The Retreat - David Bergman

Bergman's "The Retreat" is a wonderfully believable story set in the area of Kenora, Ontario Canada, during the time of the occupation of Anicanabe park, in the early 1970's.

As cultures and generations clash, the reader finds themselves awash with emotional tension. Bergman balances emotions so delicately in this novel, that the reader constantly feels conflicted. Hoping for the beast, but dreading the worst. Love for family against hatred for corrupt authority figures. The sweetness of young romance, with the bitterness of that which is doomed before it starts. This book commands you to keep turning pages into the wee hours.

A fine novel by a former Giller Prize winner, proving that Bergman is a force to be reckoned with on the Canadian literary scene, and likely will be for some time to come.


This book courtesy of Random House - McClelland & Stewart/Library Thing

Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell

A wonderfully complex novel. Slow to start, but well worth patience, Mitchell's novel is unique and unlike any other novel I have read.

Mitchell has written one novel, that spans not only several time periods, and several characters, but also several genres. From 19th century historical to sci-fi post apocalyptic future and everything in between. All this is expertly woven into a story of a single soul traveling through time. Themes subtly reappear from one story to the next, adding strength to that which ties these stories together. Technically brilliant and quite entertaining. This book was short listed for the Booker Prize in 2004.

One thing to note about this book is that early on, you may feel convinced that pages are missing, but if you carry on reading, it will make sense.

Brida - Paulo Coelho

Once again Coelho pens a tale of spirituality and the quest for knowledge.

Perhaps what makes his work so intriguing, is that it always spiritual, but rarely "religious" in any kind of traditional sense. His characters are always learning and discovering their place in the world. Brida is no different in that respect.

Brida is in search of knowledge. Her search brings her to a lonely magus, and thus her journey begins. She learns to listen to the soul of the world, to dance to it's music. She learns of her gift, her history, and her soulmate, and what these mean in her world.

A beautiful and enchanting story.

A Dog Among Diplomats - J. F. Englert

Book two of the “Bull Moose Dog Run Mysteries”.

The chubby, lovable, well read Lab, with a nose for trouble, and his owner Harry are back! The series continues as the plot around Imogen’s disappearance thickens. A man is murdered. Randolph’s missing mistress Imogen is implicated, and Randolph must go to work to solve the case.

Going “undercover” as a therapy dog, he is soon immersed in a world of diplomats and spies. Once again our furry hero must navigate his way through danger, and find a way to communicate with Harry to solve the mystery.

This series is light and entertaining. Randolph is completely and utterly lovable. I look forward to the upcoming book three in this series “A Dog at Sea” due for release in spring 2009.

This book courtesy of J.F. Englert