Month: July 2019

‘I Am Not A Number’ – Lisa Heathfield

A must-read book that shows people at both their best, and their worst.

Ruby has always been encouraged to value her opinion. She’s encouraged to make up her own mind about politics, and even when the Traditional Party get voted into power she imagines she will still be able to have her own views.

It begins quite innocuously with assemblies and an increased presence of those keen to uphold these traditional values. Slowly we start to see a clamping down on opportunities for people to dissent. Then, all too soon, Core supporters whose views are not welcome are herded together.

Taken from her home in the middle of the night Ruby is slowly adjusting to a life where she has no rights. Living in a modern-day concentration camp she is starved, forced to work and subject to brutal treatment. Like Ruby and those around her, we wonder how it can happen. But it does.

A chilling tale that shows just how easily the world we know can be changed, and just how vital it is for people to fight for others.

‘The Turn of the Key’ – Ruth Ware

A curious blend of genuinely creepy and rather more mundane reality.

Opening with a series of letters addressed to a solicitor, we quickly learn that our main character is in prison having been charged with the murder of one of her charges. Adamant she is innocent, Rowan reveals the circumstances behind her getting a job working for a wealthy family in the remote Scottish highlands.

Following the story of her arrival and work with the kids was unsettling since we know from the start things don’t end well. The family Rowan is working for definitely have their flaws and Ware plays up to our fears of smart technology by showing just how easy it can be to feel you’re losing control. Coupled with someone evidently hiding something, and mysterious noises from the attic above, Rowan spirals into a state of paranoia.

Desperate to not succumb to her fears, Rowan starts digging and learns she’s not the only one with things to hide. What we’re never sure of is the extent to which people are manipulating the information they’re giving.

The end – where we learn the truth – actually left me feeling quite upset on Rowan’s behalf. It felt like things were left unfinished.

That aside, a cracking read and thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity.

‘Underdogs’ – Chris Bonnello

A fast-paced action-packed read with some very real characters.

Though we’re never told exactly how this scenario came into play, we’ve got a world where one person has used clones to take over the country. However, there’s a small group who have not fallen…a group of teenagers from a special needs school. Though they’ve spent their lives being made to feel they’re not normal, in this scenario their ability to think outside the normal parameters is what’s helped them survive.

The writer’s knowledge of his subject means the characters are presented sympathetically, and the story is paced in such a way as to keep things moving.
Some questions are answered, but it’s nicely set-up for the second in the series to show more of what’s planned.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity read this prior to publication.