What I'm reading ...

I have started Failed State by Sam Freedman. I am always keen to try to understand contemporary politics and society issues and this fairly new book looked like a good source. Here’s the blurb:

Why does nothing work in Britain?

It’s harder than ever to get a GP appointment. Burglaries go unpunished. Rivers are overrun with sewage. Real wages have been stagnant for years, even as the cost of housing rises inexorably. Why is everything going wrong at the same time?

It's easy to blame dysfunctional politicians who are out for themselves. But, in reality, it’s more complicated. Politicians can make things better or worse, but all work within our state institutions. And ours are utterly broken.

In Failed State, Sam Freedman, one of Britain's leading policy experts, offers a devastating analysis of where we’ve gone wrong. With historical depth and plenty of infuriating examples, he explains why British governance has fallen so far behind. Speaking to politicians of all stripes, civil servants and workers on the frontline, this book bursts with insight on the real problems that are so often hidden from the front pages. The result is a witty, landmark book that paves the way for a fairer and more prosperous Britain.

The Last Marriage of Dot Brightmore - by Laura Pearson

Having read this book to find out what happened after the previous one, I was not disappointed. The story was continued, with various twists, and concluded neatly. As with the previous book, the author is good at sharing the protagonist’s emotions, which almost makes them infectious.

I will investigate the author other work.

What I'm reading ...

In an unprecedented move, I have started The Last Marriage of Dot Brightmore by Laura Pearson. This is the follow-on book from the last one that I have just finished. I broke my usual habit of swapping between fiction and non-fiction and just ordered this book to see how the story continued. Here’s the blurb:

Dot Brightmore has never been one for lists. But now she’s been given one of her own, by the love of her life, with whom she’s finally been reunited. Dot’s list has just two words on it:

Marry me

The problem is, Dot can’t get married. Because what Dot hasn’t yet told anyone is that she’s still married. To a man she hasn’t seen in years.

But her beloved Mabel isn’t a woman who can be stopped easily. After all, her own last list helped her find Dot again. So now – together and with all the other friends they’ve met along the way – they have to find a way for Dot to answer ‘yes’ to the question on her very first list…

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont - by Laura Pearson

A very enjoyable, easy read. The author has the knack of saying enough to intrigue the reader, but not saying everything; thus, the pages keep turning. I would not class this book as “great literature”, but I did learn about how the world might seem through the eyes of other people.