markedwards

Another book based on a blog, but this time turned into a novel. Unfortunately, it's a so-so novel, with little plot and thin characterisation. In the hands of someone like Bret Easton Ellis, this would have been great, but Blachman is a merely competent writer.

It was readable, but nothing special. Anonymous, I guess you could say.

There seems to be a mini wave of Australian sex-lit at the moment. This is similar to Emily Maguire's Taming the Beast, in that it's about a young woman who discovers sex - dark, intense sex - with a man who hurts her... but when he comes back into her life she can't resist.

The quality of the writing is superb. The heroine has a likeable, very real voice. It reminded me of the Britlit novels that boomed in the post-Trainspotting days. Lots of drugs and sex and young people f*cking and f*cking up their lives. Higly recommended.

The best novel to come out of Japan since The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.

The Road is a terrifying and harrowing read. I loved it!

The Secret History is my favourite book ever. It's the most gripping, atmospheric novel I can ever imagine reading. Since reading TSH for the first time 15 years ago, I've searched and searched for something as good... without success.

When Sarah is 14, she starts a sexual relationship with her English teacher, Mr Carr, a relationship that mixes literary study with lashings of violence: S & M - Shakespeare and Marlowe. Then his wife finds out and he leaves town. Fast forward a few years and Sarah is wildly promiscuous, sleeping with everyone - and I mean everyone, from her best friend to another friend's boyfriend, plus a neverending parade of dangerous strangers. She's searching for the feeling she had with Mr Carr. Redemption appears to be on the horizon in the form of Jamie, who loves her and wants to save her. But then the novel takes an unexpected twist and things get really twisted.

It's a brilliant novel because the author never pulls back or flinches away from extremes. It left me feeling quite dizzy, and now I want to get everyone to read it. If I read a better book this year I'll be shocked.