2008
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, so too does a time of reflection of the previous 12 months. In the spirit of that, and because everyone else is doing it, I have picked my favourite 5 books from the ones I have read this year. I know this sounds like a large portion of the books I have read this year, but there are some very fine novels in here, all of which I would recommend you go and find, and read, now. There’s an interesting mix of contemporary and classic, and some from all over the world. The big theme, though, seems to be books of which I had very low (or no) expectations. Clearly, this is something I need to work on. Note to self: expect nothing from each book you read…
#07 Time’s Arrow ( 1991 ) – Martin AMIS
Most sensible authors stay well away from the Holocost, unless they’re Jewish. And while Martin Amis is very much not Jewish, his take on Nazi death camps is one of the most original, thought-provoking accounts you are ever likely to read. The trick: it’s written backwards.
#20 Bright Shiny Morning ( 2008 ) – James FREY
No recent author has created more controversy by himself than James Frey. To prove everyone wrong about his lying and cheating ways, his first novel is pretty fantastic. This beautiful look at the lives of people in Los Angeles is an excellent debut novel, and hopefully the first of many.
#23 The Grapes of Wrath ( 1939 ) – John STEINBECK
While most of the ‘classics’ that I have read this year have been pretty good, none of them come as close to deserving that title as this novel does. Steinbeck creates a world of people for whom you feel so much, and his language is just incredible. Truly deserving of the Nobel.
#29 The Merry-Go-Round in the Sea ( 1965 ) – Randolph STOW
I wasn’t expecting this to be fantastic, to be honest. But I love that I was wrong. Far from a sentimental and fond look at the effects of war, Stow creates a world that is at once naive and dangerous, where nothing is quite as it seems, and growing up is just not that easy.
#30 Three Cheers for the Paraclete ( 1968 ) – Thomas KENEALLY
So many classic Australian novels are out of print, or hard to find, even if they did win some small award when they came out. Like this Miles Franklin Award winner, which restored my faith in Thomas Keneally and is a truly funny and witty look at conservative religion.
Gladd to hear you liked the Stow. It seems like I’ve had my eye on it for ages and the Penguin Modern Classics edition is finally hitting the UK this year, along with some Jolleys.
As for Amis, he may not be Jewish but I believe his wife is.
Good to see that you have Three Cheers for the Paraclete in your top 10, I’ve been looking at the new edition thinking I should read it as Jimmy Blacksmith is the only one of his I read. I was under the impression he was a bit hit and miss, but your review might have just pushed me over the edge.
Great list Matt. I like your style! Time’s arrow is one of those books that have stuck with me long after reading it (which was a few years ago). I also read The reluctant fundamentalist last year – loved the way he sustained the tone throughout. You have some other greats in there too – some of which I’ve read and some I plan to! And, I’m glad you liked “Last night I dreamed I went back to Mandalay….!” My son did that at university too.
One of those books that HAS stuck with me I mean!