American Pastoral — Philip Roth

I can see why this is considered one of the great American novels. And its a great example of how great writing isn't flowery prose. It's simple and direct. It's about the characters and theme above all else. Pare back anything else.

And yes, dammit, the main character was a writer again. But I have to forgive that in this case.

Prophet Song — Paul Lynch

Powerful, brilliant. I think this would merit a second read too. Lots to uncover that is relevant to our times. Highly recommend.

Caledonian Road — Andrew O'Hagan

You may have heard my groans from hundreds of miles away when I started this and found out that yes, it was yet another novel with a writer and academic as the protagonist (see my prior reading notes for many examples and exasperation). But I pushed on through because I love O'Hagan's other work.

The writing on the page was of course great, but to me the characters and the plotting behind it all felt a little clunky. It like an attempt at a 'big' novel, where his are normally so up close and personal. There was a sprinkle of William Boyd, a dash of Jonathan Coe, a drizzle of Ali Smith. But for me the recipe didn't quite come together.

Beartown — Frederick Backman

I went into this thinking it'd be a simple Scandi-noir crime story. But it was something more than a whodunit. Something deeper. It examined how people form groups, decide who is in-group and out-group, select group heroes and place them on a pedestal, and will do almost anything to preserve the group and their place in it. And most of all it looks at the victims of that dynamic and the cost to them.

The Ministry of Time — Kaliane Bradley

A brilliantly clever concept, executed with panache. Loved the characters, the little attentions to detail that brought them alive. Loved the way the story unfolded. I also loved how British this was. Calm professionals just quietly cracking on with the job in a tremendously understated way, however mad things get. Highly recommend.

Rising Sun — Michael Crichton

Your usueal Michael Crichton battle against some deeper conspiracy, fast-paced, slickly written. But this one very much of its time with a dash of racism that felt uncomfortable now.