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ClareR (6256 KP) rated James in Books

Oct 28, 2024  
James
James
Percival Everett | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I can absolutely see why James by Percival Everett was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. I haven’t read Huckleberry Finn. I know it’s a classic, but I still don’t feel a pressing need to read it - especially after reading this!

This is James’ story - the slave in Huckleberry Finn. When he finds out that he’s going to be sold to another owner and separated from his wife and daughter, James decides to hide out on a nearby island until he can work out what to do. But things go wrong, he ends up heading towards the free states with Huck Finn, gets separated - and let’s face it, a lot happens.

This made me laugh, worry a lot for James’ safety - I was well and truly captivated by the story. I’m pretty sure this will have filled in a lot of James’ story that’s left out in the original. White society is menacing and dangerous for James, and he’s constantly looking over his shoulder. They’re not bothered that he’s an intelligent, educated man.

I absolutely loved this, and I’ll be happy if it wins the Booker Prize (I could say that about most of the long list, never mind the shortlist!).
James deserves its success.
  
Knot of This World
Knot of This World
Mary Marks | 2020 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Is Martha’s Friend Joining a Cult?
Martha Rose’s friend Birdie Watson is back in town with news. She and her new husband are selling everything to join a spiritualist commune in nearby Ojai. Martha is concerned for her friend’s safety, especially when she learns that several people have gone missing. When Martha goes with Birdie and some other mutual friends to check it out, they wind up finding the leader dead. What had Birdie gotten them into?

While spiritualism isn’t new to the series, this is the strongest it’s ever been as an element. That didn’t make me happy, although Martha is as skeptical as I am, which helped. It also helped that the plot is driven by Martha’s investigation, and we got several good twists along the way. While the ending does explain everything for us, I did feel like it was weaker than it could have been. Also weak are some of the supporting players we’ve met along the way who could really use some development. Still, I do like them and love Martha and her fiancé. I enjoyed the Southern California setting as always. Plus there are some quilting tips at the end. I have one more book in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading about Martha’s final case soon.
  
The Colours of Death
The Colours of Death
Patricia Marques | 2021 | Crime, Paranormal, Thriller
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Colours of Death is a detective novel set in a present day, alternative Lisbon. A minority of the population are Gifted with either telepathy or telekinesis, and they are heavily regulated. When it comes to light that a death on a train might have some Gifted involvement, Inspector Isabel Reis is put on the case with her team. She is a telepath, and her own problems with that gift soon make themselves known.

They’re a fantastic cast of characters, and they work well together )literally, in the case of the police team). It’s another angle on discrimination: instead of religion or skin colour, the Gifted are discriminated against because of their gifts - something they have no choice or control over.

This novel feels a little dystopian in places: when people go ‘missing’ if they lose control of their gifts, for example. And all Gifted are kept on a register where they’re regularly assessed. If they exceed a certain level, they’re removed from society for everyone else’s safety.

I really enjoyed this - the storyline was interesting, gripping, in fact, and exciting when it needed to be. The main character was flawed and very likeable, and the food constantly made me feel hungry!

I will be looking out for the next book in the series.