SLIPSTREAM BOOK OF THE YEAR - 2019
The rules were simple:
1) It had to be a book that I had read and reviewed during the year
2) Because I have so many author friends, I felt it only right to exclude them in what was going to be an entirely personal choice and, preferably, by an author who was new to me at the time of reading
3) It was not to be a book that was part - or the first - in a series.
4) The author had to be an 'Indie' author
Despite these rules, it still left me with an awful lot to ponder on...
Anyway, without further ado, I will now reveal my choices of Winner, Runner-up and 2 Honourable Mentions - and the reasons why I chose them.
THE WINNER IS:
Coronach by Kimberley Jordan Reeman
THE RUNNER UP
The Blue Bench by Paul Marriner
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Renaissance by Marla Skidmore The Slow Death of Maxwell Carrick by Jan Harvey
Coronach: I chose this above all others for the sheer honesty of the author in writing a novel that was brutally violent and sexually explicit almost from the beginning. Every character had a voice, every character was as someone we all have met at some time in our lives. The descriptions of the Highlands were vital and they, too, came alive and so often I shivered from the scenarios of snow, rain or sleet. the subject that novel deals with is Scotland following Culloden and the onset of the The Clearances. It was a time of shame for the English and deprivation for the Scots. Ms Reeman has captured the atmosphere so perfectly that, even today, I can envisage the horrors that occurred, whilst not for the squeamish or easily offended, it is nevertheless one that all interested in that period should read.
The Blue Bench: Very much as a contrast - though not because of it - Paul Marriner's book about the effects of World War I on ordinary people as well as soldiers missed out by the narrowest of margins - the width of a cigarette paper, or a coat of paint, as sports commentators often say. There is no violence, no dangerous adventures, no 'what will he/she do to get out of this?' moments. Just excellent story telling, wonderful characterisations and superb descriptions of Margate in the 1920s. and on top of all this, there is a running themes which explains how the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior came about and become an iconic symbol in our heritage. This part of the story is absolutely true and along with honouring those surgeons who strove to repair the terrible physical damage inflicted on so many soldiers, make this a beautiful and poignant read
Renaissance: Marla Skidmore's debut is quite remarkable in that it is tale of Richard III - after his death. He finds himself in purgatory and forced to reflect on his life. Scenes where he attends his own funeral are memorable and superbly written.
The Slow Death Of Maxwell Carrick: Jan Harvey was new to me although she is an established (Indie) author. This book tells of an investigation into the lives of the inhabitants of a disused mansion by a modern day retired journalist. The sub plot leaves the protagonist with a real-life personal decision to make. Will she or won't she .....