The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris

Harrowing, remarkable story which seems faithfully and sensitively told. Reads like a Hollywood movie but not to the detriment of the story. Some sentences which read like little flourishes, too clunky and unnecessary, especially given the subject matter.

Death and the Penguin, Andrey Kurkov

Bleak, atmospheric and quietly funny. Viktor has a pet penguin, which he got from the zoo when they were giving away animals they couldn't feed. He also has a job writing obituaries for people who are not yet dead. It's an intriguing story, a 'mafia' story far removed from fast paced US films. It seems like a much more 'realistic' portrayal of the someone's life if they got caught up in professional criminal plots. Viktor is intriguing too, seemingly frozen and unfeeling, but still he makes an intriguing character, and one we want to  succeed.

Confabulations, John Berger

I was expecting this to be a academic or heavy going, in actual fact it is a complete delight. A collection of thoughts and musings where Berger chats his way through experiences and ideas. Universal themes and somehow mystical, makes you think of the connectedness of things and people/s.

Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton

Desperate and lonely novel set in a bleak New England winter. Ethan Frome is trapped on his failing land with a spiteful and bitter wife and Mattie, the wife's cousin, whom Frome adores.

The Glass-Blowers, Daphne Du Maurier

Sophie Duval, nee Busson, takes us through the recent history of her family, against the backdrop of the French Revolution. It's a cinematic close family drama, based on Du Maurier's own french heritage.
The continuity of family characters is well drawn, with traits popping up through generations. Sophie herself is a reliable, moderate narrator who, the reader can see, turns out to be so similar to the mother she loved and admired.
It feels modern in its description of the radical politics of the time, how people were swayed by hearsay and rumour, how fear and discontent drives radical ideas and how quickly the 'right/good' side changes.
It can feel a little contrived at times and the 'mystery' partly expected from Du Maurier is revealed at the beginning, with the novel going back to fill in the gaps. Clearly a personal novel for Du Maurier, though for sure not one of her best it's an enjoyable read.