MY LIFE IN BOOKS
Author Carole Matthews embraces all genres of reading, from historical to zombies! Here are her recommendations
In my teens I was a voracious reader and it was the books I read then that influenced me most. They ranged from Lord Of The Flies by William Golding right through to books by Jilly Cooper. Whatever genre, I do like a page-turner.
I love an historical novel. Among my favourites are Philippa Gregor y, especially her Tudor series as she brings that period to life in the most colour ful way. They are all such stories of scandal and intrigue how can you not be drawn in? I also love a Gothic or spooky novel and Laura Purcell does this so ver y well. They’re dark, moody and quirky with a touch of the supernatural. Her latest, The Shape Of Darkness, is gripping.
My readers might be surprised to know I like anything with a bit of vampire or zombie action. I loved Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and Justin Cronin’s The Passage. The Girl With All The Gifts and The Boy On The Bridge by M.R. Carey are great reads too. Though none of them are the most comfor ting reads in current circumstances!
Which comfort book would I turn to when times are tough? In lockdown I read The Authenticity Project, a debut novel by Clare Pooley which I would highly recommend.
It’s about finding friendship and love in unexpected places. This is her first book and is a real feel-good novel with a varied and fun cast of characters. I’m sure I’ll return to it many times.
I’m currently reading The Thursday Murder Club. It’s the first novel by the co-host of TV quiz show Pointless, Richard Osman, and what a star t for an author! It’s the book of the moment and most people on the planet seem to have read it. I enjoyed it. It’s a fun, cosy read.
For me, an absolutely word-perfect read is Michelle Paver’s Dark Matter – a ghost story set in the Arctic Circle which is chilling in both story and atmosphere. It’s unsettling and will give you goosebumps. I’d love to write a ghost stor y like that.
Sunny Days and Sea Breezes By Carole Matthews (Sphere, PB, £8.99) When successful interior designer Jodie Jackson’s personal life falls apart, her brother Bill offers her refuge on his houseboat Sunny Days on the Isle of Wight. There, Jodie plans to lick her wounds in peace and private, come to terms with her husband’s betrayal and deal with the other great unspoken tragedy in her life. But she’s reckoned without Bill’s cheer y housekeeper Marilyn, and sculptor Ned who lives on Sea Breezes, the houseboat that bobs alongside Bill’s. Soon Jodie is drawn into their local community, and discovering the joys of island life. When it’s time to return to London and to reality, will she be able to leave her new friends and growing closeness to Ned behind? This is a wonder ful summer read – who wouldn’t be beguiled by the romance of houseboat living? – with strong, sympathetic characters. The houseboat may be moored, but still it takes the reader on a strong emotional trip with tears, laughter, fun and friendship along the way.