What my mum is reading...

My mum retired recently and when she's not creating delicious baked goods, hunting down vintage hi fi with my dad or cataloging his ever-expanding vinyl  collection she's reading. She reads more than any one I know so she's going to be a regular contributor and let you know what she thinks is worth putting on your reading glasses for.

The Veuve (widow) Clicquot by Tilar J Mazzeo

I was given this book as a gift (by my lovely daughter)*.  A fascinating biography which follows the life of the brave young widow Clicquot Ponsardin who ruled over her champagne empire during Napoleonic wars and the French Revolution. In today's terms she would be a highly successful, self made woman figuring high on the BRW rich list. She did however have a little competition from the neighbouring property of Jean-Remy Moet! I wanted to run away to Reims, France after finishing this book, it was luscious.  
Salute (4 Stars)

Anil's Ghost by Michael Oondatje

I read Anil's Ghost for book club, everyone loved it... except me. I really struggled to finish it. I quickly scanned pages moaning and groaning at every turn just wanting it finish. It follows the story of Anil, a forensic anthropologist on a human rights secondment to Sri Lanka to investigate executions. While I did appreciate the narrative, I just didn't enjoy the story or warm to the characters. 2 stars

Feather Man by Rhyll McMaster

Feather Man is the debut novel from acclaimed Australian poet Rhyll McMaster. It follows the story of a young girl growing up in a Brisbane suburb in the 1950's. The girl (her name not revealed till the end of the book) has a promising artistic talent, but its years before she's able to liberate herself from her childhood nightmares at the hands of the neighbour next door (chicken man).  Living in London in the 1970's experiencing deplorable personal setbacks, she finally triumphs, gaining her personal and creative independence, or has she? I've been 'spoilt' reading this beautifully written book, how can I pick up another? I am missing this book already. 5 stars

* I did make some additions to the original copy filed.