26a by Diana Evans *** Found in Honiton station .

26a

Trigger warning: This book contains child abuse and death.

This book starts at the end...that is the end that comes from the beginning.

Set in Neasden in the 1980s, it had a sentimental feel for me as a child of the '80s. The references resonated with me and my childhood/teens. 

26a is many stories in one, from the struggles of 15 year old Ida in Nigeria to the intense-yet-precious relationship between twins Bessi and Georgia Hunter.

This book was a 'creeper' - it was a sluggish start, but once into the complex world woven by Diana Evans it gripped me and I really couldn't put it down. And then I found it a hard world to come away from. The Hunter family became part of my life for some time after. I often find myself thinking of them to this day.

It is safe to say that the characters created by Diana entered my heart in a deep way, they mattered to me!

Without giving too much away, I would like to add that the perception and description of depression in this book is insightful, and possibly curious. But certainly heartfelt. 

I would recommend this to anyone. (though please check the trigger warning).

If you are reading this on a train, beware of part 2 - There were tears (mine), more than once.

Be prepared, bring a hanky. 

Well that's it for now, as always please leave your comments below. Tell me what you think about 26a, leave it in a station, and let us know where. 

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Killed at the Whim of a Hat - Collected at Axminster station

Killed At The Whim Of A Hat

By Colin Cotterill

Book Cover Judgement: If I am honest everything about the cover said British Colonialism, which was almost enough to make me ignore it. But there wasn't much on the shelf, and the book review is not about just reading good books.

In the first few pages there is a map, now call me a sucker, but I have a theory, almost every good book that I have read has a map in the cover...(please feel free to prove me wrong on this one, I do like to be proven wrong occasionally... along with being right of course!!).

So at this point I am a little more intrigued.

First 'chapter' was headed with a George Bush quote, I am starting to feel a little uncomfortable right here, because I am no Bush fan, and I am not sure if this will be politically focused or taking the satirical path. (To be fair I am not 100% of their relevance to the book, and I kind of ended up ignoring them).

This book is part of a 'detective series', though this is the only one that I have read. Dropped straight into the dry heat, in the dusty fields, the first chapter had me interested,thougg felt a little stereo typical, and I disliked 'Old Mel's' thoughts on the nephew, at this point I felt sure of a predictable story. 

But the first twist told me to stop all assumptions and to read on to be impressed. 

I was sceptical when I discovered that the lead character (Jimm Jurree) was a woman (written by a man), but to be totally fair I think he did it justice, and occasionally I even forgot it was a man who was really the narrator!!!!

Not to mention the invention of the character Sissi, Jimm's Transexual sister who I felt was written with some feeling. I adored her, as well as the rest of Jimm's family and the many other characters of depth. 

Jimm's younger brother, so vulnerable and gentle, that he struggled to fit the gender stereotype as a man.

It seemed to me that Cotterill challenged a few stereo types in this book, and it was rather refreshing. I really enjoyed this read, but struggled to put it down.

A full bodied and believable picture was conjured of the village and towns of the setting. I could smell the fish, and hear the mopeds, I could feel the stifling humidity and sense the bustling in the city, for an author that is a true art, and for transporting me to another world in such a way I would like to thank Mr Cotterill!

Great for: Long train journeys, with not too many changes (you may get so sucked in you may miss your connection!).

This book will be left in Basingstoke station today.
26th April 2018.
It will be in the box in the waiting room in-between platforms 2 & 3.

As always, feel free to add your comments if you have read it. Please share the blog with others who may find it useful