What I'm reading

I have started The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson. I was excited when I saw that this was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, as I met the author a few times when he used to own a shop down in Boscastle, and I have read some of his earlier books. Although he doesn't live there any more, I have followed his career over the years. So, when the book won, I had to read it, even though I would normally consider a Booker as likely to be too highbrow for me.

I am reading the book as an e-book on my iPad - I was impatient to get my hands on it.

One Day - by David Nicholls

I still do not recall exactly what led me to read this book. I have a suspicion that it may have been pushed at my by Amazon, but, anyway, I have quite enjoyed the read.

The idea is simple. It is the story of the lives of two people, starting from the day they graduate from university. Each chapter talks about the events on a particular day over a number of years, thus giving a series of snapshots of their lives. I think this was quite an original approach and works well.

The story progresses at a good pace, with the odd surprise and temporary confusion. At about 90% of the way through there is a major surprise, which, while trying to not give anything away, completes the structure of the story. Earlier on, I was concerned that the book might just stop, without any real conclusion, which would have been disappointing. I was not disappointed.

I am left wondering whether I like either of the two main characters and I am curiously unsure, but I think the story as a whole will stay with me.