"My Life a Fake" by Peter Carey

Well written throughout. The plot is good during the first and last thirds, but for some reason the middle third of this novel seems to lose its way. Having said that, this is by no means Peter Carey's worst novel, that honour is awarded to the Illywhacker.

The novel's themes of lies and fakery were interesting, and this book began to promise much, but failed to deliver. 2/5

"Empire of the Sun" by J. G. Ballard

From a European perspective, this is an important book. Our narrative history of the Second World War is dominated by the Euroapean theatre of that conflict.

Empire of the Sun is important as it is a reminder of the Asian theatre, British defeat and humiliation in that part of the world, and the ultimate political and cultural significance of the USA's victory in the Pacific. Published in 1984, there is also a hint of the emergence of China as a great power.

Clearly this was a very personal book for Ballard, and draws heavily on his personal experience in China during the war. Yet it was decades after the war that Ballard felt able to write a book based on his experience. It begins with a very 'boys own' style, but is still very engaging.

Thought provoking and important; this book gets 4/5.

"White Teeth" by Zadie Smith

The sign of a great book can be seen in its second reading. Not apparent on the first time of reading, themes appear which highlight previously unaware depths to the book. This is so true, that it has be known that authors of books, whose works have not read so well second time round, can find themselves no longer on the ‘To read’ list.

This book has been read by your correspondent at least five times, so it will come as no surprise to the reader that this is a great book. This column could eulogise at length about the beauty of this book, but will restrict itself to the following; ambitious, clever and wise. Themes touch upon society, history, religion, and science. To top it all – it is also very funny, whilst dealing with serious topics. It is an important book of our times.

Disappointing though Zadie Smith’s follow up, ‘The Autograph Man,’ this fifth reading has encouraged me to give Zadie Smith’s third novel ‘On Beauty’ a read.
‘White Teeth’ has much to recommend it – a must read. 5/5