Here is the suggested list of books. Please make your 1st and 2nd choice in the comment box below. I'll collate the votes and announce the most popular book choice on the Purple Book Club Forum
Deaf Sentence David Lodge
A funny/moving, witty, original and absorbing account of one man’s effort to come to terms with deafness, ageing, and mortality, plus a wayward young woman.
Five Quarters of an Orange Joanne Harris
Though still set in France this is a far darker, and my opinion, far superior novel to her other better known tales. A tragic story of revenge, sexuality, suspense and enemy occupation, with a few recipes thrown in.
One of Us Melissa Benn
Reworking of the classic Greek tragedy. Antigone with a New Labour twist.
Ring of Bright Water Gavin Maxwell
The unforgettable otter classic.
The 19th Wife David Ebershoff
A double fictionalized narrative:
1. The life (and escape) of Anna Eliza, the 19th wife of Brigham Young, the founder of the Mormon church
2. The life of a modern day 19th wife accused of murdering her fundamentalist husband.
The Beach Alex Garland
The book that inspired the Leonardo Di Caprio film of the same name. Suspense, adventure and anxiety in paradise. I’ve heard it described as “Boys own stuff with drugs” perhaps not one to read if you’ve got kids travelling in Thailand in their gap year.
The Fraction of the Whole Steve Dore
A hard book to describe. The story of a man as told by his son. Good intentions aren’t always enough and often have disastrous results.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Stieg Larsson
Sadism, murder, suicide and casual sex in Sweden. An investigation into the mysterious death of a young woman and some rather suspect sexual politics.
