woman grapples with her reactions to the youth, and in this intricate dance of emotions, there's a possibility of healing. "Love at Six Thousand Degrees" is a poignant exploration of memory, trauma, and the intersection of personal and national histories, unfolding through the evolving dynamics between the woman and the youth who unexpectedly becomes a catalyst for her self-discovery.
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Pet by Catherine Chidgey:
In 1980s New Zealand, twelve-year-old Justine is captivated by her glamorous new teacher, Mrs Price, yearning to be her favourite. However, as a thief targets the school, Justine's suspicions intensify, revealing a gripping tale of deception and the corrosive impact of guilt.
The narrative navigates themes of racism, misogyny, and the oppressive nature of Catholicism, resonating with classic portrayals of childhood betrayal.
The story unfolds through two timelines; 2014, where the adult Justine visits her ailing father with her daughter, and 1984, encompassing the main events of Justine's motherless school days. Mrs Price, the captivating form teacher, fuels everyone's desire to be her favourite, though Justine and her friend Amy don't fit the conventional mould.
As a thief preys on precious belongings, Mrs Price uses her unique methods to uncover the truth. Justine, eager to win favour, must navigate loyalties amid the growing mystery. Justine grapples with conflicting loyalties while coping with the loss of her mother and her father's escalating drinking—a poignant portrayal that resonates with readers on a deeply relatable level.
Buy the Kindle book here - Currently on offer!
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