Tim Martin

On one level this is charming story of 9-year old boy trying to fathom adult behaviour and motivation. On another it's the timeless story of a sinister and audacious grab for political power, and the consequences for newly minted "enemies of the state". The parallels here to Trump's rise are remarkable, especially the role his enablers - some driven by ideology, a few naively duped, but most grasping at self-serving opportunity. Roth drops an early hat-tip reference to Sinclair Lewis' 1935 novel 'It Can't Happen Here' - another prescient novel of its time. The Plot Against America HBO series was an excellent follow-on - a faithful rendition, except for an ending change.

Tight plot and plenty of thrills. Davidson's descriptive detail is impressive - geography, weapons, shipping hoists and motors all spring to life. Renaissance man Johnny Porter, the main character, convincingly jerri-riggs his way out of every shape of scrape. And he manages to get the girl... or does he? Well written to boot.

Okay, so at least I can now die knowing Who Is John Gault and (why) Atlas Shrugged! Rand's 'selfishness as a virtue' credo is not my philosophical cup of tea, but that didn't get in the way of a thoroughly enjoyable ride. Her writing style, and the many over-the-top snivelling and conniving characters made for a classic telling - albeit a rather long one.

Storylines aside, Iain Peers (re)creates fabulous historical tableaus which ooze: the smells, textures, surfaces and light of a time that is not our own - it's worth the price of admission alone. While I enjoyed Stone's Fall, I found it dragged in places. I prefer the tighter 'An Instance of the Fingerpost'.

The story of Shackleton's ill-fated voyage is among the best of the best survival stories we have. Lansing's account is spot-on. And I'm not too proud to admit I shed a tear towards the end - the magnitude of the achievement is near overwhelming.

Still missing my time with Stoner - the book and the man. His story is both unique and universal. If you're after something else in the same vein, try William Boyd's 'Any Human Heart'.

An excellent second instalment to the trilogy. New characters, but once again laced with alternating episodes of brutality, and soul-affirming beauty.

I'm not going to lie - I found this one tougher-going. I've given it 4 stars because I'm a tragic Cormac McCarthy fan, and despite losing the narrative thread several times, the striking prose and rich characterisations alone are worth the price of admission.

Poetic, philosophical, beautiful and raw. Every description or every little thing is hyper-vividly told. It's an extraordinarily moving piece of literature. A modern classic. Hard to forget.

I saw the 1940 film adaption of Rebecca many moons ago but had forgotten most of the plot. Good thing - I was on the edge of my seat throughout the multi-layered plot reveal.